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It's a testament to Alan Moore's talent as a writer that he was able to earnestly pay homage to the silver age of comics while also creating a sort of prologue for what is to come afterwards, add layers and layers of meaning to the story and doing it in less than 50 pages! Outstanding.
@Logan Waltz To each their own. I find Moore hit or miss. I like some of his work and I dislike other things he has done. His Supreme and his Tom Strong work is not in his normal deconstruction of the superhero mythology that a lot of his work is about.
@@diddymuck I remember seeing a documentary about Alan Moore and his distaste for adaptations of comic books, his mostly. He described that Watchmen proved that only some stories can be effectively told in comic format. He then went on to describe the scene in Watchmen where Ozymandius poisoned the scientists, and how you could build a scene without destroying the payoff. (I cannot remember where I saw him do this, and he describes it far better than I could ever do) Alan Moore is a artist that tries to evoke emotions with his work, and I don't think any could deny that he achieves that quite successfully... Sadly not always the one he was aiming to portray.
Alan Moore for all the dark and realistic stuff he writes and say, he definitely is a fan of Superman. He sees that Superman needs to be smiles and do right no matter how unpopular it is.
Great to see people talking about this, as I grew up in the silver age of comics, and the team of Swanderson (Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson) were the definitive Superman artist for me. Yes, there have been others that I liked, but they were the ones that brought Superman to life for me, all the way to how Christopher Reeve portrayed him on the big screen. Thanks for the great video.
I've actually been reading some old Swan Superman stories this week. One thing that really hit me was how well he captured realistic emotion in his characters. He didn't draw with impact that knocked you over like Neal Adams did because that wasn't his style. What Swan did was to connect the reader to the characters in a personal way. He made them real in ways that they probably didn't deserve to be in some of the more outlandish scripts of the day. Nobody in comics has ever drawn more realistic emotion than Swan.
Thanks, and I think you hit right on why I liked Swans version of Superman, as he made him feel a lot more like a real person behind the cape, and also agree that his faces were some of the best, following on from Wayne Borings style of very fixed poses (like running through the air)
The one thing that's always gotten me about that story is what it reveals about Superman, the paradoxical nature of his virtues. Paradoxical, because those virtures are also his greatest vices. Superman has this code against killing. Yet he knows that if Mxyzptlk isn't dealt with he will kill without mercy. Superman kills him. This is Superman's virtue. He saw a need, he saw what had to be done. He saw what would be the immorality of holding to his code when millions of lives would be lost, and he was willing to do what needed to be done. But then he gets so guilted up and sacrifices his powers to atone for what he thinks is the great evil he has done. What he never stops to think of, before making an irreversible decision, is what is he going to do when some other mighty menace comes to call? He saved millions of lives by killing Mxyzptlk. But by taking away his powers, how many billions will he have murdered by not being able to stop the next menace when (not if) they come. Superman's decision is close to be being criminal, and morally self-indulgent at the least.
I read that the when Superman in his silver age origin arrived on Earth, he immediately had his powers. Considering his adult version would go on to showcase unlimited strength, this baby could still probably break planets. Naturally John Kent was afraid of him and had nightmares where he saw Clark taking over Earth (like he would go on to in several major post crisis stories). But they lost that fear when they saw Clark break down in tears at the death of a dog, because he could literally see the life force leave the animal. As campy of an idea as that is, I love it. It perfectly explains why Clark is so dedicated to protecting life, and why he’ll always use his powers for good. He literally sees life in a more personal sense than anyone else. It’s like that one quality is enough to make someone trustworthy with the power to move galaxies and destroy solar systems. And this is just the writers showing you why he’s the greatest hero in comics. Because when push came to shove he lived up to his beliefs and renounced the powers of a god, because he killed someone. Magnificent.
What about the end of the Silver Age Batman? It started in Batman #300, where Robin is an adult and has twins and Bruce Wayne stops being Batman to become Gotham's mayor.
Detective Comics #574 was technically the absolute end of Silver Age Batman because the following issue was the beginning of Year Two, which is basically when Detective Comics officially switched to the Post-Crisis continuity. Some cite Batman #400 as his final appearance, but Year One didn't begin until Batman #404. You can tell it's still the Silver Age Batman in the late 1986 and early 1987 stories because Jason Todd is still a Dick Grayson clone and Catwoman's heroic career comes to an end.
I really want to like this story, and this video helped, but I still can't get over some of these decisions. I don't like the saga of Superman ending with him and his friends murdering all the classic villains, then Superman faking his death and abandoning all responsibility of being Superman. Like, I heard a lot of hate for The Dark Knight Rises for having a similar ending, but can anyone explain why no one minds when this comic did it? Honestly I think All Star Superman feels more like a fitting end to the silver age character, while this seems more focused on the meta commentary.
Actually, WHTTMOT is overrated. For whatever reason. At some point, the writer put the man of steel in very poor light. I may be completely wrong but I think the story at best is worth two stars out of five.
@@alexmansfield3268 I like SA Superman. This version was the most OP version of the character ever drawn and written. It would be mistake to let this version go. Golden Age and Bronze Age couldn't get close to this kind of power. Hate to see him go.
@@ericmadsen9655 they can't really kill him off , they find a way to bring him back. He's forever, but just a made up character to gives everyone a gleem of hope. 😉
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow is classic Moore. It’s simultaneously dark, campy, complex, and yet magically simple. I love Moore’s darker stories but Moore’s incredible respect for the Superman and what he represents makes me wish Moore never became so cynical we could get more stories like Whatever Happened.
The only way that could have happened is if DC gave the Watchmen rights back to Moore right when the first TPB collections sold out. Once free of their clutches, Moore could have let the story be reprinted by another publisher.
It is very interesting how there are several renditions of how Superman's finale should look, with the most notable being this story, Kingdom Come and All-Star. Each version touches on a different angle of the character but all of them share that hopeful and heroic essence that makes the character so great.
I can't decide on weather I prefer this story or all star superman. I like to think of this story as an end for the silver age superman pre-crisis, while all-star superman is the end of clark as superman as a whole.
I was thinking DC Universe or HBO Max exclusive 6 episode miniseries where each episode is a different iconic, campy yet earnest, Silver Age Superman comic and the final two episodes or final hour long finale, is Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow. Launch (preferably weekly) online streaming tv series to get viewers used to what the appeal of Silver Age Superman was, and why he was so beloved, only to have it all tragically pulled down around him. And hey, with this approach maybe we could get an adaptation of one of those Silver Age Bizarro-Earth stories or that famous comic where Superman adaopts teenaged cub reporter Jimmy Olsen and starts emotionally abusing him in over-the-top way (really _any_ of those Silver Age “Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen” comics would be worth adapting, they just reveled in humiliating Jimmy in strange and often hilarious ways).
This was the only comic that ever moved me to tears. The best send off to the first superhero. What took Grant Morrison 12 issues to do.. Alan Moore accomplished in simply two issues.
These are the Superman stories that really make me love him. I always got told he's lame, he's overpowered, he isn't relatable. But that's all bullshit. Superman despite his amazing abilities and stalwart dedication to his morales and mission is more human than many non super-powered heroes. Just a man, trying to do good and make the world better. He's loved. He's lost. He's triumphed. But despite it all continues to fight. It's so rare you see the hero get to retire. It just shows that when someone truly understands Superman, his stories are second to none.
Well Said! I have to admit, I used to be one of those people back in the day, but in the last 10 years I’ve REALLY come to appreciate and adore the character. Superman is definitely one of my too p 3 superheroes.
