Looking to get into Superman -questions for newbie readers

[Alex A Sanchez]

Alright, so I got addicted to Smallville (watches seasons 1-4 in under 30 days) and now I want to start picking up a Superman book. I'm not familiar with the DC universe and all the company-wide crossovers, so I'm a little confused on where/when to start. A Busiek written books seems right up my alley, any suggestions? Because I can't make heads or tales of all the news articles and interviews.

[Ultraman Max]

Busiek's run technically starts in march, where he's co-writing both Superman and Action Comics with Geoff Johns before starting his own run on Superman. It's intended to be a jumping on point, so that would be a good place as far as the ongoing titles go.

In the meantime you could pick up the first 2 issues of All-Star Superman (written by Grant Morrison though) which are good.

[stealthwise]

Yeah, basically what Ultraman said. I'd probably pick up the Birthright tpb as well, just for the heck of it.

[Lurker]

I second Stealthy, and uh, third Ultra-guy.

Its a great year to immerse yourself in Superman with the series hitting a new stride, a new movie debuting in the summer and all the "A" talent being brought in to write a new direction in the comics.

Up, up and away . . . and all that kinda stuff.

Shameless PS Plug--And do buy Birthright immediately, please :D

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Agreed.

And if you're interested in knowing about President Lex, Cadmus, For Tomorrow, and all that stuff, just pick the TPBs up.

[Alex A Sanchez]

I just got back from the comic store- I added both Action Comics and Superman to my pull list starting with the Busiek issues, and I found a cheap copy of Birthright on Amazon. I look at some previews and it looks pretty sweet- thanks for the recommendations.

[Young Avenger]

Along with Birthright and All-Star Superman pick up Showcase Presents: Superman. It's jampacked with Silverage Superman stories and it's really cheap. I suggest it if you don't mind Black and White. I also suggest Superman For All Seasons by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.

[Alex A Sanchez]

I'm currently reading my Showcase Presents: Green Lantern (my first real exposure to the DC universe) and I'm loving it. Gil Kane is incredible as far as art goes. I was thinking about picking up SP: Superman as well, but it doesn't start at the begining like the GL book does (probably because Supes is a lot older).
I realize it has nothing to do with continuity, but I am also very tempted to pick up Superman: Secret Identity by Busiek simply because it looks so friggin cool.

[Lurker]

I realize it has nothing to do with continuity, but I am also very tempted to pick up Superman: Secret Identity by Busiek simply because it looks so friggin cool.

Its a great piece.

[KRAKABOOM!]

I'm currently reading my Showcase Presents: Green Lantern (my first real exposure to the DC universe) and I'm loving it. Gil Kane is incredible as far as art goes. I was thinking about picking up SP: Superman as well, but it doesn't start at the begining like the GL book does (probably because Supes is a lot older).
I realize it has nothing to do with continuity, but I am also very tempted to pick up Superman: Secret Identity by Busiek simply because it looks so friggin cool.

SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY is great. well worth it.

after you read through some of the stuff, come back and tell us what you thought about it. it would be cool to hear from a "new" fan.

[jwd]

Whoosh! Had a "clicking" accident. Move along. :)

[jwd]

Alright, so I got addicted to Smallville (watches seasons 1-4 in under 30 days) and now I want to start picking up a Superman book. I'm not familiar with the DC universe and all the company-wide crossovers, so I'm a little confused on where/when to start. A Busiek written books seems right up my alley, any suggestions? Because I can't make heads or tales of all the news articles and interviews.

Everyone else pretty much covered it

March through June
Superman and Action Comics have a 8 part crossover story

After that Kurt Busiek will be writing Superman monthly in July

Action Comics writer is still unknown but will probably be revealed this month sometimes.

Keep in mind though that Smallville is not the current comic Superman's history. For instance Chloe hasn't ever been in the comics before and Lois didn't meet Clark until he came to Metropolis in the comics. There's tons of different versions of Superman - All Star Superman is a different history then the Lois and Clark tv series just like the tv series is different from the Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve. Similiar elements and a lot of the basics are the same of course.

[Alex A Sanchez]

Keep in mind though that Smallville is not the current comic Superman's history. For instance Chloe hasn't ever been in the comics before and Lois didn't meet Clark until he came to Metropolis in the comics. There's tons of different versions of Superman - All Star Superman is a different history then the Lois and Clark tv series just like the tv series is different from the Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve. Similiar elements and a lot of the basics are the same of course.

