Superman #681, Action Comics #871 & Supergirl #35 – Alex Ross Connecting Cover Triptych Set (New Krypton, DC 2008–09)

All three Alex Ross connecting covers from DC's "New Krypton" crossover, sold as one complete triptych set: Superman #681 (Part 2), Action Comics #871 (Part 4) and Supergirl #35 (Part 5). Lined up side by side, the three covers form a single painted image of the 100,000 Kryptonians of Kandor descending on Metropolis — Superman, Supergirl, Krypto, Nightwing and Flamebird and the Kandorian citizens all in Ross's signature photorealistic style. Direct Edition first printings, bagged and boarded.

Quick Facts

• Publisher: DC Comics
• Issues: Superman #681 (Dec 2008), Action Comics #871 (Jan 2009), Supergirl #35 (Jan 2009)
• Cover Artist: Alex Ross (Cover A / standard edition on all three)
• Storyline: New Krypton, Parts 2, 4 and 5 of the 2008–09 Superman-family crossover
• Writers: James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Sterling Gates
• Interior Art: Renato Guedes, Pete Woods, Jamal Igle
• Cover Price: $2.99 each (32 pages)
• Condition: Raw, unread, NM range — see photos

The Story

Following Brainiac's defeat, the bottle city of Kandor is restored to full size in the Arctic and 100,000 Kryptonians suddenly walk the Earth. In Superman #681, first contact turns tense as Clark mourns Pa Kent and Thara Ak-Var makes her first appearance. Action Comics #871 pits Superman and Supergirl against Doomsday in Metropolis while General Sam Lane pulls Lex Luthor out of prison — and the new Nightwing and Flamebird debut. Supergirl #35 retells Kara's secret origin, reactivates Reactron, and introduces the masked Superwoman (Lucy Lane) — her first appearance.

Why Collect This Set

• Complete Alex Ross triptych — DC's own solicitation called Superman #681 "the first third of a cover triptych by Alex Ross" continuing in Supergirl and Action Comics. Most copies are scattered across long boxes; this is all three matched together.
• First appearances: Superwoman (Lucy Lane) in Supergirl #35; Thara Ak-Var in Superman #681; Chris Kent and Thara's debut as Nightwing and Flamebird in Action Comics #871.
• Foundation of a multi-year saga — New Krypton leads directly into World of New Krypton, Last Stand of New Krypton and War of the Supermen.
• Creator pedigree: Geoff Johns, James Robinson and Sterling Gates writing; Alex Ross on every cover.

Pricing & Availability

Cover price: $8.97 for the three issues. Fair market value (raw NM, individually): Superman #681 roughly $3–5, Action Comics #871 roughly $4–8, Supergirl #35 roughly $8–15 as a first-appearance key — about $15–28 combined before any matched-set premium. Confidence: Medium (based on current dealer stock and marketplace asking prices, not confirmed sold comps). One set available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the Alex Ross cover or the variant?
All three are the standard Alex Ross covers (Cover A). The 1:10 variants by Bernard Chang and Stéphane Roux are not included.

Do the covers actually connect?
Yes — placed Superman #681 (left), Action Comics #871 (center), Supergirl #35 (right), the skyline and figures line up into one continuous image.

Are these first printings?
Yes. Direct Edition first printings with the original 2008–09 barcodes and $2.99 cover price.

How are they shipped?
Bagged and boarded, packed flat with rigid backing, and shipped from St. Louis, MO.