Still a touching, worthy end to this version of the character and his world, all in mere two issues. I especially like him finishing his character development by retiring and settling with Lois. Now, this wouldn't work with the modern guy (maybe semi-retire once his descendants are old enough, while still helping out when needed) but for Pre-Crisis guy, I think it's pretty much perfect. As hilariously psychotic his relationship with Lois was in Silver Age, it was shown that despite his avoidance, he did want to marry her deep down and would be happy if he did. And Bronze Age introduced the idea that he actually overestimates how much people rely on him and how much they are capable of without him and that he desires a normal life, but thinks he can't due to his duty. Him accepting (conveniently, after all his villains are dead) he can is to me far better than him dying heroically or some such. It's rather ironic that this is all significant exposure of Pre-Crisis Superman (I really don't get leaving out Bronze Age like some people do) most people get. While I don't think you really need to, the story does have a lot of little touches you won't notice if you haven't, like Vartox crying over Lana.
Up until the last fifteen years or so it was typical to list the entire period from 1958 to 1985 as the "Silver Age" for DC Comics. The reason was the continuity of the up was the same. (ie it is the same version of the character in both periods) This way the Silver Age began with Barry Allen and ended with his death) . The Bronze Age clearly has its own feel but again its history was an extension of the silver.
"superman is boring and not relatable" *The death and reign of superman* *Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow* *For the man who has everything* *All star superman*
Curt Swan is the longest and best Superman artist, his art doesn’t work for any other DC character. His art is just exactly what I expect for a Superman comic, I can’t express how much respect I have for him.
Moore threw in everything, even the kitchen sink, and managed to make a story that is not merely coherent, but freakin' awesome. Simply naming the characters who appear in this story would take up a whole comment in and of itself. It is simply incredible and serves as a fitting capstone to the character of the "Silver Age Superman".
I love Supes as a character in all his forms; yet, I've always felt like Chris Reeve was my live action Superman, and Curt Swan's was my Superman on the page. People talk about guys like Neal Adams being groundbreaking, but for his time, Swan was the man.
Yeah, Swan was “the” Superman artist for me as well, and Adams IS my favorite Batman artist. A lot of the current artists draw these hulked out humans when for me anyway, Christopher Reeve WAS Superman. He had the look, the personality, his CK was pretty spot on..the last two CR films should have been a lot better, but for a lot of people, He was the live action Superman for two decades. Strangely enough, I really like the 1950s George Reeves’ Superman as well. Dean Cain’s 1990s Superman, a little too cheesy at times. The Superboy live action series, while not great, did keep him in the spotlight. Just my two cents.
In his book about the Silver Age, Arlen Schumer lists six great artists from that era. In alphabetical order, they are Adams, Ditko, Infantino, (Gil) Kane, Kirby and Kubert. They transformed the medium by innovating how comic are made. Swan was never much for innovation, but no one surpasses him for good, old-fashioned illustrative storytelling in the tradition of Alex Raymond. He was the standard-bearer for that style of comics art from the sixties right up until the late eighties.
Hey it’s Josh! Man, do I love a good Superman video. It must’ve been interesting reading this book during its time. Seeing a character make a distinct turn into a new era in real time. For the lack of a better term. Great video, Matt! It’s good to have you back.
Thanks, my dude! Yeah, it would have been wild to see it all happening. I experienced different reboots in real time, but nothing on the scale of COIE and it’s fallout.
This is the Superman l grew up with. The man of tomorrow, maybe not cutting edge. But a man of a different time. His dog Krypto. I dog any kid would want. A coworker, friend who is more clever than she seems. For with love, we always see more than our sense can tell. A young friend, buddy, younger brother. With the true nature, the definition of best friend. And Villian that were not so bad. Whose quarks were negative tp say the least. But still taught the young, a difference between what is right & wrong! Do l miss him. Yes! But he is still alive. For he is a great part, of a young man, from decades ago. And lives inside of my mind.
I've thought this since it came out. I tried, but I never could get into the stuff that came after, not Superman or any of the rest of standard DC heroes. Crisis killed it for me, whether it's split between silver and bronze or all just the silver age, it was my time.
I'm mostly with you. But, I think there are occasional bright spots over the years. Kelly, Morrison, and Mark Waid each had a fleetingly brilliant moment with the character. But seriously, check out Peter Tomasi's relatively recent run on Superman. Tomasi decided to make him a dad, raising a preteen super-son with Lois. And I can't believe the creatives at DC hadn't thought of this turn for the character decades ago. There's always been a kind of "dadness" in the essence of Superman that was maybe a little dissonant with the perpetual bachelor reporter of the Silver Age. His corny one-liners, practical advice, protective instinct, all slide into a certain harmony with each other as Clark the super-dad. Then Brian Bendis (who I actually usually like pretty well) decided to come in and blow the whole thing up because there were stories he'd been itching to tell his whole life, and getting total control over Superman was part of his signing deal with DC. I've read some of it, it's not... bad? But I really think the magic is over yet again.
Stuff like this and Supreme is why I don’t buy and never have bought that Alan Moore truly hates superheroes, despite his recent comments. No one with a hatred of the genre could write stories this pure and loving.
i love this story. I'm glad to own both issues in near mint condition. Not worth much since they printed so many of them, but still i'm proud to own them.
I agree that the Silver-Age version is "the" Superman, but I'd say the Byrne reboot up through around Infinite Crisis or so was not at all a deconstruction but a genuine attempt to pay homage to the past while modernizing things. Yes, there were some things changed for seemingly arbitrary reasons, but mostly that was just to get people's attention. DC had already revamped and energized Superman in 1982 with Marv Wolfman and Gil Kane in Action Comics, and with genuinely awesome results, but the typical Marvel fans wouldn't give it a fair chance because the Silver-Age Superman had a bit of a stigma at that time (this was completely unfair, but it happened).
Silver age Superman (my Superman) became so powerful and so righteously good, that DC believed that the new age reader could not relate to him anymore and therefore the change. I disagreed but have to admit that some of the affiliated characters had become pretty ridiculous and weakened the overall series.
You know what the dumbest thing about the reboot was? Making Superman a younger character than everyone else. Even though they deemed it fit not to erase just about every other character's Justice League membership, he joined for the first time in 1992, just before Doomsday. But still, everyone was supposed to look up to him, even though in the new continuity Ted Kord and Booster Gold and everyone else had more experience than him. Why was he supposed to be the icon everyone looked up to when he had less powers than 75 percent of the continuity and less experience than 95? (Besides the fact that in the pre-crisis continuity it was more like the other way around. They treated him like he was the same character he was before John Byrne made him easier for uncreative writers.)
Snyder was telling how Superman began, he wasn't a perfect Mary sue like some say or want him to be. He was a real down to earth guy that just happens to be able to do the impossible just like Superman should be. There were no easy answers for him ever, contrast that to the Justice League version who takes out the bad guy who'd been owning everyone up to that point without breaking a sweat. Both are Superman but one just had other people besides Lois and Ma Kent to talk to something Snyder was also working towards.
This, I have always argued was the definitive Superman story. At the time I was reading it I was only aware of the post Crisis John Byrne Superman. I ignorantly dismissed Silver Age Superman as stupid and silly but after reading that I realized just how immersive, imaginative, fully realized a world pre Crisis Superman had. And the characterization of Superman as the best of what humanity should aspire to become. This story establishes Superman as a mythical figure.
I never actually thought about it until now but I really like how Smallville sorta took this ending and applied to Clark in their show (albeit with some differences) as seen in CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths.
I've heard it said that aspects of Final Crisis were a Take That! to the supposed deconstructionism of this story. Alan Moore may be the High Wizard God-King-Emperor of Deconstruction, but this story was a love letter, plain and simple.
I like to think this story as the final adventure of Chris Reeve Superman. I know Returns its kinda of the final adventure and thanks to Crisis, we know that he became the Kingdom Come Superman version but i think this comic is the perfect finale. Superman I,II,III and Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow.
