Favorite Super-moments

[Bored at 3:00AM]

It doesn't matter where you saw it, be it a comic, a cartoon, a movie or wherever, I want to know your favorite moments involving Superman that stuck with you as something that made you think to yourself "Now THAT's Superman!"

I've got a bunch, but the one that pops out immediately was during the 1990s when the Superman books were so horrible that these moments were incredibly rare. It was early in Grant Morrison's run on JLA when he fought an angel. There was something about it that just felt so "Superman!" to me.

What about you?

[Froggy]

JLA One Million

ALL OF IT

[DonC]

In Superman II when Superman crushed Zod's hand.

In one of the annuals there's a scene where these muggers are getting the snot beat out of them by Guardian. A voice off-camera asks if they're having fun. One of the muggers replies something like, "Oh, yeah, we're having a blast. What planet are you from?"

The guy off-camera says "Krypton."

I remember Roger Stern wrote that book and Ron Frenz drew it, but I don't remember the year.

[Froggy]

In Superman II when Superman crushed Zod's hand.

In one of the annuals there's a scene where these muggers are getting the snot beat out of them by Guardian. A voice off-camera asks if they're having fun. One of the muggers replies something like, "Oh, yeah, we're having a blast. What planet are you from?"

The guy off-camera says "Krypton."

I remember Roger Stern wrote that book and Ron Frenz drew it, but I don't remember the year.

that's great

I like in warth of gog when supes meets the repo man dude and he's like "You want my autograph?

all sincere like and whatnot

then next panel WHAM!

and "would you like that personalized?!
too bad it got ruiend ;(

[Iroquois]

It was early in Grant Morrison's run on JLA when he fought an angel. There was something about it that just felt so "Superman!" to me.

What about you?

Was that when he was Superman Blue? I recall in such a story Wally commenting on how great Supes is for taking on an angel. It was a neat moment.

[David Atkins]

I couldn't pick just one.

I enjoyed the 'I'll always love you!' smooch with Lois a few pages before his death, followed by a repeat of exactly the same a few pages after his return (immediately before leaving for Engine City).

There was a scene I've always been particularly fond of that came out in '96, I think, following the return of Lori Lemaris where he used the diamond from Lois' engagement ring to take out the jewel at the head of the staff belonging to some undersea sorcerer dude. The 'newspaper story' caption, by Lois Lane, was what made it great.

[MythicBrawn]

Having the guts to do what was necessary and killing the 3 Kryptonians. Angsting about it afterwards was super-weak but putting those 3 down was an excellent moment in his history. I know many fans hated that DC did that with him but for me it made him more real.

[Iroquois]

When the hell did killing based on self-proclaimed 'good judgement' become a measure for realism and relatability? And, worse, when did it become a highlight and cause for praise in the career of a moral arbitrer?

[Flash's Lightning]

When the hell did killing based on self-proclaimed 'good judgement' become a measure for realism and relatability? And, worse, when did it become a highlight and cause for praise in the career of a moral arbitrer?

A. They were self-confessed mass murderers

B. They were unrepentant, and made it clear they'd do it again.

C. Any normal jail or prison wouldn't be able to contain them, and when/if they escaped, everyone killed would then be Superman's fault for not stopping them.

The way you say it makes it seem debatable whether or not they deserved the death penalty - they did. Mass murder with intention to continue doing so is a good reason to have the death penalty, and they were guilty "beyond a shadow of a doubt", and, in fact, were basically pleading guilty by admitting to it.

[Iroquois]

The way you say it makes it seem debatable whether or not they deserved the death penalty

It is debatable, as far as I'm concerned. Granted, at the time Superman didn't have alternatives, which is why I "look the other way" and I don't condemn the story arc, like others do. And the psychological aftermath more than made up for it, in context.

My main disagreement lies with this:
but for me it made him more real.

and the fact that Superman executing people is suddenly considered "one of the greatest moments in his history". Seriously, when you hear about executions, "Superman" is the first thing that pops to mind?

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Was that when he was Superman Blue? I recall in such a story Wally commenting on how great Supes is for taking on an angel. It was a neat moment.

No, but he still had the mullet.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Having the guts to do what was necessary and killing the 3 Kryptonians. Angsting about it afterwards was super-weak but putting those 3 down was an excellent moment in his history. I know many fans hated that DC did that with him but for me it made him more real.

