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In 1992, DC Comics launched the crossover story, “The Death of Superman.” Superman comic sales had been on the decline in recent years, so a team comprising of editor Mike Carlin and writers Dan Jurgens, Roger Stern, Louise Simonson, Jerry Ordway, and Karl Kesel, decided to temporarily kill off the character to reignite reader interest. This was a genius move as there had been widespread perception that Superman was indestructible and one-dimensional, factors that contributed to the loss in popularity.
The movie worked as Superman #75 (which features the Man of Steel’s death) sold over six million copies and became the most popular comic of 1992. Since then, the creators of Superman live-action and animated productions have felt the need to kill off Superman from time to time. Thankfully, the Kryptonian is ‘DC Jesus,” so fans can always bet on him resurrecting. However, there are a few instances where he has died for good.
Here are 7 instances where the Man of Steel was killed off, whether permanently or otherwise.
7
‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)
Batman v Superman might have caused critics to punch their computer screens while writing reviews, but it had numerous euphoric moments, notably Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman’s team-up against Doomsday. Sadly, Superman gets fatally wounded by the creature before it dies. The film ends with a memorial being held for Superman in Metropolis, while Bruce and Diana attend Clark’s funeral in Smallville.
Superman’s Death Triggers Superhero Unit
It was a little too early for DC to do a “Death of Superman” storyline as this was only the second installment of the DCEU. Still, the Man of Steel’s demise wasn’t just included for shock value. Superman’s death inspires Batman to form the Justice League to protect Earth from future powerful villains like Doomsday, and prevent the death of another hero. Superman’s demise doesn’t last too long either. He hilariously comes back with a CGI-covered mustache in Justice League.
6
‘All-Star Superman’ (2011)
All-Star Superman — based on the comic book series of the same name by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely — gave the Man of Steel a slow and unique death. Here, Superman gets radiation positioning while destroying a booby-trapped genetically-enhanced time-bomb clone made by Lex Luthor. Realizing he has little time left, he takes Lois Lane to the Fortress of Solitude and gives her a serum that gives her powers for 24 hours. Enter Superwoman.
DC’s Version of Temp V?
The serum Lois takes will remind fans of Temp V, aka, V24 from The Boys, and it’s obvious which production imitated the other. Thanks to Superman’s tragic fate, we see a Lois Lane who is more than just a love interest.
The film also takes viewers on a longer emotional ride than other DC productions that feature the Man of Steel’s death. The radiation poisoning happens early, so we see him struggle for the entire movie, forcing him to do things he never intended to do, such as revealing his true identity to Lois.
5
‘Smallville’ (2001 – 2011)
In the Smallville episode, “Hidden,” Gabriel, a former Smallville High student, forcefully accesses missile codes, intending to eliminate krypto-mutants in the town once and for all. A powerless Clark tries to take him on, only to be shot. He dies from his wounds and is later resurrected by Jor-El in the Fortress of Solitude.
Family Feud
Smallville is a teen drama disguised as a superhero show, so we get the usual family feuds, friendship challenges, and whirlwind romances. On this occasion, Clark’s death hits harder because it stems from a feud with Jor-El. After the protagonist disobeys his biological father’s orders to return to the Fortress before sunset, Jor-El strips him of his powers, making him mortal. Unperturbed, Clark argues that it is all a blessing, glad that he will now be able to live a normal life. He soon learns that he is no Peter Parker. Even without great power, he will always have great responsibility.
4
‘The Death of Superman’ (2018)
The Death of Superman is based on the comic book storyline of the same name and is mostly a faithful adaptation. In the film, Doomsday goes on a rampage and kills Wonder Woman. As the creature is about to kill Lois, Superman confronts it and snaps its neck. Unfortunately, he is stabbed in the process and succumbs to his wound.
Superman’s Death Gives Luthor a Chance to Shine
The standard death story does little to excite, but it brilliantly sets up the amazing sequel, Reign of the Supermen, where four new Supermen emerge. As much as we hate Lex Luthor, it’s fun to see him thrive, now that his enemy is gone. He gives a speech at Superman’s state funeral, before proceeding to launch his own Man of Steel clone. For once, we get a story where Luthor is the star, not just an archnemesis who shows up occasionally.
3
‘Batwoman’ (2019 – 2022)
The Arrowverse event “Crisis on Infinite Earths” brought back several Supermen from the past, including the iterations from Tom Welling and Brandon Routh. Predictably, things get tough and many variants of the hero across the multiverse end up dying. This happens after Lex Luthor steals the Book of Destiny from the Monitor, allowing him to travel throughout different universes to kill the Supermen that inhabit them. In Batwoman’s “Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 2,” we see Lois from another Earth, crying over Clark’s dead body.
Luthor the Ripper
Though this sequence is brief, it’s extremely emotional, showing just how painful the loss of a loved one can be. We might not have known the other Supermen, yet seeing them perish because of Luthor’s senseless vision still hurts. Luckily, the chaos doesn’t last forever. The team eventually manages to take down Lex and retrieve the book, but the effects of his actions reverberate throughout the Arrowverse.
2
‘Superman: Doomsday’ (2007)
Doomsday ranks high among Superman’s greatest villains for a simple reason: brutality. The creature has beaten Clark again and again, killing him at times. Another Doomsday-related murder happens Superman: Doomsday, and shortly after the Kryptonian’s death, the opportunistic Lex Luthor creates a clone and unveils him as a resurrected Superman. Things get exciting when Luthor’s Superman clone turns against him.
Fight to the Death
Superman’s death in the comics was petrifying. In Superman: Doomsday, it’s even more chilling because of how brutal the fight between the two characters is. The fisticuffs play out for close to 10 minutes, and watching the hero and villain pummel each other while damaging everything around them is truly memorable. Overall, the story offers nothing new. Even so, you’ll appreciate the humorous dialogue, especially when Luthor describes Doomsday as an “intergalactic soccer hooligan.”
1
‘Superman & Lois’ (2021 – 2024)
Superman & Lois was a fascinating show throughout its run. However, it truly came alive in the fourth and final season. Sadly, Superman died: twice. Superman is first killed in the season premiere during a fight with Doomsday. He is later revived after getting General Lane’s heart via a transplant. He dies again in the finale, this time a natural and happy death, after achieving everything he ever wanted.
The Most Creative Handling of Superman’s Demise
Superman’s first death in the show is familiar. Thankfully, the writers get really creative after that. The character gets humanized to the largest degree, hence making him relatable. Even after he gets resurrected, we learn that he won’t be immortal forever. Neither will he be as strong as he used to be. This makes us care for Superman’s welfare at all times. Whenever he fights, we become worried that he might be pushing himself too far, raising the likelihood for his heart to fail.
Ultimately, the show treats us to a sunset story that hits closer to home. Lois dies of cancer, Clark gets lonely and gets a dog (Krypto), then, he too, surrenders to age.
“}]] Death is rarely permanent for Superman. Read More