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* PyrhhicVictory: While Lex succeeds in killing Superman, he doesn't have long to enjoy it, as he's swiftly caught and sentenced to the Phantom Zone.
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* PyrhhicVictory: PyrrhicVictory: While Lex succeeds in killing Superman, he doesn't have long to enjoy it, as he's swiftly caught and sentenced to the Phantom Zone.
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* PyrhhicVictory: While Lex succeeds in killing Superman, he doesn't have long to enjoy it, as he's swiftly caught and sentenced to the Phantom Zone.
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* BondVillainStupidity: Averted. Luthor keeps watch on Superman the entire time he's killing him and makes absolutely certain he's permanently dead before gloating.
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* BondVillainStupidity: Averted. Zigzagged. On one hand, Luthor keeps watch on Superman the entire time he's killing him and makes absolutely certain he's permanently dead before gloating.gloating. On the other hand, he also kidnaps Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry White and [[ForcedToWatch forces them to watch]] Superman die, resulting in three witnesses who are able to testify against him in court.
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Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
''The Death of Superman'' (1961) is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Creator/CurtSwan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality and classified as Earth-149. It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
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''The Death of Superman'' (1961) is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Creator/CurtSwan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' ''ComicBook/Superman1939'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality and classified as Earth-149. It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
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Updating link
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As crooks are celebrating everywhere, everybody else is mourning. Superman's funeral service is attended by his childhood friends, his co-workers, his Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica teammates, his ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes buddies, his dog Krypto... and, under her Linda Lee disguise, ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, whose existence had not been yet revealed to the world because she was still training.
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As crooks are celebrating everywhere, everybody else is mourning. Superman's funeral service is attended by his childhood friends, his co-workers, his Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica ComicBook/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica teammates, his ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes buddies, his dog Krypto... and, under her Linda Lee disguise, ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, whose existence had not been yet revealed to the world because she was still training.
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* DefeatingTheUndefeatable: Lex Luthor achieves his life-goal of defeating Superman.
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* BondVillainStupidity: Averted. Luthor keeps watch on Superman the entire time he's killing him and makes absolutely certain he's permanently dead before gloating.
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* FalselyReformedVillain: Luthor creates the cure for cancer to get himself released, all part of his gambit to lure Superman into a false sense of security and kill him. It's a pyrrhic victory for Lex, though, as the Kandorians have him banished to the Phantom Zone for killing a fellow Kryptonian.
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* LegacyCharacter: After her cousin's murder, Kara Zor-El takes up the role of Earth's protector.
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* SpoilerCover: If you exclusively read the story inside, then the titular event is very much a plot twist: Luthor's turn to good appears entirely sincere, and the title inside the story is "Lex Luthor, Hero!", suggesting that to be the "imaginary story" part of the equation. Indeed, part of what makes the death so shocking is that the comic up to that point is rather upbeat. Of course, if you take even a glance at the cover, it becomes clear what's really going on from the get-go.
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Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Creator/CurtSwan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality and classified as Earth-149. It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
to:
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' Superman'' (1961) is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Creator/CurtSwan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality and classified as Earth-149. It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
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Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Creator/CurtSwan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality (and classified as Earth-149). It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
to:
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Creator/CurtSwan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality (and and classified as Earth-149).Earth-149. It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
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Over the next weeks, Supergirl starts patrolling the skys accompanied by Krypto.
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Over the next few weeks, Supergirl starts patrolling the skys skies accompanied by Krypto.
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* BallroomBlitz: Lex Luthor is throwing a party to celebrate his victory, when Supergirl smashes through a wall, grabs Luthor and takes him away to be trialed, as warning all criminal attendees they are next.
* BatmanGambit: As watching several inmates pounding boulders, Lex Luthor spots a strange glowing stone, and he immediately punches a guard. Luthor is put to work on the rock pile, which gives him a chance to examine the strange boulder.
* BatmanGambit: As watching several inmates pounding boulders, Lex Luthor spots a strange glowing stone, and he immediately punches a guard. Luthor is put to work on the rock pile, which gives him a chance to examine the strange boulder.
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* BallroomBlitz: Lex Luthor is throwing a party to celebrate his victory, victory when Supergirl smashes through a wall, grabs Luthor and takes him away to be trialed, as while warning all criminal attendees they are next.
* BatmanGambit:As While watching several inmates pounding boulders, Lex Luthor spots a strange glowing stone, and he immediately punches a guard. Luthor is put to work on the rock pile, which gives him a chance to examine the strange boulder.
* BatmanGambit:
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* CureForCancer: Lex creating one is done to help sell his act of reforming.
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* DeathTrap: Luthor's ploy works because he avoids typical mistakes such as leaving the room after putting Superman in a slow-acting trap or turning off the Kryptonite ray before confirming beyond a shadow of a doubt that his enemy is dead.
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* DeathTrap: Luthor's ploy works because he avoids [[BondVillainStupidity typical mistakes mistakes]] such as leaving the room after putting Superman in a slow-acting trap or turning off the Kryptonite ray before confirming beyond a shadow of a doubt that his enemy is dead.
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* VillainCreed: After Luthor has succeeded in murdering Superman, the criminal underworld throw a party in his honor, declaring he is the greatest of them all.
