Superman #75

Superman #75 was published in January 1993, serving as the climax of the 'Death of Superman' storyline. DC Comics created this issue during a period of intense industry speculation, opting to kill off their flagship character as a meta-commentary on the deconstruction of the superhero archetype. The narrative was written and illustrated by Dan Jurgens, who intended for the battle against the monster Doomsday to feel visceral and final, marking a significant departure from the typical status quo of the medium.

The issue became a cultural phenomenon, fueled by extensive mainstream media coverage that treated the fictional death as a real-world tragedy. The design is iconic for its minimalist cover, which featured only a tattered Superman cape on a flag pole against a black background. While it was criticized by some as a commercial gimmick, the issue remains a pivotal moment in 1990s comic history, serving as a primary catalyst for the collectible-driven speculative boom that defined the era.