Observing the magazine on desktop in fullscreen will enhance the viewing experience.

A Superman lost: 30 years after the death of the Man of Steel

Introduction by Daily Planet Editor-in-chief Zack Benz

Kraang! Kraang! KRAANG! 30 years ago a beast emerged from the depths of Ohio. Designed for nothing but destruction, this doomsday weapon headed for Metropolis causing an epic path of destruction on his journey, which ultimately ended at the stoop of the Daily Planet Building. 

This monumental event was one for the history books. The storyline made international news and caused many fans to mourn the loss of the world’s very first superhero. 

I can’t exactly recall my first introduction to the “Death of Superman” but I know it wasn’t 30 years ago, I was barley a fetus. However, I can remember my initial reaction. I saw it as epic poetry and triumph over tragedy. I was still fairly young but I was well versed in Superman lore before I revisited the saga of his death, so I knew he resurrected. But there was something beautifully theatrical in the way Superman died and then returned. 

For decades he was seen as this immovable force that simply strengthened everything around him through pure spirit. Metropolis, Lois Lane and the Daily Planet Building were all seen as these untouchable, indestructible parts of Superman’s life since 1938. But in 1992 that all changed with blow after fatal blow.

There’s something masterfully magnificent in Superman meeting his end in the arms of an emotionally broken Lois Lane at the tattered Daily Planet in a shell shocked Metropolis. Everything in comics changed that day and the impact of Doomsday’s boney knuckled fists can still be felt presently. 

In this bi-annual magazine contributors to the Daily Planet revisit “The Death of Superman” and the theme of great storytelling left in its wake, and that shows just how impactful this story truly was and still is. I hope you enjoy the perspectives.