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* VillainCreed: VillainCred: After Luthor has succeeded in murdering Superman, the criminal underworld throw a party in his honor, declaring he is the greatest of them all.
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* VillainCreed: After Luthor has succeeded in murdering Superman, the criminal underworld throw a party in his honor, declaring he is the greatest of them all.
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Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Curt Swan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality (and classified as Earth-149). It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
to:
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Curt Swan Creator/CurtSwan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality (and classified as Earth-149). It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
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this isn't even remotely brought up as a possibility in the story, so i don't think this trope applies
Deleted line(s) 73 (click to see context) :
* WhatYouAreInTheDark: Supergirl could have ''accidentally'' killed Luthor and his fellow crooks while arresting him, and nobody would have found out. And if someone found out, she would most likely be ''congratulated''. Yet still, she takes Lex Luthor to Kandor to be given a fair trial.
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-->'''Supergirl:''' My name is... Supergirl! I'm Superman's cousin from Krypton! I've been his secret emergency weapon for years! Luthor, in the name of planet Krypton, I arrest you for murder!
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-->'''Supergirl:''' My name is... Supergirl! I'm Superman's cousin from Krypton! I've been his secret emergency weapon for years! Luthor, in the name of planet Planet Krypton, I arrest you for murder!
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* BrokenMasquerade: Most of Earth people were not aware of the existence of a shrunk city inhabited by Kryptonian survivors before the trial of Lex Luthor in Kandor was broadcast worldwide.
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* BrokenMasquerade: Most of Earth people on Earth were not aware of the existence of a shrunk shrunken city inhabited by Kryptonian survivors before the trial of Lex Luthor in Kandor was broadcast worldwide.
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* DynamicAkimbo: After murdering Superman, Luthor pulls off the pose as gloating nobody can stop him from taking over the world now.
to:
* DynamicAkimbo: After murdering Superman, Luthor pulls off the pose as while gloating that nobody can stop him from taking over the world now.
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* EvenEvilHasStandards: Subverted. When Lex Luthor discloses that he has found a cure for cancer, Superman reflects not even Luthor can be completely evil. Ultimately, though, Luthor proves he is rotten to the core.
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* EvenEvilHasStandards: Subverted. When Lex Luthor discloses that he has found a cure for cancer, Superman reflects that not even Luthor can be completely evil. Ultimately, though, Luthor proves he is rotten to the core.
Changed line(s) 37,38 (click to see context) from:
* EvilCannotComprehendGood: Luthor sits smugly through the Kandorians' trial, confident that he can bribe his way out. When asked for his plea, he answers that he is guilty. However, if they let him go, he will work out a way to restore them to full size. Luthor is taken aback when the judge retorts that "we of Kandor do not make deals with murderers" before sending him into the Phantom Zone for all eternity.
* EvilGloating: Lex Luthor's need to gloating does not ruin his Superman-murdering scheme, but it ultimately leads to his downfall: he kidnaps Lois, Jimmy and Perry so they see Superman die, and he lets them go afterwards, gloating the whole time. As a result of it, when he is captured by Supergirl and dragged to Kandor to be trialed, the prosecutor can count with three eyewitnesses able to and willing to testify against Luthor.
* EvilGloating: Lex Luthor's need to gloating does not ruin his Superman-murdering scheme, but it ultimately leads to his downfall: he kidnaps Lois, Jimmy and Perry so they see Superman die, and he lets them go afterwards, gloating the whole time. As a result of it, when he is captured by Supergirl and dragged to Kandor to be trialed, the prosecutor can count with three eyewitnesses able to and willing to testify against Luthor.
to:
* EvilCannotComprehendGood: Luthor sits smugly through the Kandorians' trial, confident that he can bribe his way out. When asked for his plea, he answers that he is guilty. However, guilty, but promises that if they let him go, he will work out a way to restore them to full size. Luthor is taken aback when the judge retorts that "we of Kandor do not make deals with murderers" before sending him into the Phantom Zone for all eternity.
* EvilGloating: Lex Luthor's need togloating does not gloat doesn't ruin his Superman-murdering scheme, but it ultimately leads to his downfall: he kidnaps Lois, Jimmy and Perry so they see Superman die, and he lets them go afterwards, gloating the whole time. As a result of it, result, when he Luthor is captured by Supergirl and dragged to Kandor to be trialed, put on trial, the prosecutor can count with three eyewitnesses prosecution is able to and call on three witnesses that are willing and able to testify against Luthor.him.
* EvilGloating: Lex Luthor's need to
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* TheFarmerAndTheViper: As Lois succinctly put, Luthor was released from jail because Superman vouched for him; and he repaid Superman by murdering him.
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* TheFarmerAndTheViper: As Lois succinctly put, put it, Luthor was released from jail because Superman vouched for him; him, and he repaid Superman by murdering him.
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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: Luthor's need to gloat about his actions instead of disposing of Superman quietly becomes ultimately his undoing when he is captured and trialed, since ''everybody'' listened to his radioed voluntary confession.
to:
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: Luthor's need to gloat about his actions instead of disposing of Superman quietly becomes ultimately becomes his undoing when he is captured and trialed, put on trial, since ''everybody'' listened to his radioed voluntary confession.
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* KryptoniteFactor: Lex Luthor kills Superman by strapping him to one stretcher and exposing him to Kryptonite radiation.
