"Jeez, this seems kinda dark for a last Superman story." **Written by Alan Moore** "Oh, right. This seems kinda whimsical for an Alan Moore story."

All these years later, my favorite line is still Bizarro's dying words: "Hello, Superman ... hello."

The biggest problem with Alan Moore's writing is the sheer number of people who completely miss the point of the stories he's tried to tell... and then try to emulate their bastardized versions. Yes, Moore routinely goes to some dark places, but his stories were never about how everything is grimdark, and life sucks all the time, always and anyone who hopes for anything better is a naïve child. The very fact that he sent Supes off with a happy ending, one where he gets to settle down and live out his days quietly with his wife and child in a world that has shown it doesn't actually _need_ him proves that Moore understood the character far better than someone like Zach Snyder _ever_ did!

The scariest part about that story: Alan Moore probably really would've killed him if Schwartz had turned him down.

As a Silver Age boomer, it was a fitting end for the Superman of my childhood. His selflessness and nobility that added to my parent's nurturing, just made life even better. Thanks for this tribute.

"This seems awfully dark for a Superman story." - people who missed that it was written by Alan Moore Side note: why does it hurt so much more when they kill Krypto? I love Superman as much as any other American kid, but Krypto dying really got me back in the day.

For all of Watchmen and Swamp Thing’s accolades, that splash panel of Superman privately crying in solitude is always THE thing that comes to my mind when I think of Alan Moore’s deconstruction of Superheroes Seeing Superman crying not for anybody else’s sake but rather for himself because he doesn’t want to die is such a powerful and moving image. For all of his godlike power, Superman at his core is simply a man with fears and doubts like the rest of us

Here's what I know; no real human could handle the awesome powers of Superman. If I had those powers, despite my best intentions, I'd be a supervillain by the end of the first week. That Superman gave up his powers the minute he crossed that line is proof he was the only person worthy to have them in the first place. He really was better than us, in every possible way.

I remember reading that story for the first time. My brothers and I (avid comic readers) were still reeling from the events of Crisis. I honestly broke down at the scene where Superman and Krypto sat together. Thanks for bringing this back for me.

While the story gets dark, the images never get gritty. Superman remains a beacon.

I find Alan Moore unchallenged in his use of violence in comic books. He doesn't use it as a reward for the reader, a catartic way to get the hero on top and the bad guy to gets what's coming for them. No, violence is the weapon of the deranged and the evil, and heros usually end their story in dialog, or in sacrifice

Alan Moore, for those few short years, told the defining Superman story, Green Lantern story, Batman story and, of course, Swamp Thing. He always made you think, and challenged your preconceptions. I'll forever be grateful for the stories that he told during that time period.

I like the implication that the 30th century super heroes know that Jordan Elliott is Superman. Their vagueness is pretty great and I enjoy the paradox.

JORdan ELiot - nice one, Alan Moore, you cantankerous wizard. I really appreciate this series because I’ll likely never read these various classic comics, but knowing that various creators have lovingly explored these characters’ lives and traits still adds to my overall enjoyment of those characters.

I love this story and all the things Alan Moore did in it, yet I can't help but wonder what might have been if Jerry Siegel was able to write the story. That could be an imaginary story in itself, "Whatever Happened to Jerry Siegel's Ending for Superman?"

I HAD NO IDEA THE DUDE WAS SUPERMAN IN DISGUISE. When he spoke that fact to me my jaw broke in half because of the shock. What a good ending now

I grew up reading the Silver Age Superman. I was in high school when Alan Moore rocked my world, first with Swamp Thing, and then with this story. "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?" came out about the time I graduated from high school, and became an "adult" (whatever that means). This story lives rent-free in my head to this day, as a cherished memory of that transitional time in my life. Thanks for giving it such reverential treatment, Steve.

Moore and Chris Sprouse's run on Supreme is basically an extended commentary on Silver Age Superman comics. I recommend it highly.

