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Is Final Days of Superman still worth reading?

Art by Mikel Janin

In 2011, DC controversially revamped the Superman line of comics a part of its New 52 reboot, making the Man of Steel younger and less experienced than readers were used to. Five years later, it had been decided that this Superman's time was up. The Final Days of Superman, an eight-part crossover event, brought this era of comics to an end - but is it even worth reading now that we have the old Superman back?

The story begins with Clark telling us that his days are numbered, explaining how three key past stories (including The Darkseid War) have wounded him beyond recovery. He accepts that his condition is terminal and spends the rest of the story saying farewell to his loved ones, as well as saving the day one last time.

The three events that lead to this story

Writer Peter J. Tomasi delivers a heartfelt story with a handful of genuinely moving scenes. The influence of Grant Morrison's All-Star Superman can be felt throughout and, much like that story, you find yourself being convinced that these really are Clark's last days. It's a melancholy read, but also a pretty great celebration of the comics that introduced a whole new generation to the character.

 Final Days is more centred around character interactions than plot, but the book is still driven forward by a problem that Clark and the others must overcome. An unstable energy-based being who resembles Superman has emerged, forcing the heroes to find out where he came from and if they can defeat him before Clark leaves the mortal plane. It's not the most groundbreaking Superman story ever told, but Tomasi's writing makes it a good read nonetheless.

Clark and Diana face the fiery Superman

In terms of art, the book doesn't disappoint at all. The artist changes each chapter, allowing Final Days to serve as a showcase for talent such as Mikel Janin, Doug Mahnke and Jorge Jimenez. Each of the different styles fits the theme of the book well and keeps every chapter feeling fresh. Jimenez' contribution to the book is arguably the greatest with its inimitable flair and dynamic page layouts, enhanced by Alejandro Sanchez' beautiful colours.

The Final Days of Superman is especially worth reading for anybody who is planning on reading Superman: Rebirth, as it sets up the status quo and gives readers a feel for how Peter J. Tomasi puts a story together. Overall, it's a great comic that Superman fans shouldn't just dismiss because Clark has died before or because he's back again - the creative team have produced something that definitely belongs on your shelf.

Rating: 7.5/10

 Clark's "last adventure" is chronicled on Comixology and in print. Read it before diving into DC Universe: Rebirth!

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