This One Superman Story Is Completely Overrated

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Since 1938, Superman has graced us with his presence in countless tales, ranging from standalone adventures to collaborations with other characters, sometimes even villains. This iconic character can adapt to virtually any narrative, whether it’s a rigorous sci-fi or the most bizarre fantasy realms, demonstrating his remarkable versatility. Over time, certain Superman stories have risen above the rest for various reasons. One such tale, over thirty years old now, has achieved legendary status – “The Death of Superman”. In this story, Superman faced off against the monstrous Doomsday, ultimately sacrificing himself to protect all that he cherished from destruction.

The ‘Death of Superman’ isn’t merely famous, it was even headline news in the early 90s; it’s also often listed as one of the best Superman stories ever told. Yet, it’s high time we acknowledge a truth about this story – it’s been overhyped significantly. To be clear, I’m not saying ‘Death of Superman’ is a poor tale. However, upon closer examination, you’ll find aspects that don’t quite gel, revealing its flaws.

“Death of Superman” Is a Very Weak Story

The comic “Death of Superman” boasts several strengths. It’s a thrilling narrative with non-stop action that maintains its pace throughout. The talented creators – Dan Jurgens, Brett Breeding, Jerry Ordway, Butch Guice, Louise Simonson, Jon Bogdanove, Roger Stern, and Tom Grummett – are all top-notch in their respective fields, making the story’s art and writing particularly noteworthy. Nevertheless, one major criticism of “Death of Superman” is a point often overlooked – the introduction of Doomsday as the villain responsible for Superman’s demise. Introducing a new antagonist to kill Superman seemed unnecessary, given that he already has enemies capable of taking him down. In this case, it would have been more impactful if one of these existing adversaries had killed Superman, such as Lex Luthor or Metallo. Alternatively, a group of Superman’s classic foes could have teamed up to bring about his destruction. If skillfully executed, it would have made for a more significant moment if one of these iconic villains were able to defeat him. This could have paved the way for new threats to emerge for Superman, making his story even more compelling.

The primary issue with this narrative is its repetitive nature, as it appears to be little more than a series of physical confrontations involving multiple problems. While the action maintains an engaging pace and prevents monotony, each segment seems strikingly similar – Superman getting pummeled by Doomsday, allies joining in only to succumb, followed by Doomsday approaching Metropolis with Superman vowing to save the day. Essentially, reading Superman (Vol. 2) #75 would give you a comprehensive understanding of the story’s plot, as it seems that little else is happening beyond Superman’s continuous defeats against Doomsday.

In contrast, superior Superman stories tend to explore various directions, incorporating fist fights alongside Superman’s cunning strategies and creative use of his powers to minimize violence while saving the day. “Death of Superman,” unfortunately, lacks these intriguing elements, which is a significant factor in its comparison falling short when placed beside works such as All-Star Superman or Superman: Up in the Sky. Instead of displaying the intellectual and adaptable qualities that have made Superman stories compelling, it presents an overly physical conflict with little variation, making it less captivating overall. It’s enjoyable to see Superman tested physically, but his demise at the hands of a fist fight is decidedly un-Superman-like.

Why Do So Many Fans Ignore the Problems of “Death of Superman”?

As a die-hard Superman fan, I’ve lived and breathed “The Death of Superman” since it first graced the comic book world. Much like countless others, I eagerly waited in line for the release of Superman (Vol. 2) #75, and splurged on not one but two deluxe editions – one for reading and one for collecting. This tale is undeniably a pivotal moment in modern Superman lore, and it seems that’s part of why it’s held in such high regard. A whole generation of us were raised on this story, and we’ve passed it down to the generations that followed. While we all knew “The Death of Superman” wasn’t flawless, its impact on pop culture was so monumental that it’s grown into something larger than life. Nowadays, it’s more about spectacle than story. Over time, “The Death of Superman” has become an unshakeable icon in popular culture, and we’re constantly reminded of its greatness.

One aspect to consider is the effectiveness of the subsequent chapters in the story. A significant challenge when eliminating Superman was devising a compelling continuation, an area where different creators truly excelled. They breathed new life into the narrative by introducing diverse perspectives, causing us to rediscover our affection for Superman. “Reign of the Supermen” and “Return of Superman” were particularly successful in filling gaps left by “Death of Superman,” providing answers that the original story lacked. While “Death of Superman” is a solid tale, its sequels have been nothing short of exceptional. The quality of these subsequent stories, combined with nostalgia, has made the overall narrative almost untouchable for fans.

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2025-07-11 18:40