Top 10 Best Superman Comics Everyone Should Read! 

Good video. I grew up with the Superman of the black and white television show and buying the silver age comics. I remember the first time seeing the Max Fleiser cartoons and being absolutely blown away. I love the morality and fun science fiction throughout all of that “old” Superman. What are your thoughts?

One Superman story that I think deserves to be near the top of the list is Superman Smashes The Klan. Based on storyline in the 1940’s radio serial, the story shows Superman facing off against his universe’s version of the KKK and the original radio show actually managed to put a huge dent of the Klan’s public image and drastically reduced it’s recruitment. In short, Superman fought against real life racism and scored a huge victory!

Superman did not kill the Joker in Kingdom Come, that was Magog.

#superman. For me, Its Emperor Joker. Really showcases what kind of hero Superman is when he's left without his friends, powerless against a cosmic level threat, yet never gives up.

You get points just for including Rebirth. I miss that run so much. Fantastic list overall. Keep up the good work.

I dig the video. Not the biggest Superman fan, but I do appreciate him and have some of those books. The two I'm after to complete and read are the Rebirth run (missing a few issues) and Up In The Sky (missing some issues, but just gonna get one of the collected editions). Well done.

Thank you for loaning me All Star and Up In The Sky 💚

Great video friend! My favorite as of the moment is Up in the Sky

Great video! Many of your choices would be on my top 10, though I'd fit in Final Crisis somewhere myself, especially with the 3D tie-in.

Read All Star Superman and For All Seasons over the weekend and started Birthright. Was a big fan of Daredevil: Yellow and Spider-man: Blue and For All Seasons was very much in that same vein I loved it. Gonna read through this whole list. Also been following your Batman recommendations as well. Thanks for the helpful guides this is a great channel.

Fantastic video my friend! I still need to check out that Tom King Superman story and Space Age

Great video. A few of my favorite superman books are Godfall, earth one Superman and For tomorrow.

Great videos as always

Great list man, really enjoyed hearing this perspective. That said, I can't co-sign any list that doesn't include the Kurt Busiek/Stuart Immonen masterpiece 'Secret Identity'. Because it's my favorite, it has to be everyone else's favorite too!

A+, Mr. Spencer. Have you seen the “”Imaginary” comic from the early 60s where Superman is able to split in two? There is a Red and a Blue Superman and they combine their skills to fix up the Earth, nicely. Then, they realize that each loves a different LL. So one marries Lois and the other marries Lana.

The 80 years of Action Comics Deluxe Edition is high up on my Superman to-get list ! Thanks for its honorable mention. Superman Kryptonite is one I can re-read and not get tired of, and Superman/Shazam! First Thunder had me doing a bit of ugly crying at the end. But, not after the first reading or two of it. Once I got past the checking out the art, critiquing the art read through, and going over things again read through, the ending simply tore my insides up for a while there. Also, I'm curious about what editorial did with your number 10 pick that bothered you so...

#Superman I grew up with Superman TAS,just DCAU Superman in general. So,everytime I read a Superman book,I hear Tim Daly and or George Newbern in my head when I read Clark's lines. Great video! I rarely see comic Superman vids.

Super great list Jake !!! I love Superman Clark Kent Kal-EL and everything he stands for. Hope , Truth Justice and The American Way. I got into Superman comics and DC in general after seeing Superman The Movie (1978) on HBO in 1990 and I started getting Superman Collection Editions in the early 2000s. My Top 10 Superman stories and collected Editions: 1. Superman Secret Origins Deluxe Edition Hardcover 2. The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus 2022 Edition 3. Superman by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason Omnibus 4. Superman Last Son Trade Paperback (still need to get the Deluxe Edition) 5. Superman For All Seasons Deluxe Edition (still need to get the Absolute Edition) 6. Kingdom Come 7. Adventures of Superman by George Perez Hardcover 8. All-Star Superman 9. Superman The Man of Steel by John Byrne Hardcover Volumes 1-4 10. Superman '78 Hardcover #Superman

You know what, I’m a huge Batman fan personally, with superman probably my second favorite of the classic DC trinity of heroes, and you know what, I’ve been wanting to get into Superman’s comics like I have with Batman in the past but, much like Batman himself I haven’t been super sure where to start and this may give me a decent starting point with Superman’s decades of comic stories

Great video. I want to start reading superman thanks.

