WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for SUPERMAN #19 and #22!Superman and Judgment Day share one of the most iconic rivalries in DC history, thanks in large part to Dan Jurgens The Death of Superman plot. Since then, the Kryptonian menace has made several returns, leading to spectacular battles with the Man of Steel. However, Doomsday’s latest return to the comics will redefine everything fans thought they knew about the beast, including his relationship with Superman. .
…Superman will put his life on the line to help save his greatest enemy, completely redefining their relationship in the process.
The January solicitations for DC Comics are finally here, and among them are Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora Superman #22, set for release on January 22, 2025. Since Mora joined as the series artist in issue #19, fans have experienced a continuous wave of fantastic art and excitement.
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SUPERMAN #22 (2025) |
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Release date: |
January 22, 2025 |
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Writers: |
Joshua Williamson |
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Artists: |
Dan Mora |
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Cover artist: |
Dan Mora |
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Variant covers: |
Mico Suayan, Jonboy Meyers, Marguerite Sauvage and David Lapham |
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A secret alien attack team has arrived on Earth with their sights set on the universe’s greatest weapon… Judgment Day. And the only person who can save the ultimate destroyer is Superman! As alien forces rain down on Metropolis, Superwoman trains with her new powers alongside an unlikely instructor… and you won’t believe who it is! |
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Issue #19 introduced DC’s new Superwoman, Lois Lane, while also marking the return of Doomsday, culminating in a major cliffhanger involving Superman’s iconic nemesis. This cliffhanger, combined with the synopsis of issue #22 hints at a potential transition for Doomsday and the Man of Steel – from mortal enemies to allies.
No more enemies: Superman is preparing to SAVE Doomsday (yes, you read that right)
Cover C Jonboy Meyers Card Stock Variant for Superman #22 (2025)
Superman and Doomsday – the infamous genetically engineered creature on Krypton – share a long, lore-defining history that began with Doomsday’s debut in Superman: The Man of Steel #17 (1992). Often portrayed as a nearly unstoppable force of destruction, Doomsday possesses powers that rival Superman’s, including superhuman strength, speed and durability, along with the ability to adapt and evolve, making him an ever-evolving threat. He is best known for killing the Man of Steel in The Death of Superman storyline and returning to battle Kal-El again in The Return of Superman.
These stories established Doomsday as one of Superman’s most formidable, impactful, and iconic foes. So the recent tease of a partnership between these legendary foes is nothing short of groundbreaking. This revelation was hinted at at the end of Superman #19 and is fully confirmed in the synopsis for Superman #22: “A secret alien attack team has arrived on Earth with their sights set on the universe’s greatest weapon… Judgment Day. And the only person who can save the ultimate destroyer is Superman!” Based on this teaser, Clark will no doubt put his life on the line to help save his greatest enemy, completely redefining their relationship in the process.
“We have been enemies for millennia, Superman. But now I need your help.” – Final Judgment in Superman #19
Panel comes from Superman #19 (2024)
Although the synopsis of Superman #22 raises more questions than it answers – mainly why Superman is helping Doomsday, given his tumultuous history –Superman #19 provides additional information about the situation. In this issue, Superwoman and Superman race to the scene of an incident, only to discover that Doomsday is wreaking havoc on their beloved city. However, in a surprising twist, time suddenly stops, leaving only Clark unchanged. It is soon revealed that this is the work of the Time Trapper. However, this isn’t the biggest revelation; the notorious villain then removes his cowl, revealing his true identity as Doomsday– albeit a calmer, more talkative, thinner version of the Kryptonian creature currently frozen in time.
After this revelation, Time Trapper Doomsday makes a surprising request to the Man of Steel: “We have been enemies for millennia, Superman. But now I need your help. The comic ends with this line, leaving fans in suspense about Clark’s response. However, when combined with the request for Superman #22, it seems almost guaranteed that the Man of Steel will agree to help his mortal enemy. This raises numerous questions: Why is Doomsday asking Superman for help? Why did Clark agree to help him? What threat will they face together? And could this partnership permanently change their dynamic from enemies to allies?
Doomsday reveals himself as the hunter of time: Doomsday’s new role in DC history could change EVERYTHING
Panel comes from Superman #19 (2024)
The reveal that Doomsday – or at least some version of him – is the Time Trapper is significant, elevating the Kryptonian creature to a new level of power that even Superman might have trouble matching. In DC lore, the Time Trapper is known for his ability to manipulate time and has assumed multiple identities, including the Controller, the hero Rokk Krinn, the young Lori Morning, and the villain Superboy-Prime. With Judgment Day now wielding that power, he could potentially rewrite his and Superman history – while this doesn’t guarantee he will, it certainly falls into the realm of possibility, opening the door for the long-established tradition to be completely rewritten.
Superman #22 will be released on January 22, 2025, by DC Comics!