Tales from the Dark Multiverse: The Death of Superman # 1 2019 NM

Tales from the Dark Multiverse: The Death of Superman #1 (December 2019) is a dark, prestige-format alternate-history one-shot published by DC Comics. Part of a series exploring corrupt, tragic versions of major DC milestones, this book turns the iconic 1992 Death of Superman storyline into a terrifying cautionary tale about absolute power driven by profound grief.

The Core Plot: Corrupted by Grief

• The Catalyst: Just like the original storyline, Superman dies stopping the rampaging monster Doomsday. However, in this Dark Multiverse reality, the Justice League arrives a few moments too late. Holding his body, Lois Lane develops a deep, burning resentment toward the world's superheroes and corrupt institutions for failing him.
• The Transformation: Disgusted by the hollow public memorials—like Lex Luthor's giant golden statue—Lois retreats to the Fortress of Solitude. There, she is approached by The Eradicator, a sentient Kryptonian defense weapon. Recognizing her unyielding willpower, the Eradicator bonds with Lois, granting her the full suite of Superman's godlike physical powers.
• The Reign of Terror: Initially aiming to build the safe world Clark always envisioned, Lois's trauma quickly curdles into extreme tyranny. She takes out global institutions, but her brutal vigilantism rapidly escalates.
• The Body Count: In her descent to becoming a spiteful deity, Lois brutally destroys the world's premier figures:
• She tears through Lex Luthor's armor and kills him.
• She attacks Batman for his failure to protect the world, killing him violently.
• She grows bitter toward Clark's legacy, reasoning that he was too weak for choosing pacifism when he possessed the power to forcibly reshape society.

The Tragic Contrast

The narrative offers a stark psychological counterpoint to classic Superman lore. While villains who gain Superman's powers are usually humbled by his perspective, Lois is entirely corrupted by it. She is driven mad by the realization of how easily Clark could have fixed humanity's systemic corruption, but willfully chose not to rule them.

Creative Team

• Writer: Jeff Loveness (Rick and Morty, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania).
• Penciler: Brad Walker.
• Inker: Andrew Hennessy.