If you’re a fan of Superman, you may have wondered who killed the Man of Steel. Superman is one of the most iconic comic book characters of all time, and his death has been a major event in the DC Universe.
There have been several storylines and comic books that have explored the death of Superman, each with their own unique take on the event.
The first time Superman “died” was in Superman #149 in 1961, where Lex Luthor killed him while in prison. Since then, there have been many other characters who have taken a shot at killing the Man of Steel, including Doomsday, Mongul, and Darkseid.
The storyline that is perhaps the most well-known is “The Death of Superman,” which was a crossover event that ran from 1992 to 1993 and saw Superman killed by Doomsday.
DC Comics Convergence Reading Order
Superman’s Mortality
Overview of Superman’s Deaths
As one of the most iconic and powerful superheroes in comic book history, Superman is known for his invincibility and his ability to overcome any obstacle.
However, despite his superhuman abilities, Superman is not immortal. Throughout his long history, the Man of Steel has died on multiple occasions.
The first time readers witnessed Superman’s “death” was in 1961, in Superman #149 “The Death of Superman”. Since then, there have been several story arcs that have explored Superman’s mortality, including “The Death of Superman” in 1992, “Funeral for a Friend” in 1993, and “Reign of the Supermen” in 1993-1994.
Count of Superman’s Deaths
While Superman has died multiple times, the exact count varies depending on the source. According to CBR, there have been at least 13 instances where Superman has died in the comics.
These deaths range from sacrificing himself to save others to being killed by various villains, such as Doomsday and Darkseid.
It is worth noting that not all of Superman’s deaths are considered canon, and some are alternate universe versions of the character.
Additionally, Superman has been brought back to life in various ways, including time travel, alternate universes, and the use of Kryptonian technology.
Despite his many deaths and resurrections, Superman remains one of the most enduring and beloved characters in comic book history.
His mortality serves as a reminder that even the strongest among us are not invincible, and that heroism often requires great sacrifice.
Key Antagonists
Notable Villains
Superman has faced a variety of villains over the years, but some have stood out as particularly noteworthy in their attempts to kill the Man of Steel.
Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis, is one such villain. Luthor has battled Superman for almost the entirety of Superman’s existence and has come close to killing him on numerous occasions.
In Jerry Siegel and Curt Swan’s Superman #149, “The Death of Superman!”, Luthor created a machine that would transfer Superman’s powers to himself, leaving the Man of Steel powerless and vulnerable.
Another notable villain who has attempted to kill Superman is Brainiac. Brainiac is a super-intelligent alien who seeks to collect knowledge from across the universe.
In the storyline “The Death of Superman”, Brainiac was responsible for releasing Doomsday, a monster who would go on to kill Superman.
Doomsday’s Role
Doomsday is perhaps the most infamous villain in Superman’s rogues gallery due to his role in killing the Man of Steel.
Doomsday is a monstrous creature created by scientists on the planet Krypton, Superman’s home world. The creature was designed to be the ultimate killing machine and was sent to Earth by an unknown force.
In the storyline “The Death of Superman”, Doomsday rampaged across the country, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. In a final battle, Superman and Doomsday fought to the death, with both combatants ultimately perishing.
While these villains are some of the most notable in Superman’s history, they are far from the only ones who have attempted to kill the Man of Steel.
Other villains who have tried and failed to kill Superman include Darkseid, Mongul, and the Cyborg Superman. Despite the many attempts on his life, Superman has always managed to come out on top, proving time and time again that he truly is the Man of Steel.
The Death of Superman
In the world of comics, Superman is one of the most iconic and beloved characters. But even the Man of Steel is not invincible.
In 1992, DC Comics released “The Death of Superman,” a storyline that shocked readers and changed the comic book landscape forever.
The Iconic Storyline
The story begins with the appearance of a monstrous being called Doomsday, who starts wreaking havoc across the United States.
As the Justice League tries to stop him, Superman intervenes to confront the creature. The ensuing battle is brutal, with both combatants delivering and receiving heavy blows.
Finally, the two deliver a final, fatal blow to each other, and Superman dies in the arms of Lois Lane. The storyline was a massive hit, selling millions of copies and becoming one of the most iconic moments in comic book history.
Aftermath and Repercussions
The death of Superman had a massive impact on the DC Universe. The world mourned the loss of its greatest hero, and many characters, both heroes, and villains, reacted to his death in different ways.
The storyline also introduced a new character, the Eradicator, who claimed to be the last son of Krypton.
Eventually, Superman was resurrected, but his death had significant repercussions that lasted for years. The storyline had a profound impact on the world of comics, and it remains one of the most iconic moments in the history of the medium.
That’s the story of how Superman died, and how his death changed the world of comics forever.
Cultural Impact
Public Reaction
The death of Superman in the comic book storyline “The Death of Superman” had a profound impact on the public. Fans were devastated by the loss of one of the most iconic superheroes of all time.
The news of Superman’s death was covered by major news outlets, and comic book stores across the country sold out of the issue. The storyline broke sales records and spawned numerous spin-off titles.
Influence on Superhero Narratives
The death of Superman had a significant influence on superhero narratives. It changed the way comic book writers approached death and the concept of resurrection.
The storyline paved the way for other comic book deaths and resurrections, such as Batman’s Knightfall storyline and the return of Captain America. It also influenced the creation of new characters, such as Steel, who was introduced in the aftermath of Superman’s death.
The impact of “The Death of Superman” can still be felt in the comic book industry today. It remains one of the most iconic storylines in comic book history and continues to be referenced and adapted in various media.
Resurrection and Legacy
Superman’s Return
After the death of Superman, DC Comics brought him back to life in the story arc titled “The Return of Superman.” The story arc featured four new Superman characters, each with their unique abilities and personalities. These characters were Steel, Superboy, the Cyborg Superman, and the Last Son of Krypton.
The return of Superman was not a simple resurrection. The character was brought back to life through a complex storyline involving alien technology, Kryptonian science, and the Eradicator.
The return of Superman was a significant event in the comic book industry and marked the beginning of a new era for the character.
Legacy of the Death Story Arc
The death of Superman story arc had a significant impact on the comic book industry and the character of Superman.
The story arc was a commercial success and generated a lot of media attention. The death of Superman was a bold move by DC Comics, and it paid off.
The story arc also had a lasting legacy on the character of Superman. The death of Superman marked a significant change in the character’s tone and storytelling. The character became more complex, and the stories became darker and more mature.
In conclusion, the death of Superman was a significant event in the comic book industry, and the return of Superman was an equally significant event.
The legacy of the death story arc is still felt today, and it continues to influence the character of Superman and the comic book industry as a whole.
