I eagerly await James Gunn’s “Superman” next summer, the first film in a renewed DC Universe. This is a movie I have waited for since before it was even announced, perhaps the first faithful live-action adaptation of my favorite superhero to hit the big screen since I’ve been old enough to anticipate movies.
The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent, supposedly taking the character back to his earnest, hopeful roots following the harsher depiction in Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” universe. Alongside Corenswet are Rachel Brosnahan as reporter Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as villainous billionaire Lex Luthor. For the first time in a live-action film, Krypto the Superdog will be along for the ride as well.
The gulf between now and July feels endless. In the interim, I plan to read a wide array of stories featuring my favorite hero — as I’m sure many others do. Yet I am no stranger to the difficulties of breaking into reading comics. Superman boasts nearly a century-long publication history, depicting dense lore across a number of titles and relaunches. Picking up a book called “Action Comics #1051″ sounds daunting, regardless of the fact that it’s intended as a starting point.
So allow me to be your guide. If you are looking for Superman stories to read while you wait for 2025′s blockbuster event, the list below details a number of good places to start. These are some of the Superman family’s best stories — diverse books that may prove inspirational to the future of the DCU. All of them are friendly to new readers, and all of them can be read in a vacuum.
Every one of these books can be found on the shelves of the Los Angeles Public Library in trade paperback (collections of individual issues) or hardcover form. What’s more, each of these stories can be accessed digitally on Hoopla — free of charge with a library card from LA or other participating libraries.
“All-Star Superman”
Issues: All-Star Superman #1-12
Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Frank Quitely
“Doomed planet. Desperate scientists. Last hope. Kindly couple.”
These eight words open “All-Star Superman,” Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s masterful series about the Man of Steel, brilliantly summarizing the origin story of the world’s most iconic superhero. If you were to consult 100 Superman fans about their 10 favorite comics about the character, I’d be shocked if this book didn’t appear on every list.
When Superman embarks on a rescue mission near the Sun, he finds himself in the midst of a trap laid by his arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. Luthor’s plot bombards Superman’s cells with solar radiation. The same yellow one that grants the Man of Tomorrow his powers begins to supercharge him, bringing Superman face-to-face with imminent death. With only a year left to live, Clark Kent sets out to complete a list of tasks that will better the lives of those around him before he’s gone, called the Twelve Labors of Superman.
Morrison dives deep into the Superman mythos, telling a series of thrilling stories from multiple corners of the character’s lore. As a writer, Morrison has always been formally adventurous and narratively complex.
Returning to “All-Star Superman,” however, I realized that confusion hardly matters. Morrison understands Superman better than most, showing the character and both his most powerful and his most human. This story deserves to be celebrated as much as it is — so celebrated that it was one of the first entries in DC’s Compact Comics, a collection of storylines sold in a smaller format for $10. It will also be collected in 2025′s “Superman” box set as a tie-in to the film.
“DC: The New Frontier”
Issues: DC: The New Frontier #1-6
Writer: Darwyn Cooke Artist: Darwyn Cooke
As the first film in the new DC universe, “Superman” will introduce audiences to a larger world around the Man of Steel. Several members of the Justice League are confirmed to appear in the film — Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Hawkgirl, Metamorpho and Mister Terrific.
If you want to get a better understanding of the DC universe at large, “DC: The New Frontier” provides new readers with the perfect introduction to a number of iconic characters. The story, written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke, reimagines key members from DC history — particularly those of the Silver Age of the late ‘50s and ‘60s — by placing them in the American 1950s.
“DC: The New Frontier” takes a broad look at the DC universe, deliberately building up characters from its various corners bit bit as it snowballs to an epic conclusion. Superman is a prominent part of the story, though he takes a back seat to heroes like Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and The Flash (Barry Allen). For new readers, the story provides an excellent sampler of DC heroes, while experienced fans get to see their favorites built up in a thrilling new light.
