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Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? #[nn] cover
Cover: Curt Swan & Murphy Anderson

Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? #[nn]

Feb 1997 · DC · 5.95 USD; 8.50 CAD
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🏆 Reprint Collection (1996)
About this Collection

This collection brings together the classic 1986 story by writer Alan Moore and artist Curt Swan, originally published in Superman #423 and Action Comics #583. Presented as an imaginary tale, it offers a poignant farewell to the Silver Age Superman, depicting the final confrontation between the Man of Steel and his greatest foes. The volume also includes additional stories from the same era, providing a fitting coda to the pre-Crisis Superman mythos.

In "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Part 1," Alan Moore crafts a haunting, introspective chapter in Superman’s legacy, with Curt Swan’s iconic art and Murphy Anderson’s precise inks bringing emotional weight to a story where the Man of Steel confronts his deepest fears. As Superman faces a barrage of enemies—Brainiac in Luthor’s body, the Kryptonite Man, and the Legion of Super-Villains—his final revelation leads to a devastating choice, one that forces him to confront the cost of his power. The cover by Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson captures the quiet aftermath, a moment of stillness that speaks volumes.

Contains 2 stories
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Part 1
24 pp · Superhero
Superman [Clark Kent]Lois Lane ElliotTim CraneJonathan ElliotJimmy OlsenBizarroLana LangPete Ross (deceased)PranksterToyman [Winslow Schott]Lex LuthorBrainiacMetalloPerry WhiteAlice WhiteKryptoKryptonite ManLegion of Super-Heroes [SupergirlCosmic BoySaturn GirlBrainiac 5Lightning LadInvisible Kid [Lyle Norg]]Perry WhiteAlice White

On the 10th anniversary of Superman’s disappearance, Lois Lane Elliot recounts to journalist Tim Crane the final days that led to his retreat—beginning with Bizarro’s sudden shift to violence, the shocking reveal of Superman’s identity by the Toyman and the Prankster, and a coordinated assault on the Daily Planet by multiple Metallos. As the city descends into chaos, Superman gathers his closest allies, including Lois, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry White, and takes them to the Fortress of Solitude for safety. Just as tensions rise, a mysterious visitor arrives: the Legion of Super-Heroes, led by Supergirl, Cosmic Boy, and Brainiac 5, bearing a strange statuette that may hold the key to what comes next.

Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Part 2
24 pp · Superhero
Superman [Jordan Elliotalso as Nightwing (in photo)]Lois Lane ElliotTim CraneLana LangJimmy Olsen [also as Elastic Ladalso as Flamebird (in photo)]Perry WhiteAlice WhiteKryptoBrainiacLex LuthorKryptonite ManLegion of Super-Villains [Cosmic KingLightning LordSaturn Queen]Captain Marvel [Billy Batson]VartoxSuperwoman [Kristin Wells]Robin [Jason Todd]Batman [Bruce Wayne]Wonder Woman [Diana Prince]Martian ManhunterGreen Arrow [Oliver Queen]Hawkman [Katar Hol]Mr. MxyzptlkJonathan Elliot

In the aftermath of a devastating assault on the Fortress of Solitude, Superman confronts the shocking truth behind the attack—only to face a choice that will redefine his legacy. As the line between hero and villain blurs, one final act of desperation forces him to summon Mr. Mxyzptlk, leading to a moment of irreversible consequence. With the weight of his decisions settling over the quiet evening, Lois, her husband Jordy, and their young son Jonathan find peace in the stillness.

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Full credits

writer Alan Moore
artist Curt Swan
colorist Gene D'Angelo
colorist Tom McCraw
letterer Todd Klein
cover pencils Curt Swan
cover inks Murphy Anderson

Reprints

↩ Reprints Action Comics #583 (1986), Superman #423 (1986)

Reprinted in Action Comics #1 (2001), Superman: "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow" DVD Issue #[nn] (2006), Grandes Clássicos DC #9 (2006), Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? The Deluxe Edition #[nn] (2009), Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? The Deluxe Edition (2020 Edition) #[nn] (2021)

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