Sure, most of the stories are full of superhero battles and punching, but the comic book format also allows for some poignant tales about life and loss. Now, one of the best Superman stories has been turned into a touching short film.

Some aspiring filmmakers have put together a short film called It All Goes Away, which is loosely based on “Sam’s Story” by Jeph Loeb, which was published in Superman/Batman No. 26, released in 2006. Instead of slugging it out with Lex Luthor or Doomsday, the story follows a young Clark Kent who has to battle something he can’t defeat — mortality — as he watches a childhood friend succumb to a battle with bone cancer.

Loeb’s son helped with the story before passing away of bone cancer at the age of 17. The story was published in his memory (hence the name). As for It All Goes Away, the short is a worthy adaptation of the heartbreaking tale.

Check out the short film below and let us know what you think:

Video of FeABt028_Wc

(Via io9)