As David Corenswet steps into the role of Superman in the highly anticipated film set for release on July 11, fans eager to dive deeper into the character can turn to these 10 Superman comic books. Each of these selections offers a unique glimpse into Clark Kent’s world, providing a fast-paced yet comprehensive way to connect with the Man of Steel before the movie hits theaters.
Exploring Superman’s Legacy Through Diverse Stories
Superman has starred in countless legendary comic books, each portraying different facets of his character and mythos. With David Corenswet and director James Gunn’s new portrayal poised to redefine the hero, revisiting these iconic arcs offers readers an accessible way to engage with Superman’s evolving identity. These stories stand alone with minimal need for prior comic book knowledge, making them perfect for fans seeking an intense and meaningful experience in just one sitting.
1. Revisiting Memories with Superman: Red and Blue
Superman: Red and Blue is a vibrant anthology that captures the essence of the Man of Steel through six standalone tales, each crafted by different creators. The striking use of Superman’s signature colors, red and blue, sets a distinct tone for the volume. These stories range from past villains returning to haunt Clark Kent to broader reflections on Superman’s significance to a nation, offering various perspectives on what makes the hero legendary.
2. A Modern Origin: The Story Behind Superman: Birthright
Published during the wave of “Smallville” and the “Superman Returns” film, Superman: Birthright provides a refreshed origin story crafted by Mark Waid. The narrative details Kal-El’s journey from Krypton to Earth, depicting him as a young boy rather than a newborn. It also features Martha and John Kent as youthful parents, with Martha shown embracing contemporary interests like blogging about UFOs. With just 12 issues, this series offers a swift yet rich introduction to Superman’s beginnings.
3. Unraveling New Bonds in Superman: Last Son
Geoff Johns’s Superman: Last Son explores the complexities between Superman, a mysterious Kryptonian baby named Christopher Kent, and Lex Luthor. After discovering the infant Lod Zod, son of General Zod, Superman and Lois become his guardians. As General Zod returns from the Phantom Zone to conquer Earth, Superman faces unprecedented threats and even teams up with Lex Luthor to protect the planet. This four-issue story dives into shifting alliances and the intricate relationships defining Superman’s world.
4. A Farewell to Classic Eras with Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
This two-issue story, released in 1986, acts as a poignant farewell to Superman’s Silver Age adventures. It depicts a chilling scenario where villains trap Superman in his Fortress of Solitude under an electromagnetic field devised by Brainiac. The plot thickens as Superman unintentionally kills the magical being Mxyzptlk, breaking his foundational no-kill principle. As a form of atonement, he subjects himself to golden Kryptonite, draining his powers permanently and vanishing into the Arctic wilderness. Its brevity and emotional depth make it a must-read.
5. Challenging Ideals in What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?
In this compelling narrative, the superhero group known as The Elites employ ruthless methods that shock Superman. When they capture and defeat him on the moon Io, the public witnesses what appears to be a brutal elimination. However, Superman’s refusal to kill and his subsequent stand against The Elites expose deeper questions about heroism and morality. The leader of The Elites, Manchester Black, confronts Superman’s ideals, leading to one of the most iconic monologues in the character’s history.
6. Rediscovering Identity Through Superman: Lost
Released recently in 2023-2024, Superman: Lost focuses on Clark Kent grappling with his sense of self after spending 20 years traveling through space. Returning as a changed man, he struggles to reconnect with Lois Lane and the familiar world he left behind. This story highlights the emotional journey of rediscovery and the power of love to bridge gaps in identity and memory, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the hero.
7. Unlikely Alliances Explored in Superman and The Authority
When faced with a challenge beyond his capabilities, Superman collaborates with The Authority—a group of superheroes known for their harsher worldview. Featuring Manchester Black from The Elite, this four-issue comic explores themes of cooperation between contrasting ideals. Its relevance is heightened by James Gunn’s future plans to incorporate The Authority into the DC Universe, making it a timely and accessible read.
8. Origins Revisited: The Journey in Superman: Secret Origins
Superman: Secret Origins revisits Clark Kent’s earliest experiences, including mastering X-ray vision, a near-disastrous school incident, and an encounter with young Lex Luthor at a fair. The six-issue mini-series traces Superman’s gradual acceptance as a hero, highlighting the uneasy relationship with the public and Lex Luthor. Offering foundational knowledge about the character, this series is essential for understanding the evolution of the Man of Steel’s public image.
9. A Personal View in Superman: American Alien
Written by Max Landis, Superman: American Alien presents seven issues that chronicle Clark Kent’s progression from an ordinary youth to the iconic hero. The series shifts in tone, alternating between tender moments—such as Clark flying with Martha—and intense, graphic scenarios. Despite the controversy associated with Landis, this collection remains celebrated for its nuanced portrayal, making it a deeply engaging read within a single session.
10. The Ultimate Tribute: All-Star Superman
Considered by many as the finest Superman comic ever written, Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman is a masterful 12-issue saga. After being given a lethal overload of solar radiation by Lex Luthor, Superman embarks on a series of final heroic acts before confronting a cosmic threat to the sun itself. Emerging almost godlike, he assembles the Superman Squad to defend Earth from extraterrestrial dangers. James Gunn’s adaptation draws heavily from this epic, underscoring its lasting impact on the character’s mythology.
Continuing the Journey with David Corenswet’s Superman
These ten comics equip readers with a wide range of perspectives on Superman’s character, from intimate emotional dilemmas to epic battles and moral quandaries. Whether revisiting origin stories or exploring new facets of the Man of Steel, each title offers a complete experience that can be enjoyed in one sitting. As David Corenswet steps into this legendary role on July 11, understanding these narratives enriches the anticipation and adds depth to the upcoming cinematic portrayal.
Many of these comics are available on platforms like DC Universe Infinite and Comixology, making it easy for fans to access and immerse themselves. With the film’s release drawing near, now is the perfect time to explore the rich legacy that shapes Superman today.
