10 DC Comics Stories That Changed Everything

The Death of Superman is arguably the most important story arc of the last 25 years. It's left an impact not only on DC, but comic books in general that is felt to this day. When DC announced that they would be killing off the most recognizable superhero ever, and an American icon, it garnered a vast amount of media attention. This wasn't only a big event in the world of comics, it was a big event in the world.

DC editorial created the mindless killing machine Doomsday for the sole purpose of murdering Superman to boost readership. Superman and the grey spiky Hulk clone go toe-to-toe, eventually beating each other to death. After a short mourning period, four substitute supermen were introduced to take his place: Superboy, Cyborg Superman, Eradicator, and Steel.

The Pokemon Go levels of hype quickly dropped though, as many people who purchased the book weren't actually interested in the story. Speculators bought up multiple copies believing it to be a "collectors item" that would eventually skyrocket in price. This would never come to pass, as the market was flooded with copies. You can still find them in nearly any back issue bin.

Many fans who actually were invested in the story felt deceived when Superman was slated to return less than a year later, seeing the Man of Steels as nothing more than a marketing ploy. Due to the backlash, readership fell across the entire industry.

Superman's quick resurrection left death feeling inconsequential in comics. Literally hundreds of characters have died and returned since, removing any permanent impact dying or self-sacrifice once had.