Superman is a character full of hope and optimism. The first Superhero, hitting newsstands all the way back in 1938. He may not be as popular as someone like Batman, but he deserves to be looked at with respect. Surprisingly though, when it comes to story recommendations, it seems to be the same five stories over and over again. While yes, they are definitely worth reading, I wanted to highlight some amazing stories, along with a few classics, that don’t nearly get as much love and attention, but will also provide a well rounded look at the character that is Clark Kent. My choices may raise a few eyebrows, but any discussion about great Superman stories is a worthwhile discussion.
Related Comics Guides:
The Best Superman Comics!
An encapsulation of classic Superman storytelling from the mind of one of the industries greatest veterans (Denny O’Neil and Curt Swan). Essentially, the story revolves around Kryptonite becoming ineffective towards Superman, to the point that he is even able to hold the previously deadly rock, among other things. However, the downside to this, is that there is now a version of Superman made entirely of irradiated sand that now stalks Superman across the globe. It’s quintessential old school Superman at its finest.
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Superman vs Muhammad Ali (1978)
Very much a product of its time, but a hell of a read regardless. The title says it all, Superman Vs Muhammad Ali, but unlike many “vs” events, the reasoning behind their fight is deeply interesting. A group of aliens arrive on Earth wanting to battle Earth’s best fighter. But is that Earth’s protector, a hero that lives on Earth but is from another planet, or a home-grown human who is one of the best boxers in history? The characterization of both Muhammad and Superman is amazingly done as though it could have been transcribed conversations between the two. The story is fun, energetic and everything you need from 70’s comics.
For the Man Who Has Everything (1985)
Alan Moore didn’t write that many stories featuring Superman, but the two he has produced are perhaps some of the greatest Superman stories produced. The one chosen here is the one shot, “For the Man Who Has Everything,” a story centering around Superman’s birthday. Instead of a joyous occasion, it’s instead perverted by the Black Mercy. A parasite that feeds on its host, while causing them to see what their hearts desire most. In the case of Superman, a life and family back on Krypton. The story is so well celebrated that it’s been adapted on both Justice League Unlimited and the CW series Supergirl, but nothing beats the original.
Man of Steel should be spoken of in the same vain as Batman: Year One. Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths, John Byrne steps in and provides one of the best retellings of Superman’s origin. Looking at various aspects of his early career, his home life and relationship to both Smallville and Metropolis, Byrne reintroduced characters such as Lex Luthor and Lois Lane to the modern day, but keeps them grounded in the Superman mythology. There have been multiple interpretations for Superman’s origin, including Birthright and Secret Origin, but Man of Steel is the strongest by far.
To anyone who says that Superman is not relatable, take a look at the “Exile” storyline from 1989. The storyline revolves around Superman feeling so guilty for his actions that he decides to exile himself and go on a journey out in space to rediscover himself. Despite his status as the ultimate superhuman, you know going out into space, the idea of wanting to rediscover who you are after making mistakes, however, is incredibly human. Aside from the very personal connection that can be made with this story, it’s a hell of a ride through space!
Kingdom Come is quintessential Elseworld reading, and while it does largely look at the entirety of the DC Universe in a possible future, Superman plays a major role in the story as a whole. When a new breed of heroes arise, a new generation eager to use violence to put an end to evil, Superman turns his back on the world. Exiling himself after the death of Lois Lane. Other heroes follow his lead, deciding to either work in the shadows, or to stop all together. But when the violence from this new breed begins to get out of hand, Superman returns, determined to set the world right again. However, who is it to decide what is right in when justice is put into superpowered hands?
Superman: For All Seasons (1998)
While this could be considered another origin story for Superman, it says more about those around Clark than it does about Clark himself. Superman: For All Seasons is one of the most touching Superman tales around. Told by the amazing Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, For All Seasons talks about Clark’s early career from the perspective of four different characters. The book itself radiates the kind of wholesome atmosphere that a character like Superman belongs in. The beautiful scenery and touching dialogue create a monumentally charming experience. Small moments like a child complementing Superman on his costume, and the simple response of “thanks, my mom made it” speak volumes about the world as well as Clark’s world view. The art can be a turn off to some, especially given Sale’s rendering of Superman, but it harkens back to the simple Americana that Clark grew up in and adds a whole new dimension to the book’s charm.
