Published on: July 10, 2025
by London Heady
Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us into something better. And on my soul, I swear that until my dream of a world where dignity, honor and justice are the reality we all share, I’ll never stop fighting. (Action Comics #775)
On July 11th, for the first time in over a decade, Superman will have his own movie. And for the first time in my life, I will be going to see a Superman movie in theaters. Growing up, I was never a fan of Superman. I thought he was lame and boring. He was infinitely powerful, and never seemed to struggle. I couldn’t fathom what could be interesting about the character. I watched Man of Steel, I watched Superman Returns, I watched the animated shows. Even when I enjoyed them, nothing ever turned my mind in another direction until 2018’s animated adaptation of Death of Superman. While some (or most, realistically) might argue that Mask of the Phantasm is the best animated superhero movie, I think I would probably give it to Death of Superman; incredible structure, hyperlean on it’s runtime with a wonderfully snappy pacing, and really solid action. It invites viewers in and gives you a million reasons to love Superman… just to turn around and rip out your heart.
And then I started working at Olympic Cards and Comics, and I started really getting into comics. My shelves are full, my short boxes are overflowing. And one day I started reading Superman. And I have not stopped. Everyone might be sick of how much I have become obsessed with Superman, but with a catalog as rich and as dense as his, I don’t think I will ever stop finding stories to gush over.
So, if you have any desire to read Superman, here is a list of my favorite stories and some reasons to read them.
SUPERMAN THE WARWORLD SAGA
By Phillip Kenndy Johnson, Daniel Sampere, Riccardo Federici
An expansive epic in the Superman universe spanning more than 20 issues, Warworld Saga is everything you could want from modern comics. Superman’s hopefulness is at complete odds with everything else in the book. Stuck on a grim, brutal planet filled with nothing but torment and death, can Superman turn even the most pessimistic of people into embodiments of hope?
SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS
By Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale
Four Issues, four different members of Clark’s life narrating each story. Really brings it to focus how heroes affect us, and how our relationships with those heroes affect them. I am a sucker for Tim Sale art, and this is my favorite thing I have seen from him. Every panel is so rich, so filled with life, and the behemoth of a man he draws his main character as compliments the heroism of Superman and contrasts the aloofness and bumbling nature of Clark flawlessly. It’s the perfect comic, and it’s probably my favorite comic of all time.
SUPERMAN KRYPTONITE
By Darwyn Cooke & Tim Sale
Darwyn Cooke’s reintroduction between the Man of Steel and his scariest enemy, a rock, is genuinely riveting. Clark here is a little less experienced, a little more hard headed, and I really dig it. Beautifully colored, extremely vibrant. While I tend to love the more intense emotional Superman endeavors, Kryptonite is genuinely just so much fun and a joy to read.
SUPERMAN TP VOL 01 SUPERCORP
By Joshua Williamson & Jamal Campbell
The current run of Superman is excellent. Joshua Williamson has an understanding of the character that feels effortless, like he grew up next door to him for his whole life, and Jamal Campbell’s illustrations add so much life to Metropolis. If you want to read what’s happening now, Williamson run starts strong, and nearly 30 issues in, is still excellent.
ACTION COMICS #1
By Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
Generally speaking, characters don’t stay the same 90 years after their fruition. But even from day one, it seemed like the everyone had their finger right on the pulse. Action Comics #1 is not only a fascinating time capsule of comic writing in the 1930’s, but it’s an excellent example of how Superman, from day 1, has been a champion of the oppressed. Maybe a little hotheaded compared to today’s versions, but you can see so much of what makes him a great character from the beginning. And this comic is reprinted every few years, so it stays relatively cheap, unless of course you want the original.
ALL-STAR SUPERMAN
By Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely
Superman is dying, and every moment from now until his last breath he is going to spend saving the planet. 12 issues of Grant Morrison gently reminding you they might be one of the best living writers, and Frank Quitely giving you jaw dropping after jaw dropping panels that emphasize both the mythicness of the Man of Steel, but also his humanity.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1
By Jason Aaron & Rafa Sandoval
The absolute universe is darker, sadder, and every character seems a little more bitter. All six entries in the universe are worth a read, but Superman’s is especially compelling. There is some real nature vs nurture themes on display, and both Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval are moving the character in a very interesting direction.
ACTION COMICS #775
By Joe Kelly, Doug Mahnke, Lee Bermejo
Superman against a hyper violent group of super powered vigilantes. Thematically rich one shot that explores where the line of going too far is. Packs enough story for an entire arc in a single issue and is wonderful if you just want a quick dip into the character.
It’s hard living sometimes. It’s hard to love. And it’s hard to see the light in life. But Superman helps me see that light. And I hope that he can do the same for you. We all need heroes. We all need to see the heroism and kindness in each other. Never forget: “You’re Much Stronger Than You Think You Are.” (All-Star Superman #10)
