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* BattleTrophy: Superboy takes some shades from one of the criminals he stops, which become part of his signature look.



* CoversAlwaysLie: Most of the covers of the last few issues of the ''Reign'' chapters featured Superman still with his usual short hair as opposed to the infamous mullet he was now sporting inside. The ''ComicBook/GreenLantern'' tie-in is also pretty guilty, as in addition to Hal fighting Mongul (which does happen in the issue), there's also the [[spoiler: Cyborg-Superman]] and the Eradicator fighting each other in the background (which doesn't happen at all in the issue).

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* CoversAlwaysLie: CoversAlwaysLie:
** The ''Justice League of America'' tie-in features Doomsday with both arms free. However, it isn't until the next part of the story that Doomsday finally gets his right arm free.
**
Most of the covers of the last few issues of the ''Reign'' chapters featured Superman still with his usual short hair as opposed to the infamous mullet he was now sporting inside. The ''ComicBook/GreenLantern'' tie-in is also pretty guilty, as in addition to Hal fighting Mongul (which does happen in the issue), there's also the [[spoiler: Cyborg-Superman]] and the Eradicator fighting each other in the background (which doesn't happen at all in the issue).



* {{Foreshadowing}}: A special issue styled as a ''Time''-like Magazine focusing on Superman's death opens with an ad for Carol Ferris' aeronautics company with the tagline: "Things are '''Booming''' in Coast City!"

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* {{Foreshadowing}}: {{Foreshadowing}}:
**
A special issue styled as a ''Time''-like Magazine focusing on Superman's death opens with an ad for Carol Ferris' aeronautics company with the tagline: "Things are '''Booming''' in Coast City!"City!"
** When Cadmus get their hands on Superman's body, their scientists note that the wounds he suffered during his fight with Doomsday have all closed.



* LogicalWeakness:
** Doomsday cannot fly, which gives Superman some small advantage over him in the air.
** Doomsday's SpikesOfVillainy are made out of bone. Superman is able to inflict pain on him by snapping one of his knee spikes.



* In the attack on Engine City, the Man of Steel brags that his armor can easily tank a "bursting shell", but admits a second one might give him trouble.

to:

* ** In the attack on Engine City, the Man of Steel brags that his armor can easily tank a "bursting shell", but admits a second one might give him trouble.



* {{Retcon}}: The 30th Anniversary Special completely changed up John Henry Irons' introduction - in ''Adventures'' #500 and ''Man of Steel'' #23, it's said that Irons was buried in a building under construction before he could even try to get to Superman and didn't get out for some time after, still thinking Doomsday was active. The 30th Anniversary Special instead disregards that and shows Irons active the entire time and getting to Superman as he dies.

to:

* {{Retcon}}: {{Retcon}}:
**
The 30th Anniversary Special completely changed up John Henry Irons' introduction - in ''Adventures'' #500 and ''Man of Steel'' #23, it's said that Irons was buried in a building under construction before he could even try to get to Superman and didn't get out for some time after, still thinking Doomsday was active. The 30th Anniversary Special instead disregards that and shows Irons active the entire time and getting to Superman as he dies.dies.
** Lex Luthor is shocked to find out that Cadmus managed to clone Superman. [[spoiler:It would later be revealed that Luthor was aware enough of the project to ensure his own DNA was part of the clone's genetic makeup.]]


Added DiffLines:

** The damage caused to Doomsday's containment suit varies wildly depending on which comic he features in.


Added DiffLines:

** When the Cyborg locates Doomsday's body, his inner monolgue notes that it still has his blood on it. It would later be revealed that [[spoiler:the Cyborg was only pretending to be Superman all along, making it seem odd that he would make that claim in his own mind]].


Added DiffLines:

* TheUnReveal: Blue Beetle races into a fire to save Bloodwynd, who was knocked into it by Doomsday. When he spots the hero, Blue Beetle realizes why Bloodwynd is acting the way he does and is about to say who he really is until Doomsday grabs him by the neck and beats him within an inch of his life. It wouldn't be until after this storyline that it would be revealed that [[spoiler:he's J'onn J'onnzz ... but that there's also [[TheRealRemingtonSteele a real Bloodwynd]].]]
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Trope was cut/disambiguated due to cleanup


* '''The Man of Steel (ComicBook/{{Steel}}):''' A [[AffirmativeActionLegacy black]] hero wearing a suit of PoweredArmor and [[DropTheHammer swinging a sledgehammer]]. He was the only one to both admit he was NOT Superman from the start ''and'' not actively claim the name for himself. [[MeaningfulName John Henry Irons]] merely wanted to keep the spirit of Superman alive (although there were hints that he may have been literally serving as an anchor for Superman's soul). Featured in ''Superman: The Man of Steel'', naturally.

to:

* '''The Man of Steel (ComicBook/{{Steel}}):''' A [[AffirmativeActionLegacy black]] hero wearing a suit of PoweredArmor and [[DropTheHammer [[CarryABigStick swinging a sledgehammer]]. He was the only one to both admit he was NOT Superman from the start ''and'' not actively claim the name for himself. [[MeaningfulName John Henry Irons]] merely wanted to keep the spirit of Superman alive (although there were hints that he may have been literally serving as an anchor for Superman's soul). Featured in ''Superman: The Man of Steel'', naturally.
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The final episode of ''WesternAnimation/SuperFriends'' (aired in November 1985), was also titled "The Death of Superman", and opened with the funeral ceremony, featuring [[BurialInSpace the coffin being sent into the sun]]. [[DisneyDeath He gets better—]][[OnlyMostlyDead he was only mostly dead.]] An earlier story from ''Challenge of the Superfriends'' also featured Superman (and the rest of the League) being killed by the Legion of Doom using a Noxium crystal (except what really happened was the heroes [[FakingTheDead staging their demises using robot doubles]]).

to:

The final episode of ''WesternAnimation/SuperFriends'' (aired in November 1985), was also titled "The Death of Superman", and opened with the funeral ceremony, featuring [[BurialInSpace the coffin being sent into the sun]]. [[DisneyDeath He gets better—]][[OnlyMostlyDead better--]][[OnlyMostlyDead he was only mostly dead.]] An earlier story from ''Challenge of the Superfriends'' also featured Superman (and the rest of the League) being killed by the Legion of Doom using a Noxium crystal (except what really happened was the heroes [[FakingTheDead staging their demises using robot doubles]]).



Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing off such an iconic figure in pop culture came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death [[https://youtu.be/ovqnWgRNmZ4?feature=shared even managing to make national news]] and inspiring a memorable ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' sketch depicting his funeral.

to:

Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing off such an iconic figure in pop culture came as a shock to many, with Superman’s Superman's death [[https://youtu.be/ovqnWgRNmZ4?feature=shared even managing to make national news]] and inspiring a memorable ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' sketch depicting his funeral.



In 2022, just in time for [[MilestoneCelebration the 30th anniversary]] of this story arc, it was revealed that a SpiritualSuccessor was in the works -- not only was Superman going to die (again) in this arc, but '''all of the [[ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInfiniteFrontier Justice League]]''' would be dying with him, including Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (John Stewart), ComicBook/{{Aquaman}}, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, Green Arrow, ComicBook/BlackCanary, ComicBook/{{Hawkgirl}}, and ComicBook/{{Zatanna}}, along with every member of the Justice League Incarnate team -- with [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Black Adam]] as the SoleSurvivor. ''The Death of the Justice League'' is set TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture of the setting as of ''[[ComicBook/DCInfiniteFrontier Infinite Frontier]]'', with many of the allies of the fallen heroes being pushed into greater positions of power ahead of a massive conflict. The event also serves as a prelude to [[CrisisCrossover the next big crossover story arc]], ''ComicBook/DarkCrisisOnInfiniteEarths''. In contrast to ''The Death of Superman'', the ongoing titles featuring the aforementioned characters actually continued around the same time, showing their exploits prior to their untimely demises. As well, a 30th anniversary one-shot, reuniting the original creators that helmed the iconic storyline, was announced on July 27, featuring four new stories - three focusing on the point of views of the Guardian, John Henry Irons and the Kents and one story featuring a young [[Characters/SupermanJonathanSamuelKent Jonathan Kent]] learning of the events of his dad’s death and facing a new threat called “Doombringer”.

to:

In 2022, just in time for [[MilestoneCelebration the 30th anniversary]] of this story arc, it was revealed that a SpiritualSuccessor was in the works -- not only was Superman going to die (again) in this arc, but '''all of the [[ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInfiniteFrontier Justice League]]''' would be dying with him, including Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (John Stewart), ComicBook/{{Aquaman}}, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, Green Arrow, ComicBook/BlackCanary, ComicBook/{{Hawkgirl}}, and ComicBook/{{Zatanna}}, along with every member of the Justice League Incarnate team -- with [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Black Adam]] as the SoleSurvivor. ''The Death of the Justice League'' is set TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture of the setting as of ''[[ComicBook/DCInfiniteFrontier Infinite Frontier]]'', with many of the allies of the fallen heroes being pushed into greater positions of power ahead of a massive conflict. The event also serves as a prelude to [[CrisisCrossover the next big crossover story arc]], ''ComicBook/DarkCrisisOnInfiniteEarths''. In contrast to ''The Death of Superman'', the ongoing titles featuring the aforementioned characters actually continued around the same time, showing their exploits prior to their untimely demises. As well, a 30th anniversary one-shot, reuniting the original creators that helmed the iconic storyline, was announced on July 27, featuring four new stories - three focusing on the point of views of the Guardian, John Henry Irons and the Kents and one story featuring a young [[Characters/SupermanJonathanSamuelKent Jonathan Kent]] learning of the events of his dad’s dad's death and facing a new threat called “Doombringer”.
"Doombringer".



-->'''Superman:''' Don’t let the costume fool you. I’m Superman - and I’m ''back''.

to:

-->'''Superman:''' Don’t Don't let the costume fool you. I’m I'm Superman - and I’m I'm ''back''.



* ImposterForgotOneDetail: This is what pings Lois into realizing the Cyborg Superman ''isn't'' the real Superman - he casually mentions to Superboy that he wished he had better control of his powers when he was his age. Lois remembers that Superman didn't get his powers until he was an adult(a bit of a MythologyGag to a Post-Crisis {{Retcon}}).

to:

* ImposterForgotOneDetail: This is what pings Lois into realizing the Cyborg Superman ''isn't'' the real Superman - he casually mentions to Superboy that he wished he had better control of his powers when he was his age. Lois remembers that Superman didn't get his powers until he was an adult(a adult (a bit of a MythologyGag to a Post-Crisis {{Retcon}}).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
If the Super Friends "Death of Superman" episode clarifies Supes wasn't really killed off, then the proper context of the Challenge of the Superfriends episode where everyone died should also be given.


The final episode of ''WesternAnimation/SuperFriends'' (aired in November 1985), was also titled "The Death of Superman", and opened with the funeral ceremony, featuring [[BurialInSpace the coffin being sent into the sun]]. [[DisneyDeath He gets better—]][[OnlyMostlyDead he was only mostly dead.]] An earlier story from ''Challenge of the Superfriends'' also featured Superman (and the rest of the League) being killed.

to:

The final episode of ''WesternAnimation/SuperFriends'' (aired in November 1985), was also titled "The Death of Superman", and opened with the funeral ceremony, featuring [[BurialInSpace the coffin being sent into the sun]]. [[DisneyDeath He gets better—]][[OnlyMostlyDead he was only mostly dead.]] An earlier story from ''Challenge of the Superfriends'' also featured Superman (and the rest of the League) being killed.
killed by the Legion of Doom using a Noxium crystal (except what really happened was the heroes [[FakingTheDead staging their demises using robot doubles]]).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


A video game adaptation was made by Creator/BlizzardEntertainment and Creator/{{Sunsoft}} for the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem in 1994, and for the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis in 1995. An animated movie based on the storyline titled ''WesternAnimation/SupermanDoomsday'' came out in 2007 and started off the WesternAnimation/DCUniverseAnimatedOriginalMovies line. However, ''Doomsday'' took many liberties with the original arc to [[AdaptationDistillation condense it]] into one movie. The line later revisited the story with a relatively TruerToTheText adaptation, split into [[MovieMultipack two parts]], named ''WesternAnimation/TheDeathOfSuperman'' and ''WesternAnimation/ReignOfTheSupermen'', in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

to:

