Ending Battle Reading Guide

Overview:

Ending Battle is a 2002 Superman storyline that spans several issues of Action Comics, Adventures of Superman, and Superman. Written by Joe Casey, Geoff Johns, and Joe Kelly, with art by Duncan Rouleau, Brandon Badeaux, and others, this arc brings a variety of Superman’s enemies together in a coordinated attack on those closest to him. The main protagonist is, of course, Superman, while the primary foes include several of his rogues’ gallery, coordinated by a mysterious figure pulling the strings behind the scenes.

The storyline explores how vulnerable even the most powerful superhero can be when his enemies target his personal life. It’s a tension-filled, fast-paced story with a focus on Superman’s dual identity and the consequences of his life as Clark Kent.

Upon release, Ending Battle received generally positive reception from fans and critics, though it wasn’t groundbreaking. Many praised the action and the use of Superman’s various villains, but some felt the storyline was somewhat predictable. The art styles vary from issue to issue, with some standout sequences, but there is inconsistency in the overall visual tone. Nonetheless, it’s an engaging read for fans of Superman, particularly those interested in his relationships with his friends and loved ones.

Best Way To Read:

• Superman: Ending Battle
  • Collects: Superman (vol. 2) #186-187, The Adventures of Superman #608-609, Superman: The Man of Steel #130-131, and Action Comics #795-796

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

Feature Image from Superman: The Man of Steel #130 cover art by Comicraft, T. Horie, Paul Neary, Jesus Marino, Carlos Pacheco, and Pasqual Ferry