The iconic Superman began not only the Golden Age of Comics but the superhero genre as a whole with his introduction in Action Comics #1, released in April 1938, and has since gone on to become one of the most well-known pop-culture characters of all time.
Now with more than 1,000 issues of Action Comics released, and with several Superman-focused titles released simultaneously for decades, there is a wealth of stories about the Man of Steel for comics readers. However, when it comes to which are the best, these are Reddit’s top picks.
Kingdom Come
Inspired in part by Watchmen writer Alan Moore’s unused 1980s comics pitch Twilight of the Superheroes, the Elseworlds mini-series Kingdom Come released in 1996 by writer Mark Waid and artist Alex Ross left its mark on DC Comics even if it isn’t canon to the main world.
Kingdom Come depicts a dystopian future where a conflict is brewing between DC superheroes. Redditor alchemeron, when responding to a post asking about the best Superman stories, responded simply: “Hands down: Kingdom Come.” The story is engaging, and Alex Ross’ painterly artwork is gorgeous on every page.
For the Man Who Has Everything
Alan Moore didn’t merely inspire Superman stories, however; he also wrote them. “For the Man Who Has Everything” is a one-shot story where Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman bring Superman birthday gifts at the Fortress of Solitude, only to find him a hostage of an alien menace.
Among a list of great pics, Johnny_Stooge lists this story, saying it, and the others “show you what you can do with Superman.” The psychological drama explored in the story is touching and quintessential Man of Steel. It’s earned its status as a classic.
Superman Confidential
In response to Johnny_Stooge’s list of recommendations, Redditor Ser_Duck_The_Stout couldn’t agree more, but “I would also add Superman Confidential to this list.” The series ran for 14 issues across a year and a half from 2006 to 2008, but for this user, “the first story arc done by Darwyn Cooke [and] Tim Sale” was the best.
Confidential, as the post alludes to, isn’t a singular story, but more of an anthology of stories set early in Superman’s career. The Cooke/Sale run covers an arc called “Kryptonite” and follows Superman’s first encounter with the substance. Oddly, it’s issues #1-5, and then #11.
Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?
Another story by Alan Moore, “Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?” features a litany of some of Superman’s worst experiences in comics. Still, for owen_birch, it gets a definite recommendation because it tells “an epic story of Superman’s last days”. It’s dark for a large portion but makes it all worth it with a great ending.
Moore was allowed to go this route because, as the user points out, it was the final Superman story before Crisis on Infinite Earths rebooted DC’s continuity. It’s an examination of the mythology of the Man of Steel as well as a fascinating summation of his history to that point.
Death of Superman
Of course, in 1993, Superman seemingly would experience his last days when he dies fighting one of his most powerful villains, Doomsday, whom he manages to take down with him. Hey, it’s in the title, so it can’t be a spoiler.
Although controversial because of its seeming status as comic-book clickbait, the book sold well, and YodaFan465 sings its praises as showing “more of the Metropolis aspect” of Superman’s world. Superman’s death wouldn’t remain permanent, but taken as a standalone story it is quite a chilling one.
Superman: Secret Origin
For Reddit user PowerRangersLOL, Superman: Secret Origin is a must-read. The series “is one of [their] favorites.” Released from 2009 to 2010 as a six-issue miniseries, Secret Origin was written on the eve of the New 52 reboot, yet it was billed as the definitive origin story for the Man of Steel.
Secret Origin follows Superman as he grows up in Kansas, meets Lex Luthor, begins his career as Superboy, and eventually comes into his own as Metropolis’s Superman. Like with Batman’s parents being killed, Superman’s origin has been explored plenty, but Secret Origin is one of the better takes on it.
What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, And the American Way?
Superman has long been associated with fighting for “truth, justice, and the American way,” although originally it was merely truth and justice that he fought for in the comics until World War II and the Cold War changed that.
This 2001 story follows Superman in conflict with a team of heroes called the Elite, who have taken vigilantism to a new, more violent level, and questions whether Superman’s old ethos could hold up in the 21st century. Redditor thoughtmecca praises it for these very reasons, as “Superman stands up to them and reminds the world” of his continued importance.
Superman: Red Son
Of course, while Superman may be associated so much with the American way, what would have happened if, instead of landing on a Kansas farm, Superman’s shuttle brought the infant to the Soviet Union? This is the question Mark Millar’s Superman: Red Son explores.
Superman: Red Son is not only a great Superman story, but it’s also a great graphic novel for comics newcomers to read, which is why Sideburns_09 recommends it in the first place. “Red son is awesome!” the user says while adding that the ending altered how they viewed the Superman/Lex Luthor rivalry.
Superman: Birthright
Superman has been called the ultimate immigrant story: created by two Jewish-American kids and reminiscent of Moses in his origin story, Superman was sent off to a far-away world where his parents hoped he could find a place of opportunity and safety.
Superman: Birthright explores how Clark Kent decides to understand where he came from, and how his heritage comes to form an integral part of who he is as Superman. For Reddit user theweepingwarrior, this Superman story “is an absolute must,” and for good reason.
All-Star Superman
Not only is Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman the best Superman comic of the 2000s, but from what tons of Redditors had to say, it’s the best Superman story ever. Any of these posts could justifiably be used here, but beary_good sums it up the best as a story that “gets to the core of the character.”
In the story, Superman tries to do as much good as he can before his upcoming death due to radiation exposure. Through what he accomplishes, he shows what Superman the character truly stands for, and acts as a beacon of hope and humanity to a world always in need of moral heroes like him. It’s stunningly emotionally resonant.
