Superman’s Most Controversial Epic Set to Receive an Official Sequel

There’s exciting news on the horizon for Superman fans, as one of the most controversial yet iconic arcs in DC’s history may be making a comeback. The “Death and Return of Superman”saga, which first captured the imagination of audiences in the early 1990s, is poised for an official reunion. Notably, a variant cover for Superman #25 hints at a revival featuring the four key characters from this legendary storyline.

The recent solicitation for the oversized Superman #25 provides a glimpse into what readers can anticipate:

Superman #25 (2025)
Release Date:	April 23, 2025
Writers:	Joshua Williamson
Artists:	Dan Mora, Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira
Cover Artist:	And Mora
Variant Covers:	Featuring artists including Rafael Grassetti, Guillem March, Jeff Dekal, and more.
In this issue, Superman and Superwoman face the aftermath of their battles against formidable foes Doomsday and Time Trapper. However, a formidable challenge arises as Lex Luthor reemerges. Though Lex’s memory was wiped during the House of Brainiac saga, he returns with a vengeance, aiming to reclaim control over Supercorp and Metropolis. The question looms: is this the end of Supercorp? Get ready for a significant oversized issue that not only commemorates the past two years of Superman but also tees up a thrilling new storyline!

Superman #25 will feature numerous variant covers, including an exciting piece by Brad Walker showcasing the four “replacement Supermen”in a dynamic battle scene. This particular cover portrays Superboy, Steel, and the Eradicator teaming up against the Cyborg Superman.

The Death of Superman: An Iconic Saga Explored

The Death and Return of Superman: A Landmark Success for DC Comics

The saga that would become one of DC’s pivotal moments began with a wedding—specifically, the postponement of Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s marriage. Shortly after their engagement in the early 1990s, a television series titled “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”was greenlit. Focused on the relationship dynamics between Lois and Superman, this show aimed for marriage as a narrative endpoint. To align the comic storyline with the television show’s trajectory, the comic wedding was shelved.

The show ran successfully on ABC for five remarkable seasons and had an unexpected impact on the narrative direction of the comics.

In light of these developments, the creative teams turned a setback into inspiration: they decided to kill Superman. Legend has it that Jerry Ordway, the writer for “Adventures of Superman, ”proposed this audacious idea as a means to explore the character’s significance to the world. And not only did they plan to kill him, but they also intended to introduce four new heroes, each representing a facet of the Man of Steel’s identity.

This gripping tale unfolded throughout late 1992 and early 1993, resulting in a sales phenomenon. The subsequent events, known as “Reign of the Supermen, ”captivated fans as they speculated which of the four replacements was the true successor to Superman. Ultimately, the story revealed the Cyborg Superman as the main antagonist, leading to a dramatic reunion with the original Superman.

Superman’s Death and Return: More Than Just a Sales Gimmick

The Four Replacement Supermen: Significant Characters in Their Own Right

Following the conclusion of “Reign of the Supermen, ”the four replacements emerged as significant characters in their own right. The Cyborg Superman turned into a recurring adversary for both Superman and Green Lantern. John Henry Irons embraced the mantle of “Steel, ”evolving into a celebrated ally to Superman, while Superboy integrated into the Teen Titans. The Eradicator, though less common, made a comeback, recently reuniting with the Cyborg Superman in “The Question: All Along the Watchtower.”

Despite their individual strengths, none of these characters could quite fill the void left by the original Superman.

Initially dismissed as a mere gimmick designed to boost sales, the Death and Return of Superman narrative eventually revealed its deeper significance. As envisioned by Ordway and his creative team, it explored a “world without Superman, ”demonstrating how integral he is to the DC Universe. The saga showed that while the alternate characters are compelling, they cannot replicate the irreplaceable essence of the true Man of Steel.

Superman’s Death: A Highly Influential Narrative

DC’s Continued Return to the Death of Superman

More than three decades later, the Death and Return of Superman storyline remains a touchstone for creators. As illustrated by Brad Walker’s variant cover, the impact of this legendary arc continues to reverberate throughout the comic book world. Not only did it elevate the visibility of comics during its initial run but the narrative also birthed four captivating characters whose legacies continue to influence Superman’s universe.

Moreover, the recent appearances of the four replacement Supermen throughout the DC Universe hint at the possibility of a reunion story. To commemorate significant anniversaries, DC has released special editions reflecting on both Superman’s death and subsequent return, reaffirming that intriguing narratives around this pivotal event remain to be explored.

With the upcoming Superman #25, set to be available on April 23, readers can look forward to fresh stories intertwining with established lore in the Superman mythos.

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