'We're only second-stringers, Jimmy, but we'll show 'em...nobody loved him better than us. Nobody!' Man, if that line doesn't get you right here...by the way, any chance of doing a video on 'Superman: Secret Identity' by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen some day, please?
Dear Matt, why don't you do a video on Crisis on Infinite Earths ? Your comic book analysis and essays are the best I've found on the whole Internet Keep up the good work!
Matt, your information about Curt Swan never drawing another complete Superman story is incorrect...in 1990-1991, Curt was given the chance to come back for Curt Swan Month and fully drew all three parts of the Sinbad story that arced between Superman, Adventures of Superman, and Action Comics, which was then fullowed up by his sort of return to the character when he became the regular penciler of the Superboy/Adventures of Superboy TV Tie-In comic.
just glad alan moore of all people gave clark a happy ending, free of power and responsibilty besides raising his coal crushing son. fun also that the tone is pretty modern, and the end to the camping silver age.
Byrne's Superman was good, but the reboot really became special after Byrne left and we got Roger Stern, then Ordway, Jurgens then Perez each as a writer/artist in turn. From Byrne until the death were probably the best superhero comics on the stands.
Man of Steel pretty much was a wonderful way to take an over-powered character that was hard to write for and write out everything that made him unique. I'm actually surprised Byrne didn't write out his heat vision. Thanks to Byrne, the only memorable post-crisis Superman stories were annuals, noncanonical, and his appearances in other books. Hell, even his run as a flash of lightning was better than pretty much any Byrne book.
Superman had an "imaginary" before this, written by one of the creators, on Steve Shives channel there's a video called the first death of superman. In the thumbnail Superman is green. I don't know if you already know it bc this comment waa 2 years ago
Thinking about Curt Swan, just a couple days ago I was trapped in an exchange with two people who wouldn't stop about how Superman couldn't make a good story. Because, because, because... Some of this is because of how iconic Swan was. As far as I'm concerned though, that's one facet of Superman's appeal. And anyone who thinks a good Superman story can't be told is just incredibly wrong.
The superman we actually forgot. His new earth counterpart died, and when a new superman showed up, byrnes version, he retired by taking blue kryptonite. became a car mechanic. japanese superman also retired, had a daughter Ako with lois.
Comics today are too dark and dismal. They don't need foul language extreme violence to tell a story. Also the female characters don't have to look like centerfolds with painted on costumes.
I miss the optimistic charm of the Silver Age. The hope for a better world. I despise the dark and brooding modern age. I want larger-than-life superheroes giving humanity a glimpse of a better world, not super heroes just barely surviving the latest multi-verse shattering crisis.
The truth is that it's really saying goodbye to the Bronze Age Superman because as we see in Superman & Batman World's Funnest a.k.a. Superman and Batman World's Funniest there are 2 Earth-1 continuities The S.A. for Silver Age and The B.A. for Bronze Age because as we even see in the end when Batmite of whom is of The S.A. appears before The B.A. Batman he asks him "Who are you?" Yes and just as in the 1989 Batman Movie when the Joker's Goon asks "who are you?"He then say's I'm Batman this character was first known and as seen on toy doll packages as The Joker's Stooge but that's not p.c. but neither is the Joker's Goon so maybe some other title like The Joker's subordinate or the Joker's man.
Great video. I like how for all the darkness Alan Moore tends to incorporate in his stories, it’s nice how in “Whatever Happened to the Man of the Tomorrow” while he does his dark elements, it’s definitely a much more hopeful story as Superman should be. Sorry if I’m commenting late. I was at Midtown Comics getting my Daredevil trades signed by Brian Michael Bendis himself. So worth the wait. Oh and you were right about Sweet Tooth, it’s amazing.
Yeah a lot of people like to pretend like the Bronze Age of comics didn't happen. From the 1970s to crisis on infinite Earth that's when they were reducing everyone's powers to try and tell stories with more weight and suspense to them
This book is the vitality of what Superman is. A nod to its powerful runs in the 70’s and 80’s but shows the vitality and the duality of a hero that is so beloved as Superman. This comic displayed the absolute stoicism and the courage of a Superman that was unable to give up. He was the hero that was always the last line of the world. He could not give an inch or submit to defeat because he was the hope of the world. This comic displays not only that resilience but the absolute power that Clark Kent possessed. Not only as a surprise to his audience Clark’s wildest dreams were always a world of peace where he never had to pursue the burden of the Superman we have come to know and love. He was able to forgo his power and to reserve his power as a man to ensure that villains would not pursue him. His willingness to sacrifice his powers was instrumental in a way to not only end Superman but also finish his abundance of villains. He gave up all of his power to solidify a world that didn’t need Kal-El. Not only was Clark exhausted but he was almost jaded by the world that robbed him of his humanity. He just wished for a world that was not only balanced but for a wild that didn’t need Clark anymore. Through this hardship Clark was able to exist in a world that didn’t need Superman anymore. A truly great tale of the greatest hero that ever lived
I can’t get enough of these videos. Would love to see an Analysis on: Watchmen Batman New 52 Usagi Yojimbo The Umbrella Academy Spider man by JMS Frank Miller’s Ronin Daydripper And Chew
To be honest I personally find WHTMOT overrated and don't consider it an ending to Silver Age Superman, they try to explain Superman's rogue gallery become inactive or destroy themselves however what about Darkseid and Apokolipse, who Superman encountered several comics before this story starting with Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen. For me I'll take Elliot S! Maggin's possible future stories where Superman is an old and Maggin's short story Luthor's Gift (now titled An Enemy's Gift) as the final Pre Crisis Superman story. Also Curt Swan would still draw complete issues for Superman stories during the early part of Post Crisis.
It's maybe debatable depending on your perspective. One thing is for certain. 1986's Superman #423 & Action Comics #583 are the last two comic books crediting Curt Swan for 22 pages and a cover. Swan & Don Heck each pencilled 1987's Superman IV The Quest For Peace Movie Special #1 with a cover provided by John Byrne. 1988's Superman #1 ("This Island Bradman") was only 8 pages long and 200 copies are estimated to be printed so I'm not sure if that qualifies as a complete issue. All 47 interior pages in 1988's Superman: The Earth Stealers #1 were indeed pencilled by Curt Swan although Jerry Ordway provided the cover. Action Comics #600 ("Friend in Need") includes another 8 page story while Action Comics Weekly #601 ("Faster Than a Speeding Bullet") - #641 ("Justice for All") each contain a mere two pages drawn by Swan. He was one of seven pencillers contributing to 1989's Action Comics Weekly #642 ("Where There Is a Will..."). Action Comics Annual #2 ("Memories of Krypton's Past") was pencilled by Jerry Ordway, Mike Mignola, and Curt Swan with a George Pérez cover. All 22 interior pages from 1989's Superman #35 ("Visions of Grandeur") were pencilled by Curt Swan but the cover is by Kerry Gammill. Next, 1990's Action Comics #650 ("Reflections") is an issue with contributions from five pencillers and another George Pérez cover. Bob McLeod & Kerry Gammill joined Swan as the artists for Adventures of Superman Annual #2 ("Quest for Vengeance"). Superman #48, Adventures of Superman #471, and Action Comics #658 ("The Sinbad Contract Parts One-Three") are each pencilled completely by Swan but Kerry Gammill provided the covers. Superman #50 ("Krisis Of The Krimson Kryptonite Part Four: The Human Factor") was another jam issue between Jerry Ordway, Dan Jurgens, Kerry Gammill, and Curt Swan. The historic engagement cover is by Ordway. The creative team for 1991's Adventures of Superman #480 ("Dying Breed") included six pencillers plus a Jerry Ordway cover. It's the same situation in Action Comics #667 ("The Final Chapter") with the only difference being Dan Jurgens created the cover. Superman: The Man of Steel #5 ("The Curse of the Atomic Skull") is pencilled by both Curt Swan & Jon Bogdanove yet the cover is by Bogdanove. Swan pencilled an 11 page Sinbad story titled "Funeral Pyres" found in 1993's Superman: The Legacy of Superman #1 but the cover is provided by Arthur Adams. Jackson Guice and Swan were the pencillers behind 1994's Action Comics #700 very appropriately titled "Swan Song". However, this anniversary blow-out cover is done by Guice. 1996's Adventures of Superman #536 ("Cages") had pages pencilled by Chris Renaud, Steven Butler, Chris Marrinan, and Curt Swan plus an Alan Davis cover. Action Comics #723 ("Keys") had the same creative team except Dave Johnson created the cover. It's an identical situation in Superman: The Man of Steel #58 ("Snares") with a Howard Chaykin cover. Yeah, you guessed it. The same four pencillers are back in Superman #114 ("Worldwide Web"). The cover is by Kieron Dwyer this time. Mr. Swan died twelve days after this comic was published. Luckily, he already finished some pages for Superman: The Wedding Album #1 along with fourteen other artists not counting inkers. Lastly, 2018's Action Comics #1000 had a five page story pencilled by Swan titled "An Enemy Within" with a cover by Jim Lee. That Marv Wolfman story was drawn decades before his death though. So Matt Draper wasn't far off saying Swan would never draw another complete issue of Superman after "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?". He's either 100% right or Curt Swan pencilled six more complete Superman comics at most from 1986 to 2018.