I had a feeling things would be like that. It sounds similar to the Ninja Turtles: all retellings of the story are different, but each one has similar milestone events (i.e. Casey and Raph always fight when they meet for the first time, Splinter and Shredder always knew eachother in Japan before they arrived in the States, April always becomes the Turtle's liason to the outside world, etc.)

I was thinking about picking up the new Supergirl series as well, simply because her costume is so friggin hot and I like the way Churchill draws her. But then I read the response to that series here on the board and I think I'll pass. I'm going to WonderCon this weekend, maybe I can pick it up for cheap there.

[Young Avenger]

I was thinking about picking up the new Supergirl series as well, simply because her costume is so friggin hot and I like the way Churchill draws her. But then I read the response to that series here on the board and I think I'll pass. I'm going to WonderCon this weekend, maybe I can pick it up for cheap there.

I suggest waiting for Greg Rucka's run on Supergirl starting with issue 6. How the Supergirl book is right now is more of a guilty pleasure than anything else.

[Aetherus]

I have just started getting into the Superman title (Ed Benes' artwork is what caught my eye), and I have a couple of questions about the other Supes books. First off, how many ongoing Superman titles are there? Any particular differences between them, such as stylistic, story, or time differences? Will need to have the other titles, or can I enjoy just the Superman title alone?

Thanks! :)

[IPW]

Well they are about to cancel current Superman book and rename Adventure of Superman, as Supeman when everything jumps OYL. So there will be only two main Superman books. The Superman books have alway been pretty interconnected. So you will probably need to read both to understand the storyline.

[Aetherus]

Ok, so starting in March, I should really only need Superman and Action? How often do/will they interconnect? From reading Superman 222-225, the story seems to flow well without the need of Action or other issues (other than IC, which I am already reading).

Will I need to brush up on Adventures of Superman back-issues to understand what's going on when the title switch happens (I guess it won't matter with OYL).

Speaking of back-issues, are any of the books particularly different from each other? For example, is one book more wham-bam action oriented, and the other book more character-centric? Much like the X-Men and Bat titles, Superman seems to have soooo many different (yet related!) titles in the back-issue bins, and I would like to focus on one or two Superman-related books, but don't know if a particular title will suit me (I collect Nightwing and Flash, and they are much easier to manage at one title per character!).

How would you rate/compare between the different Supes titles?

Thanks again! :)

[Mainline]

We don't know who the creative teams or themes are yet. For Batman one book, written by Dini, will be more detective oriented... the other, by Morrision, is expected to be something like the Batman during Neal Adams work. For Superman, we only know that there will be an 8-issue crossover between the books (4 months) done by Johns and Busiek meant to set the tone for Superman- and arguably the DCU.

Busiek's expected to stay on, but nothing is certain yet from my understanding.

[bran]

Yo!

I'm not exactly new to Superman. He makes a few appearances in some comics I read and such. However, I'd like to start picking up a few titles which feature him. Does anyone have any ideas on what some good titles are that feature ze Man of Steel?

- B

[LoganCross]

i don't know that you would really have to brush up on Adv/Superman too much. i would recommend Greg Rucka's run on that title though because i thought it was great.

on occasion there was a few arcs that ran through all 3 titles, but usually each title sticks to it's own story. now i don't know what will happen with the OYL stuff, but for the next few months the 2 books (superman and action), will be connected...an 8 part story i believe. who knows what the future will hold. bottom line...i would get both titles, just to be sure. hope this helps

oh btw Joe Kelly's run on Action Comics was outstanding too! highly recommend it.

[Alex A Sanchez]

oh btw Joe Kelly's run on Action Comics was outstanding too! highly recommend it.

What issues? I like his stuff.

I picked up the Supergirl 1-4 at WonderCon last weekend. I didn't expect find much from it except for some cool artwork, a hot chick, and some fighting. I got exactly what I expected. :) I understand Loeb has written some excellent stuff and this is a difficult point in his life, but I have to say: what a terrible way to begin a series! Usually you would want to open with a short story involving no prior knowledge of the character as a way to establish who he/she is and set up expectations for their personality. Then, you introduce their backstory and figure out the kinks with continuity. Instead, I was left with my head spinning with all of the new characters (to me) and alternate versions of Supergirl running about and alternate dimentions, etc.

The good part is that these books motivated me to do my homework and read up on some DC Universe history. Now I'm ready to start reading Supes and am looking forward to OYL.

[lucasb]

New readers might also consider picking up a trade of the six-issue Man of Steel miniseries from 1986, in which John Byrne relaunched Superman from scratch.