Considering those same 3 Kryptonians are back murdering people in "Last Son", committing murder obviously didn't accomplish anything in the long run. As Superman later said in Morrison's JLA Classified arc, executing villians is too easy an answer and completely ineffective given many villains' ability to cheat death and come back stronger than before. If anything killing them ends up making them more bloodthirsty and more powerful.

If Superman executing people is the most "Superman-esque" thing you can think of, I really don't think you understand what the character is all about.

[Eliseu Gouveia]

"- Burn." :D

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Certainly a favorite for this year was when he revealed at the end of JLA/Hitman that he still hasn't forgotten about (or given up on) Tommy.

[mattx110]

Was that when he was Superman Blue? I recall in such a story Wally commenting on how great Supes is for taking on an angel. It was a neat moment.
It annoyed me, because Superman didn't have his superstrength, but then he's taking on a guy that can take out MM... It was kinda like "this should be regular Superman".

Re-aligning the Moon! That was a superman blue moment and I think from the same comic.

[NotSuper]

Superman humbling the Elite (and making Manchester Black cry!) was great.

[David Atkins]

Considering those same 3 Kryptonians are back murdering people in "Last Son", committing murder obviously didn't accomplish anything in the long run. As Superman later said in Morrison's JLA Classified arc, executing villians is too easy an answer and completely ineffective given many villains' ability to cheat death and come back stronger than before. If anything killing them ends up making them more bloodthirsty and more powerful.

If Superman executing people is the most "Superman-esque" thing you can think of, I really don't think you understand what the character is all about.


1. The Zod that Superman executed was from a pocket-verse and was more powerful than pretty much any post-COIE Kryptonian we've seen to date. He was a different character than the current Zod, and he was more blood thirsty.

2. His henchmen were Quex-Ui and Zaora, not Non and Ursa. Clearly, they are also different characters from those presented in the 'Last Son' arc. Those 'newer' character-variants don't even share the Post-COIE timeframe because, as Kurt Busiek has stated repeatedly, the current Superman exists in an entirely new continuity (Post-Infinite Crisis). Granted, this new continuity shares features with pre-and-post-COIE continuity, but it hasn't even been established yet (to my knowledge) whether or not the executions of the pocket-verse kryptonians is a part of it.

3. Obviously, in the long run, his execution of the Kryptonians that actually appeared in the story was effective in that they never came back and never annihilated all life on the Earth he knew as they did on the one from their universe.

4. Neither you, nor any of the other posters in the thread whom have gone into attack-mode over what he shared as his 'Favorite Super-Moment,' get to dictate to MythicBrawn (or anyone else) what the 'character is all about' from their points of view.

"- Burn." :D

It's not a 'burn' when every single one of his facts pertaining to the storyline in question was wrong. ;)

[NotSuper]

Never cared for Superman killing Zod and company and I'm glad that it's been removed from canon.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

It's not a 'burn' when every single one of his facts pertaining to the storyline in question was wrong. ;)

I think you're misunderstanding "Burn". It has nothing to do with the "Superman executing people is my favorite Superman moment" debate. Eliseu Gouveia is saying that moment from Alan Moore & Dave Gibbon's "What to Get for the Man Who Has Everything" is one of Eliseu's favorite Superman moments.

[Froggy]

Superman humbling the Elite (and making Manchester Black cry!) was great.
good pick


no one agree with mine tho? :(

[Bored at 3:00AM]

4. Neither you, nor any of the other posters in the thread whom have gone into attack-mode over what he shared as his 'Favorite Super-Moment,' get to dictate to MythicBrawn (or anyone else) what the 'character is all about' from their points of view.


Huh? Nobody is dictating anything. We're expressing contrary opinions just as MythicBrawn expressed his opinion and you're expressing yours. That's what this message board is all about. There is nothing wrong with disagreement as long as its done without personal attacks.

[David Atkins]

I think you're misunderstanding "Burn". It has nothing to do with the "Superman executing people is my favorite Superman moment" debate. Eliseu Gouveia is saying that moment from Alan Moore & Dave Gibbon's "What to Get for the Man Who Has Everything" is one of Eliseu's favorite Superman moments.

Yeah, you're right. The timing/placement of the comment within the thread threw me off. It might not have if I'd read the story in question, but I've only experienced the scene second-hand. Which sucks. :(

Huh? Nobody is dictating anything. We're expressing contrary opinions just as MythicBrawn expressed his opinion and you're expressing yours. That's what this message board is all about. There is nothing wrong with disagreement as long as its done without personal attacks.