Occasionally I'll see people complain about this story. They all tend to fall into one of two camps: A. It's too dark. B. It's too campy. To everyone that thinks it's too dark: Alan Moore took a story that was supposed to be a heartrending farewell and gave it hope, unlike John Byrne and Zach Snyder who made origin stories for SUPERMAN depressing. To everyone that thought it was too campy: Superman is a super-powered man with a flying dog that wears a little red cape. Superman isn't for you.
I pray that "Superman: Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?" will be turned into an animated movie. I have a killer list of voice actors who would be perfect for this film project. For Mr. Mxyzptlk, I nominate Robert Carlyle (his Rumplestiltskin voice from Once Upon A Time).
I love this channel. I knew there was something going on with the violence that drives the story almost as if the violence and grittiness of the times invaded the comic book world, announcing a change from imaginary tales to serious and real tales.
thank you. a forgotten chapter in all the lee kirby, starlin, xmen, and other stars in the firmament. those curt swan superman stories are really quite beautiful.
This story should be made to a future DC Universe PG rated animated movie starring Tim Daly Kevin Conroy Dana Delany Clancy Brown and a stellar acting voice cast
It was an interesting concept in the comics of Superman retiring but obviously this was an imagined story. I think what you could have had the fact that at a young age he had had Children with Lois who turned out to be Super boy and Supergirl thus keep the Superman comics going. I tend to think of him as immortal or ageless appearing in all decades. Always loved the Villains, so many talented writers and artists.
I think the artwork of Superman are my favorite in this book. I also thought it was odd that Jordan said that Superman was too wrapped up in himself, which was the opposite of my interpretation. Yet, Alan Moore can't be wrong, so...
@@AshrafAnam wow. Let me explain something that Snyder fans don't seem to grasp. Batman and Superman are two different characters. You cannot write Superman as though he was Batman and have "Superman". Man of Steel and Batman v Superman was Superman for people who hate Superman.
@@Kiiieeechiii 'Man of Steel' was written by Chris Nolan and David S. Goyer, both writers for The Dark Knight trilogy. No wonder your comments sound so ignorant.
Special thanks to Josh from Panels to Pixels! Please go check out his awesome channel and subscribe if you haven't already. th-cam.com/channels/FZHvUVELqH56dJiMLhD9qg.html
Matt Draper so are you going to do a universal monsters series on this Halloween?
I legitimately thought you were actually doing an English impression until later
He was the man of tomorrow until tomorrow passed him by.
- Kingdom Come
It's a testament to Alan Moore's talent as a writer that he was able to earnestly pay homage to the silver age of comics while also creating a sort of prologue for what is to come afterwards, add layers and layers of meaning to the story and doing it in less than 50 pages! Outstanding.
His work on Supreme is also an homage to Superman of the Silver Age.
@Logan Waltz To each their own. I find Moore hit or miss. I like some of his work and I dislike other things he has done. His Supreme and his Tom Strong work is not in his normal deconstruction of the superhero mythology that a lot of his work is about.
I loved V for Vendetta and enjoyed his work on Tom Strong. He is notice terrible writer but can be hit and miss.
he still messed up the Spirit movie like a tomato in a blender
@@diddymuck I remember seeing a documentary about Alan Moore and his distaste for adaptations of comic books, his mostly.
He described that Watchmen proved that only some stories can be effectively told in comic format. He then went on to describe the scene in Watchmen where Ozymandius poisoned the scientists, and how you could build a scene without destroying the payoff. (I cannot remember where I saw him do this, and he describes it far better than I could ever do)
Alan Moore is a artist that tries to evoke emotions with his work, and I don't think any could deny that he achieves that quite successfully... Sadly not always the one he was aiming to portray.
Alan Moore was sounding more chirpy than usual in this interview.
Really great vid, Matt! Thanks for letting me be involved.
So glad you could be part of it! I think a slightly more chipper Moore is perfect for the Silver Age Superman.
Check out his run of Supreme AKA Moore's Silver Age Superman fanfic. Once upon a time, Moore genuinely loved the guy.
Alan Moore for all the dark and realistic stuff he writes and say, he definitely is a fan of Superman. He sees that Superman needs to be smiles and do right no matter how unpopular it is.
Great to see people talking about this, as I grew up in the silver age of comics, and the team of Swanderson (Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson) were the definitive Superman artist for me. Yes, there have been others that I liked, but they were the ones that brought Superman to life for me, all the way to how Christopher Reeve portrayed him on the big screen. Thanks for the great video.
I've actually been reading some old Swan Superman stories this week. One thing that really hit me was how well he captured realistic emotion in his characters. He didn't draw with impact that knocked you over like Neal Adams did because that wasn't his style. What Swan did was to connect the reader to the characters in a personal way. He made them real in ways that they probably didn't deserve to be in some of the more outlandish scripts of the day. Nobody in comics has ever drawn more realistic emotion than Swan.
Thanks, and I think you hit right on why I liked Swans version of Superman, as he made him feel a lot more like a real person behind the cape, and also agree that his faces were some of the best, following on from Wayne Borings style of very fixed poses (like running through the air)
One of my favourite Superman comics. Anyone who still think Superman is "boring" owe it to themselves to read this classic.
The one thing that's always gotten me about that story is what it reveals about Superman, the paradoxical nature of his virtues. Paradoxical, because those virtures are also his greatest vices. Superman has this code against killing. Yet he knows that if Mxyzptlk isn't dealt with he will kill without mercy. Superman kills him. This is Superman's virtue. He saw a need, he saw what had to be done. He saw what would be the immorality of holding to his code when millions of lives would be lost, and he was willing to do what needed to be done.
But then he gets so guilted up and sacrifices his powers to atone for what he thinks is the great evil he has done. What he never stops to think of, before making an irreversible decision, is what is he going to do when some other mighty menace comes to call? He saved millions of lives by killing Mxyzptlk. But by taking away his powers, how many billions will he have murdered by not being able to stop the next menace when (not if) they come. Superman's decision is close to be being criminal, and morally self-indulgent at the least.