* LatexPerfection: Kara crashes Lex Luthor's victory party in a full Superman suit and mask. Before removing them to reveal herself, the gathering of crooks really thinks she is her taller and bigger cousin.
* MassOhCrap: All crooks attending Luthor's victory party freak out when Supergirl crashes into the place wearing a Superman disguise.
* NervesOfSteel: Caught and taken to Kandor, Luthor is surrounded by people who really hate him, and yet still he remains silent, calm and stone-faced during the whole trial.
* NothingCanStopUsNow: After killing Superman, Luthor gloats that nobody can now stop him from ruling the world. Shortly later, while he is throwing a party, Supergirl storms his lair and takes him away.
* LatexPerfection: Kara crashes Lex Luthor's victory party in a full Superman suit and mask. Before removing them to reveal herself, the gathering of crooks really thinks she is her taller and bigger cousin.
* MassOhCrap: All crooks attending Luthor's victory party freak out when Supergirl crashes into the place wearing a Superman disguise.
* NervesOfSteel: Caught and taken to Kandor, Luthor is surrounded by people who really hate him, and yet still he remains silent, calm and stone-faced during the whole trial.
* NothingCanStopUsNow: After killing Superman, Luthor gloats that nobody can now stop him from ruling the world. Shortly later, while he is throwing a party, Supergirl storms his lair and takes him away.
to:
* KryptoniteFactor: Lex Luthor kills Superman by strapping him to one a stretcher and exposing him to Kryptonite radiation.
* LatexPerfection: Kara crashes Lex Luthor's victory party in a full Superman suit and mask. Before removing them to reveal herself, thegathering of gathered crooks really thinks think she is her taller and bigger cousin.
* MassOhCrap: All the crooks attending Luthor's victory party freak out when Supergirl crashes into the place wearing a Superman disguise.
* NervesOfSteel: Caught and taken to Kandor, Luthor is surrounded by people who really hate him, and yet still he remains silent, calm and stone-facedduring throughout the whole trial.
* NothingCanStopUsNow: After killing Superman, Luthor gloats that nobody can now stop him from ruling the world. Shortlylater, afterwards, while he is throwing a party, Supergirl storms his lair and takes him away.
* LatexPerfection: Kara crashes Lex Luthor's victory party in a full Superman suit and mask. Before removing them to reveal herself, the
* MassOhCrap: All the crooks attending Luthor's victory party freak out when Supergirl crashes into the place wearing a Superman disguise.
* NervesOfSteel: Caught and taken to Kandor, Luthor is surrounded by people who really hate him, and yet still he remains silent, calm and stone-faced
* NothingCanStopUsNow: After killing Superman, Luthor gloats that nobody can now stop him from ruling the world. Shortly
Changed line(s) 56 (click to see context) from:
* PedestrianCrushesCar: Superman crushes a car driven by a pack of crooks into a ball and then he kicks it into a police station.
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* PedestrianCrushesCar: Superman crushes a car driven by a pack of crooks into a ball and then he kicks it into a police station.
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* PutTheirHeadsTogether: During Luthor's bogus reformation, Superman smashes against each other the heads of two crooks who were attempting to gun Luthor down.
to:
* PutTheirHeadsTogether: During Luthor's bogus reformation, Superman smashes against each other the heads of grabs two crooks who were attempting to gun Luthor down.down and smashes their heads together.
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* SpannerInTheWorks: Lex Luthor does not get away with murdering Superman because he ignored the existence of another Kryptonian -Supergirl- who could search for him, burst into his lair and capture him.
* StormingTheCastle: Supergirl bursts into Luthor's manor, trashes the place, gets the attendees properly terrified, and then she nabs him away.
* StrappedToAnOperatingTable: Luthor straps Superman to an operating table so he can bathe him in Kryptonite radiation until killing him.
* StormingTheCastle: Supergirl bursts into Luthor's manor, trashes the place, gets the attendees properly terrified, and then she nabs him away.
* StrappedToAnOperatingTable: Luthor straps Superman to an operating table so he can bathe him in Kryptonite radiation until killing him.
to:
* SpannerInTheWorks: Lex Luthor does not get away with murdering Superman because he ignored was unaware of the existence of another Kryptonian -Supergirl- - Supergirl - who could search for him, burst into his lair and proceeded to capture him.
him and take him to Kandor to stand trial.
* StormingTheCastle: Supergirl bursts into Luthor's manor, trashes the place,gets the attendees properly terrified, terrifies everyone present, and then she nabs him away.
arrests Luthor.
* StrappedToAnOperatingTable: Luthor straps Superman to an operating table so he can bathe him in Kryptonite radiation untilkilling him.he dies.
* StormingTheCastle: Supergirl bursts into Luthor's manor, trashes the place,
* StrappedToAnOperatingTable: Luthor straps Superman to an operating table so he can bathe him in Kryptonite radiation until
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* TemptingFate: After murdering Superman, Lex Luthor is certain that nobody can stop him becoming the world's sole ruler. Cue Supergirl revealing herself and dragging him to Kandor where he is trialed and sent into the Phantom Zone forever.
to:
* TemptingFate: After murdering Superman, Lex Luthor is certain that nobody can stop him becoming the world's sole ruler. from TakingOverTheWorld. Cue Supergirl revealing herself and dragging him to Kandor where he is trialed put on trial and sent into the Phantom Zone forever.
