This article is part of the DC Database Recommended Reading project, a series of articles written by our editors. They are meant as a guide to help both new and old readers, either getting into comics for the first time or looking to read more on their favorites. These should not be taken as a definitive guide; obviously you can start wherever and with whatever you want, but they're some general suggestions that we think you might find enjoyable.
Superman is a classic and enduring character in the DC Universe, one of the first and greatest super-heroes of all time. Having been published in hundreds if not thousands of comics since his first appearance in Action Comics #1 (1938), sorting through reading material can be intimidating. There are many Superman comics and even more stories featuring him. This page is meant to act as a helpful guide for both new readers getting into his mythos for the first time, and veteran readers looking for something new.
New readers
- All Star Superman is Grant Morrison's beautifully written tribute to the Superman of Silver Age stories, a twelve-issue maxi-series set outside of regular continuity that strips the character to his essential elements. It's a refreshingly modern take on the character told with imagination and creativity, brought to life by the illustrations of Frank Quitely.
- The Man of Steel is John Byrne's Post-Crisis update of the Superman origin story, the mini-series that established his mythos for many years of development and storytelling.
- Superman: Birthright is Mark Waid's retelling of the origin story, a maxi-series that seeks to modernize the character while returning forgotten elements of the character.
- Superman: Earth One is a graphic novel by J. Michael Straczynski as part of the DC: Earth One series, a new modern version of the Superman story taking place in a separate continuity.
- Superman for all Seasons is a stirring four-part series by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale that takes a look at Superman's earliest years as seen through the eyes of those closest to him on both sides.
- Superman: Kryptonite is an early story from Superman's career written by Darwyn Cooke and illustrated by Tim Sale, featuring his first encounter with the deadly Kryptonite set in a vibrant Metropolis drama.
- Superman: Secret Origin is Geoff Johns' version of the origin story, restoring the essence of the character by preserving and bringing together elements from his entire history.
Further reading
- Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
- Superman: Brainiac
- Superman: Death of Superman
- Superman: Emperor Joker
- Superman: For Tomorrow
- Superman: Godfall
- Superman: Grounded
- Lex Luthor: Man of Steel
- Superman: New Krypton
- Superman: Our Worlds at War
- Superman: Red Son
- Reign of the Supermen
- Superman: Up, Up and Away!
- Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
Single issues
- For the Man who has Everything
- Of Thee I Sing
- What's so funny about Truth, Justice and the American Way?