Superman: Secret Identity (2004)
An Elseworld story set in the real world, Superman: Secret Identity features a young Mid-Western boy annoyed by the fact that he’s named Clark Kent, as he’s constantly compared to a fictional superhero, constantly teased and called Superboy. However, one night while camping alone, he suddenly begins to fly and displays all the abilities of Superman. Convinced that it can’t all be a coincidence, the book chronicles Clark’s life as he attempts to figure out what he is as well as just living his life. “If I sound smitten, don’t read too much into it. It’s because I am”. Superman Secret Identity also makes a fantastic paring with writer Kurt Busiek’s most recent work, Batman: Creature of the Night.
From Geoff Johns and the director of Superman: The Movie, Richard Donner, “Last Son of Krypton” introduces an interesting if heart-breaking concept to the Superman mythos. A Kryptonian child landing on Earth now. One that Superman discovers and debates weather or not to raise along with Lois. However, what do you do when you discover that the child’s true father is one of your greatest enemies?
Superman: Lois and Clark (2015)
Set towards the end of the New 52, “Lois and Clark” sees the Pre-Flashpoint Superman and Lois Lane living in secret and trying to raise their new born son in this alternate universe. The series is short but full of suspense. How does Clark deal with the dedication to doing good, but knowing he can’t reveal himself? How does Lois carry on her journalism career without giving away her family’s secret? And what will happen to little Jon once he finds out his Dad is Superman? The story is gripping and some of Dan Jurgen’s best work, along with amazing art by Lee Weeks.
Son of Superman/Goodnight Moon (2016)
Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s run on Superman was amazing, it’s only downfall was that it wasn’t allowed to continue past Action Comics #1000. While it’s tempting to say ‘read the entire run’, I’ve chosen to single out the first arc and a one issue story. “Son of Superman” is the first time we truly see Jon, Superman and Lois’s young son, in action. But it’s a story revolving around father/son trust and living up to the Superman emblem. The arc also features an insane battle between the Kents, including Lois and the Eradicator, that takes them all the way to the moon! Speaking of the Moon, the one shot storyline “Goodnight Moon” is one of those issues that will be celebrated for a long time to come. Goodnight Moon is a love letter to what a hero can be for the chronically ill.
David L. says
“Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow?” isn’t on this list?? B!#ch please.
Library says
Superman Batman: ‘Sorcer Kings’ Book, is Cold Fire !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> 3 Solid stories in 1 GN. 2 of which our arguably GREAT! ‘Sorcerer Kings’ collects SB #78-84 (More on the timeless Superman Batman comic series below).
A SHAME that None of the Fantastic stories from the iconic org. ‘Superman Batman’ series (A DC Best / with DC’s Best Logo), made this list…
>> The Jeph Loeb & Ed McGuiness stories from Superman Batman are iconic (Listed below).
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• “PUBLIC ENEMIES” / SB #1-6 (also see: The Animated Movie). Or get the combo pack- A Hardcover of ishs 1-6, which has the DVD & Blu-ray disc slots in the back of the book.
• ANNUAL #1 “Secret identities revealed” (an homage to the classic Superman #76 comic) features Bruce & Clark on A cruise ship w/ Deathstroke & Deathpool (DC’s version of an Elseworld Deadpool)..
• “VENGANCE” / SB #20-25. What happens when Superman & Batman go into A time-pool an end up in the DC version of the Marvel universe !? It’s the Real Super-Bat team VS. Elseworlds, & its 100% Awesome!
> Other Great stories from the ‘Superman Batman’ series include:
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• “SEARCH FOR KRYPTONITE” SB #44-49, featrs Dope artwork by Shane Davis.
• “Super vs. Bat” SB #78.