I read that the when Superman in his silver age origin arrived on Earth, he immediately had his powers. Considering his adult version would go on to showcase unlimited strength, this baby could still probably break planets. Naturally John Kent was afraid of him and had nightmares where he saw Clark taking over Earth (like he would go on to in several major post crisis stories). But they lost that fear when they saw Clark break down in tears at the death of a dog, because he could literally see the life force leave the animal. As campy of an idea as that is, I love it. It perfectly explains why Clark is so dedicated to protecting life, and why he’ll always use his powers for good. He literally sees life in a more personal sense than anyone else. It’s like that one quality is enough to make someone trustworthy with the power to move galaxies and destroy solar systems. And this is just the writers showing you why he’s the greatest hero in comics. Because when push came to shove he lived up to his beliefs and renounced the powers of a god, because he killed someone. Magnificent.
Superman: Lois my love, what do you think? *closes door*
*Porn sax starts blasting*
Clever way to finish the video, Matt.
Something lost that the kids of today will never understand. An Age that has passed. I feel my age now.
great work, please now do one about "for the man who has everything"
What about the end of the Silver Age Batman?
It started in Batman #300, where Robin is an adult and has twins and Bruce Wayne stops being Batman to become Gotham's mayor.
Detective Comics #574 was technically the absolute end of Silver Age Batman because the following issue was the beginning of Year Two, which is basically when Detective Comics officially switched to the Post-Crisis continuity. Some cite Batman #400 as his final appearance, but Year One didn't begin until Batman #404. You can tell it's still the Silver Age Batman in the late 1986 and early 1987 stories because Jason Todd is still a Dick Grayson clone and Catwoman's heroic career comes to an end.
Jor...dan
El...liot
Good tribute.
liked and subbed just because this story was awesome and I can never get enough of it.
For worse. I miss all the characters of the Superman silver age. Whatever happen to letting comics be fun. Kids do still have that in them.
I really want to like this story, and this video helped, but I still can't get over some of these decisions. I don't like the saga of Superman ending with him and his friends murdering all the classic villains, then Superman faking his death and abandoning all responsibility of being Superman. Like, I heard a lot of hate for The Dark Knight Rises for having a similar ending, but can anyone explain why no one minds when this comic did it? Honestly I think All Star Superman feels more like a fitting end to the silver age character, while this seems more focused on the meta commentary.
Actually, WHTTMOT is overrated. For whatever reason. At some point, the writer put the man of steel in very poor light. I may be completely wrong but I think the story at best is worth two stars out of five.
Whatever happened to the Bronze Age?
Will N Thanks for this. My point was that the video implies that we went straight from the Silver Age into the Modern Age.
“This is an imaginary story, but aren’t they all”. Legendary writing by Mr. Moore.
Reading it in British accent was weirdly funny LOL
@Logan Waltz yeah
@Logan Waltz It may sound pretentious, but it's true.
@Logan Waltz Hard not to be pretentious when you're the best in the world.
@@tygrkhat4087 How does it sound pretentious? I never got that.
Title: say goodbye to the silver age Superman.
Grant Morrison: NEVEEER!!!
Too be fair all star superman is literally referred as the greatest super man story, so grant Morrison earned the right to hold unto the silver age
@@alexmansfield3268 I like SA Superman. This version was the most OP version of the character ever drawn and written. It would be mistake to let this version go. Golden Age and Bronze Age couldn't get close to this kind of power. Hate to see him go.
@@ericmadsen9655 they can't really kill him off , they find a way to bring him back. He's forever, but just a made up character to gives everyone a gleem of hope. 😉
Eric Madsen WAS the most powerful...now ya got CA Superman and fucking Milkmanman lol.
What did Grant Morrison do?
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow is classic Moore. It’s simultaneously dark, campy, complex, and yet magically simple. I love Moore’s darker stories but Moore’s incredible respect for the Superman and what he represents makes me wish Moore never became so cynical we could get more stories like Whatever Happened.
@Stellvia Heonheim and thats his best trait
have you read Moore's Supreme comics?
J. Kingman no that’s one of the few Moore works I haven’t read
@@nicholaskatsikas4904 Tom Strong might be up your alley.
The only way that could have happened is if DC gave the Watchmen rights back to Moore right when the first TPB collections sold out. Once free of their clutches, Moore could have let the story be reprinted by another publisher.
One of my all time favourite comics, as told by one of my favourite people!
MY MAN!
It is very interesting how there are several renditions of how Superman's finale should look, with the most notable being this story, Kingdom Come and All-Star. Each version touches on a different angle of the character but all of them share that hopeful and heroic essence that makes the character so great.
I can't decide on weather I prefer this story or all star superman. I like to think of this story as an end for the silver age superman pre-crisis, while all-star superman is the end of clark as superman as a whole.
@@ProjektTaku kingdom come is the best
@@jmgonzales7701 that is pretty good, but I slightly prefer this since its more contained to superman.
@@ProjektTaku sure
This story should be adapted in to an animated movie.
I was thinking DC Universe or HBO Max exclusive 6 episode miniseries where each episode is a different iconic, campy yet earnest, Silver Age Superman comic and the final two episodes or final hour long finale, is Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow. Launch (preferably weekly) online streaming tv series to get viewers used to what the appeal of Silver Age Superman was, and why he was so beloved, only to have it all tragically pulled down around him. And hey, with this approach maybe we could get an adaptation of one of those Silver Age Bizarro-Earth stories or that famous comic where Superman adaopts teenaged cub reporter Jimmy Olsen and starts emotionally abusing him in over-the-top way (really _any_ of those Silver Age “Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen” comics would be worth adapting, they just reveled in humiliating Jimmy in strange and often hilarious ways).
And the animation should resemble the Superfriends era.
@@VickStarkiller No. It needs to be a little more fluid than that.
Carlos Alazraqui would be an incredible Mr. Mxyzptlk voice actor.
@@Popcultureguy3000 and the animation would look like in the superman 75 anniversary short.
This was the only comic that ever moved me to tears. The best send off to the first superhero. What took Grant Morrison 12 issues to do.. Alan Moore accomplished in simply two issues.
Which storyline by morrison are you referring to? I need something to read.
@@antondelacruz9362 I think they might mean all star superman
@@Bethynaee ohh thanks.
That photo of Superman going into the gold kryptonite room is just absolutely iconic
I remember buying both of these at my local shop. They are prizes of my collection. Deeply-felt stories that I adore!
Thank you for your review!
Very cool David ✔️
These are the Superman stories that really make me love him. I always got told he's lame, he's overpowered, he isn't relatable. But that's all bullshit. Superman despite his amazing abilities and stalwart dedication to his morales and mission is more human than many non super-powered heroes. Just a man, trying to do good and make the world better. He's loved. He's lost. He's triumphed. But despite it all continues to fight. It's so rare you see the hero get to retire. It just shows that when someone truly understands Superman, his stories are second to none.
Well Said! I have to admit, I used to be one of those people back in the day, but in the last 10 years I’ve REALLY come to appreciate and adore the character. Superman is definitely one of my too p 3 superheroes.
Unfortunately, it seems that movie directors often don't
@christopher rivera It is very boring and too powerful, normal that nobody likes it
Still a touching, worthy end to this version of the character and his world, all in mere two issues. I especially like him finishing his character development by retiring and settling with Lois. Now, this wouldn't work with the modern guy (maybe semi-retire once his descendants are old enough, while still helping out when needed) but for Pre-Crisis guy, I think it's pretty much perfect. As hilariously psychotic his relationship with Lois was in Silver Age, it was shown that despite his avoidance, he did want to marry her deep down and would be happy if he did. And Bronze Age introduced the idea that he actually overestimates how much people rely on him and how much they are capable of without him and that he desires a normal life, but thinks he can't due to his duty. Him accepting (conveniently, after all his villains are dead) he can is to me far better than him dying heroically or some such.