“Kingdom Come”
Issues: Kingdom Come #1-4
Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Alex Ross
Another inclusion in the “Superman” box set, “Kingdom Come” feels particularly relevant to the upcoming film. On a basic level, the logo sported by Corenswet’s Superman resembles the “Kingdom Come” Superman costume, a blockier, thicker version of the House of El logo.
More importantly, “Kingdom Come” speaks thematically to a moment in time “Superman” finds itself in the middle of. The story, proposed by Alex Ross and written by Mark Waid, details an alternate future in which the heroes of the DC universe find themselves at odds with the younger generation. When The Joker kills Lois Lane and the staff of the Daily Planet, a new vigilante, Magog, executes the villain and is accepted by the public; realizing that his no-kill philosophy has no place in the modern world, Superman retires in shame.
Years later, when Magog inadvertently causes the destruction of Kansas, Superman and his fellow heroes step out of retirement to show the world a better way. This launches a superhero civil war that pits Batman and Superman on opposite sides. The story is rendered in Ross’ iconic style, utilizing gouache to depict the heroes in a simultaneously religious and human light.
Much like “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way?” — another iconic Superman story — “Kingdom Come” places Superman at odds with a violent world that’s seemingly moved past hope. At the time, Waid and Ross were commenting on the grittier, more violent comics of the ‘90s.
Today, Superman finds himself at a similar moment. The past 10+ years have had a number of dark and gritty adaptations or twists on the character — “Man of Steel,” “The Boys,” “Invincible,” “Brightburn.” Increasingly, it seems the hero must fight the idea that being “hopeful” is boring and outdated. As Gunn appears to be going for a more classic, earnest depiction of the character, it’s thrilling to hear that he’s drawing from Ross and Waid’s gorgeous opus for inspiration. “Kingdom Come” is one of DC’s masterpieces.
“Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”
Issues: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1-8
Writer: Tom King Artist: Bilquis Evely
Supergirl travels to an alien planet, losing her powers under its red sun, with a single goal in mind: to get drunk on her 21st birthday. A young girl, Ruthye, approaches Kara Zor-El (cousin of Superman) at the bar, asking the fabled warrior to help hunt down Krem of the Yellow Hills, the man who killed her father in cold blood. Kara denies Ruthye’s request, telling the young girl that it’s wrong to kill people. As she tries to leave the planet, however, Krem shoots Supergirl and her dog, Krypto, before stealing her ship. But, nobody hurts Krypto and gets away with it.
“Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” stands out on this list by being the only book to not actually feature Superman (though he is mentioned several times). Still, it holds several ties to the DCU. A film adaptation of the story will be released in 2026 by director Craig Gillespie. Tom King, who wrote the story, will serve as a screenwriter on both “Woman of Tomorrow” and the DCU’s “Lanterns” TV series. We already know Krypto the Superdog will feature heavily in “Superman,” and I would be shocked if Milly Alcock as Kara doesn’t make an appearance.
Regardless of its cinematic ties, anyone looking for good stories within the Superman mythos needs to read “Woman of Tomorrow.” The book mixes Supergirl with “True Grit,” using Kara as the experienced mentor in an epic space western. Bilquis Evely perfectly captures the sweeping scope of this story, enhanced by rich colors from Matheus Lopes. Like the best Supergirl stories, “Woman of Tomorrow” treats Kara not as a clone of Clark, but as a fellow outsider with her own relationship to truth and justice. King’s extensive prose, which can be a distraction in some of his other superhero adventures, is immersive and enriching. I am sure this book will be a gateway comic for scores of readers in the future.
“Superman: Birthright”
Issues: Superman: Birthright #1-12
Writer: Mark Waid Artists: Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan
There is not a person alive who writes Superman better than Mark Waid. In “Superman: Birthright,” a new Superman origin for the 21st century, Waid tells one of the best Man of Steel stories of all time.
