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Five New Developments from Superman: Doomed

Take a look at what's changed since the start of this arc.

Recently, three Superman books, all connected in the same story arc, were released for those who love to story-binge: SUPERMAN: DOOMED #1, ACTION COMICS #31, and SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #8. All of these were part of the same Doomed story line. This cross-over event, located in just Superman's books, promised to give readers something new, in a very big way.

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In SUPERMAN: DOOMED #1, Superman discovers that Doomsday is back and on a destruction-spree in the Bahamas. However, Doomsday is more powerful than ever, and even though Wonder Woman and Steel are trying to help, only Superman is strong enough to face him.

If you read the first three parts of this story, then you probably caught these points, so we'll take another look at them and find out what they really mean, but this is a warning. There are spoilers ahead for these issues.

Doomsday is Deadlier than Ever

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In the past, with stories like The Death of Superman, we've seen the brute strength and invulnerability that Doomsday has to offer. He's one of the few characters that can go toe-to-toe with Superman, and he's always evolving to become a stronger and deadlier foe. During this story line, we learn that not only is Doomsday still incredibly tough and destructive, but he is now emitting a poison which affects most people by killing them. The poison is airborne, but not contagious. And while Superman defeats Doomsday in physical battle, he sucks up all the airborne poison to save those around him. This event is the catalyst for the whole story.

Chances of seeing the real Doomsday again are pretty slim, but as this story moves on, especially during SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #8, we see the effects of the poison, which turns a character into Doomsday. This character can replicate himself by, in a sense, taking over other super-powered characters. Does this mean we could be seeing other Doomsdays in the future, ones "worthy" or strong enough to let the poison run its course?

Lex Luthor and Superman are Working Together

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Lex Luthor and Superman have been enemies as far back as anyone can remember. Lex is a character who wants it all: power, money, people worshiping him. He'll go to any lengths to get that, but usually, Superman is there to stop him. Since the events of FOREVER EVIL, readers have seen a change in the character. He's still a stubborn and arrogant character, but now he's fighting for the greater good. In SUPERMAN: DOOMED #1, Lex wants Superman to leave the planet to fight Doomsday, so no one else gets hurt on Earth, and Superman agrees.

This partnership is working because they're putting aside their differences and both coming to the agreement that leaving is best for the planet. What does this mean for the future? Will they continue to have a relationship? It seems like, since the last issue of FOREVER EVIL isn't out yet, that Lex is a tentative member of the Justice League because he chose to work with the good guys during that story. What kind of long-effects will this have on Superman?

Batman and Wonder Woman Have Keys to the Fortress of Solitude

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Superman's Fortress was a place for him to get away from everyone, since his super-hearing allows him to hear everything around him. It's a place that truly reflects the man behind the cape and it has everything from a place to put up his feet, to a whole slew of animals from other planets. The secrets of his past are stored there as well, but in SUPERMAN: DOOMED #1, Superman gave both Batman and Wonder Woman a key to the fortress.

This small moment could easily lead to larger events. It shows that Clark has all the trust in the world for the rest of the Trinity. Now that they both have a key, how long before Batman takes a trip down there just to make sure everything checks out? More importantly, how long before Lex Luthor gets a hold of one of those keys and finds a way in?

Steel is Back

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Since he's been introduced into the New 52, fans everywhere have watched John Irons evolve as the character Steel, but they've all been wondering "when are we going to see the original version of Steel come back?" Well, in ACTION COMICS #31, they got their answer. During SUPERMAN: DOOMED #1, during his fight with Doomsday, Steel became infected with the poison Superman is trying to fight off. Steel didn't die though, but his body was deteriorating. His solution was to dip himself into organic steel, which will give him some time to figure out how to fix everything.

While it's great to see the all-metal version of Steel return to comics, this doesn't mean he's safe. He is still infected, just like Superman. Does this mean things could get worse for him, before they get better? Who knows? This does mean that we get to see a tougher, more ready for battle Steel, who can be a real help to teams like the Justice League.