A video game adaptation was made by Creator/BlizzardEntertainment and Creator/{{Sunsoft}} for the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem Platform/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem in 1994, and for the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis Platform/SegaGenesis in 1995. An animated movie based on the storyline titled ''WesternAnimation/SupermanDoomsday'' came out in 2007 and started off the WesternAnimation/DCUniverseAnimatedOriginalMovies line. However, ''Doomsday'' took many liberties with the original arc to [[AdaptationDistillation condense it]] into one movie. The line later revisited the story with a relatively TruerToTheText adaptation, split into [[MovieMultipack two parts]], named ''WesternAnimation/TheDeathOfSuperman'' and ''WesternAnimation/ReignOfTheSupermen'', in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
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None


* ItOnlyWorksOnce: During one of the epilogue issues, Dr. Occult drops in for a visit and gives Superman and Lois the low down on how he came back to life through mystic technobabble which boils down to the fact that he can only do this once. The graphic novel doesn't mention this, ''WesternAnimation/SupermanDoomsday'' does the "suspended animation" bit and the novel does a plausible technobabble explanation about how all Superman needed was just a good few hours in the sun to snap him back alive. (But since the world thought he was dead, they kept him in a morgue and then buried him. Oops.)

to:

* ItOnlyWorksOnce: During one of the epilogue issues, Dr. Occult drops in for a visit and gives Superman and Lois the low down on how he came back to life through mystic technobabble which boils down to the fact that he can only do this once. The graphic novel doesn't mention this, briefly features the Eradicator and Superman discussing the circumstances of his resurrection during their meeting in the former Coast City, where the Eradicator affirms that this method of restoring Superman to life almost certainly won't work a second time. By contrast, ''WesternAnimation/SupermanDoomsday'' does the "suspended animation" bit bit, and the novel does a plausible technobabble explanation about how all Superman needed was just a good few hours in the sun to snap him back alive.to life, using the analogy of drowning victims in cold water reviving if they're allowed to warm up at a suitably gradual rate. (But since the world thought he was dead, they kept him in a morgue and then buried him. Oops.)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


It was eventually revealed that the real Superman was... None of them. Kal-El's corpse was turned into a HumanPopsicle to be used as a LivingBattery by The Last Son of Krypton (who turned out to actually ''be'' The Eradicator). The Cyborg Superman was actually Hank Henshaw, an AntiVillain from a previous story, now [[NotSoHarmlessVillain a bona fide threat]] (with Mongul as his [[TheDragon Dragon]]) whom the others had to team up to stop. Superman was soon BackFromTheDead afterwards, and (infamously) came back with a mullet, which lasted four years. The Superman [[LegacyHero legacy carriers]] stuck around for other stories, with two of them (ComicBook/{{Superboy|1994}} and ComicBook/{{Steel}}) even getting their own series. Steel would also appear in ''WesternAnimation/SupermanTheAnimatedSeries'' and ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'' and even gained enough notoriety to get [[Film/{{Steel}} his own movie]], a
while Superboy became a main character in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice2010''. The ''Reign'' also debuted Kismet, who was the living embodiment of the DC Universe, similar to Eternity from Marvel Comics.

to:

It was eventually revealed that the real Superman was... None of them. Kal-El's corpse was turned into a HumanPopsicle to be used as a LivingBattery by The Last Son of Krypton (who turned out to actually ''be'' The Eradicator). The Cyborg Superman was actually Hank Henshaw, an AntiVillain from a previous story, now [[NotSoHarmlessVillain a bona fide threat]] (with Mongul as his [[TheDragon Dragon]]) whom the others had to team up to stop. Superman was soon BackFromTheDead afterwards, and (infamously) came back with a mullet, which lasted four years. The Superman [[LegacyHero legacy carriers]] stuck around for other stories, with two of them (ComicBook/{{Superboy|1994}} and ComicBook/{{Steel}}) even getting their own series. Steel would also appear in ''WesternAnimation/SupermanTheAnimatedSeries'' and ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'' and even gained enough notoriety to get [[Film/{{Steel}} his own movie]], a
while Superboy became a main character in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice2010''. The ''Reign'' also debuted Kismet, who was the living embodiment of the DC Universe, similar to Eternity from Marvel Comics.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


In the first part, a monster named [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Doomsday]] comes out of nowhere and thrashes both Superman AND the ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInternational. When it attacks Metropolis, Superman must [[IAmNotLeftHanded unleash all of his hidden power]] to stop it, killing Doomsday but also getting mortally wounded in the process. He dies in ComicBook/LoisLane's arms, and his ragged cape ended up hung on a pole as a sort of tragic flag in what's possibly the most effective visual ever seen in comic book history.

to:

In the first part, a monster named [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Doomsday]] comes out of nowhere and thrashes both Superman AND the ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInternational. When it This culminates in ''Superman'' vol. 2 #75, when the monster attacks Metropolis, and Superman must is forced to [[IAmNotLeftHanded unleash all of his hidden power]] to stop it, killing Doomsday but also getting mortally wounded in the process. He dies in ComicBook/LoisLane's arms, and his ragged cape ended up hung on a pole as a sort of tragic flag in what's possibly the most effective visual ever seen in comic book history.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


A video game adapatation was made by Creator/BlizzardEntertainment and Creator/{{Sunsoft}} for the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem in 1994, and for the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis in 1995. An animated movie based on the storyline titled ''WesternAnimation/SupermanDoomsday'' came out in 2007 and started off the WesternAnimation/DCUniverseAnimatedOriginalMovies line. However, ''Doomsday'' took many liberties with the original arc to [[AdaptationDistillation condense it]] into one movie. The line later revisited the story with a relatively TruerToTheText adaptation, split into [[MovieMultipack two parts]], named ''WesternAnimation/TheDeathOfSuperman'' and ''WesternAnimation/ReignOfTheSupermen'', in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

to:

A video game adapatation adaptation was made by Creator/BlizzardEntertainment and Creator/{{Sunsoft}} for the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem in 1994, and for the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis in 1995. An animated movie based on the storyline titled ''WesternAnimation/SupermanDoomsday'' came out in 2007 and started off the WesternAnimation/DCUniverseAnimatedOriginalMovies line. However, ''Doomsday'' took many liberties with the original arc to [[AdaptationDistillation condense it]] into one movie. The line later revisited the story with a relatively TruerToTheText adaptation, split into [[MovieMultipack two parts]], named ''WesternAnimation/TheDeathOfSuperman'' and ''WesternAnimation/ReignOfTheSupermen'', in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


It was eventually revealed that the real Superman was... None of them. Kal-El's corpse was turned into a HumanPopsicle to be used as a LivingBattery by The Last Son of Krypton (who turned out to actually ''be'' The Eradicator). The Cyborg Superman was actually Hank Henshaw, an AntiVillain from a previous story, now [[NotSoHarmlessVillain a bona fide threat]] (with Mongul as his [[TheDragon Dragon]]) whom the others had to team up to stop. Superman was soon BackFromTheDead afterwards, and (infamously) came back with a mullet, which lasted four years. The Superman [[LegacyHero legacy carriers]] stuck around for other stories, with two of them (ComicBook/{{Superboy|1994}} and ComicBook/{{Steel}}) even getting their own series. Steel would also appear in ''WesternAnimation/SupermanTheAnimatedSeries'' and ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'', and Superboy is a main character in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice2010''. The ''Reign'' also debuted Kismet, who was the living embodiment of the DC Universe, similar to Eternity from Marvel Comics.

to:

It was eventually revealed that the real Superman was... None of them. Kal-El's corpse was turned into a HumanPopsicle to be used as a LivingBattery by The Last Son of Krypton (who turned out to actually ''be'' The Eradicator). The Cyborg Superman was actually Hank Henshaw, an AntiVillain from a previous story, now [[NotSoHarmlessVillain a bona fide threat]] (with Mongul as his [[TheDragon Dragon]]) whom the others had to team up to stop. Superman was soon BackFromTheDead afterwards, and (infamously) came back with a mullet, which lasted four years. The Superman [[LegacyHero legacy carriers]] stuck around for other stories, with two of them (ComicBook/{{Superboy|1994}} and ComicBook/{{Steel}}) even getting their own series. Steel would also appear in ''WesternAnimation/SupermanTheAnimatedSeries'' and ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'', Unlimited]]'' and even gained enough notoriety to get [[Film/{{Steel}} his own movie]], a
while
Superboy is became a main character in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice2010''. The ''Reign'' also debuted Kismet, who was the living embodiment of the DC Universe, similar to Eternity from Marvel Comics.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing off such an iconic figure in pop culture came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death [[https://youtu.be/ovqnWgRNmZ4?feature=shared even managing to make national news]] and inspiring a memorable ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' sketch.

to:

Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing off such an iconic figure in pop culture came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death [[https://youtu.be/ovqnWgRNmZ4?feature=shared even managing to make national news]] and inspiring a memorable ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' sketch.
sketch depicting his funeral.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing off such an iconic figure in pop culture came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death even managing to make national news.

to:

Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing off such an iconic figure in pop culture came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death [[https://youtu.be/ovqnWgRNmZ4?feature=shared even managing to make national news.
news]] and inspiring a memorable ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' sketch.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Updating Links


For some reason, killing off Franchise/{{Superman}} is a popular idea. It may be because, being the [[TheCape Ultimate Hero]], it is [[DyingMomentOfAwesome awesome]] to see him make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice]]. Maybe it's because he's normally [[InvincibleHero invulnerable to nearly everything]] and so his death comes as a shock. Maybe it's a [[MessianicArchetype Christ]] [[FauxSymbolism allegory]]. Or maybe it's because some people can't stand the character and want to see him offed [[StatusQuoIsGod even if only for a short while]]. Whatever the case, this has been done several times in various media over the decades.

to:

For some reason, killing off Franchise/{{Superman}} ComicBook/{{Superman}} is a popular idea. It may be because, being the [[TheCape Ultimate Hero]], it is [[DyingMomentOfAwesome awesome]] to see him make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice]]. Maybe it's because he's normally [[InvincibleHero invulnerable to nearly everything]] and so his death comes as a shock. Maybe it's a [[MessianicArchetype Christ]] [[FauxSymbolism allegory]]. Or maybe it's because some people can't stand the character and want to see him offed [[StatusQuoIsGod even if only for a short while]]. Whatever the case, this has been done several times in various media over the decades.



A rapid series of FollowTheLeader events followed this: Superman hadn't even gotten back to life when ComicBook/{{Batman}} got his back broken in ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}''[[note]]Though DC constantly insisted that ''Knightfall'' was being planned ''long'' before [=TDoS=][[/note]]; ComicBook/WonderWoman got replaced by AntiHeroSubstitute Artemis in ''ComicBook/TheContest''[[note]]a story closely mirroring a Bronze Age story where she loses to a completely different red-headed Amazon[[/note]]; Oliver Queen was killed off and succeeded as ComicBook/GreenArrow by his son Connor Hawke; perhaps most infamously, Hal Jordan [[ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight went insane]] and [[FaceHeelTurn became a villain]], adopting the new name Parallax[[note]]afterwards becoming the main villain of ''ComicBook/ZeroHourCrisisInTime'', then [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificing himself]] in ''ComicBook/FinalNight''[[/note]], and was replaced by the YoungerAndHipper Kyle Rayner. Meanwhile, over at Marvel, the Franchise/SpiderMan moniker went back and forth between Peter Parker and his clone Ben Reilly during ''ComicBook/TheCloneSaga''.

to:

A rapid series of FollowTheLeader events followed this: Superman hadn't even gotten back to life when ComicBook/{{Batman}} got his back broken in ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}''[[note]]Though DC constantly insisted that ''Knightfall'' was being planned ''long'' before [=TDoS=][[/note]]; ComicBook/WonderWoman got replaced by AntiHeroSubstitute Artemis in ''ComicBook/TheContest''[[note]]a story closely mirroring a Bronze Age story where she loses to a completely different red-headed Amazon[[/note]]; Oliver Queen was killed off and succeeded as ComicBook/GreenArrow by his son Connor Hawke; perhaps most infamously, Hal Jordan [[ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight went insane]] and [[FaceHeelTurn became a villain]], adopting the new name Parallax[[note]]afterwards becoming the main villain of ''ComicBook/ZeroHourCrisisInTime'', then [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificing himself]] in ''ComicBook/FinalNight''[[/note]], and was replaced by the YoungerAndHipper Kyle Rayner. Meanwhile, over at Marvel, the Franchise/SpiderMan ComicBook/SpiderMan moniker went back and forth between Peter Parker and his clone Ben Reilly during ''ComicBook/TheCloneSaga''.



