. Cover of
Superman vol. 2, #178 (March 2002); art by
Ed McGuinness. Because the
DC Universe was revamped after the events of
Crisis on Infinite Earths, the previous continuity before that series (colloquially referred to as "pre-
Crisis") was voided. Previously established characters were given the opportunity to be reintroduced in new ways. Reintroductions of classic villains were part of the new
Superman series' first year, featuring the first post-
Crisis appearances of characters such as
Metallo and
Mister Mxyzptlk and the introduction of
Supergirl. The historic engagement of
Lois Lane and
Clark Kent was one of the major events in the book's run. Writer/artist
Dan Jurgens created a supporting hero named
Agent Liberty in issue #60 (Oct. 1991). The series participated in such crossover storylines as "Panic in the Sky". The hallmark of the run was the storyline "
The Death of Superman". The actual "death" story was published in this series' 75th issue, and would be a major media and pop culture event with the issue going on to sell over three million copies.
The Final Night, and
Infinite Crisis. Superman received a new costume and new superpowers in issue #123 (May 1997). In 1999,
Superman, along with the other three titles, were revamped with
Jeph Loeb replacing longtime writer Dan Jurgens. During Loeb's run on the series he created
Imperiex, introduced a
Bizarro created by the
Joker in the "Emperor Joker" storyline, and also helped with a controversial storyline in which Superman's nemesis, supervillain
Lex Luthor, became the
President of the United States. Loeb's run on the series included the crossover event
Our Worlds at War, which saw the destruction of
Topeka, Kansas, serious damage to Clark Kent's nearby hometown of
Smallville, and Superman adopting a costume of more somber colors to mourn the heavy loss of life during the event. Loeb's run ended with issue #183 (August 2002). In 2004–2005, artist
Jim Lee, who had recently concluded the
Batman: Hush storyline with Loeb, provided the artwork for a Superman story by writer
Brian Azzarello. the series was canceled as part of the company-wide
Infinite Crisis event.
The Adventures of Superman was returned to its original title,
Superman, with issue #650 the following month. ==Annuals==