The Doom Infection Changes Your DNA

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Since Superman was infected with the doom poison, he's been through a lot of changes. He's angrier and having visions of hurting and killing people around him. In ACTION COMICS #31, we learn that the poison isn't just trying to kill him. It's changing him at the DNA level. Superman can't even get back into the Fortress of Solitude because he's becoming Doomsday. This is extremely apparent in SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #8.

While Superman ends up finding a way to repress the poison, it's only a short-term fix. Superman may become Doomsday again, and at that point, it's going to take the world's heroes fighting together to stop this monster. However, we won't learn more until SUPERMAN/BATMAN #11 and SUPERMAN #31, both releasing in May.

Those are just a few of the developments in the SUPERMAN: DOOMED story line. Keep reading on to see what else happens to the Man of Steel!

45 Comments

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BR_Havoc

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I guess I'm the only one that found the changes to Doomsday silly, He was already a ridiculous character that was only made to kill Superman. Now this version is equally ridiculous, but was changed only to be killed by Superman.

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NightFang3

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I'm liking this story so far.

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Fastestmanalive

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Loving this story line so far as well.

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micah007123

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@br_havoc: I like how they made him more deadly with him emitting radiation and killing thousands just by walking. But other than that I don't know how I feel about him being a virus.

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kilowog52

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Edited By kilowog52

Wait! Are you sure Batman/Superman #11 ties into this? I hadn't heard that.

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saoakden

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Cool, I'm looking forward to reading this arc.

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AllStarSuperman

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Edited By AllStarSuperman

Meh. I wonder if batman rips superdoomman in half as well.

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UltimateSMfan

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@allstarsuperman: Check out the Super books solicits for August, it looks like Earth gets totally F#$&*D!!

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AllStarSuperman

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@ultimatesmfan: I currently don't read any of them so "Meh" but I'll definitely be reading johns and romitas stuff.

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ZbvmX

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Superman|WonderWoman brought me on-board this event and I'm really glad I did! Thanks Charles Soule and Tony Daniel :D

Can't wait for brainiac Lois! *woot*

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deactivated-5edd330f57b65

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@kilowog52: the solicit given for that issue has nothing to do with this event. I don't think it ties in

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UltimateSMfan

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@jayc1324: @kilowog52: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=21683

It ties in. With DC currently, expect to be informed about changes at the last minute.

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deactivated-5edd330f57b65

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@ultimatesmfan: Aw crap, well thanks for the information. I was hoping it wouldn't because in not following "Doomed." Do I just have to buy Doomed 1 to understand what's going on or must i get all of the tie ins??

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Guardiandevil83

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This new Doomsday sounds alot like the version Max Landis was going to go with. Max: "Even being near him gives you toxic radiation sickness."

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thewalkingdeadpool18

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So far the Superman Doom arc has been a meh arc.

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Smart_Dork_Dude

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@br_havoc said:

I guess I'm the only one that found the changes to Doomsday silly, He was already a ridiculous character that was only made to kill Superman. Now this version is equally ridiculous, but was changed only to be killed by Superman.

You are not alone

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mak13131313

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The first 3 parts have been excellent!

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Vaeternus

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Great start so far, I'm pumped for it. lol, DD N52 version seems in some ways more powerful then Pre N52 in others weaker. Example, the killing millions of people, animals in 20 minutes from poison? That's nuts...yet physically little weaker(little...) apparently DD has teleportation powers too now.

Even WW it was effecting partially at least, Superman seems to be stronger physically at least.

And I think we haven't seen last of Doomsday. I have to see how they extract the poison of DD out of Superman.

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dotwilson

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well said... im gonna have to read this now.

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InkInk

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Sad this is another pointless cross over that shows you fill books with poor writing mindless action and a so over powered monster that is borderlines parody and people will still buy it and rave on about it. I miss the days Superman was written as a hero.

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medulaoblaganda

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doomsday is more like a plot device.

