100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of DC Comics
#7. All Star Superman
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
November 2005–October 2008
Credits
Writer: Grant Morrison
Penciller: Frank Quitely
Inker: Jamie Grant
Letterers: Phil Balsman, Travis Lanham
Colorist: Jamie Grant
Creators: Grant Morrison, Grank Quitely, Jamie Grant
Editors: Brandon Montclare, Bob Schreck
The Reason It’s Great
Grant Morrison wanted to do a Superman story that was unique—something that would be universal and timeless. Sometime in 1998 or 1999, Morrison had a chance encounter with a Superman cosplayer. After meeting and speaking with the man, Morrison was inspired and created the framework for All Star Superman.
Lex Luthor finds a way to overload Superman’s cells with solar radiation which results in slowly killing him over the course of a year. The Man of Steel chooses to spend his last days with Lois Lane, revealing to her that he’s actually Clark Kent.
Superman later learns that Lex is allied with Solaris, and the latter has tampered with the sun. In Superman’s final fight with his arch-enemy, Luthor gains the brief ability to see the world through Superman’s eyes. When the Man of Steel finally dies, he becomes a solar being—living in the sun and keeping it alive.
Upon its release, Morrison’s story gained critical acclaim. Due to the writer’s strong understanding of Superman’s morals and character, All Star Superman is one of the best Superman stories out here.