I started with comic books in 1967. I was 9 and my dad bought them for us for a flight to LA from Boston to visit family. I was hooked. I gave up in 1990 with 16,000 books. I got married in 1990 (still am) and that Crisis series made me decide to give up on comics. Of course I am still a fan and have watched everything that has come out the last 33 year. Thank you for this.

Thanks for this video, Steve. Not only is it cogent and moving analysis, but it also helped me realize that the makers of Superman & Lois are sneakier than I realized. They named Clark And Lois' twin boys Jonathan and Jordan, the names of Superman himself and his son in the finale of this story. Excellently played, if you ask me.

Superman #423, off the 7-11 rack, is what got me into collecting comics. What an incredible story.

My friend just obtained an original page of art from Crisis. It's beautiful, and his love of Superman and the Crisis Maxi Series led him there.

For someone who mostly experienced Superman through movies and tv, this is definitely a comic I want to read as someone who loves Superman. Steve I like a lot of your videos but I do love how you clearly love Superman and love to talk about him. Thank you for this video.

Lovely ending to the Golden Age Superman. An additional detail to the story's introduction is that imaginary stories are actually a thing within DC, as in the Golden and early Silver Age stories that featured in-world dream sequences, alternate realities and what have you that at the end reverted to the regular traction of how these tales were going for. It became a thing that they started to be introduced as imaginary stories, and it must have been a clear reference by Alan simply because it adds to the respect and care of his own ending being one more of the many imaginary stories that came before.

Jordan Elliot?? You mean Jor El. "Fun" fact - in Superman & Lois, Jordan's middle name is Elliot. 😭😭😭

My dude, I really love this series. The conceit that every version is the best version is just such fun and a joyous way to examine the character. More so, you execute that concept in such a way that I buy into it, every single time. Can't wait for the next one. Well done.

Okay, as someone who read this when it came out... My reaction was turning pages, going what What WHAT!!! And crying at the end (and, already knowing Krypto was dying; I'll tell you why if you care), that didn't throw me as much. I remember when we got to the frame going, "Please be him, please be him," and it was an emotional roller coaster. In 1972, Superman was the first comic I ever read. And this was just so much my post-college life out in front.

This was the height of my collecting. I have both these issues signed by Julius Schwartz. They are awesome stories.

Jordan Elliot...subtle. I always liked that part. I have this story in a compilation that threw in "For The Man Who Has Everything", and a story where Superman briefly goes by the fake name of Cal Ellis...loved that too.

I was 14 when these two issues came out and I didn't understand what was going on. It all just seemed really sad and the story lingered with me for weeks. I had no idea Superman was being rebooted, and then one day I saw the John Byrne Superman #1 on the shelves, along with the continuation of Action Comics and The Adventures of Superman, and completely fell in love with the post-Crisis Superman. For whatever reason, the place where I had been getting comics (Army post bookstore in West Germany) did not carry the Man of Steel limited series, even though they did carry Crisis on Infinite Earths, hence my bewilderment. I literally thought Superman comics were coming to an end at the time. I didn't get a chance to buy and read Man of Steel until a few years later when I was back in the States and could find a comic book store.

Growing up, I had a copy of this with a DVD of Superman Returns and I remember finding it just depressing and overly grim. Now that I'm older, I've grown to appreciate it a lot more, but part of me still reacts like I did when I was 8 years old: with discomfort and displeasure with a story that gives so many of its characters such bleak endings.

Because of this video, I bought and read the story. I had been meaning to for a long time and this prompted me to finally do it. What a wonderful story. Dark and shocking, yet still uplifting at the end, it was a gripping and amazing ride.

Funny that you mention a lot of the GrimDark comics of the 90s, because a lot of those works were made as love letters to Alan Moore. It's as if they're shouting, at the top of their lungs, "SENPAI!!! NOTICE ME!!!!" ...and Alan Moore is just rolling his eyes at these people.