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* TranquilFury: Supergirl's face remains eerily cold when she bursts into Luthor's lair and informs the attending crooks they may have succeeded in killing her cousin, but they were going to deal with her ''from now on''.
* VillainousBreakdown: Luthor spends his televised murder trial smug that he'll find a way out of this. When he's found guilty, Luthor offers to restore Kandor to its regular size in exchange for his freedom, confident that they'll agree. Instead, the judge declares "we Kandorians do not make deals with murderers!" Unable to accept losing like this, Luthor begs for mercy but it's too late as he's sent to spend eternity in the Phantom Zone.
* VillainousBreakdown: Luthor spends his televised murder trial smug that he'll find a way out of this. When he's found guilty, Luthor offers to restore Kandor to its regular size in exchange for his freedom, confident that they'll agree. Instead, the judge declares "we Kandorians do not make deals with murderers!" Unable to accept losing like this, Luthor begs for mercy but it's too late as he's sent to spend eternity in the Phantom Zone.
to:
* TranquilFury: Supergirl's face remains eerily cold when she bursts into Luthor's lair and informs the attending crooks they may have succeeded in killing her cousin, but they were going would have to deal with her ''from ''her'' from now on''.
on.
* VillainousBreakdown: Luthor spends his televised murder trialsmug smugly confident that he'll find a way out of this.it. When he's found guilty, Luthor offers to restore Kandor to its regular size in exchange for his freedom, confident that they'll agree. Instead, the judge declares "we Kandorians do not make deals with murderers!" Unable to accept losing like this, Luthor begs for mercy but it's too late as he's sent sentenced to spend eternity in the Phantom Zone.
* VillainousBreakdown: Luthor spends his televised murder trial
Changed line(s) 73,74 (click to see context) from:
* WhatYouAreInTheDark: Supergirl could have ''accidentally'' killed Luthor and his fellow crooks while arresting him, and nobody would have found out. And if someone found out, she would most likely be ''congratulated''. Yet still, she takes Lex Luthor to Kandor so he is given a fair trial.
* YouKilledMyFather: As taking Luthor away, Kara warns a group of gangsters they may have succeeded in treacherously murdering her cousin, but they will have to deal with ''her'' now.
* YouKilledMyFather: As taking Luthor away, Kara warns a group of gangsters they may have succeeded in treacherously murdering her cousin, but they will have to deal with ''her'' now.
to:
* WhatYouAreInTheDark: Supergirl could have ''accidentally'' killed Luthor and his fellow crooks while arresting him, and nobody would have found out. And if someone found out, she would most likely be ''congratulated''. Yet still, she takes Lex Luthor to Kandor so he is to be given a fair trial.
* YouKilledMyFather: Astaking she takes Luthor away, Kara warns a group of gangsters they may have succeeded in treacherously murdering her cousin, but they will have to deal with ''her'' now.
* YouKilledMyFather: As
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Changed line(s) 17,18 (click to see context) from:
Over the next weeks, Supergirl starts patrolling the skills accompanied by Krypto.
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Over the next weeks, Supergirl starts patrolling the skills skys accompanied by Krypto.
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* VillainousBreakdown: Luthor spends his televised murder trial smug that he'll find a way out of this. When he's found guilty, Luthor offers to restore Kandor to its regular size in exchange for his freedom, confident that they'll agree. Instead, the judge declares "we Kandorians do not make deals with murderers!" Unable to accept losing like this, Luthor begs for mercy but it's too late as he's sent to spend eternity in the Phantom Zone.
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* StrappedToAnOperatingTable: Luthor straps Superman to an operating table so he can bathe him in Kryptonite radiation until killing him.
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Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Curt Swan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality (and classified as Earth-149). It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman'' tale.
to:
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Curt Swan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality (and classified as Earth-149). It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman'' ''[[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Death of Superman]]'' tale.
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[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/thedeathofsuperman1961.jpg]]
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Curt Swan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality (and classified as Earth-149). It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman'' tale.
One day, Lex Luthor develops a cure for cancer and announces his intent to turn over a new leaf. Superman decides to give him a chance and testifies on Luthor's behalf, hoping to encourage him to keep using his considerable talents for good. Luthor is let out of prison on parole, and he reassures Superman they will be friends from now on because he wants to be a better person.
The criminal element is not happy with Luthor stopping his anti-Superman war, so they resort to bribery, coercion and even threats to get Luthor to fight Superman again. When Luthor firmly refuses, they try to get rid of him. Eventually, their assassination attempts become so dangerous that Superman builds one asteroid base exclusively for Luthor, complete with anti-missile shielding and an emergency beacon.
One week later, Luthor activates the beacon, and Superman swiftly flies into his orbital lab. Unexpectedly, he is knocked down by a Kryptonite blast, and as he is weakened, he is tied up to a stretcher and placed under a Kryptonite ray by Luthor. As Superman is dying, Luthor confesses he never intended or wanted to reform. He just wanted Superman to trust him completely so he could lure him into a perfect trap. Lex patiently waits until Superman is dead, and after carefully confirming his demise, he dumps the corpse into Earth together with Superman's close friends (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Perry White), whom Luthor had kidnapped because he wanted them to see Superman dying. Then Lex reveals his misdeed to the world from the safety of one of his secret lairs.