#superman - Excellent video. Superman is often such a misunderstood character, it saddens me that people find him boring. As for my favorite Superman story, there are so many great ones. The most recent one I really enjoyed as Joker arriving in Metropolis for the first time and testing Superman. It was such a good dissection of both characters.

Hi From Italy! (New follower!!) Great Channel!

Nice list. I just finished Man of Steel, that one was alright story-wise. Haven't read most of others on your list, and I'll check them out someday. I'm waiting for lower/normal retail price for Superman: Up in the Sky hardcover, that book is too expensive right now.

Great list! I had the honor of having Mark Waid sign my Kingdom Come and my Deluxe edition of Superman Birthright!! He even signed my Daredevil omnibus as well!

American Alien one my fav Supes book, I recommend it

Nice list. I'm a huge fan of Geoff Johns' and James Robinson's run on Superman, and would love to see a New Krypton omnibus. Until then the trade paperbacks will have to suffice. There's an Absolute Superman by Geoff Johns coming out soon, which would make my list. Some older stories from the 90s were great; Time and Again and Panic In The Sky while out of print, we're fun.

I'm reminded of the Larry Niven essay, "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex".:)

Superman is my favorite, as well. Action Comics 775 and the Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) are some I would include in.

I have most of these #Superman books he is my favorite too and I love reading anything about him waiting for absolute all star reprint

Nice video! Superman is my favourite carachter and my personal no 1 Superman story is Secret Identity by Kurt Busiek.

#superman Great list, hard to pick with so many great Supes stories

Just hit the subscribe button 💯🔥

My personal opinion, is if you want the best of the best, go read Action Comics #s 39-44. Golden age stuff.

Definetely gonna have to try and get Last son and birthright

I absolutely love that Rebirth run. #superman

You left out Red Son by Mark Millar. But good video! Some of the books I haven’t read yet, but I’ll definitely check them out. Thank you for the recommendations!

@9:01 Superman didn’t kill the Joker, Magog did and Superman left Metropolis and the World behind out of disgust for the condoning of open murder. Solid list though, I actually got the Rebirth Omni signed by Peter Tomasi last year and thanked him for the best longstanding Supes run in 20+ years Supes is the GOAT for me

Great list though I feel there were a few honorable mentions you missed I'll list some of em 1. Superman grounded 2. Superman For tomorrow 3. Superman Lois and Clark 4. Final Days Of Superman 5. The death and return of Superman story arc 6. Superman American Alien 7. Jeph Loabs Superman Run 8. Superman Red Son 9. Superman Where is thy sting 10. Superman peace on earth 11. Superman Smashes the Klan 12. Superman Brainiac 13. Jeph Loabs batman/superman run 14. Phillip Kennedy Johnsons Action comics run 15. Superman and the Authority

Great vid, I have almost all of these but surely Johns would be too young to have worked on Donner's Superman films?

I was not expecting Superman Space Age on the list honestly. I am glad that other people also find it enjoyable. Huge Respect.#superman

You are so spot on to recommend The Space Age by Mark Russell. Originally I picked it up because of Allred only to discover that Russell is definitely the best new writer to come into the industry the last few years. And if you haven't, you must check his One-Star Squadron to be even more impressed by his writing. On the other hand, I don't understand how anyone can place All-Star Superman anywhere but at No.1. That book is THE definitive Superman story. I believe DC must rename the oversized Hardcover by omitting the phrase 'All-Star'. That book must be called ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN, period.