Fantastic Superman story. When I read it for the first time, I couldn’t believe this was the “last” Superman story, so I reread again and again. 😂 Stories like this one leave a mark in your memory.

I love this and the "Best Batman Ever" series so much. Steve has such fascinating insight into these characters, stories, and creators.

"My name is Jordan Elliott! I totally did NOT name myself after Jor El! Whatever gave you THAT idea? And I totally did NOT name my kid after Jonathan Kent! So there!"

That's an astonishingly wholesome and happy ending to a typically gruesome and blood-soaked Alan Moore story!

I remember reading this not too long ago in the collection of Moore's DC work (included Swamp Thing and I think Batman), and it's stuck with me. It's the kind of story that pops into my brain at random intervals, making me feel all over again.

Nice work, Steve. One of the greatest Superman stories, and one of the greatest superhero stories I've ever read.

I just reread this story for the first time within the past year. It's a fitting end to an era. Maybe it was time for a new era for the last son of Krypton -- an era that didn't last all that long -- but this was the guy I grew up reading, and I was sorry to see him go. A very strong and loving look at Superman, and an almost sweet rendition by Steve.

Bravo! Bravo! A great recounting of THE best Superman story ever. A story so important and so well-crafted as to be recognized as closing out the epoch Silver Age. Aside from the rightful bouquets to Alan Moore, thank you for recognizing the great Curt Swan... not only for this story but for his iconic depiction of the Man of Steel for my generation. We will never see another hero like the Silver Age Superman.

oh wow i was just thinking "hm Steve Shives should make a 'Best Superman Ever' on Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow" yesterday lol

I got this in deluxe edition which also includes For The Man Who Has Everything. Two of my favourite Superman stories along with Superman 775 What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way ? ( not included in the deluxe edition)

I was wondering if "Superman's Greatest Foe" still wasn't really Mr. Mxyzptlk, so much as "Superman" himself. Like on the conceptual level, or the "does the world still really need Superman/Batman/etc." kinds of things - like is Superman now becoming a nexus that brings all this trouble to those around him, in which case, removing himself from the equation is the only way. My second thought is that if it was "just" Mr. Mxyzptlk, he was the "greatest" foe because he was the only one who'd managed to bring Superman to that breaking point of choosing to kill, rather than anything to do with Mxy's inherent power level. (Like in your video on who is Picard's greatest nemesis, it was the only one that managed to break him.)

Steve I just want to say that this series on Superman has been some of your best work. Your appreciation for the character in all its appearances and forms really shows through. As a more casual fan of Superman I really enjoy hearing your perspective.

I never knew what these issues were about beyond them being about Superman’s last adventure. Quite honestly I wasn’t expecting anything that brutal, but know Alan Moore and what he was trying to convey, it makes sense. It’s nice seeing Superman retire and enjoy life. Also, since you covered this, I’d love if you covered All Star Superman. Whenever I think of Superman, I think of his talk with Lex over why he is the way he is with the power he has.

THANK YOU FOR BRINGING ONE OF THE BEST SUPERMAN STORY EVER WRITTEN ENDED HIS BEST ARTISTS. AND MR.SWAN WALK INTO THE SUNSET. TRULY A GREAT WAY YOU. PRESENTATION TO BE GIVEN.

This was the last story before Superman was rebooted in the late 80s- early 90s. Kurt Swan will always be my favorite classic Superman artist. Thanks for posting.

Just bought a copy of this last week. I've known the story for awhile, but finally found a copy I was willing to collect. Love this issue, love this review.

I always thought that this story was far better than the Killing Joke.