As crooks are celebrating everywhere, everybody else is mourning. Superman's funeral service is attended by his childhood friends, his co-workers, his Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica teammates, his ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes buddies, his dog Krypto... and, under her Linda Lee disguise, ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, whose existence had not been yet revealed to the world because she was still training.
Somewhere else, Lex Luthor is throwing a party attended by the heads of many criminal organizations, when someone looking right like Superman suddenly bursts into the room and starts tearing Luthor's statues down. Everyone is wondering whether Superman has somehow revived when the intruder rips her disguise and reveals her real identity: Supergirl, who neither Luthor nor the crooks knew nothing about.
Supergirl swiftly nabs Luthor, warning the gathering of crooks she will be dealing with them very soon, and takes him to the Bottle City of Kandor. A murder trial begins, broadcast worldwide, and Superman's friends who witnessed his murder are called to testify. Luthor thinks he may get away with the murder by cutting a deal with the Kandorians, but the judge will have nothing of it, and Luthor is sentenced to the PhantomZone forever.
Over the next weeks, Supergirl starts patrolling the skills accompanied by Krypto.
----
!!Tropes:
* TheBadGuyWins: Even though he could not enjoy his victory for long, Luthor still got exactly what he wanted: Superman permanently dead.
* BallroomBlitz: Lex Luthor is throwing a party to celebrate his victory, when Supergirl smashes through a wall, grabs Luthor and takes him away to be trialed, as warning all criminal attendees they are next.
* BatmanGambit: As watching several inmates pounding boulders, Lex Luthor spots a strange glowing stone, and he immediately punches a guard. Luthor is put to work on the rock pile, which gives him a chance to examine the strange boulder.
* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: Back when Kara was Superman's secret emergency-weapon, she was dying to reveal her existence to the world. When she finally reveals herself, it is because her beloved cousin has been murdered by his worst enemy, and she must take up his mantle.
-->'''Bystander''': Good luck! We miss Superman, but we're glad you're taking over for him!\\
'''Supergirl''': ... I never thought it would turn out this way... All the time I was Superman's secret emergency-weapon, I eagerly looked forward to the day when I could operate openly! Now that it's finally happened, I -- I feel no happiness at the "glory" that's now... mine...
* BittersweetEnding: Superman gets killed and nothing will bring him back. It is not a DownerEnding just because Lex does not get away with his actions, and Supergirl takes up her cousin's mantle.
* BrokenMasquerade: Most of Earth people were not aware of the existence of a shrunk city inhabited by Kryptonian survivors before the trial of Lex Luthor in Kandor was broadcast worldwide.
* ChangingOfTheGuard: Superman gets killed off permanently, but his younger cousin and pupil takes over his duties.
* DeathTrap: Luthor's ploy works because he avoids typical mistakes such as leaving the room after putting Superman in a slow-acting trap or turning off the Kryptonite ray before confirming beyond a shadow of a doubt that his enemy is dead.
* DoNotAdjustYourSet: After murdering Superman, Luthor hacks all radio channels in the world to gloat.
* DueToTheDead: Superman's funeral is attended by Lois, Jimmy, Perry, Kara, Krypto, Lana Lang, Lori Lemaris, the Justice League, the Legion of Super-Heroes, and hundreds of people from Earth and beyond.
* DynamicAkimbo: After murdering Superman, Luthor pulls off the pose as gloating nobody can stop him from taking over the world now.
* EasilyForgiven: Luthor dupes Superman into becoming his best friend after publicly renouncing evil, then promptly slaughters him with Kryptonite while laughing derisively at Superman's dying expressions of heartbreak and betrayal.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: Subverted. When Lex Luthor discloses that he has found a cure for cancer, Superman reflects not even Luthor can be completely evil. Ultimately, though, Luthor proves he is rotten to the core.
* EvilAllAlong: Lex Luthor goes to extreme lengths to convince everyone he has turned over a new leaf and become Superman's friend until Superman falls into his trap.
* EvilCannotComprehendGood: Luthor sits smugly through the Kandorians' trial, confident that he can bribe his way out. When asked for his plea, he answers that he is guilty. However, if they let him go, he will work out a way to restore them to full size. Luthor is taken aback when the judge retorts that "we of Kandor do not make deals with murderers" before sending him into the Phantom Zone for all eternity.
* EvilGloating: Lex Luthor's need to gloating does not ruin his Superman-murdering scheme, but it ultimately leads to his downfall: he kidnaps Lois, Jimmy and Perry so they see Superman die, and he lets them go afterwards, gloating the whole time. As a result of it, when he is captured by Supergirl and dragged to Kandor to be trialed, the prosecutor can count with three eyewitnesses able to and willing to testify against Luthor.
* EvilIsPetty: Luthor finds a cure for cancer, earns a fortune legally and gains worldwide fame and admiration... and he throws all of it away because he cares for nothing other than killing Superman.
* EvilPlan: Luthor goes to extreme lengths to convince Superman that he has become a good person, so he can murder him and then take over the world.
* TheFarmerAndTheViper: As Lois succinctly put, Luthor was released from jail because Superman vouched for him; and he repaid Superman by murdering him.
-->'''Lois:''' Luthor would never have been released from prison if Superman hadn't gone to bat for him! He repaid Superman's kindness, by killing him!
* GreenRocks: Luthor finds one piece of a glowing meteorite, and upon analyzing it, he develops a substance which can be used to cure cancer.