It's rather ironic that this is all significant exposure of Pre-Crisis Superman (I really don't get leaving out Bronze Age like some people do) most people get. While I don't think you really need to, the story does have a lot of little touches you won't notice if you haven't, like Vartox crying over Lana.
Up until the last fifteen years or so it was typical to list the entire period from 1958 to 1985 as the "Silver Age" for DC Comics. The reason was the continuity of the up was the same. (ie it is the same version of the character in both periods) This way the Silver Age began with Barry Allen and ended with his death) . The Bronze Age clearly has its own feel but again its history was an extension of the silver.
@@jp1701A I know, but it's still weird to me. Like, in Silver Age, Aquaman literally named his son Aquababy. In Bronze Age, Aquababy got murdered.
I remember the first time I read this story as a kid.
I think it might have been the first time I ever cried at a fictional story.
Yes silver age supes is the best
"superman is boring and not relatable"
*The death and reign of superman*
*Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow*
*For the man who has everything*
*All star superman*
Curt Swan is the longest and best Superman artist, his art doesn’t work for any other DC character. His art is just exactly what I expect for a Superman comic, I can’t express how much respect I have for him.
Who cried when Krypto died? Oh come on, nobody cried when Krypto died,,, I cried my eyes out.
everyone cried when krypto died you idiot
I had no attachment to krypto. I love dogs though
Nice 'Stripes' riff.
That was a pretty hardcore death.
As a fan of his cartoon series, I cried.
Moore threw in everything, even the kitchen sink, and managed to make a story that is not merely coherent, but freakin' awesome. Simply naming the characters who appear in this story would take up a whole comment in and of itself. It is simply incredible and serves as a fitting capstone to the character of the "Silver Age Superman".
I love Supes as a character in all his forms; yet, I've always felt like Chris Reeve was my live action Superman, and Curt Swan's was my Superman on the page. People talk about guys like Neal Adams being groundbreaking, but for his time, Swan was the man.
Yeah, Swan was “the” Superman artist for me as well, and Adams IS my favorite Batman artist. A lot of the current artists draw these hulked out humans when for me anyway, Christopher Reeve WAS Superman. He had the look, the personality, his CK was pretty spot on..the last two CR films should have been a lot better, but for a lot of people, He was the live action Superman for two decades.
Strangely enough, I really like the 1950s George Reeves’ Superman as well. Dean Cain’s 1990s Superman, a little too cheesy at times.
The Superboy live action series, while not great, did keep him in the spotlight.
Just my two cents.
In his book about the Silver Age, Arlen Schumer lists six great artists from that era. In alphabetical order, they are Adams, Ditko, Infantino, (Gil) Kane, Kirby and Kubert. They transformed the medium by innovating how comic are made. Swan was never much for innovation, but no one surpasses him for good, old-fashioned illustrative storytelling in the tradition of Alex Raymond. He was the standard-bearer for that style of comics art from the sixties right up until the late eighties.
Loved the Curt Swan Superman's wink at the end of the stories, always recognizing the audience being there.
Superman sometimes had this fourth wall breaking aspect to him. In the first movie, he literally smiles at the camera as he flies away.
Hey it’s Josh! Man, do I love a good Superman video. It must’ve been interesting reading this book during its time. Seeing a character make a distinct turn into a new era in real time. For the lack of a better term. Great video, Matt! It’s good to have you back.
Thanks, my dude! Yeah, it would have been wild to see it all happening. I experienced different reboots in real time, but nothing on the scale of COIE and it’s fallout.
This is the Superman l grew up with. The man of tomorrow, maybe not cutting edge.
But a man of a different time. His dog Krypto. I dog any kid would want. A coworker, friend who is more clever than she seems. For with love, we always see more than our sense can tell. A young friend, buddy, younger brother. With the true nature, the definition of best friend.
And Villian that were not so bad. Whose quarks were negative tp say the least. But still taught the young, a difference between what is right & wrong!
Do l miss him. Yes! But he is still alive. For he is a great part, of a young man, from decades ago. And lives inside of my mind.
I've thought this since it came out. I tried, but I never could get into the stuff that came after, not Superman or any of the rest of standard DC heroes. Crisis killed it for me, whether it's split between silver and bronze or all just the silver age, it was my time.
I'm mostly with you. But, I think there are occasional bright spots over the years. Kelly, Morrison, and Mark Waid each had a fleetingly brilliant moment with the character.
But seriously, check out Peter Tomasi's relatively recent run on Superman. Tomasi decided to make him a dad, raising a preteen super-son with Lois. And I can't believe the creatives at DC hadn't thought of this turn for the character decades ago. There's always been a kind of "dadness" in the essence of Superman that was maybe a little dissonant with the perpetual bachelor reporter of the Silver Age. His corny one-liners, practical advice, protective instinct, all slide into a certain harmony with each other as Clark the super-dad.
Then Brian Bendis (who I actually usually like pretty well) decided to come in and blow the whole thing up because there were stories he'd been itching to tell his whole life, and getting total control over Superman was part of his signing deal with DC. I've read some of it, it's not... bad? But I really think the magic is over yet again.
Man that sucks. I completely understand though. Had I been raised on the silver age it'd be difficult too.
Stuff like this and Supreme is why I don’t buy and never have bought that Alan Moore truly hates superheroes, despite his recent comments. No one with a hatred of the genre could write stories this pure and loving.
Maybe Moore did love superheroes once upon a time. Now he's just a bitter old man
The best comic book youtuber covering one of the best comics of all time?
Nice
I get it - Jordan Elliott = Jor El.
i love this story. I'm glad to own both issues in near mint condition. Not worth much since they printed so many of them, but still i'm proud to own them.
The Silver Age version is the real Superman. Everything after has been a series of malevolent attempts at deconstruction.
I agree that the Silver-Age version is "the" Superman, but I'd say the Byrne reboot up through around Infinite Crisis or so was not at all a deconstruction but a genuine attempt to pay homage to the past while modernizing things. Yes, there were some things changed for seemingly arbitrary reasons, but mostly that was just to get people's attention. DC had already revamped and energized Superman in 1982 with Marv Wolfman and Gil Kane in Action Comics, and with genuinely awesome results, but the typical Marvel fans wouldn't give it a fair chance because the Silver-Age Superman had a bit of a stigma at that time (this was completely unfair, but it happened).
Agreed!
Silver age Superman (my Superman) became so powerful and so righteously good, that DC believed that the new age reader could not relate to him anymore and therefore the change. I disagreed but have to admit that some of the affiliated characters had become pretty ridiculous and weakened the overall series.
You know what the dumbest thing about the reboot was? Making Superman a younger character than everyone else. Even though they deemed it fit not to erase just about every other character's Justice League membership, he joined for the first time in 1992, just before Doomsday. But still, everyone was supposed to look up to him, even though in the new continuity Ted Kord and Booster Gold and everyone else had more experience than him. Why was he supposed to be the icon everyone looked up to when he had less powers than 75 percent of the continuity and less experience than 95?
(Besides the fact that in the pre-crisis continuity it was more like the other way around. They treated him like he was the same character he was before John Byrne made him easier for uncreative writers.)
Great video. I wish Snyder had taken hint from this when making Man of Steel.
I don't believe there's a silver age bone in that man's body.
Superman breaking the no killing rule seems influenced from here
Nicholas Maniccia Agreed, however Snyder’s take on the Man Of Steel is nothing like how he’s portrayed her.
Everybody complains about what Snyder did. If you have the guts, complain about what Nolan did idiot.
Snyder was telling how Superman began, he wasn't a perfect Mary sue like some say or want him to be. He was a real down to earth guy that just happens to be able to do the impossible just like Superman should be. There were no easy answers for him ever, contrast that to the Justice League version who takes out the bad guy who'd been owning everyone up to that point without breaking a sweat. Both are Superman but one just had other people besides Lois and Ma Kent to talk to something Snyder was also working towards.