Have you considered doing a video on Alan Moore's run on Miracleman? It laid the groundwork for the ideas explored in Watchmen but I would argue that it did it better. Watchmen is a lot of things but it's not really a superhero story. Only one character in Watchmen is technically super- Doctor Manhattan- and considering him a hero is a bit of a stretch. He may do the right thing at some points in his life, but he's not doing for any altruistic reasons. Miracleman is about a legitimate superhero with superpowers and the book focuses on what the world would be like for him. It's full of big superhero concepts, fights, and a dash of sci-fi, just like all of the best superhero comics. The end of Miracleman sees him and his friends take over the world in the aftermath of the battle with Kid Miracleman, recreating human society in their image. It's all presented in very utopian terms but there's something undeniably sinister about those godlike beings dictating to humanity what their world is going to look like from now on. Moore takes superheroes to what he perceived to be their ultimate extent- what better way to protect the world than control it? He presents this concept in all of its inhuman glory, leaving readers feeling slightly dirty for rooting for the heroes up to this point.

As Alan Moore said, this is an imaginary story, but after all they’re all imaginary stories.

What a nice review. Moore tells great stories. I especially enjoy how he perceives the old heroes and villains. In his Swamp Thing series he used The Phantom Stranger, Deadman and Etrigan perfectly, as if the characters had been created decades earlier just for him. Please consider doing a review of "For The Man Who Has Everything". Apologies if you already covered this, but I looked and did not see it.

I remember this comic really well, Steve you really mix it up Star Trek, MacGyver, comics, social commentary. I love when you talk out your version of the script while showing pictures of the related show episode. 👍

I love both of the Batman and Superman video series, they provide such an interesting glimpse of not only the comics medium and but also the times they are being written. Cheers!

22:28 Fun fact. Curt Swan Is the comic book artist I also grew up with. Even though I was born in 1980. My dad foolishly now let me read all of his comic books from the 50s and 60s as I grew up. So when I was a child in the 80s, I spoke like I grew up in the 50s. Jeepers, golly, shucks, if it was in a comic? I said it. Which was great for my reading comprehension, but not so good when I finally had read Watchmen. I learned all my favorite cuss words from Alan Moore. Before I started swearing, my dad thought it was hilarious that I spoke like someone from Leave it to Beaver. Until I went to school, I didn’t realize that nobody else spoke like me. They all thought I sounded weird. Which I guess I did. So I stopped. Then an adult cousin knew I loved comics and bought me, a 9 or 10 year old, Watchmen. I have never been the same since.

Yes! I bought those issues new when published. I really loved that story and of course the beautiful Swan art. I grew up with his S man. He is still my favorite Superman artist and have a fond memory of meeting him once.

I read comics from 1959 to 1973, then only occasionally at long intervals. Sometimes an entire year would pass without my reading a comic. But I did read these two. I did sit partly stunned and partly satisfied. It did feel like what it was: the end of an era. Applause for the post. Thanks for bringing back memories.

BEST “Superman” comic book/graphic novel I’ve EVER read - EVEN BETTER than “Superman: Red Son,” “Superman: A Nation Divided” and “Superman: The War Of The Worlds.”

I really like how Allan Moore made Clark take up the name Jorden Elliot, because it is truly a tribute to Jor El, and would definitely be something Clark would do. And it was a really cool detail I picked up after a few times reading the story.

Thanks so much for this. I used to collect comics and stopped in the early 90's. You have convinced me to hit the local comic book store tonight to see if they have a hardcover compilation of this story. Thanks again!

Thanks for another super video, Steve!

I love when ever you do videos like this. I hope you keep covering great stories and that you at least find some of the crazy elseworlds worth talking about.

So thrilled to find this vid. Best story ever. Thank you.

love your channel, thank you

Hey, thanks Steve. Never would have been able to appreciate this tale without you.

That was epic, thanks for sharing.