Agreed. But with comments like 'When the hell...?' and 'I don't think you understand what the character is all about,' it looked more like a gang of like-minded individuals getting down on the guy who had the contrary opinion than than friendly dissent. Maybe I mis-read the tone of some of the posts and/or something hit a semi-raw nerve (maybe I'm just a bit tired), but there is the thought process behind that comment.

Edit: So as to not drag things any further off-topic, I thought I'd add another personal favorite of mine. Superman's appearance on the Cat Grant show while the Justice League was fighting Doomsday. I prefer the comic version to the novelization, but either way it is one that I particularly liked and has always stuck with me.

[Flash's Lightning]

Post-OWAW, the world is ashambles, and Superman fights three villains...but before he does, he offers his hand in friendship if they'll just help the world recover and stop vile villainy. It shows Superman's ability to forgive and to trust.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Yeah, you're right. The timing/placement of the comment within the thread threw me off. It might not have if I'd read the story in question, but I've only experienced the scene second-hand. Which sucks. :(

Agreed. But with comments like 'When the hell...?' and 'I don't think you understand what the character is all about,' it looked more like a gang of like-minded individuals getting down on the guy who had the contrary opinion than than friendly dissent. Maybe I mis-read the tone of some of the posts and/or something hit a semi-raw nerve (maybe I'm just a bit tired), but there is the thought process behind that comment.

No problem, many a friendly disagreement has become a flame war on many an internet message board by misunderstanding the tone of a comment. It makes it very difficult to strongly disagree with anyone without it coming off as an attack.

The unfortunately placement of that "Burn" post probably didn't help....

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Superman humbling the Elite (and making Manchester Black cry!) was great.

That would most certainly be an all-timer, yes.

[DubipR]

Even though its not in canon, Paul Dini's Peace on Earth story is as super as it gets. Its probably the first time in a long time that Kal felt to be human, IMO. Some brilliant writing in that treasury comic.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Even though its not in canon, Paul Dini's Peace on Earth story is as super as it gets. Its probably the first time in a long time that Kal felt to be human, IMO. Some brilliant writing in that treasury comic.

Not that what is or isn't "canon" really matters, but there's nothing in Dini & Ross' Peace on Earth story that would disqualify it as being part of Superman's current continuity. Same goes for all of those stories. None of Dini & Ross' stories contradicted anything except for ignoring that idiotic "Wonder Woman wasn't a founding member of the JLA" retcon, which has subsequently been kicked to the curb following Infinite Crisis.

[Eliseu Gouveia]

I think you're misunderstanding "Burn". It has nothing to do with the "Superman executing people is my favorite Superman moment" debate. Eliseu Gouveia is saying that moment from Alan Moore & Dave Gibbon's "What to Get for the Man Who Has Everything" is one of Eliseu's favorite Superman moments.



Yeah, I was referring to that scenne. :)

Another one would be that scenne at the end of Kingdom Come where he grabs Billy Batson´s throat and they look around the battlefield with the metas out of control.
"- Decide the world."

[itsyaboy]

Kingdom Come Superman when he came out of retirement and stopped the superpowered assailants and rescued the people on the bridge(?) and they all looked up and saw him.

I remembered thinking "the Man is back".

[Eliseu Gouveia]

The entire John Byrne´s Man of Steel issue where he makes his first public appearance, thwarting crime across town.

[Iroquois]

Kingdom Come Superman when he came out of retirement and stopped the superpowered assailants and rescued the people on the bridge(?) and they all looked up and saw him.

I remembered thinking "the Man is back".
Oh yeah, certainly this one. McCay's narration makes it an awesome moment indeed.

[Dr. Simian]

There are so many great Superman moments that it's hard to choose one. Some of these moments have been posted already. But one small favorite of mine is in "A Superman For All Seasons" when Clark saves a young boy, who then comments "Cool costume!"

His responds, with a subtle smile, "Thanks. My mom made it for me."

Pure gold.

[Dr. Simian]

Sorry. Double post.

[Solaris01]

Ok, I know Supes mostly from movies and cartoons, but I recently read Exile and loved when Superman is returning to Earth and people are wondering what's that thing up in the sky..awesome moment to come back and rescue Lois.

Favorite moment from movies that I find inspiring and scream Superman for me:

-STM: "Easy miss, I've got you.."
"Who are you? A friend"
Superman flying in Space and smiling at the end of the movie

-S ll: "Do you care to step outside?"