One Superman that's brand new is the Warworld Saga by Phillip Kennedy Johnson that spans 3 tpbs starting with Warworld Rising then The Arena finally Warworld Revolution.

Have you ever checked out Superman vs Muhammad Ali? That is fantastic. Great list.

Oh, and maybe you could do, someday, a Top 10 cross-over list !

#Superman great list man

Superman secret origin is my all time favorite superman comic. And doesn't get talked about3nough. If a non-comic book reader asks me why I like comics, I give them Secret Origin. It's great for new readers.

Interesting list. I'm curious how come you didn't include other omnis of Superman like Morrison's or the Death and Return of Superman. Thanks for posting and keep it going! #Superman

Love the character ! Always have! Quintessential Superhero

#superman just started getting into him after miss understanding superman for most my life I need more!!

My first #Superman book was unfortunately the start of Scott Lobdell's run in New 52. Not exactly the best place to start, but luckily.something caused me to not soon after read All-Star Superman and ever since it's been my favorite.

I love this list, will definitely check some of these out! :D #Superman

One of my favorites is from when I was a kid. The Sweetheart Superman Forgot

Superman is my favourite character 😮

#Superman I really loved Rebirth...You are so right, I hated when it all changed and became the Bendis show on both titles.

On your Part II list, please don't forget "Red Son", "Distant Fires" and "The Death of Superman". (Yes, that last one is controversial with regards to the comics industry but some great fight scenes!)

#superman We wouldn’t all enjoy this wonderful medium if it wasn’t for the success of this character, salute.

Love Alan Moore and love love love #Superman

Superman Godfall didn't make the list?! That's my personal all-time favorite. Im also surprised that the Death& Return didn't make the list. I know that story has been hammered to death across other media, but nothing beats the original comix. Here's my list: 1)Superman GodFall 2)Death & Return (omnibus) 3)Superman Unchained 4)Superman Earth One 5)H'EL on Earth/Krypton Returns Alotta ppl were mixed on #5.. but if u understand the context that this was the nu52 and it was the very first adventure/team-up between a younger Superman, Superboy (Connor) and Supergirl, it definitely helps. For anyone who has never read Superman, I would recommend the entire ReBirth run, echoing Tbatb. Incredible stuff and u will fall in love with YOUNG Jonathan Kent. But I would also recommend the entire Jeff Loeb run. I think its 8 collected books. This is where President Lex came from. We also got Brainiac-13 and Imperiex. His run ended because he started a new book "Superman/Batman" which was also incredible, especially volumes 1, 2, and 7 (the first 2 books were adapted into animated movies)

Always loved Geoff Johns Superman. #Superman

Great vid man. Definitely finna enter shoutout my goat #superman

Johns' whole run including Legion of 3 Worlds is really good. Taken together its basically a cover album of Superman's greatest hits. I don't think there is any essential point he doesn't hit and he nails all of them, especially the Legion.

I knew you was going to recommend Tom kings up up and away.

These are my top 10 favourite Superman Comics superman birthright by mark waid and Leinil Francis Yu Superman red and blue SUPERMAN: UP IN THE SKY by tom king and Andy kubert SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN by Geoff Johns and Garry frank SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC by Geoff Johns and Garry frank Superman Space age by Mark Russell and Mike Allred ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN by JOSÉ LUIS GARCÍA-LÓPEZ FINAL CRISIS: SUPERMAN BEYOND by grant Morrison and Doug mahnke Superman: whatever happened to the man of tomorrow by curt swan and alan moore Superman: For the Man Who Has Everything by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

My top 5 favorite Superman comics are #1 superman sacred origin #2 all star superman #3 superman American alien #4 superman for all seasons # 5 luthor (Also my all-time favorite single issue of Superman is action comics # 775 the title is what's so funny about truth justice and the American why?)

