Top 10 Superman Comics
10. The Death Of Superman
Let's be honest: The Death of Superman was only written to sell comics. While, it worked this still remains one of the best comics in DC history. The pacing is great and it is very anti-climactic. Unlike, Zack Snyder's Dawn of Justice, Superman's death adapted in Superman: Doomsday is tragic even though we know he is going to return.
9. Superman #199, “The Race Between Superman & Flash”
As the title says this was a race between The Flash and Superman for charity. Nothing major happens in this comic, it's just a very fun read. Both heroes wear a device that allows them to be tracked no matter where in the world they go. It's not an all out brawl against any villains or even each other. Just a fun competition between two heroes to raise money.
8. Superman: War Of the World’s
This story takes place the same year Superman was created: 1938. Clark was told to hide his abilities out of fear that humanity would not accept him. The art style compliments the time period that this comic is set in. Unlike, other Superman stories in this one Clark feels more alien than human.
Rather, than humanity accepting him as one of theirs he is deemed an outcast. Even when Clark saves Lois during the Martian invasion she rejects him out of fear from the evil acts of the Martians. This is one of the few stories where humanity fears and shames Superman. Highly recommend this if you want a different take on Superman and how humanity views him.
7. Superman: Ending Battle
Superman: Ending Battle is self-explanatory: Superman's rogue gallery all team up to try to take down our beloved Man Of Steel. However, when Superman finds out that his villains are all given orders to take him out, he must go to the source.
6. Action Comics #775: “What's So Funny About, Truth Justice & The American Way”
In this comic, Superman's morality is put into question by a league of villains named, “The Elite”. The Elite don't make an appearance in the story until half way through the issue. When Superman finds out the The Elite are taking criminals and terrorists lives he confronts them about their motives. What I love about this comic is that both sides are technically right.
Superman has a major issue with The Elite taking lives from criminals and thinks criminals should be punished by the court of law. Manchester Black (the leader of The Elite) disagrees and thinks that it's temporarily slapping a band-aid on the problem and that anyone who does something unjust should be punished for their actions. This was written around the time where fans were kind of losing interest in Superman and I think this story just rejuvenated the love of the character.
5. Superman Reborn
Superman not only has to save his family but also his world when someone claiming to be him threatens his universe. Not only will their universe cease to exist but their memories as well if Superman doesn't save his family. When you find out why this Clark Kent impersonator is trying to ruin the real life Clark's life you can't wait for Superman to get his hands on him. I would say this is more about the Kent family rather than just Clark Kent/Superman himself which is why I enjoy it so much.
4. All-Star Superman
All-Star Superman is by far one of the best Superman stories told. What would Superman do if he only had a limited amount of time to live? Time is ticking on Superman as he is exposed to radiation and finds out he only has one year to live. A very heartfelt story with great artwork and a heartbreaking ending. Get your tissues ready because your emotions will be like a Rollercoaster reading this.
3. Superman: Birthright
To me this story feels and seems like it was influenced by the Smallville TV series. I might be wrong but it feels that way because in Birthright Clark was best friends with Lex when they were teenagers until they had a bad falling out after Lex discovers kryptonite. It also focuses more on Clark as a journalist which a lot of Superman stories tend to skip over. This also answers the age old question: why don't people know Clark Kent is Superman?
2. Superman: Up In The Sky
Filled with great art work and a very compelling story about Superman traveling throughout the galaxy to save this little girl who has been kidnapped from her home. It's a great story that shows that Superman cares about humanity so much he is willing to travel planets to save one person. This is also more of a detective story than anything else.
A lot of people assume that just because Superman is physically strong, can fly and has super speed that he lacks intelligence. However, the best Superman stories in my opinion are where he has to use his intelligence to win. And this is one of the stories because Superman can't punch his way out to save this little girl. He's going to have to put his detective hat on and follow the clues to where this missing girl could be.
1. Superman: For All Seasons
Superman: For All Seasons is the best Superman story ever! At least in my opinion. This story is told throughout different seasons of the year: spring, summer, fall and winter. Superman: For All Seasons takes a look at the character through the eyes of his loved ones. We even get to see Lex Luthor's POV on Superman.
The artwork might not be for everyone, but I love it and I think it fits the narrative of the story. It's a great story where we see Clark Kent/Superman from the eyes of everyone around him.