“Birthright” evolves the early years of Clark Kent in interesting ways. The book begins with an exploration of Clark’s time between Smallville and Superman, depicting him as a world-traveling journalist seeking to expand his understanding of the world around him. The story also develops the relationship between Superman and Lex Luthor, depicting Lex as Clark’s childhood friend from Smallville — who later tries to act as if they’ve never met. The story has a phenomenal depiction of Clark’s relationship with his parents; in a particularly great scene, the three workshop his alter ego to ensure nobody thinks mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent could possibly be Superman.
Waid has a penchant for depicting Superman as hopeful and pure without making him seem out touch. He excels at all portrayals of the character, with his current series “Batman/Superman: World’s Finest” being one of DC’s best titles. Here, Waid has created what I view as the definitive origin story for the character, building perfectly to a gut-punch ending that never fails to make me cry.
“Superman for All Seasons”
Issues: Superman for All Seasons #1-4
Writer: Jeph Loeb Artist: Tim Sale
“To understand that man in the cape who could fly, all I needed to know was Clark.”
This quote, said by Clark Kent’s childhood love Lana Lang in “Superman for All Seasons #4,” perfectly encapsulates the beauty of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s Man of Steel masterpiece. Like the previous entry on this list, “Superman for All Seasons” retells Superman’s origin, though this time focusing exclusively on a formative year in Clark’s life. Another entry in the “Superman” box set, I am thrilled to see that this book will provide inspiration to the movie — as it did to The CW’s hit series “Smallville.”
As the title suggests, the concept of seasons plays heavily into this book. Every issue focuses on a different season (starting in the Spring and ending in the Winter) with a distinct narrator attached to each: Pa Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor and Lana Lang. Through these four perspectives, readers see how Superman informs the world around him, gaining a greater understanding of his meaning by how he affects others.
“Superman for All Seasons” is a pure expression of love for this character, understanding exactly what makes Superman an enduring hero. Loeb brilliantly portrays Clark’s loneliness and isolation, paired well with Sale’s gentle and lumbering depiction of the character. Loeb and Sale (the duo behind “Batman: The Long Halloween”) are a perfect team, creating an enduring story about Superman’s goodness and humanity. It’s simply one of the best Superman tales of all time.
“Superman: Secret Identity”
Issues: Superman: Secret Identity #1-4
Writer: Kurt Busiek Artist: Stuart Immonen
“Superman: Secret Identity” approaches the Man of Steel mythos from a unique angle. The world of this story resembles our own: superheroes aren’t real, and Superman only exists in comic books; at least, he did. “Secret Identity” revolves around a young boy who grows up in a small town in Kansas. His parents, whose last name is “Kent,” named him Clark as a joke. For years, Clark resents Superman, hating that he shares a name with the fictional character — that is until Clark wakes up to find that he’s gained all of Superman’s powers. The story focuses on Clark’s life at four points: when he’s a teenager, when he meets his wife, when his children are born and when his children are adults.
“Secret Identity” isn’t a book interested in focusing on the how or why of this situation. Clark does some investigating into the origins of his powers, but that’s hardly the focus. Neither does Busiek build up a Justice League or cabal of supervillains for Clark to fight. Instead, it stays grounded. Clark buys his costume off the Halloween rack. He lives in constant fear of government surveillance. He gets old.
Yet Busiek doesn’t fall into the same trap that many writers trying to make a “realistic” Superman story do. To Busiek, “real” and “good” aren’t mutually exclusive. The Clark Kent of this world carries the same hope and optimism as the hero he grew up reading. He lives his life in service of others, trying to ensure his powers don’t go to waste.
Superman’s strength as a character always lies in his humanity, but Busiek goes above and beyond to depict one of the most human portrayals of Clark Kent yet. Clark can lift mountains and fly through space, but he struggles with feeling alone and keeping secrets. Clark flies into burning buildings without fear, but he’s terrified of bringing kids into the world or being vulnerable with the woman he loves. Busiek may not be writing the canon Superman here (he excels at that too), but he clearly understands what makes this character special.