* HeroesLoveDogs: Supergirl becomes Krypto's sole owner when she takes over her cousin's job. Poor Krypto will not accept another master.
* TheHeroDies: Superman gets murdered for real.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: Luthor's need to gloat about his actions instead of disposing of Superman quietly becomes ultimately his undoing when he is captured and trialed, since ''everybody'' listened to his radioed voluntary confession.
* JerkWithAHeartOfJerk: Luthor finds a cure for cancer, and people begin thinking he may not be completely evil after all. Then he reveals it was always part of his plan to kill Superman.
* KilledOffForReal: Superman gets murdered, and nothing will bring him back.
* KryptoniteFactor: Lex Luthor kills Superman by strapping him to one stretcher and exposing him to Kryptonite radiation.
* LatexPerfection: Kara crashes Lex Luthor's victory party in a full Superman suit and mask. Before removing them to reveal herself, the gathering of crooks really thinks she is her taller and bigger cousin.
* MassOhCrap: All crooks attending Luthor's victory party freak out when Supergirl crashes into the place wearing a Superman disguise.
* NervesOfSteel: Caught and taken to Kandor, Luthor is surrounded by people who really hate him, and yet still he remains silent, calm and stone-faced during the whole trial.
* NothingCanStopUsNow: After killing Superman, Luthor gloats that nobody can now stop him from ruling the world. Shortly later, while he is throwing a party, Supergirl storms his lair and takes him away.
-->'''Lex Luthor:''' Only Superman stood between me and my great goal to rule this planet! Soon, I'll be the king of the Earth!
* OffscreenInertia: Since this alternate universe was never revisited again, it is easy to think Lex Luthor indeed remained forever imprisoned in the Zone.
* PedestrianCrushesCar: Superman crushes a car driven by a pack of crooks into a ball and then he kicks it into a police station.
* PhantomZone: As a punishment for murdering Superman, Lex gets thrown into the Zone.
* PutTheirHeadsTogether: During Luthor's bogus reformation, Superman smashes against each other the heads of two crooks who were attempting to gun Luthor down.
* ShootingSuperman: When Supergirl crashes Luthor's party, several thugs fire at her. Kara nonchalantly suggests them to stop wasting bullets.
* SpannerInTheWorks: Lex Luthor does not get away with murdering Superman because he ignored the existence of another Kryptonian -Supergirl- who could search for him, burst into his lair and capture him.
* StormingTheCastle: Supergirl bursts into Luthor's manor, trashes the place, gets the attendees properly terrified, and then she nabs him away.
* TakeOverTheWorld: After murdering Superman, Luthor sets his sights on conquering the world.
* TakeUpMySword: Supergirl takes over for her cousin after capturing Lex Luthor.
-->'''Supergirl:''' You can stop wasting bullets! I have all of Superman's astonishing powers! Gangdom may have succeeded in treacherously killing Superman, but I'm going to carry on his great work!
* TapOnTheHead: Superman puts a crook to sleep by tapping on his forehead.
* TemptingFate: After murdering Superman, Lex Luthor is certain that nobody can stop him becoming the world's sole ruler. Cue Supergirl revealing herself and dragging him to Kandor where he is trialed and sent into the Phantom Zone forever.
* ThereWasADoor: Supergirl loudly smashes herself through a wall when she crashes Lex Luthor's victory party.
* ThrownDownAWell: At the end, Lex Luthor is sent into the Phantom Zone.
* TranquilFury: Supergirl's face remains eerily cold when she bursts into Luthor's lair and informs the attending crooks they may have succeeded in killing her cousin, but they were going to deal with her ''from now on''.
* WeWillMeetAgain: Before taking Luthor away after crashing his party, Supergirl warns the attending crooks she will be meeting them again very soon.
* WhatYouAreInTheDark: Supergirl could have ''accidentally'' killed Luthor and his fellow crooks while arresting him, and nobody would have found out. And if someone found out, she would most likely be ''congratulated''. Yet still, she takes Lex Luthor to Kandor so he is given a fair trial.
* YouKilledMyFather: As taking Luthor away, Kara warns a group of gangsters they may have succeeded in treacherously murdering her cousin, but they will have to deal with ''her'' now.
-->'''Supergirl:''' My name is... Supergirl! I'm Superman's cousin from Krypton! I've been his secret emergency weapon for years! Luthor, in the name of planet Krypton, I arrest you for murder!
----
''The Death of Superman (1961)'' is a story authored by [[Creator/JerrySiegelAndJoeShuster Jerry Siegel]] and Curt Swan in 1961 and published in ''Superman (Volume 1)'' #149. Back in the day it was labeled as an "Imaginary Story", but later it was retconned as an alternate reality (and classified as Earth-149). It is both the first "imaginary story" and the first ''ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman'' tale.
One day, Lex Luthor develops a cure for cancer and announces his intent to turn over a new leaf. Superman decides to give him a chance and testifies on Luthor's behalf, hoping to encourage him to keep using his considerable talents for good. Luthor is let out of prison on parole, and he reassures Superman they will be friends from now on because he wants to be a better person.
The criminal element is not happy with Luthor stopping his anti-Superman war, so they resort to bribery, coercion and even threats to get Luthor to fight Superman again. When Luthor firmly refuses, they try to get rid of him. Eventually, their assassination attempts become so dangerous that Superman builds one asteroid base exclusively for Luthor, complete with anti-missile shielding and an emergency beacon.
