Finally a New 52 Superman event that isn't a chore.
Superman's adopted home, Smallville, is under attack by some sort of plague. He links it to the super-powerhouse Doomsday whom has some how escaped the Phantom Zone again. Superman encounters the creature but soon begins to undergo some type of change. -summary
I have to admit that I really wasn't looking forward to this. When I first heard of this crossover I simply rolled my eyes to yet another Superman event. Personally, outside of Superman: Unchained, New 52 Superman really hasn't done too much for me, and his two previous events H'El on Earth and Krypton Returns have been terrible. Superman: Doomed is quite better I will admit, but I won't consider it ground breaking despite my enjoyment. Written by Greg Pak, Charles Soule, Scott Lobdell and others. This TPB collects Action Comics 30-35, Action Comics Annual #3, Superman 30-31, Superman/Wonder Woman 7-12, Superman/Wonder Woman #1, Supergirl 34-35, Superman: Doomed 1-2, and Batman/Superman 11.
Like the other Superman events and other Superman titles, this book takes a little while to actually get going, yet I can't exactly say I was ever bored because Superman's moral compass to not kill, yet he must defend what he loves is definitely put under the microscope, due to him facing a being that can only be stopped by ending his life. Superman finally engages Doomsday in a showdown, and the outcome results in Superman not being the same anymore. In fact, he becomes a danger to everyone around him as well as the entire planet. The story itself examines his connection with Doomsday and the beast has far more depth to him then one may realize. This is without a doubt the best take between the two as it puts their feud in another perspective. The narrative also examines Superman as a person, and just how much he means to everyone else and they mean to him. I'm among that group whom was very happy to see a romantic relationship between Superman and Wonder Woman, and I think this event strengthens their bond.
Things become worse for Superman as he must deal with his new condition. Then later on another threat is introduced and this is when things really begin to pick up. I will mention that this storyline is more dialog heavy and although there is some action; I can't imagine those whom crave nothing but action to get much out of this. In other words, if you're only looking for Superman and Doomsday to wreck the entire planet in a battle for the ages, then skip this story because you're not getting that. There are various encounters to take place and several guest stars, and at times these characters feel out of nowhere and I can imagine some folks being put off.
The story is quite long, and there's even a bit of filler tossed in there and I'm thinking about Supergirl's title here. I think this book would have run smoother had her issues been skipped. This book is also fairly newbie friendly but there were sub plot elements to carry over from earlier Superman titles. I don't think they damage the narrative at all, since things are quite spelled out.
The artwork features many artist and the book has many moments of looking really good. The Superman and Doomsday battle is intense for what it was worth. Some hard hitting blows and overall quite brutal. Some of the backgrounds manage to stand out such as the Phantom Zone and visits in space. I definitely liked the character designs. Superman looks amazing in his altered form. He clearly seems as if no one can stop him no matter how hard they can try. The imagination went quite wild there.
In closing, this is an interesting look on Superman's rather long history with Doomsday, plus it looks at Superman from another lens should he go out of control. While that is good, an out of control Superman has been done much better in Tom Taylor's Injustice: Gods Among Us and Earth 2 volumes 3-5. I would only recommend Superman: Doomed to the most diehard Superman fans. Others should give a look to Injustice if they haven't already.
Pros: Nice artwork, heavy on character development and interactions
Cons: Small amount of filler, and not as action heavy for the serious action fan