Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Brett Breeding; John Costanza; & Glenn Whitmore
Cover Art by Dan Jurgens & Brett Breeding
SUMMARY:
Entitled simply “Doomsday!” it was published by DC Comics for January 1993. In a devastated Metropolis, as the world watches on television, the Man of Steel’s brutal showdown vs. Doomsday concludes. Superman poignantly kisses his fiancée, Lois Lane, before resuming the battle. As Lois & Jimmy Olsen helplessly witness, the Man of Steel barely holds his own until he engages in a direct slugfest with Doomsday. A catastrophic exchange leaves everyone (including Jonathan & Martha Kent at home) in shock to the battle’s heart-breaking outcome. Lois cradles a dying Superman.
REVIEW:
Though this issue reeks of an obvious publicity stunt, writer Dan Jurgens and the art team handle one aspect relatively well. Specifically, the poignant reactions of onlookers share a premonition of the end result, is well-played. Beyond a glimpse of Lois & Clark’s romance, the entire issue, however, reads ,pre like Superman’s ham-fisted answer to 1985’s Rocky IV, with a Doomsday as an alien-like Incredible Hulk. It’s no surprise that Jurgens’ narrative even compares this super-showdown to a boxing match. The art squad’s visuals conveys exactly what they are supposed to, including Jurgens’ boxing analogy.
Considering how Superman doesn’t isolate Doomsday vs. risking mass public casualties (including Lois & Jimmy), Jurgens telegraphs DC’s ‘shock value’ ending too soon. In fairness, Jurgens’ dubious concept of Superman being beaten to death at least outclasses writer Geoff Johns’ similar plot twist in 2005’s ultra-violent Infinite Crisis mini-series.
What stands out more is the back cover’s lengthy list of upcoming tie-in issues. DC’s true motivation is thus confirmed: crassly milking Superman’s ‘death’ as a cash cow. Superman # 75 is a questionable keepsake, as it’s a reminder of the untold number of fans worldwide that DC Comics brazenly conned.
Note: DC’s strategy evidently worked, as a similar publicity stunt targeted Batman re: the 2008-09 Final Crisis mini-series.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Its back inside cover fold-out detailing Superman’s last words with Lois connects with a three-page spread revealing his demise to Metropolis onlookers.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars
