WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW? - Saying Goodbye to the Silver Age Superman 

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It's a testament to Alan Moore's talent as a writer that he was able to earnestly pay homage to the silver age of comics while also creating a sort of prologue for what is to come afterwards, add layers and layers of meaning to the story and doing it in less than 50 pages! Outstanding.

“This is an imaginary story, but aren’t they all”. Legendary writing by Mr. Moore.

He was the man of tomorrow until tomorrow passed him by. - Kingdom Come

Title: say goodbye to the silver age Superman. Grant Morrison: NEVEEER!!!

Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow is classic Moore. It’s simultaneously dark, campy, complex, and yet magically simple. I love Moore’s darker stories but Moore’s incredible respect for the Superman and what he represents makes me wish Moore never became so cynical we could get more stories like Whatever Happened.

It is very interesting how there are several renditions of how Superman's finale should look, with the most notable being this story, Kingdom Come and All-Star. Each version touches on a different angle of the character but all of them share that hopeful and heroic essence that makes the character so great.

This was the only comic that ever moved me to tears. The best send off to the first superhero. What took Grant Morrison 12 issues to do.. Alan Moore accomplished in simply two issues.

This story should be adapted in to an animated movie.

I remember the first time I read this story as a kid. I think it might have been the first time I ever cried at a fictional story.

Curt Swan is the longest and best Superman artist, his art doesn’t work for any other DC character. His art is just exactly what I expect for a Superman comic, I can’t express how much respect I have for him.

These are the Superman stories that really make me love him. I always got told he's lame, he's overpowered, he isn't relatable. But that's all bullshit. Superman despite his amazing abilities and stalwart dedication to his morales and mission is more human than many non super-powered heroes. Just a man, trying to do good and make the world better. He's loved. He's lost. He's triumphed. But despite it all continues to fight. It's so rare you see the hero get to retire. It just shows that when someone truly understands Superman, his stories are second to none.

One of my all time favourite comics, as told by one of my favourite people!

Loved the Curt Swan Superman's wink at the end of the stories, always recognizing the audience being there.

Moore threw in everything, even the kitchen sink, and managed to make a story that is not merely coherent, but freakin' awesome. Simply naming the characters who appear in this story would take up a whole comment in and of itself. It is simply incredible and serves as a fitting capstone to the character of the "Silver Age Superman".

I love Supes as a character in all his forms; yet, I've always felt like Chris Reeve was my live action Superman, and Curt Swan's was my Superman on the page. People talk about guys like Neal Adams being groundbreaking, but for his time, Swan was the man.

Still a touching, worthy end to this version of the character and his world, all in mere two issues. I especially like him finishing his character development by retiring and settling with Lois. Now, this wouldn't work with the modern guy (maybe semi-retire once his descendants are old enough, while still helping out when needed) but for Pre-Crisis guy, I think it's pretty much perfect. As hilariously psychotic his relationship with Lois was in Silver Age, it was shown that despite his avoidance, he did want to marry her deep down and would be happy if he did. And Bronze Age introduced the idea that he actually overestimates how much people rely on him and how much they are capable of without him and that he desires a normal life, but thinks he can't due to his duty. Him accepting (conveniently, after all his villains are dead) he can is to me far better than him dying heroically or some such. It's rather ironic that this is all significant exposure of Pre-Crisis Superman (I really don't get leaving out Bronze Age like some people do) most people get. While I don't think you really need to, the story does have a lot of little touches you won't notice if you haven't, like Vartox crying over Lana.

I remember buying both of these at my local shop. They are prizes of my collection. Deeply-felt stories that I adore! Thank you for your review!

Stuff like this and Supreme is why I don’t buy and never have bought that Alan Moore truly hates superheroes, despite his recent comments. No one with a hatred of the genre could write stories this pure and loving.

Hey it’s Josh! Man, do I love a good Superman video. It must’ve been interesting reading this book during its time. Seeing a character make a distinct turn into a new era in real time. For the lack of a better term. Great video, Matt! It’s good to have you back.

Just read this. Made me feel so many emotions, I felt glad when Superman won, sad when his friends died. One of my favourite comics now!

The best comic book youtuber covering one of the best comics of all time? Nice

Alan Moore was sounding more chirpy than usual in this interview. Really great vid, Matt! Thanks for letting me be involved.

I've thought this since it came out. I tried, but I never could get into the stuff that came after, not Superman or any of the rest of standard DC heroes. Crisis killed it for me, whether it's split between silver and bronze or all just the silver age, it was my time.

I never actually thought about it until now but I really like how Smallville sorta took this ending and applied to Clark in their show (albeit with some differences) as seen in CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Great video. I wish Snyder had taken hint from this when making Man of Steel.

Great to see people talking about this, as I grew up in the silver age of comics, and the team of Swanderson (Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson) were the definitive Superman artist for me. Yes, there have been others that I liked, but they were the ones that brought Superman to life for me, all the way to how Christopher Reeve portrayed him on the big screen. Thanks for the great video.

i love this story. I'm glad to own both issues in near mint condition. Not worth much since they printed so many of them, but still i'm proud to own them.

Who cried when Krypto died? Oh come on, nobody cried when Krypto died,,, I cried my eyes out.

This, I have always argued was the definitive Superman story. At the time I was reading it I was only aware of the post Crisis John Byrne Superman. I ignorantly dismissed Silver Age Superman as stupid and silly but after reading that I realized just how immersive, imaginative, fully realized a world pre Crisis Superman had. And the characterization of Superman as the best of what humanity should aspire to become. This story establishes Superman as a mythical figure.

This is one of my favorite Superman stories ever. You played it hard Moore.

I've heard it said that aspects of Final Crisis were a Take That! to the supposed deconstructionism of this story. Alan Moore may be the High Wizard God-King-Emperor of Deconstruction, but this story was a love letter, plain and simple.

I like to think this story as the final adventure of Chris Reeve Superman. I know Returns its kinda of the final adventure and thanks to Crisis, we know that he became the Kingdom Come Superman version but i think this comic is the perfect finale. Superman I,II,III and Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow.

Thank you Matt Draper for covering this. I love the channel!

This book is the vitality of what Superman is. A nod to its powerful runs in the 70’s and 80’s but shows the vitality and the duality of a hero that is so beloved as Superman. This comic displayed the absolute stoicism and the courage of a Superman that was unable to give up. He was the hero that was always the last line of the world. He could not give an inch or submit to defeat because he was the hope of the world. This comic displays not only that resilience but the absolute power that Clark Kent possessed. Not only as a surprise to his audience Clark’s wildest dreams were always a world of peace where he never had to pursue the burden of the Superman we have come to know and love. He was able to forgo his power and to reserve his power as a man to ensure that villains would not pursue him. His willingness to sacrifice his powers was instrumental in a way to not only end Superman but also finish his abundance of villains. He gave up all of his power to solidify a world that didn’t need Kal-El. Not only was Clark exhausted but he was almost jaded by the world that robbed him of his humanity. He just wished for a world that was not only balanced but for a wild that didn’t need Clark anymore. Through this hardship Clark was able to exist in a world that didn’t need Superman anymore. A truly great tale of the greatest hero that ever lived

thank you. a forgotten chapter in all the lee kirby, starlin, xmen, and other stars in the firmament. those curt swan superman stories are really quite beautiful.

One of my favourite Superman comics. Anyone who still think Superman is "boring" owe it to themselves to read this classic.

This is the Superman l grew up with. The man of tomorrow, maybe not cutting edge. But a man of a different time. His dog Krypto. I dog any kid would want. A coworker, friend who is more clever than she seems. For with love, we always see more than our sense can tell. A young friend, buddy, younger brother. With the true nature, the definition of best friend. And Villian that were not so bad. Whose quarks were negative tp say the least. But still taught the young, a difference between what is right & wrong! Do l miss him. Yes! But he is still alive. For he is a great part, of a young man, from decades ago. And lives inside of my mind.

Great video. I like how for all the darkness Alan Moore tends to incorporate in his stories, it’s nice how in “Whatever Happened to the Man of the Tomorrow” while he does his dark elements, it’s definitely a much more hopeful story as Superman should be. Sorry if I’m commenting late. I was at Midtown Comics getting my Daredevil trades signed by Brian Michael Bendis himself. So worth the wait. Oh and you were right about Sweet Tooth, it’s amazing.