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Lone_Wolf_and_Cub

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Another horrible Superman story/event.

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Outside_85

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Well, if anything, this story just shows how little there really is to Doomsday as a character. He shows up, does some damage, is pulled apart and then it becomes about Superman changing into a monster.

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kivatt

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Edited By kivatt

I honestly think people are saying the event sucks without actually reading it.

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ravisher

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wish i didnt read this

should have read the book 1st

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KomicKev

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Edited By KomicKev

This is the first New 52 Superman storyline I'm enjoying. The art's good, the story flowed easily between these 3 titles, and the writing/dialogue was great! It seems as if it will be a somewhat short (2 or 3 months?) storyline, so buying all parts shouldn't break the bank. Or, just wait until the TPB comes out, save a couple bucks and then enjoy it!

BTW: Is it only me? I am SO tired of people using "meh" as their reaction to something they don't like (or don't THINK they'll like) and not much else. If you are going to critique a title or story, why not give us a few more details than that?

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KomicKev

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** I guess 4 months is more like it - - but still, so far so good on the story!

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dernman

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Not digging the change in Steel.

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Lvenger

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Edited By Lvenger

@dernman said:

Not digging the change in Steel.

Would you have preferred a new armour or some device instead to prevent the spread of the Doomsday virus? Pak is at least addressing Steel's infection by this disease so that's one merit of the event's writing. Plus IIRC Steel went through an organic steel look in the weekly 52 series as well.

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feedonatreefrog

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I'm surprised how much I'm loving this story so far.

It's silly, but fun.

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UltimateSMfan

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@komickev said:

BTW: Is it only me? I am SO tired of people using "meh" as their reaction to something they don't like (or don't THINK they'll like) and not much else. If you are going to critique a title or story, why not give us a few more details than that?

I feel like we honestly just had a psychic connection :P

I'm really beginning to Hate that word. I was actually thinking of starting a topic on the general discussion forum about it but then thought not to waste my time with it.

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dernman

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Edited By dernman

@lvenger said:

@dernman said:

Not digging the change in Steel.

Would you have preferred a new armour or some device instead to prevent the spread of the Doomsday virus? Pak is at least addressing Steel's infection by this disease so that's one merit of the event's writing. Plus IIRC Steel went through an organic steel look in the weekly 52 series as well.

I would have preferred new armor. They could have converted it into a full bodied containment armor with a nano fiber undersuit for when he wants out of it. Wasn't fond of the organic steel back then either. Now it feels more like he's a meta human than a guy in built armor. I hope it's only temporary but I could see them having him stay like this.

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The_Titan_Lord

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Meh.

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consafo80

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I was gonna skip this event but last week was light for me so picked it up and glad I did. Not what I expected at all but better for it.

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amazing_webhead

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Did anyone else just go "awwwwww" at the look on Batman's face when he gets the key?

Hey, now we finally have an explanation for how the face of Steel's armor moves!

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jwalser3

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I love the story so far, but thought it was stupid the Superman gave Batman a key to the fortress.

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SaintWildcard

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@jwalser3 said:

I love the story so far, but thought it was stupid the Superman gave Batman a key to the fortress.

.... why? Batman would have a hard time movie this key

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Jenkale

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i know a lot of long time superman fans didnt want this story to happened this one does and im loving it! steel and (more importantly to me) natasha irons are back; art is awesome; the way they are handling doomsday is actually different and fitting for the new 52; the look on bats face when he gets the key lol "wha, but clark its too soon" lol

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primebonnick

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don't forget krypto more krypto was needed and now we have him.

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Hermatt

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Soooooo... Steel is Colossus???

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comicace3

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@hermatt said:

Soooooo... Steel is Colossus???

Lol no.

I Love superman doom because now we get to see who the real superman is. The man most people praise. We get to see what really goes on in his mind.

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Mrfuzzynutz

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This really could have been a big story, but as it is just a cool concept with average execution :(