Cover: Alex Ross

Superman #685

Apr 2009 · DC · 2.99 USD

📊 ~48,019 copies sold its debut month

☆ Be the first to review + Add to your collection — Join free

In "The Long Goodbye," Superman faces a desperate race against time when he rescues Mon-El from the crumbling Phantom Zone—only to find him dying from lead poisoning. With no clear solution in sight, a mysterious vial marked "Mon-El Drink me" with a Legion symbol offers a startling possibility, leading to a moment that changes everything. Written by James Robinson and illustrated by Javier Pina, with vibrant colors by Hi-Fi and letters by John J. Hill, this pivotal issue sees Superman make a difficult decision to leave Earth temporarily for New Krypton, entrusting key allies like Mon-El, Steel, the Guardian, and Jimmy Olsen with the planet’s defense. The cover, a striking portrait by Alex Ross, captures the weight of the moment.

Contains 2 stories

The Long Goodbye

18 pp · Superhero

SupermanMon-ElLois LaneChris Kent [Lor-Zod] (photo)The Guardian [Jim Harper clone] (cameo)Tellus (cameo, flashback)Riot (cameo, flashback)Atomic Skull (cameo, flashback)Martha KentJonathan Kent (cameo, flashback)Krypto (cameo)Steel (cameo)Control [RachelChameleon Boy] (cameo)Jimmy Olsen (cameo)

In "The Long Goodbye," Superman faces a heart-wrenching choice as he rescues Mon-El from the crumbling Phantom Zone, only to find his friend dying from lead poisoning. With time running out, a mysterious vial labeled "Mon-El Drink me" offers a desperate hope—though its origins remain unknown. As Superman prepares to leave Earth for New Krypton, balancing duty with personal sacrifice, he entrusts his closest allies—Lois, Mon-El, Steel, the Guardian, and Jimmy Olsen—to hold the line while he steps into the unknown.

Origins & Omens

6 pp · Superhero

Mon-ElScar of OaMartha KentSandraKrypto (cameo)Clark Kent (flashback, cameo)Atlas (cameo)Billi Harper (cameo)Ion [Sodam Yat] (cameo)The Guardian [Jim Harper clone] (cameo)Daxam

In "Origins & Omens," Mon-El seeks guidance from Martha Kent, recalling her role in helping Clark Kent adapt to Earth, as he too strives to find his place among humans. With her advice, he chooses a new name and begins a quiet life in Smallville, where a chance encounter with his neighbor sets a familiar, hopeful tone. Scar of Oa watches from afar, glimpsing fleeting moments of Mon-El’s future—full of quiet courage and unseen trials.