Summary
Superman isone of the most beloved superhero and comic book characters, an alien who grows up on Earth to become a symbol of hope to everyone. He is held by many to be one of the best-written superheroes out there, and as a fan favorite, he serves as an inspiration to readers.
These are some of the most important Superman comic books portraying who Superman is: his origins, motivations, philosophy, and impact on the overall story.
10Superman: Up In The Sky
Making A Tough Choice Requires The Strongest Will
Superman: Up in the Skyexplores one of the challenges of Superman as a hero and how far he is willing to go to save someone in need. The story is focused on a child who was kidnapped from the city of Metropolis by aliens. Superman is torn between his quest to save the child and the fact thathis absence will leave Metropolis unguarded.
This causes him to enter into a philosophical battle within himself, and readers get to see him as not just a hero but also as a human, torn between the choice of saving one child and leaving thousands, including the love of his life, unprotected.
9Superman: Birthright
The Man. The God. The Hero.
Superman: Birthrightfocuses on a young Clark Kent who struggles with the problem of identity, his willingness to help as a human, and his alienness in the environment in which he finds himself. This story, rather than focusing on him as Superman, a hero that everyone looks up to for strength and protection, focuses on him as Clark Kent.
He grapples with the motivations and thoughts of the young man who wants to play his part in impacting the lives of people, not as a larger-than-life character, but as a simple man. This run does an amazing job of showing the human aspects of Clark Kent and portraying his struggles in trying to fit in as an outsider.
8Superman: The Warworld Saga
A Hero, Regardless Of Where He Finds Himself
The Warworld Sagaexplores Superman’s characteristics once again as a hero, but this time not on Earth but on a faraway planet after he learns of an enslaved race who had a mysterious connection to Krypton. Even on his journey to liberate the race of enslaved people from their Masters, things don’t go so easily, and he is once again broken down to the basics of what makes him human and a hero, not just as a person, but also regarding his influence — politically and philosophically. The story does a good job of stripping the character of all known facades and building him back up as a symbol of hope.
7Superman: Kryptonite
Finding Out You’re Not Invincible Can Hurt
As much as readers have seen Superman in vulnerable positions mentally and philosophically, inSuperman: Kryptonite, they also experience him being physically vulnerable. This story explores the mortality of Superman and his first contact with his biological weakness, kryptonite, a radioactive piece of his planet that can kill him.
The Man of steel, who is used to being an indestructible force, has to grapple with the fact that he is just as vulnerable and mortal as every other person, as he does his best to save the day and remain the light and hope of the world despite that vulnerability.
6Superman: Secret Identity
Anyone Can Be A Hero
Unlike typical Superman stories, this beautiful work by Kurt Busiek does not focus on the Superman readers know, but rather a boy in the ‘real world,’ where superheroes are simply comic book characters. Still, he bears the same name as the fictional character, Clark Kent, which makes him the center of taunts, mockery, and being constantly compared to the superpowered hero in fiction.
Clark Kent, in this story, is a simple young man who wants to be a writer but finds out one day that he does have powers like his fictional namesake. Readers follow him to understand the influence of power given to a normal person, to find out where this power comes from, and the decisions he makes as a result of it. This is a story that does something that others cannot do on a personal level. It takes a simple person and gives them superman’s power, without any of the virtues of superman, and shows us that we all have a sense of what is good and wonderful.
5Superman: For All Seasons
See Superman Through The Eyes Of Others
The unique storytelling approach inFor All Seasonsexplores Clark’s growth and the emotional impact of his dual identity, emphasizing themes of nurture over nature and the responsibilities of heroism. The art style complements the introspective tone, enhancing the timeless quality of Superman’s journey; the story covers from his adolescence to his early years as Superman, and it is framed in four seasons, represented and narrated by key figures in the growth of Clark Kent’s character.
Spring by Johnathan Kent, Summer by Lois Lane, Fall by Lex Luthor, and Winter by Lana. It has intimate storytelling and has been regarded as a modern classic for exploring Superman’s heart and soul, making it a unique and essential take on the iconic character.
4All-Star Superman
The Prime Example Of What A Hero Should Be
All-Star Superman, run by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, follows Superman after he is fatally affected by solar radiation due toone of Lex Luthor’s plots. As he faces his impending death, Superman embarks on a series of heroic “labors,” showcasing his powers and deepening relationships with characters like Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, among many others.
The story explores the themes of legacy, love, and heroism, portraying Superman’s unwavering commitment to humanity as a symbol of hope. Each issue presents standalone adventures that collectively highlight his character’s essence, making it a seminal work in Superman’s heroic tales.
3Superman: American Alien
Being & Feeling Alone Aren’t New To Him
This beautiful work of literature explores the formative years of Clark Kent, focusing on his growth from a Kansas farm boy into an iconic superhero. Each issue ofAmerican Alienfeatures different artists, including Jock and Francis Manapul, and presents unique stories that blend humor, drama, and action. The narrative captures Clark’s struggles with his powers and identity, highlighting his relationships with key figures like Jonathan and Martha Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor.
The series offers a fresh perspective on Superman’s story, emphasizing his humanity alongside his extraordinary abilities. It’s celebrated for its character depth, emotional nuance, and the distinct storytelling style it brings to one of DC’s most iconic heroes.
2Superman: For Tomorrow
Even In The Face Of Insurmountable Odds, He Never Backs Down
The story ofSuperman: For Tomorrowbegins a year after a mysterious event causes the disappearance of a million people,including Lois Lane, leaving Superman grappling with guilt for not being able to save them. The narrative intertwines Superman’s quest to uncover the truth behind the vanishings with his conversations with Father Leone, a priest questioning his faith.
As Superman confronts various challenges, including a megalomaniac seeking interplanetary conquest, the arc explores themes of responsibility, loss, and the moral dilemmas faced by a hero. The series is noted for its introspective tone and striking artwork, making it a significant entry in Superman’s lore.
1Superman: Last Son Of Krypton
Being A Hero May Be Hard, But Being A Mentor Is Harder
Superman: Last Son of Kryptonis centered on the arrival of a Kryptonian boy named Chris Kent, who Superman and Lois Lane discover. He possesses powers similar to Superman’s but struggles with his identity and the legacy of Krypton. As Superman navigates his role as a mentor, they face threats from General Zod and his followers, who seek to reclaim their place on Earth.
The story explores themes of family, responsibility, and the complexities of heritage, ultimately culminating in an emotional confrontation that tests Superman’s values and commitment to protecting Earth.