This, I have always argued was the definitive Superman story. At the time I was reading it I was only aware of the post Crisis John Byrne Superman. I ignorantly dismissed Silver Age Superman as stupid and silly but after reading that I realized just how immersive, imaginative, fully realized a world pre Crisis Superman had. And the characterization of Superman as the best of what humanity should aspire to become. This story establishes Superman as a mythical figure.
I never actually thought about it until now but I really like how Smallville sorta took this ending and applied to Clark in their show (albeit with some differences) as seen in CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Lois my love... I'm the comeback kid
Yessssss, you got it!
I've heard it said that aspects of Final Crisis were a Take That! to the supposed deconstructionism of this story.
Alan Moore may be the High Wizard God-King-Emperor of Deconstruction, but this story was a love letter, plain and simple.
I like to think this story as the final adventure of Chris Reeve Superman. I know Returns its kinda of the final adventure and thanks to Crisis, we know that he became the Kingdom Come Superman version but i think this comic is the perfect finale. Superman I,II,III and Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow.
'We're only second-stringers, Jimmy, but we'll show 'em...nobody loved him better than us. Nobody!'
Man, if that line doesn't get you right here...by the way, any chance of doing a video on 'Superman: Secret Identity' by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen some day, please?
Just read this.
Made me feel so many emotions, I felt glad when Superman won, sad when his friends died.
One of my favourite comics now!
Dear Matt, why don't you do a video on Crisis on Infinite Earths ?
Your comic book analysis and essays are the best I've found on the whole Internet
Keep up the good work!
11:00 so basically sliver age Jonathan Samuel Kent as a baby
And this Superman eventually return in convergence and doomsday clock
Matt, your information about Curt Swan never drawing another complete Superman story is incorrect...in 1990-1991, Curt was given the chance to come back for Curt Swan Month and fully drew all three parts of the Sinbad story that arced between Superman, Adventures of Superman, and Action Comics, which was then fullowed up by his sort of return to the character when he became the regular penciler of the Superboy/Adventures of Superboy TV Tie-In comic.
just glad alan moore of all people gave clark a happy ending, free of power and responsibilty besides raising his coal crushing son.
fun also that the tone is pretty modern, and the end to the camping silver age.
Matt Draper can you make an essay about man of steel by John Byrne
I definitely want to cover it! Another story for another time.
John Bryne's art was amazing, the reboot story... Not so much.
Byrne's Superman was good, but the reboot really became special after Byrne left and we got Roger Stern, then Ordway, Jurgens then Perez each as a writer/artist in turn. From Byrne until the death were probably the best superhero comics on the stands.
Man of Steel pretty much was a wonderful way to take an over-powered character that was hard to write for and write out everything that made him unique. I'm actually surprised Byrne didn't write out his heat vision. Thanks to Byrne, the only memorable post-crisis Superman stories were annuals, noncanonical, and his appearances in other books. Hell, even his run as a flash of lightning was better than pretty much any Byrne book.
That was my Superman. (I never cared for what came after in the comics)
Curt Swan's art may be dated, but he'll always be my favorite Superman artist.
The ending makes me think of caps ending in endgame
its only a matter of time until they adapt this into an animated movie like they did with Dark Knight Returns
BRONZE Age... the Silver Age ended at DC with O'Neal and Adams on Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Kirby moving from Marvel. Still, great video!
I really love this story and Alan Moore, but man i'm so curious to see how Siegel would've ended it, i can't help but feel this was stolen from him
Superman had an "imaginary" before this, written by one of the creators, on Steve Shives channel there's a video called the first death of superman. In the thumbnail Superman is green. I don't know if you already know it bc this comment waa 2 years ago
Thinking about Curt Swan, just a couple days ago I was trapped in an exchange with two people who wouldn't stop about how Superman couldn't make a good story. Because, because, because... Some of this is because of how iconic Swan was. As far as I'm concerned though, that's one facet of Superman's appeal. And anyone who thinks a good Superman story can't be told is just incredibly wrong.
The superman we actually forgot. His new earth counterpart died, and when a new superman showed up, byrnes version, he retired by taking blue kryptonite. became a car mechanic.
japanese superman also retired, had a daughter Ako with lois.
Comics today are too dark and dismal. They don't need foul language extreme violence to tell a story. Also the female characters don't have to look like centerfolds with painted on costumes.
I miss the optimistic charm of the Silver Age. The hope for a better world. I despise the dark and brooding modern age. I want larger-than-life superheroes giving humanity a glimpse of a better world, not super heroes just barely surviving the latest multi-verse shattering crisis.
Wasn't this comic saying goodbye to the Bronze Age Superman? The Silver Age ended in the early 1970s.
The truth is that it's really saying goodbye to the Bronze Age Superman because as we see in Superman & Batman World's Funnest a.k.a. Superman and Batman World's Funniest there are 2 Earth-1 continuities The S.A. for Silver Age and The B.A. for Bronze Age because as we even see in the end when Batmite of whom is of The S.A. appears before The B.A. Batman he asks him "Who are you?" Yes and just as in the 1989 Batman Movie when the Joker's Goon asks "who are you?"He then say's I'm Batman this character was first known and as seen on toy doll packages as The Joker's Stooge but that's not p.c. but neither is the Joker's Goon so maybe some other title like The Joker's subordinate or the Joker's man.
The fact Superman has been depicted falsely and horribly by shit stories like Injustice Gods Among Us shows why mankind doesn't deserve Superman.
Great video. I like how for all the darkness Alan Moore tends to incorporate in his stories, it’s nice how in “Whatever Happened to the Man of the Tomorrow” while he does his dark elements, it’s definitely a much more hopeful story as Superman should be.
Sorry if I’m commenting late. I was at Midtown Comics getting my Daredevil trades signed by Brian Michael Bendis himself. So worth the wait.
Oh and you were right about Sweet Tooth, it’s amazing.
That’s awesome! So cool you got those signed, it’s my favorite work from. Bendis.
Much earlier. When the 1st bar codes marred the cover in 1977 quality suffered and price went up...
Yeah a lot of people like to pretend like the Bronze Age of comics didn't happen. From the 1970s to crisis on infinite Earth that's when they were reducing everyone's powers to try and tell stories with more weight and suspense to them
We would never see the Curt Swan Silver Age Superman again.
Somewhat similar ending to what Tom Welling's Clark did in Crisis on Infinite Earths
I love that Julie Schwartz is in the crowd waving goodbye. I really hated the John Byrne reboot.
This comic was the first appearance of Jon Kent aka super boy aka Superman son of Kal-El.
This would make a greatt choice for an animated movie. Bring back the guy who voiced him in Batman Brave and the Bold.
This is one of my favorite Superman stories ever. You played it hard Moore.
Thank you Matt Draper for covering this. I love the channel!
Whatever happened to the man of Smallville *
Horrible that Siegel wasn't allowed to write it. I'd like to see that story.
This book is the vitality of what Superman is. A nod to its powerful runs in the 70’s and 80’s but shows the vitality and the duality of a hero that is so beloved as Superman. This comic displayed the absolute stoicism and the courage of a Superman that was unable to give up. He was the hero that was always the last line of the world. He could not give an inch or submit to defeat because he was the hope of the world. This comic displays not only that resilience but the absolute power that Clark Kent possessed. Not only as a surprise to his audience Clark’s wildest dreams were always a world of peace where he never had to pursue the burden of the Superman we have come to know and love. He was able to forgo his power and to reserve his power as a man to ensure that villains would not pursue him. His willingness to sacrifice his powers was instrumental in a way to not only end Superman but also finish his abundance of villains. He gave up all of his power to solidify a world that didn’t need Kal-El. Not only was Clark exhausted but he was almost jaded by the world that robbed him of his humanity. He just wished for a world that was not only balanced but for a wild that didn’t need Clark anymore. Through this hardship Clark was able to exist in a world that didn’t need Superman anymore. A truly great tale of the greatest hero that ever lived
I would choose this over the death of superman
Which one? The Silver Age or the Modern Age version?
