Superman: The Man of Steel # 18 1992 NM-

Superman: The Man of Steel #18 is one of the most historically significant key issues of the 1990s, featuring the first full appearance of Doomsday. Released by DC Comics on October 15, 1992 (with a cover date of December 1992), this issue serves as "Doomsday! Part One," kicking off the legendary Death of Superman crossover storyline.

Creative Team

• Writer: Louise Simonson
• Penciler / Cover Artist: Jon Bogdanove
• Inker: Dennis Janke
• Colorist: Glenn Whitmore

Plot Summary

The issue famously balances a localized high-stakes plot in Metropolis with the terrifying slow-burn introduction of an apex monster:

• The Main Story (The Underworlders): A young orphan boy named Keith spray-paints a giant "S" shield on a basketball court to catch the attention of Superman. Keith reveals that his mother has been kidnapped by mutated subterranean creatures known as the Underworlders. Meanwhile, Lois Lane is already underground investigating their plot to sabotage Metropolis's power grid. Superman descends into the sewers, effortlessly dispatches the creatures, and rescues Lois.
• The B-Story (The Arrival of Doomsday): Interspersed through the issue are ominous, destructive panels shifting away from Metropolis. An unstoppable powerhouse buried deep underneath the Earth breaks free from a subterranean containment chamber. Cloaked in a green, heavy-duty steampunk-style containment suit with one arm bound behind his back, the beast ruthlessly stamps out all life in his path—including a defenseless bird—as he begins a mindless, wrathful march across America toward Metropolis.