When it came to comics at that time, I had one thing on my mind, since I was 11, "How much will this be worth in the future." Many of my first memories came from the Reagan administration, so can you blame me? Aside from the potential future value of the book, I was introduced to many characters I never heard of because I mainly read Marvel comics at the time, and all of this because of JLA #68, part 5 of the story. It was a new world for me, and it was incredibly interesting. It was my first introduction to Ted Kord, Booster Gold, and most importantly Guy Gardner. Three characters I'd fall in love with all over again in my mid-twenties. It was also my introduction to Dan Jurgens, and the first time I remember truly being excited for a comic.
== TEASER ==
Knowing the title was called "The Death of Superman" didn't mean I wasn't excited and on the edge of my seat for the ending of the book. For me, it was more of a question (or rather a bunch of questions) of "who could beat Superman? How could this happen? How will the world react afterwords?" I never thought a super-hero could die, let alone the greatest of the all, Superman. For me, since I had never seen a death this large in comic books prior, this book was a revelation for me. No one was safe, not even the man of steel. It was brutal for its time, and being that I was a kid who loved 80s action films, this was perfect for me. The last two issues were nothing but super-intense fight scenes and lots of black blood. (darn you comics code authority!) This was the first time I remember reading a book back-to-back. As soon as I got through Superman #75, it was right back to the beginning of the issue to start all over. That's how much I enjoyed it.
It was also the first time I started reading single issues monthly. After Superman's death, I continued onward with Funeral for a Friend and the Reign of Superman. (Go Hank Henshaw go!) It opened the door for myself, as well as many other people, to DC Comics and got many of us hooked in for life. It was my first trade and my first favorite story. It will forever be one of my fondest comic book memories.
17 years later (oh man, it's been that long? I feel old), I still pick it up from time-to-time and give it the old read through. Yes, the book is simply one big gimmick, but I still really enjoy the story. It really speaks for its time and the generation of kids growing up. Nothing says loving like too brutes punching each other in the face. What about you guys? Do you remember this book? What are your memories about it?