Death of Superman (Superman (DC Comics)) [Comic]

DC Comics (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 14, 1993 | Series: Superman (DC Comics)

Written by various; Art by various The story that drew national media attention when DC Comics killed their greatest hero is collected here. When a hulking monster emerges from an underground resting place and begins a mindless rampage, the Justice League is quickly called in to stop the colossal force of nature. But it soon becomes apparent that only Superman can stand against the monstrosity that has been nicknamed Doomsday. Battling their way throughout America, the two fight to a standstill as they reach the heart of Metropolis. Going punch for punch, Superman finally ends the threat of Doomsday as he throws one last punch and collapses forever.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Death of Superman was a 1992 stunt that turned out to be DC's bestselling Superman comic ever. The massive 11-issue crossover among four different series (Superman, Superman: The Man of Steel, Action Comics, and Justice League of America) introduces an unstoppable alien named Doomsday who creates a path of destruction on his way to the heart of Metropolis and whom Superman must stop at any cost. It's of interest as a milestone of the Superman mythos (though of course the outcome didn't last), but casual fans might be underwhelmed by the unfamiliar villain and the unfamiliar Justice League (with Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, and other minor heroes rather than the traditional lineup), the drawn-out story (by Dan Jurgens, Jerry Ordway, Louise Simonson, and Roger Stern), and the ordinary art (by Jurgens, Jon Bogadanove, Tom Grummett, and Jackson Guice). --David Horiuchi

Product Details

• Comic: 168 pages
• Publisher: DC Comics; First Edition edition (April 14, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563890976
• ISBN-13: 978-1563890970
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 0.5 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (99 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,917 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The fall of a hero June 22, 2002

By N. Durham HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Comic

I was never really into Superman when I was a kid, or any DC Comics character other than Batman and Green Lantern for that matter (I was always a Marvel faithful), but when I heard that Superman was going to be killed, it was a big event in comics history. Here we see a monster named Doomsday, who escapes from his confines and begins to wreak havok across the country leading up to Metropolis. He kills and destroys everything in sight, and he totally decimates the Justice League, leaving only one thing between him and Metropolis: Superman. In quite possibly one of the best ongoing battles in comic history, they both duke it out until neither is left standing, I mean we get to see Superman bloodied, battered, beaten, and eventually dead. The heart of this collected edition is we get to see how far Superman goes to protect the innocent and preserve life, we all hear about that being a hero's vow in comics, but to see it actually illustrated is something different. All in all, if you want to read a good comic story that would lead up to one of the greatest returns in the history of comics, then this should be right up your alley.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but not complete September 18, 2005

By G. Mcgraw

Format:Comic

To begin, it should be noted that 'The Death of Superman' is not a complete story. It is the first part of a story that ended many volumes and several years later in another Superman story called 'Hunter/Prey'. Technically this volume should be read first, followed by 'World Without a Superman', then 'The Return of Superman' and finally as I stated earlier, 'Hunter/Prey'.

Also of interest if you liked these stories would be the earlier Superman issues which establish the origins of Hank Henshaw, aka Cyborg Superman, who appears in 'World Without a Superman' and 'Hunter/Prey'.

Basically if you read this book alone, it will be nothing more than a very long fist fight between Doomsday and Superman with a bunch of questions left unaswered, which seems to be a complaint of many reviewers here; the story doesn't move very far and doesn't really have that much story present.

It's a valid complaint since this is all you're getting if you buy this book here, but it should be known that if you're willing to invest the money in all the books, you'll be treated to one of the most epic and interesting Superman stories ever told. For instance the villian Doomsday, who seems like little more than an evil Hulk rip-off in this story, gets established with a unique and sorrowful origin by the end of the series (I won't give away any details other than to say that he is sort of like an abused child to the hundreth power) which might actually make you feel sorry for him. And the Cyborg Superman is one of the vilest and most dangerous villians Superman has ever faced.

I do recommend this book. Just remember; if it seems incomplete when you finish it, it's because it is!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Tastes great but could be better July 18, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Comic

Collects the Doomsday storyline that ran in the Superman comics. One of the hardest hitting comic stories of the 90s. This one reminded us why we Superman is still the premier superhero of them all. Not in many occasions has Superman fought harder in his whole life than in this story. Because of his superpowers we never could see the one moment when he is ready to sacrifice his life to save others. Here we find out. There were so many moments in this book: the fall of the Justice League, the efforts made to stop Doomsday, and the death of the Man of Steel. There were a few things that disappointed me and that's because for most of the story, it's just Superman and Doomsday slugging it out. I had wanted to see Superman save more people, see him pushed even more to his limits than he ever realized and a better "deal the final blow" to stop his enemy. But this is all a prelude to some of the best Superman stories ever told. :)