I read these two issues, back in the day, as they were published. I didn't really care about Superman. I adored the first 2 Christopher Reeves movies, but, overall, found the character and his stories kinda boring. However, being a big fan of Saga of the Swamp Thing, I was excited about the issues due to Alan Moore's involvement. And.. WOW! They blew me away. Even the dark tone of Swamp Thing couldn't prepare me for classic characters (drawn in a classic way, no less) being SLAUGHTERED. "Alan Moore is a genius", I thought, as I slotted the issues in the "S" and "A" sections of my collection. (Unboarded and Unbagged. Comics are for READING. Fight me.) I've re-read the story several times. And it always has a strong impact. I swear to you, maybe not all the time but MOST of the time, I still cry at Krypto's heroic death. But, something has changed in me over the years. Stuff that I used to find edgy and cool due to it's dark tone, now just depresses me. For example, David Lynch's "Blue Velvet", "Twin Peaks," and "Wild at Heart" comes to mind. I'm not saying these stories bad; these are all incredible pieces of art. It's simply that my tastes have changed. The world is such a shitshow right now that, by-and-large, I need my entertainment to be an oasis. I'm 54 years old, and I'm not ashamed to say that many nights I fall asleep to TNG/DS9/VOY/SNW episodes where diplomacy and compassion win the day, hoping the story will escort me to the part of Dream Land where we're a little over 2 years into President Bernie Sanders' 2nd term. (Sidenote: I recently bought the oversized Absolute editions of Swamp Thing. And let me tell you, that Bissette/Totleben artwork LARGER and with gorgeous NEW COLORING?? Jizz City)

Just discovered this series in time for a new one. Perfect timing!

Wow. What great thoughtful and nuanced telling (and analysis) of this story (as well as other “imaginary endings” I’ve seen you tell). You bring out the poignancy of the story that people may not have felt or missed at the time they read this story. You love of the character also shines through. Keep up the good work. P.S. you have a great voice for radio

Thank you for an amazing tribute to "My favorite".

I lost track of your channel for a while (probably due to algorithmic reasons), but glad to have found it again. Interestingly, I reread this story (along with Alan Moore's two other Superman stories) just two weeks ago (around the time you made this video!). A pleasure to hear your take on it.

Hi Steve! I'm really enjoying this series, and before you declare it over, I am hoping I might be able to persuade you to touch upon a couple of often overlooked Superman stories, in the form of two novels, released to coincide with (but were not novelizations of) the first two Superman films; 'Last Son of Krypton', and 'Miracle Monday', both by Elliot S! Maggin.

This is easily the best ever of Steve's "Best Ever" series, but holy smokes he wasn't kidding at 08:50

Bravo, Steve! Bravo!

This has been covered by every comics-related KZfaqr. One day, there will be so much repeat content, that we'll need a ranking list of everything ever.

I really enjoy these videos.

I never knew about this. It was just before my time. This is a great story, thanks for telling it Steve.

I'm from Brazil and I grew up with the finale of this silver age Superman and got all Crisis until today. Loved to find this channel and so well analyzed stories that made Superman what he is. Congratulations Steve.

Damn you, Steve Shives, you made my cry. I was 10 when I devoured those comic books - and I still have them today. Sure, I gave away a lot of my old issues of this or that superhero, but ended up keeping about 30 of 'em. This story, in those two parts, are ones I will never part with. They left their mark on me, and your zoomed out summary of the transition between comic book ages, the whys and wherefores, the undercurrents of society as examined through the prism of the art of superhero stories just really hit home. It's poignant because, when you're 10, you don't quite realize you're living in XYZ period of history, but you still somehow feel it at the same time. "The best ending possible for the best Superman ever," as you said. A Superman that had such clarity about good and evil, about what to do and what was right - he surely had to go, didn't he. It was inevitable. But for all his genuinely selfless efforts, he deserved a modicum of love, family and peace at the end. Well done.

Steve, you forgot to read ",...of how he broke his most sacred oath,...".And did you notice that "Jordan Elliot" is based on Jor-El, Superman's Kryptonian father?

Thank you!

I had no idea this existed, instantly bought. Thanks, Steve!

The resolution of how Superman handled breaking his oath was an interesting contrast to what happens months later when the new Superman has to deal with Phantom Zone criminals in a pocket universe. They kill everyone on Earth, including that universe's version of Superboy. While he has used gold kryptonite to depower them, the criminals mockingly predict they will find a way to regain their powers and continue their killing spree. Superman response? He announces that he has no choice but to kill them. And he does. And he lives with it. Kind of chilling if you think about it.

