10 of the Best Superman Comics of All Time

Since his debut in 1938, Superman has remained one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history. The 1980s, however, marked a significant shift in how the Man of Steel was portrayed. This era introduced more complex narratives, deeper character exploration, and a willingness to challenge the very foundations of the Superman mythos.

Why was this shift so impactful? As comic book readers matured and the medium gained mainstream respect, creators were empowered to tell more sophisticated stories. The 1980s saw a deconstruction of the superhero genre, with works like Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns pushing boundaries. As the archetypal superhero, Superman was primed for reexamination.

In this article, we'll explore ten must-read Superman comics from the 1980s to today. These stories showcase Superman's enduring appeal and how modern creators have added depth and relevance to this classic hero. As we journey through these comics, consider how these portrayals of Superman reflect the evolving values and anxieties of their times.

For the Man Who Has Everything (1985) by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

Image: DC Comics

Long before they collaborated on Watchmen, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons delivered this thought-provoking Superman story in Superman Annual #11. Here, Superman’s innermost desires and vulnerabilities are explored through an alien plant, the Black Mercy, which traps him in a vivid hallucination of an un-exploded Krypton.

As Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman attempt to free him, readers are given a poignant look into Superman’s psyche and the sacrifices he has made as Earth’s protector. Moore's nuanced writing, paired with Gibbons' expressive artwork, elevates this story into an emotional journey that redefines Superman not only as an icon but also as a complex individual.

Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (1986) by Alan Moore and Curt Swan

Image: DC Comics

In another masterpiece, Alan Moore and Curt Swan deliver a "final" story for the Silver Age Superman. This two-part tale is a loving tribute to Superman’s history, blending nostalgia with a fitting conclusion. Framed as a retrospective interview with Lois Lane, it recounts Superman’s last days and an epic confrontation with his greatest foes.

Moore’s writing and Swan’s classic art style combine to capture the essence of Superman while exploring themes of legacy and mortality. The story raises questions about the sacrifices involved in being a symbol of hope and strength.

Superman: The Man of Steel (1986-1987) by John Byrne

Image: DC Comics

Following Crisis on Infinite Earths, John Byrne’s The Man of Steel series redefined Superman for a new generation. Byrne’s portrayal updated Superman’s origins, relationships, and powers, making him more relatable while preserving his iconic status.

Byrne’s dynamic artwork and updated storytelling laid a new foundation for Superman, exploring how his powers developed and how a more grounded Clark Kent would navigate the modern world. This series set the stage for decades of Superman stories and helped shape his portrayal across media.

Superman: Birthright (2003-2004) by Mark Waid and Leinil Francis Yu

Image: DC Comics

Nearly two decades after Byrne’s reboot, Mark Waid presented a fresh take on Superman’s origin with Birthright. This series follows Clark Kent from small-town hero to global savior, balancing his alien heritage with his human upbringing.

Waid delves into Clark’s formative years, showing him traveling the world and grappling with how to use his powers responsibly. This story resonates with post-9/11 themes, exploring how one with immense power finds their place in a turbulent world.

Superman: Red Son (2003) by Mark Millar

Image: DC Comics

“What if Superman had been raised in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas?” In this compelling Elseworlds tale, Mark Millar reimagines Superman as a champion of communist ideals. Though his background differs, Superman’s core values remain, leading to fascinating conflicts with familiar characters like Batman and Lex Luthor.

Superman: Red Son invites readers to consider the influence of the environment on morality, asking whether Superman’s heroism is a product of his upbringing or something innate within his Kryptonian blood.

All-Star Superman (2005-2008) by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely

Image: DC Comics

All-Star Superman is often hailed as one of the greatest Superman stories. Here, Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely explore what it means to be Superman when he faces his mortality. With twelve issues filled with cosmic adventures, the series touches on every facet of Superman's mythology while reaffirming his compassion and heroism.

Morrison’s storytelling, combined with Quitely’s vibrant art, creates an optimistic and epic narrative, capturing Superman at both his most powerful and most vulnerable. It’s about just as great as you can expect coming from one of comics’ all-time dream teams.

Superman: Secret Identity (2004) by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen

Image: DC Comics

Secret Identity follows a young man named Clark Kent in a world where Superman exists only as a comic character. This introspective story examines how Clark balances his powers in a “real” world, reflecting themes of identity and responsibility.

Busiek’s thoughtful writing and Immonen’s beautiful artwork bring a unique, grounded take on the Superman archetype, showing how even an extraordinary hero deals with everyday struggles. While not set in the main DC continuity, Secret Identity offers valuable insights into Superman's character and what he represents. It's a testament to how Superman can work so well even in a "realistic" setting.

Superman: For All Seasons (1998) by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

Image: DC Comics

This series explores Superman’s early years through the four seasons, with each issue narrated by a character close to him. Loeb and Sale offer a character-driven approach, focusing on Clark’s journey from small-town life to global hero.

The story emphasizes the impact Superman has on those around him, offering a heartfelt exploration of his relationships and values. For All Seasons stands out for its focus on the people around Superman, showing how his presence impacts and inspires others. It's a beautiful, introspective take on Superman's origins that emphasizes the human side of the Man of Steel.

Kingdom Come (1996) by Mark Waid and Alex Ross

Image: DC Comics

Though not exclusively a Superman story, Kingdom Come offers one of the most compelling portrayals of him in a dark, possible future. Here, Superman comes out of retirement to restore order to a world overrun by reckless heroes.

Waid’s script, paired with Ross’s stunning artwork, examines themes of power and responsibility, questioning how Superman’s ideals hold up in a cynical world. The story's exploration of these themes, coupled with its epic scope, makes it a landmark work in superhero comics.

Superman: Brainiac (2008) by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank

Image: DC Comics

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s Brainiac modernizes one of Superman’s most iconic villains while delivering a powerful story that pushes the Man of Steel to his limits. This arc delves into Superman’s alien heritage and his connection to Earth, balancing epic sci-fi action with deep personal stakes.

This story reestablishes Brainiac as a top-tier villain and explores the sacrifices Superman must make to protect those he loves. It explores themes of legacy, family, and the responsibilities that come with great power. It asks: How does Superman balance his Kryptonian heritage with his Earth upbringing? What sacrifices must a hero make to protect those they love?

These ten comics highlight Superman’s enduring relevance, showcasing different facets of his character over the past four decades. Each story reflects the changing cultural landscape, yet the core of Superman – his compassion, hope, and desire to do good – remains constant. Superman’s adventures continue to inspire, proving why he is the gold standard for superheroes.

Yet through all these changes, the core of Superman – his compassion, his hope, his desire to do good – remains constant. Perhaps this is why Superman continues to resonate with readers. In a world of moral ambiguity, Superman stands as a beacon of hope and an example of the best we can be.