Top 20 Superman Comics Worth Reading

Action Comics #1 (1938)

• The debut of Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

• Introduced the character's basic origin and powers.

• A landmark in comic book history, starting the superhero genre.

Superman #1 (1939)

• The start of Superman's dedicated solo title.

• Further expanded on his world and adventures.

• Solidified his place as a leading comic book character.

Action Comics #23 (1942) & Superman #4 (1942)

• First appearance of Lex Luthor.

• First mention of the Daily Planet.

• Some sources claim that Superman #4 is the first appearance of Lex Luthor. Both books debuted in Feb 1940. However, Superman #4 features Luthor on the cover.

Superman #423 (1986) & Action Comics #583 (1986)

• Both stories written by Alan Moore, Curt Swan, and George Perez

• Farewell to the Silver Age Superman

• A poignant and reflective stories featuring Superman and his supporting cast.
  
  

The Man of Steel #1 (1986)

• John Byrne's post-"Crisis on Infinite Earths" reboot.

• Modernized Superman's origin for a new era.

• Significantly impacted Superman's continuity and reintroduce Lex Luthor as a business tycoon.

Superman #75 (1993)

• Superman's battle with Doomsday.

• A major event that garnered mainstream media attention. Superman #75 sold over six million copies, which made it the highest selling DC comic of all time.

• Had a huge impact on the comic industry.

Kingdom Come #1 (1996)

• A four-issue miniseries by Mark Waid and Alex Ross.

• A possible future of the DC Universe.

• Critically acclaimed for its art and storytelling.

Superman: For All Seasons #1 (1998)

• A four-issue miniseries by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.

• A character-driven story through the seasons.

• Focuses on Superman's humanity.

Action Comics #775 (2001)

• A story that explores Superman's ideals in a changing world.

• Deals with the concept of more violent anti heros.

• A very well respected superman story.

Superman: Red Son #1 (2003)

• An Elseworlds miniseries by Mark Millar.

• "What if Superman landed in the Soviet Union?"

• A unique and thought-provoking take on the character.

Superman: Birthright #1 (2003)

• A 12-issue miniseries by Mark Waid.

• A modern retelling of Superman's origin.

• Aimed to define Superman for the 21st century.

Superman: Secret Identity #1 (2003)

• An elseworld 4-issue miniseries.

• Explores a real world where a man named Clark Kent has superman's powers.

• A story that shows the weight of having such powers.

All-Star Superman #1 (2005)

• A 12-issue series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely.

• A celebrated and highly regarded Superman story.

• Known for its imaginative and emotional storytelling.

Action Comics #844 (2006)

• A storyline by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner, director of Superman 1978 movie

• The return General Zod, Ursa and Non. Also introduces a Kryptonian boy who Superman would adopt and tries to raise as his son.

• Story blends classic movie elements with modern comic storytelling.

Superman Unchained #1 (2013)

• A nine-issue miniseries by Scott Snyder and Jim Lee.

• A modern, action-oriented Superman story. Superman is uncovering a secret government super weapon-a powerful being named Wraith.

• This story questions Superman's role in global politics and military power.

• Known for Jim Lee's dynamic artwork.

Superman: American Alien #1 (2015)

• A seven-issue miniseries by Max Landis

• A modern, grounded take on Clark Kent growing up and becoming Superman

• Each issue shows a key moment in his life - from childhood to herohood

• It's more raw and personal, showing Clark's flaws, fears, and growth.

Action Comics #1000 (2018)

• A milestone issue celebrating Superman's legacy.

• Features stories from various creators.

• A tribute to 80 years of Superman.

Superman: Up in the Sky #1 (2019)

• A six-issue miniseries written by Tom King with art by Andy Kubert.

• A story that shows Superman's dedication to saving people.

• Each issue test Superman's will, heart, and commitments to doing what's right.

• This series shows why Superman never gives up-no matter how far he has to go.

Superman Smashes the Klan #1 (2019)

• A three-issue miniseries by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru

• Clark Kent is helping a Chinese American family targeted by the Klan of the Fiery Cross in 1940s Metropolis.

• This story deals with themes of racism and social justice. It also a story of self reflection for Superman and him coming to terms with his alien heritage.

• Inspired by a real 1946 Superman radio story that exposed the real-life Ku Klux Klan.

Superman: Space Age (2022)

• A three-issue miniseries from Mark Russell and Mike Allred.

• Clark Kent growing up and becoming Superman during key moments of the 20th century and the Cold War.

• It blends real-world history with DC heroes as they face an incoming apocalypse.

• The story reflects on hope, legacy, and what it means to make a difference.

These 20 Superman comics are all strong recommendations for anyone wanting to explore the Man of Steel’s legacy. While some may carry a higher price tag than others, many remain surprisingly affordable—and that doesn’t take away from their significance in shaping Superman’s story. Each one adds something special to the mythos.

If you’d like to hear more of our thoughts, check out our video on the Comics with IzzyVerseNYC YouTube channel, where Shane and I break down why these books matter to us and what makes them worth your time.