The Final Days of Superman Reading Guide

Overview:

The Final Days of Superman is a 2016 crossover event in DC Comics that spans several Superman-related titles. The story is written by Peter J. Tomasi, with notable artists including Mikel Janín, Doug Mahnke, and others. The plot focuses on Superman’s deteriorating health after the cumulative toll of his battles and exposure to harmful forces. Superman faces his mortality while still trying to protect the world from new threats.

The arc runs through issues of Superman, Action Comics, and other related titles, leading up to the “Rebirth” era of DC. It features appearances from supporting characters like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Supergirl, along with adversaries such as a mysterious impostor Superman.

Fans appreciated the story’s emotional depth and Tomasi’s portrayal of Superman’s character. The art also received positive feedback, especially Janín’s dynamic style. However, some critics felt the story was rushed, as it had to quickly wrap up plotlines to transition into the new Rebirth status quo. Despite mixed reviews, the arc is significant for bridging the end of the New 52 and the beginning of DC’s next era.

Best Way To Read:

• Superman: The Final Days of Superman
  • Collects: Superman #51-52, Action Comics #51-52, Batman/Superman #31-32 and Superman/Wonder Woman #28-29

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

References:

• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from Action Comics #52 cover art by Klaus Janson, John Romita Jr. and Dean V. White