Oh the irony of Alan Moore threatening to kill the Schwartz if he didn't get to write the story where no one has the right to kill anyone...classic

Thank you for all your videos, from Supes to Star Trek to politics. You are a good man

This was SUPER good if you'll excuse my Dad joke. I read these for the first time around 16 years old. And I still have them. Appreciated them back then, and on those occasions I reread them. Thanks for this episode about them.

Man this is a pretty light-hearted Alan Moore story!

This brought a tear to my eye

Jolly good video.

I've watched so many of these videos. I always wondered if you had missed or forgotten this one. I am pleased you honor it now. Kurt Swan was MY Superman, like Jim Aparo was MY Batman. This is my favorite of his works.

An important detail is the reference that in this Superman present, his super cousin perished in Crisis.

This is literally the best video you have ever done, you delivery everything was on point. If anyone ask me who is Superman, this is the video I will show them. This...this is the pinnacle of your video essays and if I could would ask James Gunn to make this story somehow a wrap up for Henry Cavill Superman. I would include this in a mid credits for any future Superman movie. It's that good, bravo Steve, bravo 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Great video ! Thanks for reminding me Supes will always be the best! (Though blaming himself for a total accident, doesn't say much for his logic capabilities! )

I found that this final silver age Superman story really got to me. My feelings toward it haven’t changed since it was first published. All the major plot points and lessons learned you mentioned are what I felt after reading both chapters. That final wink that closed the silver age saga was definitely a wink to the wonderful George Reeves TV series that introduced me to the character, my comic book absorption would soon follow. Not to mention soon seeing the 1940s’ Fleischer Cartoons on local TV. Thanks for your insights, Steve.

Steve, excellent video about an excellent story! I've read this story many many times. I caught right away that the baby is named for Pa Kent and Jordan Elliott for Jor-El. Just now, almost 40 years later, I noticed the similarity between "Jordan" and Perry White. Does everyone else pretty much assume that Batman and the other heroes set up Clark's new identity?

I got a hardcover trade of the Deluxe edition. Had the Superman stuff written my Alan Moore. It came with both issues, the Annual, and the crossover with Swamp Thing. Found it scouring a mall discount second hand comic shop for $12. What a lucky guy I must be.

A great video about a great Superman story. I felt that this video definitely showed respect for Superman, his ideals, his morals, and why he doesn't and shouldn't. In spite of bad things happening to Superman in this story and being forced to kill a powerful enemy, it doesn't come across as trying to make Superman edgy. I agree with Steve Shive in which it does serve a purpose, that Superman still stands by what he represents and that Superman doesn't really take the easy way out. Personally, I do think that good people like Superman will always be needed, which is why I somewhat disagree with what Jordan Elliott said about Superman at the end of the story. Still, a great review for a great Superman story.

I remember reading this when I was a kid and being blown away. This was a perfect Superman story. Hope you'll do a video about my favorite character ever: The Amazing Spider-Man.

What an amazing story and such a great video to go along with it. As a hobby I started back when I was unemployed about 8 years ago as of this writing; I thought it would be fun to go back and read every DC, Marvel, & some independent comics that have been made since the first Superman comic debuted. I am currently up to Actions Comics #583 from 1986 (and that's when I discovered this video). I like to read the comic and then see if I can find a review or synopsis on youtube just to get another point of view. This comic is absolutely incredible. I'm not sure I can ask for something better from a Superman story. This is better than the Death of Superman arc brought about by Doomsday. The twists and turns are unexpected. I never saw any of the deaths and conclusion coming at all, and maybe best of all, they brought back Supergirl. That brought a tear to my eye. I could only hope the comics I read from here can hold a candle to this one. Not to say I don't enjoy a bunch of other stories, but this one is truly special.