All things must eventually come to a end, but from our labor the seeds of our future shall bere fruit.

you always make great videos matt, this one pulled my heartstrings, keep it up, the collaboration with josh was pretty cool

Curt Swan's art may be dated, but he'll always be my favorite Superman artist.

Superman: Lois my love, what do you think? *closes door* *Porn sax starts blasting* Clever way to finish the video, Matt.

Dear Matt, why don't you do a video on Crisis on Infinite Earths ? Your comic book analysis and essays are the best I've found on the whole Internet Keep up the good work!

I love this channel. I knew there was something going on with the violence that drives the story almost as if the violence and grittiness of the times invaded the comic book world, announcing a change from imaginary tales to serious and real tales.

I KNEW IT! I knew you were going to upload the new videos today.

Was there when this happened, 1986 rocked the comic book world and things were never the same ever again! Crisis changed things moreso than one would like to admit, change had to eventually happen! And yet at the same time this was the first major rebooting DC comics ever did so its massive impact hasn't ever been forgotten to this very day!

Thank you for this post. Brought back early memories of MY Superman. And I loved Curt Swans style. Miss him.

it showed us that not all good people have to sacrifise themselves they too deserve a good life

I read that the when Superman in his silver age origin arrived on Earth, he immediately had his powers. Considering his adult version would go on to showcase unlimited strength, this baby could still probably break planets. Naturally John Kent was afraid of him and had nightmares where he saw Clark taking over Earth (like he would go on to in several major post crisis stories). But they lost that fear when they saw Clark break down in tears at the death of a dog, because he could literally see the life force leave the animal. As campy of an idea as that is, I love it. It perfectly explains why Clark is so dedicated to protecting life, and why he’ll always use his powers for good. He literally sees life in a more personal sense than anyone else. It’s like that one quality is enough to make someone trustworthy with the power to move galaxies and destroy solar systems. And this is just the writers showing you why he’s the greatest hero in comics. Because when push came to shove he lived up to his beliefs and renounced the powers of a god, because he killed someone. Magnificent.

The Silver Age version is the real Superman. Everything after has been a series of malevolent attempts at deconstruction.

'We're only second-stringers, Jimmy, but we'll show 'em...nobody loved him better than us. Nobody!' Man, if that line doesn't get you right here...by the way, any chance of doing a video on 'Superman: Secret Identity' by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen some day, please?

I get it - Jordan Elliott = Jor El.

Lois my love... I'm the comeback kid

Ya know, Matt, I subscribed to your channel recently and I got to say I freaking love it. Your essays on many amazing comics and films are so well detailed and very well said (with my personal favorites being your videos on Alan Moore's Swamp Thing run and Blade Runner). I am so glad you have now covered Alan Moore's "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tommorow?". It's gotta be one of my all-time favorite comics from the legendary writer ever! And I couldn't agree more that it really does delve deep into the soul of the Man of Steel!!! :)

Thinking about Curt Swan, just a couple days ago I was trapped in an exchange with two people who wouldn't stop about how Superman couldn't make a good story. Because, because, because... Some of this is because of how iconic Swan was. As far as I'm concerned though, that's one facet of Superman's appeal. And anyone who thinks a good Superman story can't be told is just incredibly wrong.

The superman we actually forgot. His new earth counterpart died, and when a new superman showed up, byrnes version, he retired by taking blue kryptonite. became a car mechanic. japanese superman also retired, had a daughter Ako with lois.

Such fond memories of the time before I read this story and after. Those were my comic years. I check in on my favorites once in a while, but I don’t recognize them anymore. It’s a whole new DC comics for a whole new generation…which isn’t a bad thing. Thanks for this episode

Mr. Draper is too underrated. His comic coverage is unmatched!

The one thing that's always gotten me about that story is what it reveals about Superman, the paradoxical nature of his virtues. Paradoxical, because those virtures are also his greatest vices. Superman has this code against killing. Yet he knows that if Mxyzptlk isn't dealt with he will kill without mercy. Superman kills him. This is Superman's virtue. He saw a need, he saw what had to be done. He saw what would be the immorality of holding to his code when millions of lives would be lost, and he was willing to do what needed to be done. But then he gets so guilted up and sacrifices his powers to atone for what he thinks is the great evil he has done. What he never stops to think of, before making an irreversible decision, is what is he going to do when some other mighty menace comes to call? He saved millions of lives by killing Mxyzptlk. But by taking away his powers, how many billions will he have murdered by not being able to stop the next menace when (not if) they come. Superman's decision is close to be being criminal, and morally self-indulgent at the least.

