The Many Deaths of Superman, Ranked

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The Death of Superman is one of the most influential and enduring comic book tales from the last 40 years. At the time, it created a buzz and drew criticism from fans. This narrative paved the way for similar events involving other superheroes, like Batman’s replacement in ‘Knightfall,’ and Wonder Woman and Green Lantern being succeeded by younger counterparts such as Artemis and Kyle Rayner. Marvel Comics even followed suit with their own stories featuring changes, such as Wolverine losing his adamantium, Spider-Man’s Clone Saga, and ‘Heroes Reborn.’ These stories left a lasting impact on the market and can still be felt in each new event released by either company.

Although the occasion was momentous, with extensive media attention and a sense of historical significance, it’s important to note that Superman’s death wasn’t a unique event in comic books. In fact, numerous characters have previously died and resurrected in the world of comics, long before the groundbreaking “The Death of Superman” storyline. This particular tale isn’t even the first to bear the title “The Death of Superman,” though it is often considered the most impactful.

11) The Silver Age Original

To start off, we’ll consider a scenario that reflects Superman’s extensive career so far. Originally, “The Death of Superman” from 1961 was classified as a fictional tale taking place in another universe; however, it demonstrates Lex Luthor exploiting his prison-bound quest for a cancer cure to entice Superman under false pretenses of rehabilitation. In reality, this is just a trap set with Kryptonite, leading to Superman’s demise. Later on, this story was revised, but it marks the beginning of numerous instances where Superman experiences death, loss of powers, injury, or even worse during the Silver Age.

10) The Final Days of Superman

In the era known as DC New 52, fans experienced a fresh portrayal of Superman’s death within the primary DC Universe. This new Superman was younger and had ended his relationship with Lois Lane, while struggling with faulty powers. Eventually, he learns that he’s gradually succumbing to Kryptonite poisoning, leading him to confront a man named Denny Swan, who claims to be the new Superman due to gaining powers similar to his own. The genuine Superman uses his solar flare ability to vanquish the false imitator, but soon realizes he’s running out of time. As he breathes his last, Clark bids farewell to his friends and transforms into dust, leaving only his cape as a remnant.

9) DC Universe Online Legends

The sequel to the initial release of DC Universe Online picks up the narrative thread from its introductory cinematics. In this continuation, Lex Luthor and his rogue’s gallery have joined forces with the intention of overpowering the Justice League and other heroes. By using Wonder Woman as a decoy and subjecting Batman to repeated attacks, Luthor manages to entice Superman back to Earth from his solar abode. Subsequently, he strikes Superman fatally with a kryptonite spear in the back. The story then unfolds by recounting crucial events from the game and depicting heroes from an alternate timeline as they strive to prevent the Battle of Metropolis from taking place.

8) Dark Nights

During the “Dark Nights” storyline, various standalone comics were published, introducing dark counterparts of Bruce Wayne who sought to conquer the Multiverse. These stories depict Batman attacking members of the Justice League, with Superman receiving numerous attacks in many issues. One such character, known as The Devastator (a Batman infected by the Doomsday virus), surpasses Superman and eliminates him before being recruited by the Batman Who Laughs. This version of Batman is particularly cunning and sadistic, using these traits to kill members of the Bat-family before targeting Superman and his family. After altering black Kryptonite to transform Superman and his cousins into aggressive, raving Kryptonians, they brutally attack Lois Lane and later turn against each other.

In “Dark Nights”, we see different stories about dark versions of Batman trying to rule the Multiverse. These tales show Batman fighting fellow Justice League members, with Superman being hurt in several instances. One of these Batmans, called The Devastator, is stronger than Superman and kills him first. Later, this Batman goes after Superman’s family using his cleverness and cruel nature. After creating a special black Kryptonite, he makes Superman and his cousins violent and crazy. In the end, they hurt Lois Lane before turning on themselves.

7) Whatever Happened to The Man of Tomorrow

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast of superhero tales, let me share my take on an iconic Superman story that marked the end of the Silver Age and paved the way for John Byrne’s reboot of Man of Steel. In this gripping narrative, Superman doesn’t conventionally perish, but his people mourn him as if he were gone forever. This epic saga was penned by Alan Moore and beautifully illustrated by Curt Swan, designed to pay homage to the rich history of Superman while providing a satisfying conclusion to his mythology up to that point.

