All-Star Superman

A dying god performs twelve miracles to prove humanity is worth saving.

All-Star Superman is a twelve-issue American comic book series published by DC Comics under the All-Star imprint, running from November 2005 to October 2008. Written by Grant Morrison with art by Frank Quitely and digital inks by Jamie Grant, the story depicts Superman accomplishing his "Twelve Labors" while facing imminent death from solar overexposure. The series originated when Morrison abandoned a planned revamp titled "Superman Now," eventually reusing those concepts after DC Vice President Dan DiDio contacted them. Designed to be "timeless" and free of standard continuity restrictions, the book focuses on Superman as a deity-like figure who is simultaneously relaxed and un-tense, contrasting his confident Kansas upbringing with his Metropolis disguise.

Quick Facts

Schedule: Bimonthly
Publisher: DC Comics
Issues: 12
Writers: Grant Morrison
Letterers: Phil Balsman; Travis Lanham
Editors: Brandon Montclare; Bob Schreck
Creators: Grant Morrison; Frank Quitely

Lore & Background

The narrative establishes that Superman's cells are overwhelmed by massive solar radiation after he rescues Dr. Leo Quintum from a sabotaged mission, giving him one year to live while temporarily boosting his powers. Grant Morrison defines the character through two distinct acts: "Superman" as an act, and "Clark Kent" as another, where the true Clark is the confident man raised by Ma and Pa in Kansas who knows how to drive a tractor, distinct from the bumbling disguise. Artist Frank Quitely visualized Superman as a relaxed deity perched on a cloud, contrasting with a 1940s-style slumped posture for Kent. The lore also touches on a hidden history where Superman subtly guided human evolution, recontextualizing villains like Lex Luthor as twisted reflections of the hero's psyche, and includes plans for one-shots paying tribute to Golden Age versions, the Super-Sons, and the 853rd Century.

Reader's Guide

The series launches in November 2005 with a rescue mission to the Sun where Lex Luthor sabotages Dr. Leo Quintum's team, exposing Superman to lethal radiation that grants him new abilities but sets a one-year death timer. Readers follow Superman as he keeps his condition secret from the public while revealing it to Lois Lane, whom he prepares for life without him through gifts like her temporary superpowers and a costume. The plot tracks his completion of twelve heroic tasks designed to help humans and Kryptonians, including confronting Luthor in prison where the villain admits his dream of killing Superman is fulfilled.

As the series concludes, Luthor escapes execution with stolen powers and deploys Solaris, forcing Superman to return from death as a solar consciousness to defeat him. The final issue shows Lois one year later believing Superman will return if an artificial heart for the Sun is created, while a new project bearing a "2" emblem hints at future endeavors.

Did You Know?

The series originated from a rejected pitch called 'Superman Now' after Grant Morrison and editor Dan Raspler had a 'shamanic' encounter with a man dressed as Superman outside San Diego Comic-Con.
Frank Quitely designed the visual style by contrasting Superman relaxing on a cloud with a 1940s Will Eisner-style slumped posture for Clark Kent to show he was 'completely laid back'.
The animated adaptation of the series was released in 2011, and the 2025 film Superman takes inspiration from this comic book series.
In the finale, Dr. Leo Quintum unveils a new P.R.O.J.E.C.T with an emblem where the usual 'S' is replaced by the number '2'.