-SR: the whole plain rescue and the cheering in the stadium

Superman rescuing Lois and her family from the sinking yatch

When Superman stops above the ocean and is trying to decide who to rescue first, Lois or Metropolis

Superman recharging (like absorving power directly from God to do justice)

Superman lifting New Krypton while risking his life to safe the world

Superman hovering in Space listening to all the cries of the world

The bullets ricocheting from Supes chest



I think that's enough for now, hehehe. :p AWESOME THREAD, thanks

[MythicBrawn]

What made it a good moment was that DC was willing to have him commit the act. The boy scout never doing anything wrong can get to be tiresome. In my mind, that moment made him more real. I understand the character well enough. This was a thread about what I felt was a favorite super-moment and this was mine. He had a hard decision to make and he made it. Do I think he should start killing/murdering/executing his enemies? Absolutely not, but there are times when a man, or Superman, has to make the tough choices.

Also, in order to lighten the tone of my response, another favorite moment is in the Superman Animated Series, or it might be the Batman Animated Series. It was when Superman assumes Batman's identity because Bruce was being controlled by Brainiac. It was classic when he took down Bane after Bane had juiced himself even more than usual. Bane had no idea that he was actually fighting Superman. Of course, in comics it wouldn't have been a contest but it looked cool in the cartoon.

[MatterEaterLad]

What made it a good moment was that DC was willing to have him commit the act. The boy scout never doing anything wrong can get to be tiresome.
There's a difference between Superman making mistakes or doing the wrong thing (something he has always done occasionally) and having him deliberately decide to kill.

[Eumenides]

DC One Million, Grant Morrison's love letter to Superman, is for me the greatest story in Superman's history, and that moment when the golden Superman walks out of the Sun wielding the Green Lantern ring and crushes Solaris is my favourite Super-Moment ever. It's like a god returning home to set everything straight.

[dupersuper]

Grants JLA, including DC 1 Million

All-Star Supes

Hitman guest appearance and JLA/Hitman mini

the already mentioned MOS debut, Kingdom Come return, Dini big books, and For all Seasons costume bit

Supes debut night of crimefighting in the 1st movie

junkyard fight in the 3rd

I'm a sucker for whenever they show him with implied angel wings or in a crucifixion pose

I was never a big fan of Superman having killed either, but agree they got a couple years worth of great stories, like Exile, out of him having to deal with it.

Tonnes more, I'm sure.

[Rik Levins]

My favorite moment was in Smallville, where Clark (Tom Welling) first meets Dr. Swann (Christopher Reeve).

A few bars of the "Superman" theme were playing softly in the background, and it was a very effective moment.

[Flash's Lightning]

"Don't worry miss, I've got you."

"Who's got YOU?"

Wasn't that the other end of the line?

[SuperStar]

There are so many great Superman moments that it's hard to choose one. Some of these moments have been posted already. But one small favorite of mine is in "A Superman For All Seasons" when Clark saves a young boy, who then comments "Cool costume!"

His responds, with a subtle smile, "Thanks. My mom made it for me."

Pure gold.

That was great.

I always liked when Superman was floating in front of Luther's office and they talk through the glass.

Represents their whole relationship perfectly.

[Eumenides]

I was recently rereading Final Night, and I remembered another favorite Super-scene: when Superman, powerless from the Sun-Eater blocking sunlight from reaching Earth, volunteers to pilot the space-ship that will launch a counter-measure against the Sun-Eater. He then asks for a few minutes alone and sits down to write a letter to Lois. Like one of the Legionnaires says in that scene, that's what makes him the standard for all other heroes.

[umbc8]

It annoyed me, because Superman didn't have his superstrength, but then he's taking on a guy that can take out MM... It was kinda like "this should be regular Superman".

Re-aligning the Moon! That was a superman blue moment and I think from the same comic.

To be fair, considering what was been said by Morrison at the time, that issue was pretty much complete by the time the JLA crew found out about Superman's power-change. It was originally intended for him to have his normal super-powers, and was redrawn and "fixed". I think Grant was at the point where he as starting the "Rock of Ages" story when he was aware of the power change (suddenly Supes talks about all the things he can do with his new powers now). I can't explain the moon thing though, maybe something that was added...

As far as favorite moments, mine would have to be from the first movie, when he bursts out of Luthor's lair, gets to the rocket, and eventually pushes it into space. The whole scene (especially if you've seen the uncut version where the rocket flies around him, which is why he's playing "catch up") and the music score are perfect Superman.