“Superman: Up in the Sky”
Issues: Superman: Up in the Sky #1-6
Writer: Tom King Artist: Andy Kubert
I adore every book on this list, but I’m tempted to call “Superman: Up in the Sky” my favorite. It’s certainly the one I’ve read the most.
A group of alien invaders touches down in Gotham, brutally slaying a foster family and abducting a little girl, Alice. Batman calls on Superman, fearing that his detective skills won’t be enough in an interstellar case. Superman hesitates to leave the world behind for one person — but when someone calls for help, Superman answers.
“Up in the Sky,” originally printed as a Walmart exclusive, runs for six issues, each with two chapters. Every chapter (aside from the introduction and conclusion) showcases a different challenge Superman must overcome. He enters a no-powers boxing match, has the alien and human halves of himself separated, runs a race against the Flash and gets sent back in time, among others. King writes a series of thrilling stories that put Superman through the wringer, each arriving at the same conclusion: Superman’s strength comes not from his powers, but from his perseverance. It’s a brilliant comic that will show any new reader what makes this character so endearing.
“Superman: Rebirth”
Issues: Superman (2016) #1-45
Writers: Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason Artists: Patrick Gleason, Jorge Jiménez, Doug Mahnke
For new readers, it’s easy to recommend short, stand-alone tales: limited series, origin stories and out-of-continuity adventures. Yet there are some phenomenal Superman stories from throughout his various ongoing titles — “Superman: Brainiac,” “For the Man Who Has Everything,” “The Death of Superman” and “Reign of the Supermen,” to name a few.
The relaunch of the flagship “Superman” title during DC’s Rebirth publishing initiative stands out as a fantastic run any new reader can pick up. The series is a return to form for Superman following the darker, radically different take on the character during DC’s New 52 era. This comes with a bit of confusing lore, but all readers need to know is this: a younger Superman has died, and the classic Superman has stepped in to take his place as Earth’s protector. Alongside the older Clark are his wife, Lois Lane, and their 10-year-old son, Jon Kent, who has just begun to develop powers of his own.
Any confusion with DC history will quickly fall away when you begin reading Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s thrilling reinvention of the Superman title. Adding Jon Kent breathes new life into the series, creating a new dynamic between Lois and Clark as they navigate having a superpowered child in their lives. The entire run bursts with heart, partially inspiring the recently concluded CW series “Superman and Lois” through its depiction of Lois and Clark as parents.
The book is reminiscent of Tomasi and Gleason’s terrific run on “Batman & Robin,” wherein they explored the father-son relationship between Bruce Wayne and his violent, vengeful son, Damian. Tomasi and Gleason would later spin Jon and Damian into their own team, the Super Sons — another great book for new readers. Don’t be frightened by the length of the run; you can simply pick up the first volume and decide how far you want to read from there.
“Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen?”
Issues: Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #1-12
Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Steve Lieber
The final book on this list is a personal favorite of mine. Out of everything I’ve read from the Big 2 (DC and Marvel), I don’t know any book that makes me laugh more than “Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen?”
The 12-issue limited series from Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber digs deep into one of the most important characters from the Superman mythos: cub-reporter-turned-photographer Jimmy Olsen. As Jimmy Olsen finds himself at the center of an elaborate mystery, he sets out to solve the case on his own — without the help of his greatest pal, Superman. Jimmy’s detective work takes him throughout Metropolis and beyond, landing him in various corners of the DC universe.
“Who Killed Jimmy Olsen?” gives Superman’s pal a chance to shine in the modern era, placing him in the middle of a ridiculous mess while still leaving room for genuine heart. Superman may not be the focus of this story, but Fraction understands the hope and joy that make this hero and his cast of characters so endearing. This book is a celebration of the Man of Steel and his supporting cast — one I encourage any Superman fan, old or new, to read.