We love Superman comics because, let’s face it, the guy always lends a hand, and in his case, a hand that can literally move planets. What makes us flock to his comics isn’t just the spectacle of him leaping tall buildings in a single bound. It’s the fact that underneath the blue spandex and trademark “S” lies a character grappling with the same daily dilemmas as the rest of us. Albeit, with a few more laser vision incidents at work.
Sure, he could solve problems with a swift flick of his super pinky. Still, the drama lies in his internal battles, like deciding whether to use his powers for personal gain or sticking to the unwritten superhero code. And don’t get us started on the villains. Lex Luthor is basically the guy who makes everyone in the office look bad but with a penchant for world domination. Superman’s comics are our go-to for romance, action, morals, and spandex fashion. They also reassure us that maybe humanity isn’t all that bad. With that in mind, here are the top ten best Superman comics ever.
Action Comics #1 (1938)
The original superhero comic, Action Comics #1, first appeared in 1938. Let your mind wander to a time when the Great Depression weighed everyone down. Then, out of nowhere, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster gifted humanity with hope in blue tights. In this comic book’s inception, Superman debuts, showcasing his knack for truth and justice and an outfit with staying power.
The best part? No origin story fatigue—just Superman smashing through walls, bending steel, and probably giving 1930s readers the shock of their lives. Action Comics #1 is the Big Bang of superhero lore, and if you haven’t read it, consider your comic education seriously overdue.
Superman: Birthright (2003-2004)
Mark Waid and Leinil Francis Yu take the Man of Steel for a spin, giving him a fresh wardrobe and a cooler storyline in Superman: Birthright. This modern masterpiece delves into the Man of Steel’s core, peeling back the layers of his Kryptonian heritage and his journey toward embracing his role as Earth’s savior.
Waid’s story captures the iconic moments of Superman’s genesis and injects it with a contemporary spirit, making it accessible to longtime fans and newcomers. Yu’s artwork is a visual feast, breathing life into Metropolis and its inhabitants with dynamic panels that crackle with energy. The series introduces a Superman for the 21st century, complete with updated aesthetics that feel both contemporary and timeless.
All-Star Superman (2005-2008)
All-Star Superman, the brainchild of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, spans 12 issues from 2005 to 2008. This opus elevates Superman to mythic proportions while keeping his feet firmly planted on the soil of relatability. Morrison gifts readers with a Superman who grapples with mortality, love, and the very essence of heroism.
Quitely’s artistic prowess captures the grandeur of Superman’s abilities and the subtleties of his humanity. From battling sun-eaters to experiencing profound vulnerability, Superman transcends mere superhero status; he becomes a symbol of hope, an archetype for the ages.
Superman: Red Son (2003)
Superman: Red Son, by Mark Millar and artists Dave Johnson and Kilian Plunkett, takes the Man of Steel into an alternate reality that’s more Cold War than Kryptonian crystal. This three-issue Elseworlds series imagines a world where Kal-El’s spaceship doesn’t land in the heartland of the USA but crash-lands in the Soviet Union, birthing a Superman with a hammer and sickle on his chest.
Millar crafts an audacious narrative that explores the political implications of Superman’s presence on the global stage. From serving as the Soviet Union’s greatest asset to facing off against a grim Batman and a twisted version of Wonder Woman, Red Son tells a tale that’s both an homage to the Silver Age of comics and a biting commentary on power, ideology, and the blurred lines between hero and dictator.
Kingdom Come (1996)
The four-issue miniseries Kingdom Come, penned by Mark Waid and illustrated by Alex Ross in 1996, reverberates through the hallowed halls of superhero storytelling. Set in a dystopian future, it thrusts the classic DC heroes into a world where reckless new metahumans threaten to unravel the delicate balance between good and chaos.
Waid creates a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked power and the clash between generations of heroes. Ross’s artwork is nothing short of iconic. Every character is a visual spectacle, from Superman’s grizzled resolve to Batman’s enigmatic presence. Kingdom Come doesn’t just pit heroes against heroes; it delves into the essence of heroism, questioning the moral responsibility of superhuman abilities.
Superman: For All Seasons (1998)
This four-issue miniseries, crafted by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale, is a poignant exploration of the Man of Steel’s humanity in the face of god-like abilities. Through the lens of four seasons, Loeb masterfully unravels the emotional layers of Superman’s character, revealing the struggles and triumphs of a hero trying to connect with a world that often feels beyond his grasp.
Sale’s distinctive artwork in Superman: For All Seasons captures the essence of Smallville and Metropolis with a timeless charm, infusing the characters with a sense of warmth and familiarity. The plot unfolds from the rural simplicity of Clark Kent’s Kansas upbringing to the bustling urban complexities he faces as Superman.
Superman: American Alien (2016)
Penned by Max Landis, Superman: American Alien exposes the vulnerabilities of a young Clark Kent. Landis provides a coming-of-age story, showcasing Superman not as an infallible deity but as a relatable figure navigating the challenges of discovering his identity and purpose.
Each issue reads like a snapshot of Superman’s early life, from his awkward teenage years to the moments that define his transformation into Earth’s greatest protector. The diverse artists, including Nick Dragotta, Tommy Lee Edwards, and Jock, bring a dynamic visual flair to the different stages of Superman’s evolution. American Alien succeeds by humanizing the Last Son of Krypton, making him more accessible to readers.
Superman: The Man of Steel (1986)
Superman: The Man of Steel, the miniseries by John Byrne, stands as a pivotal moment in comic book history, heralding a new era for the iconic character following the events of Crisis on Infinite Earth. Byrne revitalized Superman’s mythos, offering a modern reimagining of the character’s origin and supporting cast.
This six-issue series provides a cohesive and streamlined narrative, introducing readers to a Superman who is not just the Last Son of Krypton but a symbol of hope for a world in constant flux. The Man of Steel doesn’t merely retell the familiar story; it redefines it, infusing new energy into Superman’s world.
Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (1986)
Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? serves as a touching and fitting send-off for Superman’s Silver Age version. The two-part plot, written by Alan Moore and drawn by Curt Swan, was published as a farewell to the Silver Age incarnation of Superman. Moore constructs a story that captures the essence of Superman’s world, complete with a gallery of classic adversaries and highlighting the hero’s eternal virtues.
Curt Swan’s art complements Moore’s storytelling, providing a nostalgic yet emotionally resonant visual experience. It remains a beloved piece of Superman’s history, remembered for its emotional weight and its role in the character’s broader narrative evolution.
Superman: Secret Identity (2004)
The four-issue miniseries Superman: Secret Identity, written by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by Stuart Immonen, follows Clark Kent, living in a world where Superman is merely a comic book character. Yet, much to Clark’s surprise, he begins to manifest superhuman abilities.
Stuart Immonen’s art brings a sense of wonder to the story, capturing the emotional nuances of Clark’s journey from disbelief to acceptance of his newfound powers. The series pays homage to the legacy of Superman and becomes a meditation on identity, destiny, and the responsibilities that come with extraordinary gifts.
