When DC announced The Death of Superman storyline in 1992, the whole world stood still at the prospect of losing a beloved icon. It was a cultural phenomenon that made huge waves in mainstream media, taking up headline spaces in TV and newspapers as the news swept the country like wildfire. Thirty years later, Superman’s sacrifice has become a milestone moment in comic book history that has been replicated in movies and comic books by other publishers countless times. The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 reunites the original creative team, including Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding, to tell brand new tales of the past and the present, reliving the gory battle between the Man of Steel and Doomsday once more.
The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 collects four stories, with each segment focusing on Superman’s loved ones and allies as they deal with the shocking events unfolding before their eyes. Some are helpless to aid the big man, only finding solace in ruminating about the good that Superman has brought to the world. Others want to fight beside Kal-El against a prehistoric Kryptonian but settle to help the people caught in the firefight. In many ways, Superman’s struggle and eventual death inspire others to step up and do the right thing, which has always been the Man of Tomorrow’s life mission.
Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding’s “The Life of Superman” takes a look back to that foreboding day when the world came to a halt. Being the original creators, Jurgens and Breeding are the best historians to recount the past, which they do through the latest addition to the Kent family. Jon becomes the focal character, who realizes there is much that his parents have kept hidden from him. The narrative approach is exposition-heavy, with action leading to the back end of the story. Unfortunately, a tale that could have so much more starts to mimic the same story told thirty years again. It is nostalgic to see the artwork that fans remember as a quintessential part of the book. “Above and Beyond” by Jerry Ordway and Tom Grummett take a walk down memory lane as the Kents worry about their child. Instead of being a depressing affair, it is a touching tale that highlights the best trait of the Man of Steel — his humanity.
Guardian and Dubbilex appear after almost a decade in “Standing Guard” as Writer Roger Stern returns with an off-kilter tale that adds to Superman’s mythos. Characters put their grief aside to fight for truth, justice, and the American way. Guice and Whitmore’s artwork is gristly and thrilling. The last segment introduces readers to John Henry Irons, who is yet to become the superhero known as Steel. In a short time, Louise Simonson shows the heroic heart already residing within John as he goes around Metropolis helping people in need as Superman’s fight with Doomsday rages on. This is a beautiful introduction to the character with pencils from Jon Bogdanove.
The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 recaps an important piece of pop culture history through the lens of people whose lives have been touched by Superman. These characters aren’t on the mainstream radar, but they are irrevocable voices that stand witness to the Man of Steel’s generosity and resilience. Some elements of this anthology issue feel a bit dated, but the strong emotional core of each story makes this book special in name and spirit.