#Superman Great list. Subscribed!

geoff johns did get his start with richard donner but not on Superman 2. He was way to young when that film came out. He started working for donner in the 90’s

Recently got into Superman. Gotta thank a lot of redditors for their recommendations. (Omar from Near Mint Condition has the most definitive reading order, from my extensive research.) Superman: The Animated Series aka STAS by Bruce Timm and company is a hell of watch for people trying to get into Superman. So much love and passion from the team that brought us Batman: The animated series. I’ve now read a ton over the last few months. Here’s my list: 1. All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison 2. Peace on Earth by Paul Dini 3. Superman: All Seasons 4. What’s funny about truth, justice, and the American way? (Also the basis for the animated movie: Superman vs. The Elite.) 5. For the man who has everything 6. Superman: Birthright 7. Man of Steel by John Byrne 8. Up, Up, and Away 9. Up in the sky 10. Superman: Red Son (don’t like the animated movie as much due to content trims and unnecessary changes) HM: Superman: Secret identity, Superman: Kryptonite, Lois and Clark, Patrick Gleason omnibus, Death of Superman, and Superman smashes the klan. Camelot falls is a great read for people tired of his origin stories, and everyone trying to humanize the hell out of him, which are simply way too many! Also #superman

If you haven't read it, you should check out Superman: Earth One. There are three volumes. The first volume is the best, but they are all good.

Hopefully they do a birthright absolute eventually 🤞

Hey Can you please do a Wolverine comics video next

death of superman, red son, superman vs the elite 🔥

Good video! Small nitpick that it’s Christopher REEVE, not Reeves :)

I would add Superman: Brainiac by Geoff Johns and Superman: The Warworld Saga by Phillip Kennedy Johnson. Also Action Comics #775 by Joe Kelly if we're counting single issues.

Honestly I’ve never seen the Superman from 79 or Superman 2 in their entirety I’ve heard they are good and still hold up but, the parts I always caught on cable just seemed cheesy to me having seen way better flying effects and things in Superman movies and comic book movies in general but, I may check them out before reading anything Geoff Johns on this list

Amazing Stories #Superman

We really need some Superman by Geoff Johns omnibus and Superman by John Byrne omnibus

It's like my personal favourite list is mentioned in this video except I'd like to replace Secret Origin with Secret Identity by Kurt Busiek and I'll exchange rank 3 and 4

#Superman All Star Superman hits different!

The death of Superman was the story that changed comics history

Why not the color Yellow because his logo also has that color. Of all the stories my favorite is The Man of Steel is my favorite. Number 1 should’ve been Action Comics Archives 1 or its modern equivalent. You can’t make a list of Superman’s best comics without his first appearance. The story that introduced him. Well, at least in my list it need to be. Good video. I love the story of Damian and Jonathan. Bendis and DC had to ruin them

Superman really does deserve new omnis. I was so ready for the MOS by John Byrne until... DC as usual.

#Superman . The most globally recognised greatest fictional character ever

👍👍

So far. I have read every collected edition Superman from John Byrne up to Superman and Lois' Wedding. I was not a big fan of John Byrne Superman run. The lie Pa Kent did saying Superman and Clark were raised together was stupid. I did not learn to love Superman until I got to the Exile and Other Stories Omnibus and I have been enjoying everything since.

superman red son is top 5 for me

Man and Superman. By Marv wolfman and Claudio Castellini.

#superman I have most of these and come to think of it, I seem to have issues with the artists on some of these which diminish the story to me...controversial but can't stand Quietly and Alred art. I need to find that hc of the tom king book

#superman

#Superman

Space age is a modern classic

Good video, but remember, it's Christopher Reeve, not "Reeves."

Nice video, but you said Superman killed the joker in Kingdom Come. That didn’t happen in Kingdon Come. Magog killed the joker

You must read Superman: Red and Blue.

