Superman #653

In "Up, Up, and Away! Chapter Seven Up in the Sky," Superman faces off against Luthor in a high-stakes battle aboard the Kryptonian Sunstone battle cruiser, determined to protect Metropolis at all costs. With heroes arriving and Luthor shielding the city from external attacks, Superman pushes himself to the limit—only to be brought down by Kryptonite, forcing a desperate final act that leaves both him and Luthor falling over the bay. Written by Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns, with dynamic art by Pete Woods and colors by Brad Anderson, this issue delivers a tense, emotional climax in a story that stands out for its bold stakes and character-driven intensity. The cover, by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson, captures the moment of crisis with striking precision.