It's kind of dated, now, and some of the elements have been retroactively changed by Birthright...but it's STILL the major dividing line between current Superman and all previous versions. And the writing and artwork hold up well (actually better than much of what's been published in the last ten years or so.)

[jwd]

Ok, so starting in March, I should really only need Superman and Action? How often do/will they interconnect? From reading Superman 222-225, the story seems to flow well without the need of Action or other issues (other than IC, which I am already reading).


March through June - 1 story running through Superman and Action Comics so both books for those months.

July onward - Seperate story arcs but same character. At least for the forseeable future. I'm sure another crossover will pop up eventually.

[Bicycle-Repairman]

Keep in mind though that Smallville is not the current comic Superman's history. For instance Chloe hasn't ever been in the comics before and Lois didn't meet Clark until he came to Metropolis in the comics.

It's true that Clark and Lois didn't meet until they were adults in the Golden Age and post-Crisis comics, but I know of two Silver Age stories where a teenaged Lois met Superboy. The first time, Lois met Superboy and Lana Lang while attending summer camp. The second time, Lois and Clark won a week-long internship at the Daily Planet for student reporters.

[Jack Tango]

To echo, summarize and add to others, if you're looking to get into the current Superman read:

Superman: Birthright by Mark Waid and Lenil Francis Yu
The current origin.

Superman: For All Seasons by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale
A bit of Superman's youth, based on the John Byrne Origin.

Superman: The Man of Steel Vol. 1 by John Byrne
The 1986 Revamp of Superman, Old origin.

Superman: For Tomorrow by Brian Azzarello and Jim Lee
A decent story firmly rooted in current continuity.

Superman: No Limits & Superman: Our Worlds at War Vol 1 & 2, Superman: Critical Condition, Superman: 'Till Death do Us Part, Superman: President Lex, Superman: Return to Krypton by Jeph Loeb, Joe Kelly, Mark Schultz, J.M DeMatties, German Garcia, Doug Mahnke, Mike McKone, Ed McGuinness, Kano and many others.
The collected works of the 1999 Relaunch Team, except for Superman: Arkham (which, apparently, won't be collected)

Superman: Wrath of Gog & Superman: In Gog We Trust by Chuck Austen & Ivan Reis (and others)
Questionable writer, but great art, and decent action.

Superman: Godfall by Joe Kelly & Talent Caldwell
A prelude to the current characterization of Superman.

Superman: Secret Identity by Kurt Busiek & Stuart Immonen
A great alternate reality take on the Man of Steel.

Lex Luthor: Man of Steel by Brian Azzarello & Lee Bermejo
A must-read to get into the mind of Superman's nemesis.

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, Superman/Batman: Supergirl, Superman Batman: Absolute Power by Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness, Michael Turner & Carlos Pacheco
Widescreen Superman action, with Batman tagging along for the ride.

Superman: That Healing Touch, Superman: Sacrifice, Superman: Ruin Revealed & Superman: Unconventional Warfare by Greg Rucka, Matthew Clark, Geoff Johns, Karl Kershel, Renato Guedes, Paul Pelletier and Others
A strong run by Greg Rucka.

For other Superman TPBs go to http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?cat=SUPERMAN

[LoganCross]

Joe Kelly wrote action comics from #760 - 810, with art by some major talents like German Garcia, Pascual Ferry, and Kano. When Kelly came on board that's when i really starting reading superman hardcore. in my opinion he should be the next writer for Action.

[DCKar2nist]

is birthright the "new origin" I mean if thats true then why did we see The Eradicator in a recent issue of Action Comics? Didn't Birthright do away with the whole birthing matrix?
I just thought of the whole birthright mini as an elseworld of sorts.

[IPW]

No Birthright is the new origin for Superman. But they have not been able to explain everything, like the Eradicator or how Superman's first appearance isn't till after 9/11, yet. My guess is that is one of the issues Ifinite Crisis will try to take care of. But it is the official origin story now. That is what happens when you let a bunch of Silver Age Fanatics run the company.

[niquibong]

I'd like to know where to start, I'm aware that there are several verions of the comic book...which is which & where should I start?

[Pookienick]

Your probably better off waiting and picking the series up from next month when they jump forward a year. You will only have to buy two series - Action Comics from issue 837 and Superman (was Adventures of Superman until March) from issue 650. You may also want to buy Supergirl in March and maybe Teen Titans if you want to keep up with Superboy but these aren't necessary to follow the stories in the two main Superman books.