One week later, Luthor activates the beacon, and Superman swiftly flies into his orbital lab. Unexpectedly, he is knocked down by a Kryptonite blast, and as he is weakened, he is tied up to a stretcher and placed under a Kryptonite ray by Luthor. As Superman is dying, Luthor confesses he never intended or wanted to reform. He just wanted Superman to trust him completely so he could lure him into a perfect trap. Lex patiently waits until Superman is dead, and after carefully confirming his demise, he dumps the corpse into Earth together with Superman's close friends (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Perry White), whom Luthor had kidnapped because he wanted them to see Superman dying. Then Lex reveals his misdeed to the world from the safety of one of his secret lairs.
As crooks are celebrating everywhere, everybody else is mourning. Superman's funeral service is attended by his childhood friends, his co-workers, his Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica teammates, his ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes buddies, his dog Krypto... and, under her Linda Lee disguise, ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, whose existence had not been yet revealed to the world because she was still training.
Somewhere else, Lex Luthor is throwing a party attended by the heads of many criminal organizations, when someone looking right like Superman suddenly bursts into the room and starts tearing Luthor's statues down. Everyone is wondering whether Superman has somehow revived when the intruder rips her disguise and reveals her real identity: Supergirl, who neither Luthor nor the crooks knew nothing about.
Supergirl swiftly nabs Luthor, warning the gathering of crooks she will be dealing with them very soon, and takes him to the Bottle City of Kandor. A murder trial begins, broadcast worldwide, and Superman's friends who witnessed his murder are called to testify. Luthor thinks he may get away with the murder by cutting a deal with the Kandorians, but the judge will have nothing of it, and Luthor is sentenced to the PhantomZone forever.
Over the next weeks, Supergirl starts patrolling the skills accompanied by Krypto.
----
!!Tropes:
* TheBadGuyWins: Even though he could not enjoy his victory for long, Luthor still got exactly what he wanted: Superman permanently dead.
* BallroomBlitz: Lex Luthor is throwing a party to celebrate his victory, when Supergirl smashes through a wall, grabs Luthor and takes him away to be trialed, as warning all criminal attendees they are next.
* BatmanGambit: As watching several inmates pounding boulders, Lex Luthor spots a strange glowing stone, and he immediately punches a guard. Luthor is put to work on the rock pile, which gives him a chance to examine the strange boulder.
* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: Back when Kara was Superman's secret emergency-weapon, she was dying to reveal her existence to the world. When she finally reveals herself, it is because her beloved cousin has been murdered by his worst enemy, and she must take up his mantle.
-->'''Bystander''': Good luck! We miss Superman, but we're glad you're taking over for him!\\
'''Supergirl''': ... I never thought it would turn out this way... All the time I was Superman's secret emergency-weapon, I eagerly looked forward to the day when I could operate openly! Now that it's finally happened, I -- I feel no happiness at the "glory" that's now... mine...
* BittersweetEnding: Superman gets killed and nothing will bring him back. It is not a DownerEnding just because Lex does not get away with his actions, and Supergirl takes up her cousin's mantle.
* BrokenMasquerade: Most of Earth people were not aware of the existence of a shrunk city inhabited by Kryptonian survivors before the trial of Lex Luthor in Kandor was broadcast worldwide.
* ChangingOfTheGuard: Superman gets killed off permanently, but his younger cousin and pupil takes over his duties.
* DeathTrap: Luthor's ploy works because he avoids typical mistakes such as leaving the room after putting Superman in a slow-acting trap or turning off the Kryptonite ray before confirming beyond a shadow of a doubt that his enemy is dead.
* DoNotAdjustYourSet: After murdering Superman, Luthor hacks all radio channels in the world to gloat.
* DueToTheDead: Superman's funeral is attended by Lois, Jimmy, Perry, Kara, Krypto, Lana Lang, Lori Lemaris, the Justice League, the Legion of Super-Heroes, and hundreds of people from Earth and beyond.
* DynamicAkimbo: After murdering Superman, Luthor pulls off the pose as gloating nobody can stop him from taking over the world now.
* EasilyForgiven: Luthor dupes Superman into becoming his best friend after publicly renouncing evil, then promptly slaughters him with Kryptonite while laughing derisively at Superman's dying expressions of heartbreak and betrayal.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: Subverted. When Lex Luthor discloses that he has found a cure for cancer, Superman reflects not even Luthor can be completely evil. Ultimately, though, Luthor proves he is rotten to the core.
* EvilAllAlong: Lex Luthor goes to extreme lengths to convince everyone he has turned over a new leaf and become Superman's friend until Superman falls into his trap.
* EvilCannotComprehendGood: Luthor sits smugly through the Kandorians' trial, confident that he can bribe his way out. When asked for his plea, he answers that he is guilty. However, if they let him go, he will work out a way to restore them to full size. Luthor is taken aback when the judge retorts that "we of Kandor do not make deals with murderers" before sending him into the Phantom Zone for all eternity.