The storyline had the most lasting impact, surprisingly, on the Franchise/GreenLantern. Henshaw and Mongul worked to prepare Earth to be converted into a Warworld (basically like a Death Star). And to start it off he annihilated [[Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan's]] home town of Coast City, building [[EternalEngine Engine City]] in its ruins[[note]]planning to later do the same to Metropolis[[/note]], while Jordan was in space. Jordan actually returned to Earth while the Supermen were fighting in Engine City, and understandably was not happy. This ultimately led to the aforementioned ''ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight'' storyline, where he destroyed the Green Lantern Corps and the Guardians, becoming Parallax.

to:

The storyline had the most lasting impact, surprisingly, on the Franchise/GreenLantern.ComicBook/GreenLantern. Henshaw and Mongul worked to prepare Earth to be converted into a Warworld (basically like a Death Star). And to start it off he annihilated [[Franchise/GreenLantern [[ComicBook/GreenLantern Hal Jordan's]] home town of Coast City, building [[EternalEngine Engine City]] in its ruins[[note]]planning to later do the same to Metropolis[[/note]], while Jordan was in space. Jordan actually returned to Earth while the Supermen were fighting in Engine City, and understandably was not happy. This ultimately led to the aforementioned ''ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight'' storyline, where he destroyed the Green Lantern Corps and the Guardians, becoming Parallax.



** [[RoguesGalleryTransplant Though nowadays he's one of]] Franchise/GreenLantern [[RoguesGalleryTransplant Hal Jordan's greatest foes]], admittedly, equally unlikely.

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** [[RoguesGalleryTransplant Though nowadays he's one of]] Franchise/GreenLantern ComicBook/GreenLantern [[RoguesGalleryTransplant Hal Jordan's greatest foes]], admittedly, equally unlikely.



** Doomsday may be really tough, but he also presented absolutely no threat if he couldn't get within arm's reach of anything. Despite the Franchise/{{Justice League|of America}} having multiple telekinetics at the time, nobody thought of simply picking him up. Granted it probably wouldn't have worked since Doomsday was made unstoppable but points for trying. When Ice has to solo Doomsday, she explicitly states her intention to fight smart and keep her distance. Next we see her, her unconscious body is being hurled by Doomsday through Mitch Anderson's living room, so that obviously didn't work, but we're still not shown exactly why.

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** Doomsday may be really tough, but he also presented absolutely no threat if he couldn't get within arm's reach of anything. Despite the Franchise/{{Justice ComicBook/{{Justice League|of America}} having multiple telekinetics at the time, nobody thought of simply picking him up. Granted it probably wouldn't have worked since Doomsday was made unstoppable but points for trying. When Ice has to solo Doomsday, she explicitly states her intention to fight smart and keep her distance. Next we see her, her unconscious body is being hurled by Doomsday through Mitch Anderson's living room, so that obviously didn't work, but we're still not shown exactly why.



* RedSkiesCrossover: The arc affected everyone on The Franchise/DCUniverse's Earth, seeing as how their BigGood had just been killed. It got a nod in the lead-up to the Franchise/{{Batman}} arc ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}'', where Bats wears a black armband similar to TheMerch.

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* RedSkiesCrossover: The arc affected everyone on The Franchise/DCUniverse's Earth, seeing as how their BigGood had just been killed. It got a nod in the lead-up to the Franchise/{{Batman}} ComicBook/{{Batman}} arc ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}'', where Bats wears a black armband similar to TheMerch.



* RoguesGalleryTransplant: The BigBad and TheDragon (or more precisely, [[LegacyCharacter The Dragon's Son]]) of ''Reign of the Superman'' would eventually become ''Franchise/GreenLantern'' villains due to the fact that they destroyed the hometown of Green Lantern Hal Jordan. (It actually took a while, since the destruction of Coast City caused Hal's FaceHeelTurn and replacement by Kyle Rayner).

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* RoguesGalleryTransplant: The BigBad and TheDragon (or more precisely, [[LegacyCharacter The Dragon's Son]]) of ''Reign of the Superman'' would eventually become ''Franchise/GreenLantern'' ''ComicBook/GreenLantern'' villains due to the fact that they destroyed the hometown of Green Lantern Hal Jordan. (It actually took a while, since the destruction of Coast City caused Hal's FaceHeelTurn and replacement by Kyle Rayner).
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Per TRS


* '''The Metropolis Kid (ComicBook/{{Superboy|1994}}):''' A reckless, fame-seeking teenage (assumed) {{clon|ingBlues}}e created by a secret government project. He cheerfully admits to being a clone, and plans to become [[LegacyCharacter Superman's successor]]. [[BerserkButton Don't ever call him]] ComicBook/{{Superboy}}. Featured in ''Adventures of Superman''.

