19 Years Ago, DC Comics Killed the Greatest Superhero Ever (and I Think They Should Bring Him Back)

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DC Comics has been telling superhero stories longer than anyone, but that long history has created some challenges. Modern comic readers tend to be older and want more grounded stories, so DC moved away from its more outlandish ideas – partly because Marvel had success with a more realistic approach. A major turning point was 1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths, which eliminated the DC Multiverse and all its alternate versions, including those from the Golden Age. In this event, the original Superman from Earth-Two defeated the main villain, the Anti-Monitor, and earned a happy ending by retiring to a paradise dimension with his wife, Lois Lane.

Eventually, people who appreciated the original multiverse gained control at the publishing company and brought it back with the major storyline, Infinite Crisis. This included the return of the Earth-Two Superman, who once again played a key role in saving everything. Sadly, he died at the end of the story, along with Earth-Two Lois Lane. But I always felt this was a mistake. While there have been many different versions of Superman, the Earth-Two version was always the best, and DC Comics shouldn’t have killed him – they should bring him back.

The Original Superman Is the Best

The original Superman, who debuted in Action Comics #1, is the foundation for everything we admire about the superhero. He was a champion of the common person, tackling not only supervillains but also everyday injustices like corruption, unfair landlords, and domestic abuse. As Clark Kent, he wholeheartedly believed in using his abilities to improve the world, and he excelled at it. He dedicated himself to making a positive difference, both as Superman and as a citizen, even contributing to the war effort during the 1940s and safeguarding the planet.

Early comics were quite different, so the character’s development wasn’t quite the same as we’d expect today. However, the Earth-Two Superman did evolve, gradually becoming the hero we recognize. Over time, his powers grew, and he became more patriotic during World War II, but he always maintained a strong moral compass and a desire to help others. He was a hero perfectly suited for the Great Depression, enjoyed by both children reading the comics and adults listening to the radio show or watching the TV program with their families. He was truly a man of the people, even taking on the Ku Klux Klan on his radio program when they were at their most powerful. Though Earth-Two Superman disappeared with the start of the Silver Age, he returned in the 1970s as a member of the Justice Society in Justice League of America #137.

I didn’t get into comics until after the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, which I didn’t actually read until 2002. I was aware of the idea of multiple universes, but I didn’t know much detail about them. What really resonated with me, though, was the Earth-Two Superman. There was something special about this older version of the hero – he’d married, built a family, and created a lasting legacy. He felt like the definitive Superman, capturing everything great about the character in its purest form.

Earth-Two’s Superman is a particularly compelling version of the character. Unlike the incredibly powerful Superman of the Silver Age, he was strong but still had to strive and overcome challenges. He consistently fought for good, supporting both his peers and his niece, Power Girl, and truly embodied the ideal of a superhero. Revisiting the stories from his era offers a fascinating perspective on how the character could have evolved with age, becoming a wise and experienced leader within the Justice League.

We Need Earth-Two Superman’s Old School Heroism

Ever since the Earth-Two Superman died in Infinite Crisis #8, I’ve been hoping he’d return. Some argue that DC’s timeline is already complicated enough and doesn’t need another Superman, but honestly, we already have many different versions of the character. Bringing back the original isn’t that far-fetched. He doesn’t even need to be part of the main storyline; we could simply see stories set on Earth-Two, showcasing untold adventures. Since DC has established everything in New History of the DC Universe as official canon, there’s really no reason not to revisit this character.

Things feel pretty bleak right now, and we could all use a little more optimism. The Superman from Earth-Two has always been a symbol of hope – he’s the one who truly started the idea of superheroes. He always fought for everyday people, and it was inspiring to have such a powerful hero on our side. Many fans consider him the most perfect version of Superman, capturing everything great about the character in its purest form. DC has been revisiting its history lately, with some successes and some missteps, but bringing back this original Superman – his goodness and the hope he embodies – would be amazing.

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2025-10-31 01:12