Superman has been a cultural icon for over 80 years, with countless comic books dedicated to the Man of Steel. But which Superman comics are truly the best of all time? In this article, we’ll explore the most memorable and impactful Superman comics ever published.
Since his debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938, Superman has captured the imaginations of people all over the world. He represents the best in humanity: strength, courage, and a desire to help others. Over the years, Superman has starred in countless comic books, each one showcasing his incredible abilities and heroic spirit. But which Superman comics are truly the best? In this article, we’ll dive into the most impactful and memorable Superman comics ever published.
All-Star Superman
Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, All-Star Superman is widely considered to be one of the greatest Superman stories of all time. The story follows Superman as he discovers that he is dying and only has a short time left to live. In the face of his mortality, Superman sets out to tie up loose ends, make peace with his enemies, and leave behind a lasting legacy.
What makes All-Star Superman so special is the way it celebrates everything that makes Superman great. It’s a story that’s full of hope, optimism, and a belief in the power of the human spirit. Morrison and Quitely capture Superman’s essence perfectly, creating a story that’s both epic in scope and deeply personal.
Superman: Red Son
Superman: Red Son is an Elseworlds story that asks the question: what if Superman’s rocket had landed in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas? Written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Dave Johnson, this story imagines a world where Superman is a communist hero, fighting for the glory of the Soviet Union.
What makes Superman: Red Son so compelling is the way it subverts our expectations of the character. Instead of being a beacon of American values, Superman becomes a symbol of Soviet power and propaganda. But even in this alternate reality, Superman remains a hero at heart, fighting for what he believes is right. It’s a thought-provoking story that challenges our assumptions about superheroes and the world they inhabit.
Kingdom Come
Written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Alex Ross, Kingdom Come is a dystopian story that imagines a future where Superman has retired and a new generation of heroes has risen up to take his place. But these new heroes are more violent and reckless than their predecessors, and their actions threaten to tear the world apart.
What makes Kingdom Come so powerful is the way it explores the themes of heroism, responsibility, and the changing nature of society. Waid and Ross create a world that’s both familiar and unsettling, showing us what might happen if superheroes lose sight of their true purpose. But even in this dark future, Superman remains a beacon of hope, fighting to save a world that’s lost its way.
Superman: Birthright
Superman: Birthright is a retelling of Superman’s origin story, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu. What sets this story apart from other origin retellings is the way it emphasizes Superman’s humanity. Instead of focusing on his powers and abilities, Birthright explores Clark Kent’s journey of self-discovery as he learns to embrace his role as a hero.
What makes Birthright so compelling is the way it balances the fantastical elements of Superman’s story with the grounded, relatable struggles of its protagonist. Waid and Yu capture the essence of what makes Superman so inspiring: his belief in the inherent goodness of humanity, and his desire to make the world a better place.
Superman: American Alien
Superman: American Alien is a seven-issue miniseries written by Max Landis and illustrated by a variety of artists. Each issue tells a standalone story about a different moment in Superman’s life, from his childhood in Smallville to his early days as a hero in Metropolis.
What makes American Alien so special is the way it explores Superman’s humanity and vulnerability. Landis creates a version of Superman that feels fresh and relatable, while still staying true to the character’s core values. The series is full of heart, humour, and a deep understanding of what makes Superman such an enduring icon.
Superman has been an important part of comic book history for over 80 years, and he shows no signs of slowing down. While there are countless Superman comics out there, these five stories are the cream of the crop. From All-Star Superman’s celebration of hope and optimism to Superman: Red Son’s subversion of expectations, each of these stories captures a different facet of Superman’s character and legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Superman, these comics are sure to leave a lasting impression.