* EvilGloating: Lex Luthor's need to gloating does not ruin his Superman-murdering scheme, but it ultimately leads to his downfall: he kidnaps Lois, Jimmy and Perry so they see Superman die, and he lets them go afterwards, gloating the whole time. As a result of it, when he is captured by Supergirl and dragged to Kandor to be trialed, the prosecutor can count with three eyewitnesses able to and willing to testify against Luthor.
* EvilIsPetty: Luthor finds a cure for cancer, earns a fortune legally and gains worldwide fame and admiration... and he throws all of it away because he cares for nothing other than killing Superman.
* EvilPlan: Luthor goes to extreme lengths to convince Superman that he has become a good person, so he can murder him and then take over the world.
* TheFarmerAndTheViper: As Lois succinctly put, Luthor was released from jail because Superman vouched for him; and he repaid Superman by murdering him.
-->'''Lois:''' Luthor would never have been released from prison if Superman hadn't gone to bat for him! He repaid Superman's kindness, by killing him!
* GreenRocks: Luthor finds one piece of a glowing meteorite, and upon analyzing it, he develops a substance which can be used to cure cancer.
* HeroesLoveDogs: Supergirl becomes Krypto's sole owner when she takes over her cousin's job. Poor Krypto will not accept another master.
* TheHeroDies: Superman gets murdered for real.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: Luthor's need to gloat about his actions instead of disposing of Superman quietly becomes ultimately his undoing when he is captured and trialed, since ''everybody'' listened to his radioed voluntary confession.
* JerkWithAHeartOfJerk: Luthor finds a cure for cancer, and people begin thinking he may not be completely evil after all. Then he reveals it was always part of his plan to kill Superman.
* KilledOffForReal: Superman gets murdered, and nothing will bring him back.
* KryptoniteFactor: Lex Luthor kills Superman by strapping him to one stretcher and exposing him to Kryptonite radiation.
* LatexPerfection: Kara crashes Lex Luthor's victory party in a full Superman suit and mask. Before removing them to reveal herself, the gathering of crooks really thinks she is her taller and bigger cousin.
* MassOhCrap: All crooks attending Luthor's victory party freak out when Supergirl crashes into the place wearing a Superman disguise.
* NervesOfSteel: Caught and taken to Kandor, Luthor is surrounded by people who really hate him, and yet still he remains silent, calm and stone-faced during the whole trial.
* NothingCanStopUsNow: After killing Superman, Luthor gloats that nobody can now stop him from ruling the world. Shortly later, while he is throwing a party, Supergirl storms his lair and takes him away.
-->'''Lex Luthor:''' Only Superman stood between me and my great goal to rule this planet! Soon, I'll be the king of the Earth!
* OffscreenInertia: Since this alternate universe was never revisited again, it is easy to think Lex Luthor indeed remained forever imprisoned in the Zone.
* PedestrianCrushesCar: Superman crushes a car driven by a pack of crooks into a ball and then he kicks it into a police station.
* PhantomZone: As a punishment for murdering Superman, Lex gets thrown into the Zone.
* PutTheirHeadsTogether: During Luthor's bogus reformation, Superman smashes against each other the heads of two crooks who were attempting to gun Luthor down.
* ShootingSuperman: When Supergirl crashes Luthor's party, several thugs fire at her. Kara nonchalantly suggests them to stop wasting bullets.
* SpannerInTheWorks: Lex Luthor does not get away with murdering Superman because he ignored the existence of another Kryptonian -Supergirl- who could search for him, burst into his lair and capture him.
* StormingTheCastle: Supergirl bursts into Luthor's manor, trashes the place, gets the attendees properly terrified, and then she nabs him away.
* TakeOverTheWorld: After murdering Superman, Luthor sets his sights on conquering the world.
* TakeUpMySword: Supergirl takes over for her cousin after capturing Lex Luthor.
-->'''Supergirl:''' You can stop wasting bullets! I have all of Superman's astonishing powers! Gangdom may have succeeded in treacherously killing Superman, but I'm going to carry on his great work!
* TapOnTheHead: Superman puts a crook to sleep by tapping on his forehead.
* TemptingFate: After murdering Superman, Lex Luthor is certain that nobody can stop him becoming the world's sole ruler. Cue Supergirl revealing herself and dragging him to Kandor where he is trialed and sent into the Phantom Zone forever.
* ThereWasADoor: Supergirl loudly smashes herself through a wall when she crashes Lex Luthor's victory party.
* ThrownDownAWell: At the end, Lex Luthor is sent into the Phantom Zone.
* TranquilFury: Supergirl's face remains eerily cold when she bursts into Luthor's lair and informs the attending crooks they may have succeeded in killing her cousin, but they were going to deal with her ''from now on''.
* WeWillMeetAgain: Before taking Luthor away after crashing his party, Supergirl warns the attending crooks she will be meeting them again very soon.
* WhatYouAreInTheDark: Supergirl could have ''accidentally'' killed Luthor and his fellow crooks while arresting him, and nobody would have found out. And if someone found out, she would most likely be ''congratulated''. Yet still, she takes Lex Luthor to Kandor so he is given a fair trial.
* YouKilledMyFather: As taking Luthor away, Kara warns a group of gangsters they may have succeeded in treacherously murdering her cousin, but they will have to deal with ''her'' now.
-->'''Supergirl:''' My name is... Supergirl! I'm Superman's cousin from Krypton! I've been his secret emergency weapon for years! Luthor, in the name of planet Krypton, I arrest you for murder!
----