[TheFamousEccles]

My favorite Superman moment, and the one that most defines the character for me is the climax of the first Max Fleischer cartoon. As the Mad Scientist pummels Superman with his "Electrothanasia Ray," pinning him down after saving the Daily Planet building, Superman begins punching the energy back up to the observatory, making his way back up. Combined with Sammy Timberg's great music, it's one of those moments that not only makes you believe in a character, but in the power of the image. It's very cartoonish, of course, but it lends an air of a highly romanticised fantasy that sells that moment.

Also, in the radio shows, during the Atom Man series of episodes, there's a fantastic episode that is essentially a fifteen minute battle between Superman and Atom Man, and there's this sinister, awful sound effect of the Atom Man's Kryptonite rays going through the whole thing. Even facing death, though, Superman keeps fighting on, and it's a great performance by Bud Collyer.

I may be one of the few who finds the Amnesia Kiss to be one of the most painfully emotional moments in the Superman movies, the conversation leading up to Clark making the decision, and immediately going back to the status quo was done quite artfully, and the look on Reeve's face as he leaves to get Lois a hamburger puts a wonderful cap on the moment. I like to consider "Superman - The Movie" to be one long favorite moment.

Finally, in the comic books, I'm going to have to go with something very simple - the issue cover where Superman, bombarded with electricity, merely proclaims "It tickles." In some ways, it's similar to the cartoon moment, but it's such an immediately iconic idea done perfectly.

I only meant to write about the Fleischer cartoon - it's amazing what happens at 5 in the morning. Apologies for going on way too long.

[tumfp]

Although it has been brought up already, KC Superman's intro on the bridge is amazing. I get the chills every time I read that. Also, in the final pages of Busiek's Secret Identity, It was awesome when Superman watches the sun set, turns around, and watches it rise on the opposite side of the world; so sweet.

[caboose]

Justice League Unlimited - "Destroyer"

I know Darkseid still gets the better of him in the end but when Supes cuts loose and drops the big axe handle I almost shrieked with enjoyment.

[NotSuper]

As a rule of thumb, any time Superman does a feat so incredible that it makes the reader mentally scream "that's impossible!" it's a great super-moment.

[Surtur]

A favorite moment of mine, not really a "super" moment, but someone already mentioned where it happens..the episode of S:TAS where he pretends to be batman. After he defeats Bane, as batman, then he basically uses super-speed to prevent the mad hatter from escaping.

Then Robin comes in and cuffs hatter, and says something like "at least I can do something" in which Superman(in the batman costume) smiles, but then immediately turns it into a grimace when he realizes mad hatter is watching.

[Hard Son]

I don't collect or read many Superman titles but I've picked up a couple of the Superman/Batman TPB's and my favourite Super moment is when he and Batman are inner monologuing their admiration for one another and I thought it was most apt given their sometimes strained relationship.

It was during the Supergirl TPB of Superman/Batman.

[BYC]

I have a lot of them, but here's a few:

* Superman the Movie space intro with John William's theme.

* Superman Returns when Superman leaves the seaplane and flies into the sky to recharge. The part where he raises above the clouds in a broad horizon view was just epic for me.

* Superman Returns when he lifts the krytonite island. That was just crazy.

* KC Superman's return on the bridge.

* Superman TAS "Legacy episode" when Superman raises from the firepits in his darkside armor when Darkseid brainwashed him.

Just looking on my own list, Superman has had some awesome entrances.

[Superbeast]

"- Burn." :D

I agree. The look on his face is what sold it for me the most. The JLU version lacked the cold malice I'd imagined the line was delivered with, maybe because his dreamworld didn't fall apart in the same way due to time constraints.

Still, this image always makes me smile, just thinking how badass a pissed off Superman could be.

http://i15.tinypic.com/8fdpfnl.jpg

He tried to burn Mongul's heart with the last blast. That's pretty damn cold.

[Sijo]

My favorite moment is when Superman beats the Devil (or at least the Devil's agent on Earth) in the Novel "Miracle Monday" by Elliot S! Maggin, published back around the time of the second movie.

Basically, a demon called Saturn has possessed an innocent woman and is creating havoc around the World, that Superman finds himself hard-pressed to contain; plus it has revealed his identity to the public as well. Faced with the prospect of killing an innocent to save the World, Superman begins to despair, especially as fear of never having a normal life again begins to creep upon him. (This, of course, is what Saturn really wanted.) Remembering his life and how he'd always secretly feared being rejected for being alien, Superman, while mediating alone, impulsively decides to do something he'd never done before- to listen to all of Earth's sounds at the same time.

