The Road to DC Universe Rebirth: Superman Returns- The Post-Crisis Superman

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

   DC Universe Rebirth has continued to shake up comic sales weekly with its amazing creative teams, and stories that pay homage to DC's decades-old history. But one thing that Rebirth did was the unthinkable: they killed Superman...again... but this time he would not be resurrected.

  Back in the 1992 Superman #75 was one of the best-selling comic books of all-time when it featured the death of Superman. Battling a monster, named Doomsday, the Man of Steel combated the deadly creature to save Metropolis from destruction and the life of his love, Lois Lane. After defeating Doomsday, Superman lay dead in Lois' arms. The issue was presented by Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding. But despite negative feedback, Superman remained deceased for several months.

During this time several beings claiming to be the next Man of Steel arrived in the form of the Cyborg, the Eradicator, John Henry Irons, and Superboy. The story unfolded within the pages of all four Superman titles in an event entitled, Reign of the Supermen. But ultimately DC could not keep Superman dead. He was resurrected using a Kryptonian matrix chamber found in the Fortress of Solitude.

  Superman returned in Superman #81,and would go on to battle many villains, and eventually marry Lois Lane (see below).

  Twenty four years later that same Superman has returned. Brought forth during the Convergence of last year, the original Superman was re-introduced, and with him his wife, Lois Lane, and their son, Jonathan. During the worlds-shattering Convergence event, the Earth that Lois and Clark lived on was destroyed. They were given the option to choose a surviving Earth to live on. The New 52 Earth seemed to be the best choice, since it was closest to what their world had been like. They hid for years as Lois began to write anonymous books and articles that exposed corrupt agencies. Meanwhile Clark began to use his powers to secretly save lives, and to construct a new Fortress of Solitude. But since this Earth had a Superman, Clark stayed away from the spotlight. But after the death of Superman on this new world of theirs, Clark once again took up the mantel of Superman when it was apparent that this Earth's Kryptonian champion could never be resurrected.

  To further enjoy the return of the post-crisis Superman, I have compiled a list of some excellent back issues and trade paperbacks that may help you further understand Lois and Clark's amazing history.

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  In 1986 creative team, John Byrne and Dick Giordano took on the post-Crisis Superman. Their treatment of Kal-El brought us a clean and modern take in the six issue mini-series,  Man of Steel. In it Lois Lane was an army-brat daughter of General Sam Lane, who was a lot more brazen than her pre-Crisis predecessor. And Superman's villains were depicted as three-dimensional, often tortured individuals.  And Lex Luthor was a sociopathic millionaire with a taste for power. This was Superman more realistic than had ever been portrayed in comics. 

  Following the release of Man of Steel were four other titles that debuted: Action Comics, Adventures of Superman, Superman, and Superman: the Man of Steel. During the 1990s, all four titles continued ongoing stories that connected weekly. One of those stories was Clark Kent's reveal to Lois Lane that he was Superman in Action Comics #662. The secret identity reveal sparked an engagement between the reporters that even carried over into the television series, Lois and Clark: the New Adventures of Superman.

  The most dangerous being revealed during the Reign of the Superman was the Cyborg Superman. Introduced in his human form of Hank Henshaw in Adventures of Superman #466, he went on to become the deadly cyborg in Adventures of Superman #500. Entering into an alliance with the warlord, Mongul, he wrecked havoc on the DC Universe, even destroying Coast City.

  In 1996 it was made official that Lois and Clark would be married. Superman: A Wedding Album coinciding with the marriage of the television Lois and Clark was released. Fans finally were given the wedding that they had been waiting for. The issue was presented by an impressive list of legendary Superman artists and writers. It is now available on Comixology FREE to members.

  There you have it, some great stories featuring the Post-Crisis Superman, now a part of DC Universe Rebirth. You can see the post-Crisis Superman face the New 52 Doomsday in the current Action Comics story, Path of Doom. And in Superman, the New 52 Eradicator pursues young Jonathan in the Son of Superman story arc.

  Have fun reading this week. Let me know in the comments below what comics you are reading.

 Also please follow me on my social media platforms, and enjoy shopping with me at eBay and the Book Depository.
  
  Because there is always time to read,
   Xepherus3  


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All written content and Top logo (c) Copyright 2017 by Thomas Bahr II

Comic book covers and Superman logo (c) 2017 by DC Comics