This was my first comic book back in 2006.

I really love this story and Alan Moore, but man i'm so curious to see how Siegel would've ended it, i can't help but feel this was stolen from him

This is perhaps my favorite ever Superman story.

11:00 so basically sliver age Jonathan Samuel Kent as a baby And this Superman eventually return in convergence and doomsday clock

"superman is boring and not relatable" *The death and reign of superman* *Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow* *For the man who has everything* *All star superman*

Great job on covering the man of tomorrow.

I bought those two issues when they were new; I was 10 years old. Still have them now. Great job on this video highlighting such an important and emotional story.

So many people nowadays seem to hate Superman. They say “Nothing can hurt him, so why should I care”. My response is “His powers aren’t what makes him interesting. It’s his heart. His optimism. His desire to help. Superman isn’t inspiring because he’s powerful. He’s inspiring because, at his core, he is a good man trying to change the world for the better.” Superman is an ideal to strive towards. To be a good person.

We would never see the Curt Swan Silver Age Superman again.

BRONZE Age... the Silver Age ended at DC with O'Neal and Adams on Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Kirby moving from Marvel. Still, great video!

its only a matter of time until they adapt this into an animated movie like they did with Dark Knight Returns

A great video as always Matt! Made me tear

Old Superman had morals someone people could look up to

Oh hell yeah! Finally another video! It's been months! RU-vid had been drowning them out in my feed!

One of MANY superb Alan Moore works

These stories were pure Alan Moore. They touched on most of the characters and the way they were. He brought out that sense of urgency that the silver age brought when the crises were deadly. All brought to an end with the blink of an eye!

That was my Superman. (I never cared for what came after in the comics)

great work, please now do one about "for the man who has everything"

Matt, your information about Curt Swan never drawing another complete Superman story is incorrect...in 1990-1991, Curt was given the chance to come back for Curt Swan Month and fully drew all three parts of the Sinbad story that arced between Superman, Adventures of Superman, and Action Comics, which was then fullowed up by his sort of return to the character when he became the regular penciler of the Superboy/Adventures of Superboy TV Tie-In comic.

I can’t get enough of these videos. Would love to see an Analysis on: Watchmen Batman New 52 Usagi Yojimbo The Umbrella Academy Spider man by JMS Frank Miller’s Ronin Daydripper And Chew

To me this is the definitive silver age Superman story one of my all time favorite superhero stories. Thanks for this review

What a great effort to produce such a magnificent episode.

The ending makes me think of caps ending in endgame

It was an interesting concept in the comics of Superman retiring but obviously this was an imagined story. I think what you could have had the fact that at a young age he had had Children with Lois who turned out to be Super boy and Supergirl thus keep the Superman comics going. I tend to think of him as immortal or ageless appearing in all decades. Always loved the Villains, so many talented writers and artists.

It's sad and optimistic at the same time.

Nice job on this video!

Matt, I've read so many great comics thanks to you, so it feels like I owe you the following recommendation. Just yesterday I've finished Descender and it might just be the deepest, most epic and emotional comic Jeff Lemire has ever written. And knowing that we both want more than just entertainment from our stories, I know you will enjoy it!

This would make a greatt choice for an animated movie. Bring back the guy who voiced him in Batman Brave and the Bold.

This is a tangent to your commentary. I was around 11 when I first learned of the Multiverse, and I LOVED it. I don't understand why it was felt that new readers couldn't get it.

This video and the swamp thing ones are my therapy truly love them

Thanks for the amazing informative video. Btw i love the end credits song you guys use.

Something lost that the kids of today will never understand. An Age that has passed. I feel my age now.

Much earlier. When the 1st bar codes marred the cover in 1977 quality suffered and price went up...

Just wanted to let you know that you got me into The Midnight, so thank you for that. Great video as usual man. Appreciate your art and the artform.

That got me all misty eyed.Thank you.

I love your work man! Every video I have seen of yours have been great!! Keep up the work!

I wish they'd make a animated movie about this.

Didn't know this was so good! 🤯

This Superman story would make a great one-off movie

Superb video as usual Matt, keep up this amazing content dude, you deserve a million subs.