The storyline introduces Bizarro, who transforms into a menacing villain capable of killing. He ultimately meets his own demise using Blue Kryptonite, causing a series of intense confrontations involving various characters. Superman then escorts Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Lana Lang, and Perry White – accompanied by his wife – to the Fortress of Solitude. Tragically, Krypto returns from deep space only to succumb to death, as does Jimmy and Lana before Superman faces the ultimate evil: Mr. Mxyzptlk.

In an epic showdown, he disintegrates the mischievous imp using his Phantom Zone projector and then strolls off into the sunset, potentially relinquishing his powers and completing his mission. The story concludes with the general public believing that he perished from exposure following the loss of his powers.

6) Earth 2: World’s End

In the comic series Earth 2: World’s End from the New 52, this iteration of Superman faces off against Darkseid and Apokolips, where he and other heroes engage in a fierce battle that ultimately costs their lives. Unlike his counterparts from the Trinity, this Superman manages to live longer. However, he appears to side with Apokolips until he is saved and chooses to self-sacrifice by destroying the Metropolis Tower and Parademon factories, a noble act that ends his life peacefully but heroically in the final moments.

5) Superman/Batman: “Absolute Power”

When the League of Evil Masterminds, including Lightning Master, Queen of Saturn, and King of Cosmos, manage to defeat the Justice League (excluding young Superman and Batman), things spiral out of control for the dynamic duo. A series of unfortunate events ensue, leading repeatedly to their deaths. In the course of these events, they engage in a significant amount of violence themselves, even joining forces with Darkseid at one point. Eventually, they journey back in time to vanquish the League of Evil Masterminds and restore the timeline to its original state.

4) The Kingdom – Gog Can’t Get Enough Killing Superman

In the comic book series “Kingdom Come,” a future DC Universe is portrayed where fresh heroes and villains engage in extreme violence, leading to Superman’s return. Subsequent mini-series introduce Gog, crafted by members of the Quintessence (which includes Shazam, Ganthet, Zeus, and Izaya Highfather) from a survivor of the Kansas disaster as depicted in the initial series. As events unfold, Gog becomes mentally unstable and persistently attempts to assassinate Superman, repeatedly resetting the day to murder him over and over again.

3) Infinite Crisis – Original Superman Killed by Superboy Prime

Following the first “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, the original Superman hailing from Earth-2 was offered an opportunity to depart for a blissful paradise alongside the displaced Superboy Prime and Alexander Luthor. However, the grim state of the DC universe compelled the seasoned hero to reappear in “Infinite Crisis”, assisting in their escape from the crystalline Paradise and attempting to restore order amidst heroes who had strayed. Yet, this was all a ruse orchestrated by Luthor and Superboy Prime; the latter later fatally strikes him in a climactic battle. With Superboy Prime confined, Superman from Earth-2 succumbs to his wounds and reunites with his deceased wife, Lois, once more.

2) All-Star Superman

In the comic book “All-Star Superman,” there’s a moment where it seems like Superman might die, although technically he doesn’t. This storyline explores the idea on a larger scale. After saving a team from a mission to the Sun that was sabotaged by Lex Luthor, Superman reveals that he has only a year left to live due to Luthor’s manipulation of his solar-powered cells. The ensuing narrative is one of the best Superman stories ever written, as Superman finds a way to extend his life by transforming into a being that resides within the Sun itself. This storyline feels more like an ending to the Superman saga than a cruel trick.

1) Death of Superman

In summary, Superman meets his end at the hands of Doomsday in a fierce battle on the outskirts of Metropolis. This fight leaves the Justice League shattered and pushes Superman to his absolute limit. The tale is captivating because it offers an intense street fight that extends into the city, while simultaneously showcasing how much damage Doomsday can inflict and endure in contemporary times. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, I highly recommend doing so – there are no hidden surprises or tricks involved with Superman’s death in the original crossover event.

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2025-07-20 02:12