Superman Annual #13

Up front I have to say that with all of the delays and fill-ins it has been hard keeping track of the "Camelot Falls" storyline. While writer Kurt Busiek does a fine job with Superman, the issue breaks and delay have hurt the flow of this story. I had to rack my brain a little bit to even remember what Arion's deal was and how we got to where we are now. I am guessing that with his recent replacement that artist Carlos Pacheco is the main culprit in all of these delays. Busiek does a decent job of providing the reader a little time to catch up utilizing the Phantom Stranger for good effect. I like Busiek's use of Superman's thoughts to help fill the reader in on the happenings. The ending to "Camelot Falls" isn't truly epic and kind of peters out as it crosses the finish line. Maybe future stories with the villian Khyber will provide some excitement but at this point all I can do is yawn.

Pacheco and Jesus Merino share the art duties on this issue and do a fine job with all of the action. The varied page presentations keep the story flowing well.

Busiek and Fabian Nicieza's backup story "The Best Day" is a throwback to the "Superman Family" reads of the 70s with Superman and his family visiting a lush and vibrant planet. Even though he still draws the big boned (I won't say "fat") Supergirl, Renato Guedes art is very good here. My son commented, "Dad, Guedes' art is really good, but he still can't draw Supergirl."

If you are interested in finishing up the "Camelot Falls" storyline then this issue is for you. If not, then by passing it won't hurt your future DC reading.