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* '''The Metropolis Kid (ComicBook/{{Superboy|1994}}):''' A reckless, fame-seeking teenage (assumed) {{clon|ingBlues}}e clone created by a secret government project. He cheerfully admits to being a clone, and plans to become [[LegacyCharacter Superman's successor]]. [[BerserkButton Don't ever call him]] ComicBook/{{Superboy}}. Featured in ''Adventures of Superman''.
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Updating Link


In 2022, just in time for [[MilestoneCelebration the 30th anniversary]] of this story arc, it was revealed that a SpiritualSuccessor was in the works -- not only was Superman going to die (again) in this arc, but '''all of the [[ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInfiniteFrontier Justice League]]''' would be dying with him, including Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (John Stewart), ComicBook/{{Aquaman}}, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, Green Arrow, ComicBook/BlackCanary, ComicBook/{{Hawkgirl}}, and ComicBook/{{Zatanna}}, along with every member of the Justice League Incarnate team -- with [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Black Adam]] as the SoleSurvivor. ''The Death of the Justice League'' is set TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture of the setting as of ''[[ComicBook/DCInfiniteFrontier Infinite Frontier]]'', with many of the allies of the fallen heroes being pushed into greater positions of power ahead of a massive conflict. The event also serves as a prelude to [[CrisisCrossover the next big crossover story arc]], ''ComicBook/DarkCrisisOnInfiniteEarths''. In contrast to ''The Death of Superman'', the ongoing titles featuring the aforementioned characters actually continued around the same time, showing their exploits prior to their untimely demises. As well, a 30th anniversary one-shot, reuniting the original creators that helmed the iconic storyline, was announced on July 27, featuring four new stories - three focusing on the point of views of the Guardian, John Henry Irons and the Kents and one story featuring a young ComicBook/JonathanSamuelKent learning of the events of his dad’s death and facing a new threat called “Doombringer”.

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In 2022, just in time for [[MilestoneCelebration the 30th anniversary]] of this story arc, it was revealed that a SpiritualSuccessor was in the works -- not only was Superman going to die (again) in this arc, but '''all of the [[ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInfiniteFrontier Justice League]]''' would be dying with him, including Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (John Stewart), ComicBook/{{Aquaman}}, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, Green Arrow, ComicBook/BlackCanary, ComicBook/{{Hawkgirl}}, and ComicBook/{{Zatanna}}, along with every member of the Justice League Incarnate team -- with [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Black Adam]] as the SoleSurvivor. ''The Death of the Justice League'' is set TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture of the setting as of ''[[ComicBook/DCInfiniteFrontier Infinite Frontier]]'', with many of the allies of the fallen heroes being pushed into greater positions of power ahead of a massive conflict. The event also serves as a prelude to [[CrisisCrossover the next big crossover story arc]], ''ComicBook/DarkCrisisOnInfiniteEarths''. In contrast to ''The Death of Superman'', the ongoing titles featuring the aforementioned characters actually continued around the same time, showing their exploits prior to their untimely demises. As well, a 30th anniversary one-shot, reuniting the original creators that helmed the iconic storyline, was announced on July 27, featuring four new stories - three focusing on the point of views of the Guardian, John Henry Irons and the Kents and one story featuring a young ComicBook/JonathanSamuelKent [[Characters/SupermanJonathanSamuelKent Jonathan Kent]] learning of the events of his dad’s death and facing a new threat called “Doombringer”.
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* NinetiesAntiHero: Both Cyborg Superman and the Eradicator are pastiches of this 90's trend. [[spoiler:Only the Eradicator plays this straight. Cyborg Superman (aka Hank Henshaw) is a villain. Superman himself plays with it a bit after coming back, wearing a black suit, mullet, and carrying guns in the battle at Engine City as he still doesn't have his powers back]]

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* NinetiesAntiHero: Both Cyborg Superman and the Eradicator are pastiches of this 90's trend. [[spoiler:Only the Eradicator plays this straight. Cyborg Superman (aka Hank Henshaw) is a villain. Superman himself plays with it a bit after coming back, wearing a black suit, mullet, and carrying guns in the battle at Engine City as he still doesn't have his powers back]]back, but his personality is still firmly in "Big Blue Boyscout."]]
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* ThereIsAGod: Luthor quips that he may believe in a benevolent God after all in light of Superman's death and Project Cadmus' seeming failure to harvest Superman's genetic code to create a clone.
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The storyline had the most lasting impact, surprisingly, on the Franchise/GreenLantern. Henshaw and Mongul worked to prepare Earth to be converted into a Warworld (basically like a Death Star). And to start it off he annihilated [[Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan's]] home town of Coast City, building [[EternalEngine Engine City]] in its ruins[[note]]planning to later do the same to Metropolis[[/note]], while Jordan was in space. Jordan actually returned to Earth while the Supermen were fighting in Engine City, and understandably was not happy. This ultimately led to the ''ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight'' storyline, where he destroyed the Green Lantern Corps and the Guardians, becoming Parallax.

to:

The storyline had the most lasting impact, surprisingly, on the Franchise/GreenLantern. Henshaw and Mongul worked to prepare Earth to be converted into a Warworld (basically like a Death Star). And to start it off he annihilated [[Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan's]] home town of Coast City, building [[EternalEngine Engine City]] in its ruins[[note]]planning to later do the same to Metropolis[[/note]], while Jordan was in space. Jordan actually returned to Earth while the Supermen were fighting in Engine City, and understandably was not happy. This ultimately led to the aforementioned ''ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight'' storyline, where he destroyed the Green Lantern Corps and the Guardians, becoming Parallax.
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None


Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing of such an iconic figure in pop culture came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death even managing to make national news.

to:

Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing of off such an iconic figure in pop culture came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death even managing to make national news.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
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A rapid series of FollowTheLeader events followed this: Superman hadn't even gotten back to life when ComicBook/{{Batman}} got his back broken in ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}''[[note]]Though DC constantly insisted that ''Knightfall'' was being planned ''long'' before [=TDoS=][[/note]]; ComicBook/WonderWoman got replaced by AntiHeroSubstitute Artemis in ''ComicBook/TheContest''[[note]]a story closely mirroring a Bronze Age story where she loses to a completely different red-headed Amazon[[/note]]; Oliver Queen was killed off and succeeded as ComicBook/GreenArrow by his son Connor Hawke; perhaps most infamously, Hal Jordan went insane and [[FaceHeelTurn became a villain]], adopting the new name Parallax[[note]]afterwards becoming the main villain of ''ComicBook/ZeroHourCrisisInTime'', then [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificing himself]] in ''ComicBook/FinalNight''[[/note]], and was replaced by the YoungerAndHipper Kyle Rayner. Meanwhile, over at Marvel, the Franchise/SpiderMan moniker went back and forth between Peter Parker and his clone Ben Reilly during ''ComicBook/TheCloneSaga''.

to:

A rapid series of FollowTheLeader events followed this: Superman hadn't even gotten back to life when ComicBook/{{Batman}} got his back broken in ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}''[[note]]Though DC constantly insisted that ''Knightfall'' was being planned ''long'' before [=TDoS=][[/note]]; ComicBook/WonderWoman got replaced by AntiHeroSubstitute Artemis in ''ComicBook/TheContest''[[note]]a story closely mirroring a Bronze Age story where she loses to a completely different red-headed Amazon[[/note]]; Oliver Queen was killed off and succeeded as ComicBook/GreenArrow by his son Connor Hawke; perhaps most infamously, Hal Jordan [[ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight went insane insane]] and [[FaceHeelTurn became a villain]], adopting the new name Parallax[[note]]afterwards becoming the main villain of ''ComicBook/ZeroHourCrisisInTime'', then [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificing himself]] in ''ComicBook/FinalNight''[[/note]], and was replaced by the YoungerAndHipper Kyle Rayner. Meanwhile, over at Marvel, the Franchise/SpiderMan moniker went back and forth between Peter Parker and his clone Ben Reilly during ''ComicBook/TheCloneSaga''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Hal did not massacre the Corps.


The storyline had the most lasting impact, surprisingly, on the Franchise/GreenLantern. Henshaw and Mongul worked to prepare Earth to be converted into a Warworld (basically like a Death Star). And to start it off he annihilated [[Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan's]] home town of Coast City, building [[EternalEngine Engine City]] in its ruins[[note]]planning to later do the same to Metropolis[[/note]], while Jordan was in space. Jordan actually returned to Earth while the Supermen were fighting in Engine City, and understandably was not happy. This ultimately led to the ''ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight'' storyline, where he massacred the Green Lantern Corps and the Guardians, becoming Parallax.

to:

The storyline had the most lasting impact, surprisingly, on the Franchise/GreenLantern. Henshaw and Mongul worked to prepare Earth to be converted into a Warworld (basically like a Death Star). And to start it off he annihilated [[Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan's]] home town of Coast City, building [[EternalEngine Engine City]] in its ruins[[note]]planning to later do the same to Metropolis[[/note]], while Jordan was in space. Jordan actually returned to Earth while the Supermen were fighting in Engine City, and understandably was not happy. This ultimately led to the ''ComicBook/EmeraldTwilight'' storyline, where he massacred destroyed the Green Lantern Corps and the Guardians, becoming Parallax.



* BloodlessCarnage: {{Averted}}. The ''Death'' portion is pretty brutal, from the first squished bird to the final blow.

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* BloodlessCarnage: {{Averted}}.{{Averted|Trope}}. The ''Death'' portion is pretty brutal, from the first squished bird to the final blow.



** During the last few chapters of ''Reign'' most of Steel's armor is completely destroyed. Much of it is demolished except for around his legs, his gloves, and his helmet after he damages one of [[spoiler:the Cyborg-Superman's]] fusion reactors in ''Superman: The Man of Steel'' #26, and his helmet and gloves are destroyed by Superboy in ''Superman'' #82 after [[spoiler:the Cyborg]] takes control of his remaining armor. So naturally, in ''Adventures of Superman'' #505 when we next see him mere moments after the last comic, his armor is now in one piece again and only missing the cape. This one was given a {{Handwave}}, with the response in a letters column stating that Supergirl merely telekinetically pulled a new set of armor together for Steel behind the scenes, much like how she transformed Superman's tattered outfit into a new version of his red and blue uniform.

to:

** During the last few chapters of ''Reign'' most of Steel's armor is completely destroyed. Much of it is demolished except for around his legs, his gloves, and his helmet after he damages one of [[spoiler:the Cyborg-Superman's]] fusion reactors in ''Superman: The Man of Steel'' #26, and his helmet and gloves are destroyed by Superboy in ''Superman'' #82 after [[spoiler:the Cyborg]] takes control of his remaining armor. So naturally, in ''Adventures of Superman'' #505 when we next see him mere moments after the last comic, his armor is now in one piece again and only missing the cape. This one was given a {{Handwave}}, HandWave, with the response in a letters column stating that Supergirl merely telekinetically pulled a new set of armor together for Steel behind the scenes, much like how she transformed Superman's tattered outfit into a new version of his red and blue uniform.
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The first occasions were as "imaginary stories" (that is, set outside of the official {{continuity}}) published during UsefulNotes/{{the Silver Age of comic|books}}s. Notably, the first "[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman1961 Death of Superman]]" [[http://www.cbr.com/silver-age-september-the-first-death-of-superman/ story]] (''Superman #149'') was written by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] in 1961. Originally an imaginary story, ''Absolute Crisis on Infinite Earths'' revealed that this story is in fact an alternate real universe: Earth-149.

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The first occasions were as "imaginary stories" (that is, set outside of the official {{continuity}}) published during UsefulNotes/{{the Silver Age of comic|books}}s. Notably, the first "[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman1961 Death of Superman]]" [[http://www.cbr.com/silver-age-september-the-first-death-of-superman/ story]] (''Superman #149'') was written by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] Creator/{{Jerry Siegel|AndJoeShuster}} in 1961. Originally an imaginary story, ''Absolute Crisis on Infinite Earths'' revealed that this story is in fact an alternate real universe: Earth-149.



It was eventually revealed that the real Superman was... None of them. Kal-El's corpse was turned into a HumanPopsicle to be used as a LivingBattery by The Last Son of Krypton (who turned out to actually ''be'' The Eradicator). The Cyborg Superman was actually Hank Henshaw, an AntiVillain from a previous story, now [[NotSoHarmlessVillain a bona fide threat]] (with Mongul as his [[TheDragon Dragon]]) whom the others had to team up to stop. Superman was soon BackFromTheDead afterwards, and (infamously) came back with a mullet, which lasted four years. The Superman [[LegacyHero legacy carriers]] stuck around for other stories, with two of them (ComicBook/{{Superboy|1994}} and ComicBook/{{Steel}}) even getting their own series. Steel would also appear in ''WesternAnimation/SupermanTheAnimatedSeries'' and ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'', and Superboy is a main character in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice''. The ''Reign'' also debuted Kismet, who was the living embodiment of the DC Universe, similar to Eternity from Marvel Comics.

to:

It was eventually revealed that the real Superman was... None of them. Kal-El's corpse was turned into a HumanPopsicle to be used as a LivingBattery by The Last Son of Krypton (who turned out to actually ''be'' The Eradicator). The Cyborg Superman was actually Hank Henshaw, an AntiVillain from a previous story, now [[NotSoHarmlessVillain a bona fide threat]] (with Mongul as his [[TheDragon Dragon]]) whom the others had to team up to stop. Superman was soon BackFromTheDead afterwards, and (infamously) came back with a mullet, which lasted four years. The Superman [[LegacyHero legacy carriers]] stuck around for other stories, with two of them (ComicBook/{{Superboy|1994}} and ComicBook/{{Steel}}) even getting their own series. Steel would also appear in ''WesternAnimation/SupermanTheAnimatedSeries'' and ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'', and Superboy is a main character in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice''.''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice2010''. The ''Reign'' also debuted Kismet, who was the living embodiment of the DC Universe, similar to Eternity from Marvel Comics.



Later stories brought back Doomsday as well, who was revealed to have been created as an experiment on Krypton and buried on Earth long ago. Doomsday is now considered to be one of Superman's staple [[RoguesGallery rogues]] due to killing him, and as such has appeared both in the DC canon and in many adaptations afterwards. However, he hasn't been quite as menacing since then, probably because he no longer has a story-backed reason to be, as well as the fact that since when he dies, he comes back evolved to be resistant to what killed him that time, it makes it tough for the writers to use him without major VillainDecay.

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Later stories brought back Doomsday as well, who was revealed to have been created as an experiment on Krypton and buried on Earth long ago. Doomsday is now considered to be one of Superman's staple [[RoguesGallery rogues]] {{rogues|Gallery}} due to killing him, and as such has appeared both in the DC canon and in many adaptations afterwards. However, he hasn't been quite as menacing since then, probably because he no longer has a story-backed reason to be, as well as the fact that since when he dies, he comes back evolved to be resistant to what killed him that time, it makes it tough for the writers to use him without major VillainDecay.



* DarkerAndEdgier: [[DeconstructedTrope Deconstructed.]] Arguably the whole point of the event (at least the "Reign of the Supermen" arc) was proving that "darker and edgier Superman" ''is not Superman''.

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* DarkerAndEdgier: [[DeconstructedTrope Deconstructed.]] {{Deconstructed|Trope}}. Arguably the whole point of the event (at least the "Reign of the Supermen" arc) was proving that "darker and edgier Superman" ''is not Superman''.

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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: [[spoiler:How the Cyborg Superman is defeated: in a last-ditch effort to kill Superman again, the Cyborg grabs a fuel line and attempts to douse Superman in Kryptonite. The Eradicator, living up to his programming to protect Kryptonian life, throws himself in front of the shot and his energies re-power Superman, allowing him to finish off the Cyborg Superman.]]

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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: HisNameIs: Downplayed. A gang member is able to give Steel the name of who is selling the Toastmasters, White Rabbit, but she blasts him in the head before he gives out anything else.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard:
**
[[spoiler:How the Cyborg Superman is defeated: in a last-ditch effort to kill Superman again, the Cyborg grabs a fuel line and attempts to douse Superman in Kryptonite. The Eradicator, living up to his programming to protect Kryptonian life, throws himself in front of the shot and his energies re-power Superman, allowing him to finish off the Cyborg Superman.]]]]
** Earlier in the "Reign of the Supermen" storyline, White Rabbit lures Steel into an old factory with the intent on killing him using its reactivated machinery. However, Steel, even with his damaged armor, is able to overpower the machinery and send the ceiling collapsing on her. If that didn't kill her, then the bomb she intended on finishing him off certainly did.

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* ChekhovsGun: Cyborg Superman places a sensor on Doomsday's body to alert him if the beast ever came back to life. [[spoiler:He also placed a portion of his digital existence in it, so when his body is destroyed at the end of ''Reign of the Supermen'', the Cyborg gets to hitch a ride on Doomsday and build himself a new body, which he does in the [=Superman/Doomsday=] mini-series ''[[ComicBook/SupermanDoomsdayHunterPrey [=Hunter/Prey=]]]''.]]

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* ChekhovsGun: ChekhovsGun:
**
Cyborg Superman places a sensor on Doomsday's body to alert him if the beast ever came back to life. [[spoiler:He also placed a portion of his digital existence in it, so when his body is destroyed at the end of ''Reign of the Supermen'', the Cyborg gets to hitch a ride on Doomsday and build himself a new body, which he does in the [=Superman/Doomsday=] mini-series ''[[ComicBook/SupermanDoomsdayHunterPrey [=Hunter/Prey=]]]''.]]]]
** In Superman's LastStand with Doomsday, he's able to bring his foot down and snap off Doomsday's left knee bone spur, causing him harm. In the 30th Anniversary Special, this is what creates Doombringer as a construction worker took the bone spur as a souvenir, unwittingly causing him to transform.


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* {{Retcon}}: The 30th Anniversary Special completely changed up John Henry Irons' introduction - in ''Adventures'' #500 and ''Man of Steel'' #23, it's said that Irons was buried in a building under construction before he could even try to get to Superman and didn't get out for some time after, still thinking Doomsday was active. The 30th Anniversary Special instead disregards that and shows Irons active the entire time and getting to Superman as he dies.
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* KnowWhenToFoldThem: Lois begs Supes to fall back as Doomsday is tearing through Metropolis, but he refuses as he believes he's the only one to stand up to Doomsday and opts to go for a LastStand.
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Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing of such an iconic pop culture icon came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death even managing to make national news.

to:

Naturally, Creator/DCComics was [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt NOT]] planning on really killing off [[CashCowFranchise their flag-carrier]] permanently: it was a [[NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity publicity stunt]] to boost sales, and the plan was to soon bring him back. However, the general media picked up the story and ran with it, and a lot of people believed it. This is because, at the time, not only had this thing ''not'' been done to death (this story may have been the TropeCodifier for DeathIsCheap, whose former {{Trope Namer|s}} is "Comic Book Death"), but the idea of killing of such an iconic figure in pop culture icon came as a shock to many, with Superman’s death even managing to make national news.

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