A self-contained; award-winning, modern classic comic book By J.Kelly w/ Ed Benes Art!
• “Sorcerer Kings” / SB #81-84
The cover title for the Last SB GN. (Which collects 8 comics as I noted in the beginning) & I belive the last 4 comics in the epic volumes series. The Super-Bat team VS. Dark Magic !!!
• “Girl of STEEL” / SB #8-13, 19 & Supergirl 1-6..The official introduction story of the Real (post Crisis) Supergirl. Also an Animated DC Movie. Written again by Jeph Loeb w/ art by Michel Turner & Ian Churchill. A Not to be missed classic! 13 unforgetable Comics story, that still to date- have unfortunatey never been linearly collected properly in one single graphic novel. DC’s lackadaisicaly inept Collection publishing department is to blame.
Other AWESOME Superman stories/ [Action] comics Include;
– Action Comics Annual #10
By G.Johns, this comic should be inserted into every Superman GN. Because its AN ESSENTIAL SUPERMAN ENCYCLOPEDIA w/ it’s own page index at the beginning, an absolutely Brilliant comic !!!
– Action Comics 385-387
A 1960’s classic about Superman taking A trip into Futures beyond the Future! These 3 comics bring Justice to All the CraZy as they are iconic Silver-Age Superman covers!
– Superman #708
A Gem into the beyond by Chris Roberson w/ art buy the incomparable Eddy Barrows. Many a far-out, downright bonkers Silver-age stories are homaged here!
– Superman #7 (2016)
A self contained ‘Rebirth’ story buy Peter Tomasi & Patrick Gleason.
Superman “Speeding Bullets” #1
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What if Batman didn’t exist. An Krypton’s Last Son; Kal-El became Batman instead ?? Find out in This 50pg ‘Elseworlds’ one-shot, which won the Fans choice award for Best Original graphic novel album (square bound one-shot) in 1993.
– All Star Superman / #1-12 (limited series). Scripted by Grant Morrison & Mark Waid. Written by Grant Morrison w/ art by Frank Quietly.
&
Last but surely not least, is The Whole Geoff Johns written & Gary Frank drawn, Post-Crisis (an yet Pre New 52) Modern Superman re-frameworking. Screw the J.Byrne MAN of STEEL comics, just read these (below).
• Superman: Secret Origin (#1-6 mini-series)
• Superman & the Legion of Superheroes (Action Comics 858-863)
• Superman BRAINIAC (Action comics 866-870).
Note: The 3 Johns & Frank modern Superman re-frame working stories also set-up The Return of the Legion of Superheoes! Which begans in JLA / JSA cross-over “The Lightning Saga” (by Brad Meltzer, G.Johns & Art by Ed Benes & Eaglesman). All of which Leads into FINAL CRISIS ‘Legion of 3 Worlds’ & Concludes in the Last Stand of New Krypton. Dont skip the Adventure Comics tie-ins. Nor the 1-3 & 6 where Superboy returns.
All of which, is Comics Best On-going Saga. Ever…… Outside of Johns GREEN LANTERN (Org. Rebirth All the way into New 52 GL #18). And maybe Marvel’s Thunderbolts CAGED ANGELS – through Dark Reign & Dark Avengers, concluding w/ SIEGE 1-4..
Lindsey says
I’m surprised Red Son didn’t make the list!
Brock’s Town says
I got a very underrated Superman story for a suggestion and that’s “Ex Machina” from Christmas With The Superheroes #2 1989.
Brett says
Great work as always Dave ! It’s been years since I read”Exile”, and that was done patchwork as I picked up the various issues when I could afford and/or find them ! You’ve inspired me to go back and grab those issues from my longbox and actually read the story from start to finish.
I also very much enjoyed the “Panic in the Sky” storyline and reckon Waid and Yu’s “Birthright” is the definitive Superman origin story.
And All-Star Superman is the best love letter to the Silver Age around
Mikayla J. Laird says
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Exile is an amazing story that I had to give more attention to.