10 Terrible Moments Featured In DC Comics' The New 52
1. Death Of Superman
The death of any Superman is a sad affair but the death of the New 52 Superman felt more like the hero was going down a slow, depressing checklist than going out in one last heroic battle. The Final Days of Superman story arc saw this version of the Man of Steel check in with his friends and loved ones as he dies.
Superman’s cellular structure had been irreparably damaged by his exposure to the fire pits of Apokolips, A.R.G.U.S.’s kryptonite room, and the energies of Rao. The hero accepted that he was dying. After visiting Lana and Lois, Clark went to Batman to ask him to find Supergirl, who was getting help with her waning powers from the DEO. He asks her to carry on for him. Superman also tried to say goodbye to Wonder Woman but their farewell was ruined by Denny Swan, the supposed Energy Superman.
In Superman #52, the Man of Steel attempted to fly the out-of-control Swan into the upper atmosphere where he could unleash his solar flare and have their powers cancel each other out. However, his flare fails. The New Earth Superman, who had been living there secretly with his Lois and son, arrived and took them all into the atmosphere where Swan exploded. New 52 Clark succumbed to his kryptonite poisoning and the world mourned the loss of their hero.