The Best Superman Comics to Read
The Superman stories most often recommended, from Action Comics #1 to All-Star Superman, with issue numbers and creators, plus Superman comics in stock.
The best Superman comics to read include All-Star Superman, The Man of Steel, For the Man Who Has Everything and Kingdom Come. These are the stories readers and critics recommend most, listed in the order they came out, with the issues they’re in. Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 (June 1938), created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Shuster, who drew him, was born in Toronto.
The essential Superman stories
Action Comics #1 (1938)
Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s first Superman story, widely seen as the start of the superhero comic and of the Golden Age.
For the Man Who Has Everything (Superman Annual #11, 1985)
Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ single story: on his birthday, Superman is trapped in a dream of the life he would have had on Krypton.
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (Superman #423 and Action Comics #583, 1986)
Alan Moore and Curt Swan’s two-part farewell to the original Superman, written as the last story before his history was restarted.
The Man of Steel (#1–6, 1986)
John Byrne retells the origin for the new continuity after Crisis on Infinite Earths. It’s a common starting point.
The Death of Superman (Superman #75, 1993)
Dan Jurgens’ issue in which Superman dies fighting Doomsday. The story ran through every Superman title that winter and was followed by Reign of the Supermen and his return.
Kingdom Come (#1–4, 1996)
Mark Waid and Alex Ross’s painted story of an older Superman coming out of retirement in a future that has lost its way.
Superman for All Seasons (#1–4, 1998)
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale follow young Clark Kent from Smallville to Metropolis over four seasons.
Superman: Red Son (#1–3, 2003)
Mark Millar’s what-if: the rocket from Krypton lands in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas.
All-Star Superman (#1–12, 2005–2008)
Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s story of Superman’s last year. It’s the one most often named the best Superman story.
Absolute Superman (2024–)
Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval’s reimagined Superman, part of DC’s Absolute line, which rebuilds the character from his origin up.
Superman key issues in stock
These are the Superman comics in stock that collectors look for as key issues: first appearances and major events. Every copy is photographed as it is, and its grade is on its listing.
Superman Man of Steel #25 Newsstand & Action Comics #689 (1993)
1st Superman black costume
Batman Superman #8 (2004)
1st appearance of Kara Zor-El
Action Comics #845 (2007)
1st new General Zod, Non and Ursa
Adventures of Superman #500 (×3) (1993)
1st Steel and Superboy
DC Universe Rebirth #1 4th Printing (2016)
1st Three Jokers cover
Adventures of Superman #424 (1987)
1st appearance of Cat Grant
The Terrifics #1, 2, 3, 6 (2018)
1st team appearance of the Terrifics
Earth 2 #26 (2014)
1st cover appearance of Val-Zod
Where to start collecting
Our Superman stock runs from Adventure Comics in the 1960s to today, including issues from the Death of Superman and Reign of the Supermen in 1993 and the current Absolute Superman. The Superman comics page lists every Superman series we have, A–Z. Not sure what a grade means? See the grading guide.
