Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.
Screenwise Verdict
This is arguably the best Superman story ever written. It strips away the cynical 'grimdark' tropes that plague modern superhero movies and returns to a sense of wonder.
It’s not brain rot; it’s a high-protein meal for the imagination. If your kid is into superheroes but you’re tired of the mindless violence in most modern comics, this is the gold standard. It's sophisticated, beautiful, and deeply moving.
Age Fit
Best for ages 10 and up. While a mature 8-year-old could handle the action, the complex sci-fi concepts and the heavy theme of mortality are better suited for middle schoolers and adults.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92
It captures the pure essence of Superman as a moral compass. He spends his final days performing 'twelve labors' that focus on saving lives, inspiring humanity, and even attempting to redeem his worst enemies. It's emotionally mature without being cynical.
Imaginative
96
Grant Morrison leans into the 'weird' science-fiction roots of the character. It features sun-eaters, a city in a bottle, and a trip to the Underworld. It pushes the boundaries of what a superhero story can look like visually and narratively.
Safe
88
Generally very safe. It’s a standard superhero comic with some action and peril, but it avoids the 'edgy' gore or sexualization found in many modern graphic novels. The central premise is that Superman is dying, which might be heavy for very young or sensitive readers.
Enriching
94
Deeply explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the burden of being a hero. It encourages empathy and shows that true strength comes from character and kindness rather than just physical power.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
It shows Superman as a person with a heart, not just a flying brick who punches things.
The art by Frank Quitely is distinct and vibrant—it doesn't look like the muddy, dark comics of the 90s.
It's a self-contained story, so you don't need to know 80 years of DC history to 'get' it.
It tackles big life questions about death and legacy in a way that is hopeful rather than depressing.
⚠
What to Watch For
The plot revolves around Superman dying from solar radiation, which could be upsetting for kids who aren't ready for 'sad' endings.
Grant Morrison's writing can get pretty 'trippy' and abstract, which might confuse younger readers who just want a straightforward fight.
Conversation Starters
"If you knew you only had a short time left, what's the one big thing you'd want to do for the world?"
"Why does Lex Luthor hate Superman so much if Superman is just trying to help everyone?"
"Is being 'super' about having powers, or is it about the choices Clark makes every day?"
