Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow? / Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader?

By Alan Moore (Man Of Tomorrow) and Neil Gaiman (Caped Crusader)

Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow by Alan MooreAs I’ve mentioned on these pages previously, it’s pretty difficult for superheroes to die. They’ll be re-invented, retconned and resurrected rather than permanently laid to rest. As such, it’s pretty difficult to end their stories in any meaningful way; after all, we know that they’ll be back. But, that’s exactly what Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman have managed to do for two of the most important characters of the DC Universe.

In 1986 DC were wiping the slate clean with Crisis On Infinite Earths, which would effectively reset the histories of all their characters, eliminate more than 50 years worth of complicated continuity and usher in a new era for the comics giant. Faced with this, Superman editor John Byrne was racking his brains for what to do for his final issues of Superman before the comic reverted to issue 1. And then it occurred to him; he would do the last Superman story ever. And who would be better to do it than Alan Moore? (Who, if rumour is to believed, used physical violence to get the job).

Described from the outset as “An Imaginary Story”, Whatever Happened to The Man of Tomorrow? begins with an older Lois Lane recounting the story of the last time she saw the protector of Metropolis. It begins with some of the most innocuous of Superman’s foes turning killers, leaving close friends dead and his secret identity revealed to all. Soon it becomes apparent that all his deadliest foes – including Brainiac, Lex Luthor and Kryptonite Man – are gathering together to finish off the Man of Steel once and for all. Gathering his friends together, Superman gets ready for one final showdown with his old enemies.

Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader by Neil GaimanFor a writer famous for deconstructing the superhero, Moore’s story is remarkably traditional, consisting of not much more than Superman battling a rogues gallery of villains whilst saying goodbye to his closest friends. But this is what makes it such fun. Despite its simplicity, there’s a sense of the operatic as people die, careers end and new relationships form. Yet Moore’s writing still has a sly sense of humour (such as reducing Lex Luthor to a mere bystander to the proceedings) and it’s affection for the character evident, with an ending which is a literal wink to Superman and his fans. If the story of Superman ever was to end, this would be a perfect way in which to do it and it’s little wonder that this is still one of the most fondly remembered comic stories of the 80s.

It was one that was in the back of Neil Gaiman’s mind when it was proposed that he also pen the ‘final’ Batman story in light of the Batman RIP saga. Thus, Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader? was born. Unsurprisingly, Gaiman’s take is darker than Moore’s as The Dark Knight attends a funeral. Strangely, it seems to be his own. Soon some of his greatest friends and foes are delivering eulogies, all at odds with one another. Before the end of the night, Batman must use his skills to uncover the mysteries surrounding his apparent demise.

This is a paean to the mythology of Batman that manages to be both poignant and exciting as it recognises the many forms that The Caped Crusader has taken. From the campy crimefighter to the dour avenger of the night, Gaiman reflects upon each of these incarnations and certainly shows why the character has such longevity. Andy Kubert’s art is stunning, with some fine interpretation of famous Batman artists (there’s a lovely reference to The Joker of The Killing Joke fame) and the final product is a wonderful encapsulation of the mystique of the character and an explanation of his legend.

Both of these are released as Deluxe Editions with extra stories (including Moore’s Superman/Swamp Thing crossover and Gaiman’s brilliantly disturbing explanation of the origins of Poison Ivy) and are an extremely worthy purchase. Superheroes may never die, but if they did, this is the way in which they would want to go out…

Whatever Happened to The Man of Tomorrow? and Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? are published separately by Titan Books and both are available from Play.com, Blackwell and all good book stores.

Review By Laurence Boyce