There is some stuff from the John Byrne run that I liked, but most of the changes he made I will hate them for all time. He basically got rid of everything that made Superman cool and fun in the pre-crisis. No Krypto. The Kents are alive and freaking old, like very, very old. The love relationship between Clark and Lois was non-existent for YEARS. And he had absolutely no intention to make them a couple until Roger Stern became the monthly writer of Superman and Action Comics. He turned Lex Luthor into the freaking Donald Trump. And the worst of all: What he did to Supergirl. That, should be a crime to this point. What John Byrne did to Supergirl was the worst unimaginable thing ever. Thank God Jeph Loeb fixed that mess alongside other writers in the following years.

Warworld saga not on the list? Best Superman story in the last 10-15 years

Not a good advice to recommend All-Star Superman out of context of things that came Before it. Things that All-Star deliberately went Anti-canon. From inability to unshrink Kandor (Let my people grow by Len Wein not to mention DOZENS of stories where Kandorians themselves found Various ways to grow back which were "forgotten" due to status quo and serial nature of the storytelling format, same way Lois Lane was still younger than 30 in 1980s comics), illness due to being too close to the yellow sun, to the fact that Superman here is an Alien to humans of Earth and can't reproduce with them naturally, Jonathan dying before Martha was also never in comics only in live action versions, or "little" moments like him Having super speed at invisible levels and yet him only really protecting Lex and only then prison guards and never caring for other inmates, or him learning that Lex can escape at any time and doing about it absolutely nothing (which leads to at least 3-4 people murdered including prison priest and dozens more at least Badly hurt, now compare it with first ever Luthor appearances). It is such anti-Superman take , especially if you read Superman from the start, ie Action Comics #1 and basically all issues by Jerry Siegel (dont forget Worlds Finest Comics!) up until his departure to the army and then after 1946 and until 1948. It goes against classic period either, original The Death of Superman by Siegel shows what will happen after Lex finally kills the Man of Steel (and it would only really ever happen with Kal-El one, never with original Kal-L) or Last Days of Superman by Leo Dorfman to see what he will due under threat of terminal illness. Of course i can't recall any Superman comics where he Knows that villain can escape and don't place there some Superman robot or tell Kandor people to monitor situation because it is just unthinkable. At least this list doesn't have "last" pre-Crisis Superman story by Alan Moore because it also has major out of character moment (see Metalo I story or first Parasite story to see whether actual Silver Age Superman just depower himself without any super robot or Supergirl to back him up after that, just because villain happened to die after his actions). Rest of the list also consists of naturally Conflicting creative visions, especially in case of Waid comics (guy who was first to make Wonder Woman more brutal and ready to go lethal compared to Superman and Batman, which, again if you familiar with context of what came Before, especially with original versions of either, is VERY weird creative decision at best), but All-Star by far takes the cake. One thing more. Super fights in Last Son are, probably, closer to the way Donner would direct them if he actually had a say because all super fights even in his cut of II were still directed by Richard Lester And original plan by Mario Puzo puts even Man of Steel and Last Son level of destruction and mayhem (caused By supermen, instead of some machine) to a kiddie zone, only War of Supermen is even close (and War of Supermen had lots of them instead of just 4 vs Superman like Puzo original plan). Real recommendation reading should always start with Action Comics #1 and Superman #1 (up until AT LEAST Superman #20 if not Superman #47) and with Reign of the Super-Man and with Gladiator by Philip Wylie. And also with looking at Dr. Occult stories with Koth and Seven and at The Spectre stories and at The Starling. Also K-Metal from Planet Krypton (and Superman #170 for real proof of "authenticity") . Otherwise you will Not understand Why of Superman, why he is Indeed the first superhero as well as why only since 1938 pop culture became what it is, why Star Wars and Robocop and many many other successful ripoffs. As well as who Really started meta narratives. And what Is deconstruction of the genre and what is a simply going back to actual roots before 1941 censorship juveniled it all.

No, your picks were great until you showed Up in the sky, that book its awful, doesn’t deserve along your other picks

I gave up on Superman comics. I read a few a both were woke as hell.

Well Batman has prep time for EVERY single situation!! How can he be interesting and not boring?!? It works both ways! Batman can be just as boring as any and every other superhero!

#superman