W K this story
I can’t get enough of these videos.
Would love to see an Analysis on:
Watchmen
Batman New 52
Usagi Yojimbo
The Umbrella Academy
Spider man by JMS
Frank Miller’s Ronin
Daydripper
And Chew
William Robinson Yes, Usagi is SO unknown and underrated as a character, Sakai is a beast writing and drawing him for decades now!
To be honest I personally find WHTMOT overrated and don't consider it an ending to Silver Age Superman, they try to explain Superman's rogue gallery become inactive or destroy themselves however what about Darkseid and Apokolipse, who Superman encountered several comics before this story starting with Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen.
For me I'll take Elliot S! Maggin's possible future stories where Superman is an old and Maggin's short story Luthor's Gift (now titled An Enemy's Gift) as the final Pre Crisis Superman story.
Also Curt Swan would still draw complete issues for Superman stories during the early part of Post Crisis.
It's maybe debatable depending on your perspective. One thing is for certain. 1986's Superman #423 & Action Comics #583 are the last two comic books crediting Curt Swan for 22 pages and a cover.
Swan & Don Heck each pencilled 1987's Superman IV The Quest For Peace Movie Special #1 with a cover provided by John Byrne. 1988's Superman #1 ("This Island Bradman") was only 8 pages long and 200 copies are estimated to be printed so I'm not sure if that qualifies as a complete issue. All 47 interior pages in 1988's Superman: The Earth Stealers #1 were indeed pencilled by Curt Swan although Jerry Ordway provided the cover. Action Comics #600 ("Friend in Need") includes another 8 page story while Action Comics Weekly #601 ("Faster Than a Speeding Bullet") - #641 ("Justice for All") each contain a mere two pages drawn by Swan.
He was one of seven pencillers contributing to 1989's Action Comics Weekly #642 ("Where There Is a Will..."). Action Comics Annual #2 ("Memories of Krypton's Past") was pencilled by Jerry Ordway, Mike Mignola, and Curt Swan with a George Pérez cover. All 22 interior pages from 1989's Superman #35 ("Visions of Grandeur") were pencilled by Curt Swan but the cover is by Kerry Gammill.
Next, 1990's Action Comics #650 ("Reflections") is an issue with contributions from five pencillers and another George Pérez cover. Bob McLeod & Kerry Gammill joined Swan as the artists for Adventures of Superman Annual #2 ("Quest for Vengeance"). Superman #48, Adventures of Superman #471, and Action Comics #658 ("The Sinbad Contract Parts One-Three") are each pencilled completely by Swan but Kerry Gammill provided the covers. Superman #50 ("Krisis Of The Krimson Kryptonite Part Four: The Human Factor") was another jam issue between Jerry Ordway, Dan Jurgens, Kerry Gammill, and Curt Swan. The historic engagement cover is by Ordway.
The creative team for 1991's Adventures of Superman #480 ("Dying Breed") included six pencillers plus a Jerry Ordway cover. It's the same situation in Action Comics #667 ("The Final Chapter") with the only difference being Dan Jurgens created the cover. Superman: The Man of Steel #5 ("The Curse of the Atomic Skull") is pencilled by both Curt Swan & Jon Bogdanove yet the cover is by Bogdanove.
Swan pencilled an 11 page Sinbad story titled "Funeral Pyres" found in 1993's Superman: The Legacy of Superman #1 but the cover is provided by Arthur Adams. Jackson Guice and Swan were the pencillers behind 1994's Action Comics #700 very appropriately titled "Swan Song". However, this anniversary blow-out cover is done by Guice.
1996's Adventures of Superman #536 ("Cages") had pages pencilled by Chris Renaud, Steven Butler, Chris Marrinan, and Curt Swan plus an Alan Davis cover. Action Comics #723 ("Keys") had the same creative team except Dave Johnson created the cover. It's an identical situation in Superman: The Man of Steel #58 ("Snares") with a Howard Chaykin cover. Yeah, you guessed it. The same four pencillers are back in Superman #114 ("Worldwide Web"). The cover is by Kieron Dwyer this time.
Mr. Swan died twelve days after this comic was published. Luckily, he already finished some pages for Superman: The Wedding Album #1 along with fourteen other artists not counting inkers. Lastly, 2018's Action Comics #1000 had a five page story pencilled by Swan titled "An Enemy Within" with a cover by Jim Lee. That Marv Wolfman story was drawn decades before his death though. So Matt Draper wasn't far off saying Swan would never draw another complete issue of Superman after "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?". He's either 100% right or Curt Swan pencilled six more complete Superman comics at most from 1986 to 2018.
All things must eventually come to a end, but from our labor the seeds of our future shall bere fruit.
Old Superman had morals someone people could look up to
*ORIGINAL EARTH 1 SUPERMAN*
Occasionally I'll see people complain about this story. They all tend to fall into one of two camps: A. It's too dark. B. It's too campy. To everyone that thinks it's too dark: Alan Moore took a story that was supposed to be a heartrending farewell and gave it hope, unlike John Byrne and Zach Snyder who made origin stories for SUPERMAN depressing. To everyone that thought it was too campy: Superman is a super-powered man with a flying dog that wears a little red cape. Superman isn't for you.
I pray that "Superman: Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?" will be turned into an animated movie. I have a killer list of voice actors who would be perfect for this film project. For Mr. Mxyzptlk, I nominate Robert Carlyle (his Rumplestiltskin voice from Once Upon A Time).
Jor(dan) El(liot). ;-)
I love this channel. I knew there was something going on with the violence that drives the story almost as if the violence and grittiness of the times invaded the comic book world, announcing a change from imaginary tales to serious and real tales.
thank you. a forgotten chapter in all the lee kirby, starlin, xmen, and other stars in the firmament. those curt swan superman stories are really quite beautiful.
you always make great videos matt, this one pulled my heartstrings, keep it up, the collaboration with josh was pretty cool
it showed us that not all good people have to sacrifise themselves
they too deserve a good life
This story should be made to a future DC Universe PG rated animated movie starring Tim Daly Kevin Conroy Dana Delany Clancy Brown and a stellar acting voice cast
This was my first comic book back in 2006.
It was an interesting concept in the comics of Superman retiring but obviously this was an imagined story. I think what you could have had the fact that at a young age he had had Children with Lois who turned out to be Super boy and Supergirl thus keep the Superman comics going. I tend to think of him as immortal or ageless appearing in all decades. Always loved the Villains, so many talented writers and artists.
I think the artwork of Superman are my favorite in this book. I also thought it was odd that Jordan said that Superman was too wrapped up in himself, which was the opposite of my interpretation. Yet, Alan Moore can't be wrong, so...
Henry Cavill was a perfect casting among awful direction and writing. Give Brad Bird a Superman movie already.
Him or Robert Zemeckis....
@Julio Acceus I consider Christopher Reeve to be the standard bearer, but I guess mine is the minority opinion.
Ashraf Anam wtf does tdk trilogy have to do with his comment ? Those movies had great writing. He never said anything about comic accuracy.
@@AshrafAnam wow.
Let me explain something that Snyder fans don't seem to grasp. Batman and Superman are two different characters. You cannot write Superman as though he was Batman and have "Superman".
Man of Steel and Batman v Superman was Superman for people who hate Superman.
@@Kiiieeechiii 'Man of Steel' was written by Chris Nolan and David S. Goyer, both writers for The Dark Knight trilogy. No wonder your comments sound so ignorant.
I wish they'd make a animated movie about this.