The Retailer's Perspective on Superman's Death in Comics: Unraveling the Truth Behind the Myths

Remember that famous line from the world of Superman comics: ‘Of course not, all comics have events.’ It was a playful nod to the reality that certain storylines and events in the comic book world are temporary, meant to be woven into larger story arcs that eventually resolve themselves.

Things reached a crescendo in the 1990s, especially with the iconic Batman 500 storyline, where Bane broke Batman’s back. But this did not define the permanence of such events. Similarly, people were discussing the Adventures of Superman 500 and the potential for Superman's ultimate fate. Such events were designed to be temporary, much like when DC could explain it in any way they wanted.

Reflecting on my experience as an employee at a comic shop in November 1992, it was clear that the narrative could evolve significantly. The fact that Superman was Kryptonian suggested a possibility of a different form of death compared to human beings. This was precisely what happened in the storyline. Superman entered a comatose state and was healed through the use of a matrix healing chamber. Kryptonians, as the logic went, could regeneratively heal in ways humans could not.

The Longest 'Death': Barry Allen, The Flash

One of the most enduring instances of a seeming death in comic book history was the case of Barry Allen, The Flash. His supposed permanent death spanned over two decades, from 1985 to 2008, marking the longest 'death' in the history of comic books. However, like the cases of Superman and Batman, it too was not meant to be permanent.

The Marriage Plot

Superman's death was more of a marriage storyline catalyst. The creators, with permission for a tv counterpart marriage, found it necessary to have a death storyline in the comics to set the stage for a relationship between Superman and Lois Lane. One of the writers decided, "Let’s just kill him" and from there, a storyline was crafted. The proposed 'death' was a strategic move, both in terms of narrative and in fostering the relationship between the iconic characters.

In conclusion, the idea that a character in comic books can have a permanent death isn't necessarily true, unless such a scenario applies to specific characters like Gwen Stacy, who perished in Spider-Man 121 in 1973 and remains the only one who truly stayed deceased within the complex tapestry of the comic book universe.