H'EL on Earth leaves off after Supergirl #16 with H'EL's starship ready to be fueled within the walls of Superman's Fortress of Solitude. Superman #16 opens up with some more back-story to H'EL's last day on Krypton, painting him out to not only being a student of the brilliant mind of Jor-EL (with H'EL even being in awe of the Jor-EL's presence) but also the chosen one to be the hero to the world of Krypton and the symbol for hope for the 'EL family, Krypton and yes, even baby Kal-EL, which paints some form of irony to this entire cross-over. Though we get top-notch art and a great performance yet again with Kenneth Rocafort's smooth-sailing art style, this story seems to be slowly evolving and in stand-still. The past 3-4 issue's of this run has had the same battles takin' place within the Fortress of Solitude (yes, even the Justice League is still in battle with Superman's most lethal trophies) only to have a few things said in between for character buildup. Some issues could have been broken down into a single issue without losing track of the entire pace. Well into this crossover, H'EL remains a character yet to be explored. Is he the champion he is made out to be within the first few pages? Did his Journey through solitude cross path's with a higher power, forcing his hand to become a "Bizarro" like character or is this entire back-story a charade for bigger and better things involving the all-mighty and extremely powerful Oracle? Only a few more issue's before the finale with 'H'EL on Earth' in Superman #17, there are so many questions needing to be answered in H'EL alone (not mentioning the obvious brain-washed love affair with Supergirl developing.) We even get a panel of Supergirl making an intimate move on H'EL, locking lips with this diseased maniac, trusting his plan, even if it does mean genocide to an entire galaxy. Superboy's role as an immature rookie is highlighted yet again by questioning Superman's thought process in battle and even standing up to The Bat shaking his finger in his face while Batman, in his own way, laughs off the teenager's antics with a consulting Wonder Woman lending her support. When this issue is all said and done, H'EL shows off why he is such a dangerous threat when he blasts his way for solar energy, garnering attention from Dr.Veritas and Mr.Luthor himself as the Oracle is seen on the opposite end of the spectrum waiting to evaporate anything in its path. Why? Because it simply, CAN. Though there are a lot of things to be mentioned, questioned, and yet to be answered in this cross-over, you can't help but think this story-arc is the seed to a much bigger and wiser story, one that could take months to for a forgone conclusion within all characters. I'm certainly eager to indulge more into how and what makes H'EL tick and the driving force behind Superman's adventure back on Krypton in Superman #0 in his black-armored suite. I can almost taste some tricks up Lobdell's sleeve that will ultimately see the Super-family come together, as one.