H’el on Earth Reading Guide

Overview:

H’el on Earth is a DC Comics crossover event in 2012-2013, primarily involving the Superman, Superboy, and Supergirl titles. Written by Scott Lobdell and Mike Johnson, with artists including Kenneth Rocafort and Mahmud Asrar, the story follows Superman, Superboy, and Supergirl as they face a powerful new enemy named H’el.

H’el, a mysterious Kryptonian, arrives on Earth with a grand plan to save his home planet, but his methods could destroy Earth itself. His motives bring him into direct conflict with Superman and his allies, who must balance their loyalty to Krypton with their duty to their adopted planet. Supergirl, in particular, struggles with her feelings toward H’el, creating tension within the group.

The story arc received mixed reviews. Some readers appreciated the intense character dynamics and the introduction of H’el as a compelling villain, while others criticized the pacing and artwork in certain issues. Despite its divisive reception, H’el on Earth stands out for exploring Kryptonian heritage and the complex relationships between the three main protagonists.

The event spans several issues across multiple series and sets the stage for future conflicts in the Superman universe.

Best Way To Read:

• Superman: H’el on Earth
  • Collects: Superman #13-17, Superboy #14-17 and Supergirl #14-17

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:

References:

• Wikipedia
• Comic Book Herald
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from Supergirl #15 cover art by Mahmud A. Asrar