What is to be said about the hero who introduced the super in the first place?
Before the multiverses, before the antiheroes, before superheroes got dark and complicated—there was Superman. Created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Man of Steel is the blueprint for everything that came after.
Superman is hope, strength, and the idea that doing good is its own reward. He’s been reinvented countless times, but at his core, he’s still the same: a symbol of truth, justice, and the best of what humanity can be.
Why Superman Still Matters
Many people, even within Team Walt, are like "Boring, because too powerful". But the best Superman stories aren’t about how strong he is, but about his choices, his humanity, and how he inspires others. Superman is not outdated, not boring, and definitely not irrelevant. He’s a hero who chooses to do good not because he has to, but because he believes in us. He represents hope in a world that desperately needs it.
Yes, it's probably more difficult to write a good Superman story than a Batman one. But this is why, if they hit, they hit like no other. Legendary writers and artists have spent decades telling epic, emotional, and game-changing Superman tales. We are eagerly awaiting James Gunn's interpretation and are hopeful that he will be able to establish the best superhero for a new age! :)
Essential Superman Reads
All-Star Superman(Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely) – If you read just one Superman book, make it this. A beautiful, emotional, and mythic take on Superman’s final days that distills everything great about the character.
Superman: Birthright(Mark Waid & Leinil Yu) – A modernized origin story that captures Clark Kent’s early years and his journey to becoming Earth’s greatest hero.
Superman: For All Seasons(Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale) – A heartfelt, coming-of-age Superman story that explores Clark’s growth through the seasons of his life. A masterpiece of character-driven storytelling.
Superman: Red Son(Mark Millar & Dave Johnson) – What if Superman’s rocket landed in Soviet Russia instead of Kansas? One of the best "Elseworlds" stories ever.
Superman: Up in the Sky(Tom King & Andy Kubert) – A gorgeous, philosophical take on what it means to be Superman, as he crosses the universe to save a single lost girl.
Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?(Alan Moore & Curt Swan) – The "final" Silver Age Superman story, a bittersweet love letter to an era of comics that will never return. A Team Walt Favourite!
Superman: The Man of Steel(John Byrne) – The post-Crisis reboot that redefined Superman for a new generation. This is where the modern Superman truly begins.
The Death of Superman – A Cultural Landmark, But Not Our First Recommendation
Few comics have had the pop culture impact of The Death of Superman. When it was released in 1992, it became a global event, making headlines and cementing Superman’s legacy in ways few stories ever have. That said, while it’s an essential piece of comic book history, it’s not necessarily the best place to start if you’re looking for a deep, character-driven Superman story. Yes, it’s a high-stakes action epic. If you love big battles and blockbuster storytelling, this delivers. Superman vs. Doomsday is an all-out brawl, with each issue escalating the intensity until the unforgettable final moment. But the Death of Superman is just one part of a larger saga, leading into Reign of the Supermen and Superman’s eventual return. If you’re diving in, be prepared for the bigger picture. And if you want a more personal Superman story, there are better options. While this arc is famous, books like All-Star Superman, Superman: Birthright, or Superman For All Seasons offer deeper insight into who Superman really is beyond the action.
Generally the Superman Omnibus Collections are perfect for fans looking for big, complete runs in a premium format.
If you want to experience a fresh start, just try the brand-new Absolute Superman series, which is set in an alternate reality and is written by modern master Jason Aaron.
Or you just go with one of our one-and-done Graphic Novel recommendations mentioned above.
