The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 is published by DC Comics. The analogy book contains stories written by Dan Jurgens, writer of the original Death of Superman arc, Kerry Ordway, Roger Stern and Louise Simonson.
The book features a stunning main cover (above) from Jurgens, Brett Breeding and Brad Anderson. Variant covers come from Jim Lee and Alex Sinclair, Dan Mora, Ivan Reis, Danny Miki and Brad Anderson, Francesco Mattino and Rafael Sarmento.
The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 is available now in print and on digital where all good comics are sold.
Synopsis
30 years ago, the unthinkable happened. The Man of Steel died. After sacrificing himself to stop the unstoppable global threat, Doomsday, Metropolis and the rest of the DC Universe mourned the loss of their greatest hero. To mark this monumental moment in comics, DC has reunited the complete creative team behind the original event for four brand-new stories. Led by Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding, the special kicks off with a new Superman story and villain…DOOMBREAKER! Followed by a series of short stories revisiting some of Superman’s greatest allies and exclusive pinups done by some of comics’ greatest artistic talent including LEE WEEKS, GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, and WALTER SIMONSON.
Review
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since the Man of Steel was killed off in the pages of The Death of Superman. It was a storyline which permeated in to the public consciousness and reverberates through comic book media today.
In 1993 the book shipped with black armbands for those mourning their loss. In 2016, Zack Snyder adapted the story in Batman v Superman and in 2018 it became a two-part animated movie in its own right. The CW would even get in on the action during the Crisis on Infinite Earths event. Now, thirty years after the iconic moment, Dan Jurgens and a host of other creatives are returning to that moment for a new anthology book.
The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special is a wonderful love letter to a moment in history and the character who was at its centre. The various stories feature Superman, of course, but he plays a supporting role to other characters from his world. Instead, our window in to his death comes from his son, Jonathan.
When Jonathan learns about the events of 30 years ago at school, he approaches his mother – Lois Lane – to tell him more about what happened. The moment Jon learns of his father’s apparent death is perfectly framed to bring us back in to this world. Who better to be our guide than Dan Jurgens, the original creator behind The Death of Superman story.
“The Life of Superman” is also pencilled by Jurgens so, of course, it bares a striking resemblance to the original story. With the threat of a “new” Doomsday on the horizon, it gives the book the bite it needs to grab its audience. It works through any expectations of bringing high stakes action to the anniversary by telling an exciting story which brings old wounds to the surface for characters like Lois.
Clark’s, Jonathan and Martha, take centre stage in the next story, “Above and Beyond” by Jerry Ordway and the trio of Tom Grummett (pencils), Doug Hazlewood (inks) and Glenn Whitemore (colours). This one was my favourite of the four short stories. Seeing both Clark’s parents stuck on the farm in Smallville, watching their son’s desperate bid to save humanity on TV. The opening splash page perfectly communicates the anguish both feel as they watch on helplessly.
Across the next few pages what unfolds is a really touching story about how both mother and father deal with their son’s incredibly abilities. They both waver between blind faith and panic, all as the battle ensues on the screen behind them. As they reminisce on Clark’s adventures past it brings to the fore a scrap book which has been kept by Martha. As the story builds to its conclusion the focus shifts to aspects of Superman’s life that aren’t often exposed in mainstream comics. It portrays him as a champion of the people not just for his epic heroics.
It can’t be easy deciding on the running order for an anthology book. Stripping back all of the action of “The Life of Superman” could feel like slamming on the breaks. But with the emotions dialled up so high, the story hits in a totally different fashion. One which really brought a tear to my eye.
“Standing Guard” shifts focus once again with writer Roger Stern folding Guardian in to the story. Guardian did have a small role in the original story. Seeing him brought to life by Stern and artist Butch Guice really adds a rich texture to the character. It adds a depth to the Death story in a way which makes the story feel like cut pages from the original version. With that we turn the page in to our final story, “Time” by Louise Simonson and with artwork by Jon Bogdanove. This one weeks in another classic character, one who was propelled to fame by The Death of Superman, Steel.
Here we take a step back in John Henry’s story to catch up with him during the Doomsday attack. Of course many will know him for his role filling the Man of Steel’s shoes after his death. Here we find him on the streets, fighting for the survival of his neighbourhood and his people. It’s a beautifully crafted moment which strikes to the heart of any human interest story in a crisis.
Each story has its own unique point of view on the events of 30 years ago. What surprised me most was how each felt like a moment lost from the original story. If you were to weave these moments in to the Death of Superman‘s original run they wouldn’t feel out of place. That’s a sign of the care and attention given to making this anniversary special another key moment in DC’s legacy.
Verdict
A beautiful way to add context to one of DC’s landmark moments in history. The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special focusses on the human impact of the Man of Steel through the people who know him best. What a stunning way to celebrate the anniversary!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