Expecting to hear a cacophony, he's amazed to find out that it instead forms music, and- best of all- that the very sound of his own heart *IS* part of that eternal concert!

Reinvigorated, Superman faces Saturn again and states flatly that he WON'T kill its host, and if that means he'll spend the rest of his life battling the demon, so be it. He was willing to give up his life to save the girl AND the world.

At that moment, Superman wins- because Saturn's purpose all along was to ruin him by getting him to break his holiest vow: that of never killing. In fact, bound by special rules, Saturn is forced to grant Superman a wish, which he uses to restore everything to normal, including his identity. (Shades of OMD! Except here the Devil got what he deserved. :D) Not only was the whole story beautifully written, it effectively has Supes winning by refusing to take the easy, dark choice- granted, not something that would work on every situation, but very much proper for the character.

Btw this story was in (pre-Crisis) continuity, since the possessed girl, Kristin Wells, later showed up in the comics as Superwoman.

[joe the baker]

Superman 82 when he first reappears in the costume.

Adventures of Superman 505 when he reunites with Lois

"There is no doubt in her mind,she`s in his arms.......faster than a speeding bullet.

or in Smallville season 2 when Clarks saves Ryan and Ryan sees the future ans Says;

"you`re going to help a lot of people Clark"

There are thousands more but these are just a few I haven`t seen posted yet.

[Kid Kyoto]

For me the Byrne era was the first time I really liked Supes. I remember one scene against Bloodsport (generic gun toting villian) where he's trying to talk him down. BS has a hostage. You see a close up of Superman's feet hovering a few inches from the floor. BS goes to pull the trigger and Superman is already there ripping the gun from his hand.

A great balance of Superman's confidence, faith in human nature and clever use of powers. And I think it was the first time Superman could hover, not just shoot through the air like a rocket.

for the record I also liked him executing the phantom zoners. The situation was well explained and he did what has to be done. For me being a hero means making tough calls. Superman wasn't raised in a Buddhist monestary, he's not a Swedish Liberal, he's an American from the heartland in a country where nearly everyone agrees that lethal force (military or judicial) is sometimes needed.

[NotSuper]

My favorite moment is when Superman beats the Devil (or at least the Devil's agent on Earth) in the Novel "Miracle Monday" by Elliot S! Maggin, published back around the time of the second movie.

Basically, a demon called Saturn has possessed an innocent woman and is creating havoc around the World, that Superman finds himself hard-pressed to contain; plus it has revealed his identity to the public as well. Faced with the prospect of killing an innocent to save the World, Superman begins to despair, especially as fear of never having a normal life again begins to creep upon him. (This, of course, is what Saturn really wanted.) Remembering his life and how he'd always secretly feared being rejected for being alien, Superman, while mediating alone, impulsively decides to do something he'd never done before- to listen to all of Earth's sounds at the same time.

Expecting to hear a cacophony, he's amazed to find out that it instead forms music, and- best of all- that the very sound of his own heart *IS* part of that eternal concert!

Reinvigorated, Superman faces Saturn again and states flatly that he WON'T kill its host, and if that means he'll spend the rest of his life battling the demon, so be it. He was willing to give up his life to save the girl AND the world.

At that moment, Superman wins- because Saturn's purpose all along was to ruin him by getting him to break his holiest vow: that of never killing. In fact, bound by special rules, Saturn is forced to grant Superman a wish, which he uses to restore everything to normal, including his identity. (Shades of OMD! Except here the Devil got what he deserved. :D) Not only was the whole story beautifully written, it effectively has Supes winning by refusing to take the easy, dark choice- granted, not something that would work on every situation, but very much proper for the character.

Btw this story was in (pre-Crisis) continuity, since the possessed girl, Kristin Wells, later showed up in the comics as Superwoman.
Ah, Miracle Monday. That's a great story.

It really showed how Superman's belief system worked (the whole "there is a right and wrong in the universe" motto Maggin coined). Whether true in our world or not, Superman believed it and refused to compromise it. He didn't take the easy way out, instead he was willing to sacrifice himself instead of sacrificing someone else. He took all the burden on himself rather than deal with the even greater burden of murder on his conscience. He wouldn't commit a "necessary" evil to accomplish a greater "good." He wanted to save EVERYONE, even those people who hated him.

That's really Superman's personality in a nutshell: He wants to save everyone.