Few heroes have as great mythos asSuperman. Ever since he debuted nearly a century ago, comic creators have been inspired by the Man of Steel to create stories of their own that perfectly capture the heart of the iconic superhero. There are so many amazing stories out therethat feature Superman at his best.
But which ones do fans 100% need to check out? Everyone has their own personal preferences, but some stories, likeSuperman: For All SeasonsorSuperman Smashes the Klan, just capture everything great about the Last Son of Krypton. Read on todiscover 10 Superman comicsreaders should absolutely read if they want to call themselves Superman fans.
10Kingdom Come
By Mark Waid and Alex Ross
WhileKingdom Comeis a story of the broader DC Universe, Superman plays a pivotal role in this story. A new generation of heroes has arrived and Superman has retired. But when a conflict between the older and younger heroes breaks out, Superman gets back into action to see if the old ways of heroism still work.
This is an amazing story that really dives into what makes Superman work as a hero. While Clark may have the reputation of being an antiquated hero, this book shows why someone like him is needed. Nearly three decades after its initial publication,this Superman comic is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published.
9Action Comics #1
By Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
One can’t really appreciate Superman as a character until they look back and examine his humble beginnings. The story “Superman, Champion of the Oppressed” was only one tale featured inAction Comics #1, but it was the story that introduced the Big Blue Boy Scout to the world and changed the landscape of comics forever.
It’s amazing to look back on a Superman who is nowhere near as powerful as the godlike figure he is today. But the core of what makes the character work is still there, showing him as someone who defends the helpless and brings justice to an unjust world. Truly, an essential piece of Superman’s history.
8Superman: The Black Ring
By Paul Cornell and Pete Woods
Granted, this story focuses more on Superman’s nemesis, Lex Luthor. But if one ever wanted to know what it was that drives Lex, this is the story. After experiencing the power of an Orange Lantern, Lex is more power-hungry than ever and ventures all over the DC Universe to finally achieve a form that rivals Superman.
This book is utterly classic Lex. He’s scheming, conniving, egotistical, yet utterly fascinating in every way. This run really delves into Lex Luthor’s psychology and helps readers understandwhy he’s such a great counter to Superman. They say a hero is only as good as their villains, and this book shows why Lex is one of the best around.
7Superman: For All Seasons
By Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
Some people have trouble understanding Superman as a character, but if there’s something that can help people ‘get’ him, it’sSuperman: For All Seasons. This standalone tale examines Superman, largely through the lens of some of the people in his life who know him best, like Pa Kent or Lois Lane.
This book is beautiful for a number of reasons, and not just because of Tim Sale’s amazing artwork. The monologues by Jonathan or Lois showthe amazing impact Superman can have on peopleand show what his heroism really means to the world. Any fan looking to get a better understanding of the hero should absolutely read this story.
6Superman: Last Son
By Geoff Johns and Adam Kubert
People have a static image of Superman, but what really helped buck that trend was seeing Clark take on the responsibilities of parenthood.Superman: Last Sonis a story that sees the Man of Steel take custody of a young Kryptonian boy who escaped from the Phantom Zone (and is actually the offspring of General Zod).
This was an amazing progression for Superman and while this era was brief,it showed how much Clark thrived as a father. Though his time taking care of Lor-Zod didn’t last, it paved the way for when Superman actually became a father in the Rebirth era years later when Jon Kent was born.
5Action Comics #775
By Joe Kelly, Doug Mahnke, and Lee Bermejo
When it comes to standalone issues,Action Comics #775, or as it’s more commonly known “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way”, is one of the best. In this issue, Superman faces off against the Elite, a team of heroes who fight using more brutal and lethal methods.
Much like Kingdom Come, this story is largely an ideological battle between Superman and a new generation of more violent heroes. But this issue really digs into whySuperman holds his principles so dearly, even when faced with a squad of problematic people like the Elite. It’s an amazing story every fan should read at least once.
4Superman Smashes the Klan
By Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru
Loosely inspired by the 1940s Superman radio program, Superman Smashes the Klan is exactly what fans think the story is about. Set in the ‘40s, a Chinese-American family is targeted by the Ku Klux Klan. But Superman gets involved, allying himself with those in need and standing up to the ugly hate that rears its head.
This isn’t just a story about Superman beating up ignorant criminals. This is a story that cuts tothe core of what Superman stands for; a world for everyone and every culture. Anyone who has any doubt about what kind of values Superman would actually have in the real world need only read this book.
3Superman: Up, Up, and Away
By Geoff Johns, Kurt Busiek, and Pete Woods
Can people appreciate the man and not just Superman?Superman: Up, Up, and Awayposes that same question. After losing his powers, Superman protects his city the only way he can, through legitimate journalism. But with no Superman, evil begins to rise and Metropolis needs its hero more than ever.
As any Superman fan will attest, Clark is more than just his powers. This book shows that even without being able to fly or shoot lasers out of his eyes,Superman is always going to do what he can to make the world a better place, no matter the risk to his own safety.
2The Death of Superman
By Dan Jurgens, Louise Simonson, Roger Stern, Jerry Ordway, Karl Kesel, William Messner-Loebs, Gerard Jones, Jon Bogdanove, Tom Grummett, Jackson Guice, Dennis Janke, Denis Rodier, Walt Simonson, Curt Swan, and M.D. Bright
To understand Superman, one can’t just look at all his victories, they must also look at his greatest loss.The Death of Supermanwas a storyline that saw Superman face off against his greatest threat (at that point), Doomsday. Superman gives his all and while he wins, he ultimately loses his life.
Obviously, Superman comes back, but the permanence of his death isn’t what’s important. Seeing Superman take on a threat heknowsis going to kill him and fighting anyway is so utterly him. It’s a tragic but inspiring tale that shows just how much Superman is willing to give to save the worldhe calls home.
1All-Star Superman
By Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely
There’s a reason this book tops nearly every Superman recommended list. It’s because it’s that damn good.All-Star Supermanfollows Clark after a fight leaves him with limited time left to live. With the clock racing, Superman works diligently to do as much as he can to ensure the world will be fine without him.
Morrison and Quitely deliver a modern epic with this book. Between its heartwarming scenes, fantastical action, and moments that show just how pure Superman is, it’s hard to find anyone who hates this book.For any Superman fan, either new or old, this is one book that absolutely everyone has to read.
