From: Superman #75 by Dan Jurgens (script and art) and Bret Breeding (art) Supermans death is considered one of the definitive comic book moments from the past 25 years. Published at the peak of the comic book speculative boom period in the early 90s, Superman #75 and the fact that DC was willing to kill its most famous and iconic superhero made headlines across the globe. The comic which came packaged in a black polybag adorned with a bloody Superman S sold millions of copies, as speculators figured the issue would one-day rival Action Comics #1 and Detective Comics #27 in terms of value and historical significance. Naturally, the whole event turned out to be a (very successful) marketing gimmick by DC. Superman was alive and well again within the year, and Superman #75 can usually be found inside a random bargain bin longbox at a comic book show or conventions. Still, that doesnt change the power and significance of the panel that depicts the Man of Steels death. For many people, Superman is an icon that transcends comic books. In the days leading up to Superman #75s release, one American retailer equated Supermans death with killing Uncle Sam. Opening up the final gatefold page of this comic book and seeing a battered and bloodied Superman lying lifeless next to a weeping Lois Lane is a where were you when? moment for comic book fans. Its a devastating visual when you consider Supermans broader appeal beyond funny books. On a more cynical level, the panel functions as a reminder of the marketing insanity that engulfed the comic book industry and nearly killed it a few years later.
5. Spider-Man Lifts Steel
From: Amazing Spider-Man #33 by Stan Lee (co-plot) and Steve Ditko (art and co-plot) In what many consider to be the most famous moment in Spider-Man comics, the Web Slinger is trapped underneath tons of steel and debris while a serum that would save his dying Aunt Mays life lies just out of reach. Spider-Man contemplates the many ways hes failed as a superhero, before reaching back and finding what little physical strength he has left, lifting the steel above his head, grabbing the serum and saving Aunt May. The moment demonstrates Steve Ditkos mastery as a page plotter, as the scene actually unfolds over the course of multiple pages, the tension building and building until that exact moment of triumph (shown here). Over the past nearly 50 years since this comic was published, the scene has been referenced in countless comic books (Spider-Man and otherwise) and in Sam Raimis Spider-Man 2 film. The moment captures everything people love about Spider-Man his never-say-die spirit, his love and loyalty for friends and family, and his ability to overcome insurmountable odds. If youve read this comic in the past and just the sheer mention of this scene doesnt get your heart racing, then your love and passion for comics should be questioned.
Mark is a professional writer living in Brooklyn and is the founder of the Chasing Amazing Blog, which documents his quest to collect every issue of Amazing Spider-Man, and the Superior Spider-Talk podcast. He also pens the "Gimmick or Good?" column at Comics Should Be Good blog.