Also, since the books jump forward a year you shouldn't need too much back story as it should be explained as it goes along (although you may want to pick up Infinite Crisis as that has an impact on everything).

[niquibong]

thanks. I'll do that. I'm in south Africa so I'll proberbly have to wait for a few months before I get the issus released next month.

[Pookienick]

If your looking for a good Superman book though definately pick up All Star Superman. Only on issue 2 at the moment and both have been excellent. It's not 'in continuity' either so you don't need to know anything to get into it.

[IPW]

Definitely pick up All Star Superman.
Also there is Superman/Batman. They are pretty self contained storylines, that focus of big action. Loeb will finish his run with #24 & 25. #26 is special tribute issue, and the new creative team takes over with #27.

[Alex A Sanchez]

Okay, so I just began reading Superman: Birthright, and so far I'm amazed! Since I have a friend who lived in South Africa for most of her life, I'm somewhat well versed in African politics and tribals wars, etc. So I was excited to see those topics addressed - Kudos to Waid. Its a shame Superman isn't real, because that is exactly who those people need over there at the moment.

I've also been reading Supergirl 1-5: I enjoy it for 2 reasons: pure eye candy, Churchill is a great artist (I remember his early stuff on the X-force related characters at Marvel). I'm sad he's leaving. Reason 2: its served as a good introduction to the DCU. I've spent a lot of time researching characters because of this series.

I picked up Superman 650 today (Busiek's first issue of his OYL arc),
and I am glad I introduced myself to Supergirl, since her role here is somewhat important. I liked the parts with Perry White- he seems to be in character as much as I understand his character. I also loved Lex in this issue: I'm glad he's not wearing the big purple and green armor that he wore in the Supergirl issues. He seemed to be back to the badass bussinessman that I can love in Smallville. The art was great, although I'm not sure how much I'm going to like a book about Supes with no powers. I may pick up the All Star book by Quietly and Morrison (I loved We3) until the OYL story is over, and pick it the book up after that.

[LibrarianThorne]

Okay, so I just began reading Superman: Birthright, and so far I'm amazed! Since I have a friend who lived in South Africa for most of her life, I'm somewhat well versed in African politics and tribals wars, etc. So I was excited to see those topics addressed - Kudos to Waid. Its a shame Superman isn't real, because that is exactly who those people need over there at the moment.

I've also been reading Supergirl 1-5: I enjoy it for 2 reasons: pure eye candy, Churchill is a great artist (I remember his early stuff on the X-force related characters at Marvel). I'm sad he's leaving. Reason 2: its served as a good introduction to the DCU. I've spent a lot of time researching characters because of this series.

I picked up Superman 650 today (Busiek's first issue of his OYL arc),
and I am glad I introduced myself to Supergirl, since her role here is somewhat important. I liked the parts with Perry White- he seems to be in character as much as I understand his character. I also loved Lex in this issue: I'm glad he's not wearing the big purple and green armor that he wore in the Supergirl issues. He seemed to be back to the badass bussinessman that I can love in Smallville. The art was great, although I'm not sure how much I'm going to like a book about Supes with no powers. I may pick up the All Star book by Quietly and Morrison (I loved We3) until the OYL story is over, and pick it the book up after that.

I can't recommend enough All-Star Superman. It's one of the best books put out by any company, pure Morrison superhero insanity at its best. We're just two issues in, and I'm already saying it's as good as his run on JLA.

Speaking of JLA, there's some amazing Superman moments in there, too. Specifically, volumes 3 and 6 (Strength in Numbers and World War III). Strength in Numbers has a great two parter (featuring the Sandman, no less!) and it deals with the essential myth of Superman. Volume six has one of the best "Superman saves the day!" scenes ever.

Also, I know that they're maligned here, but I really, really liked the Death & Return of Superman. Not only are they key when understanding modern Superman, but the stories told in them still impact the DCU. It is in the Return of Superman that we meet Steel, Superboy, and the Cyborg, all of them are still players in the DCU today. The Death of Superman is a great read almost solely for Superman #75 and the event itself.

[Alex A Sanchez]

I can't recommend enough All-Star Superman. It's one of the best books put out by any company, pure Morrison superhero insanity at its best. We're just two issues in, and I'm already saying it's as good as his run on JLA.

Speaking of JLA, there's some amazing Superman moments in there, too. Specifically, volumes 3 and 6 (Strength in Numbers and World War III). Strength in Numbers has a great two parter (featuring the Sandman, no less!) and it deals with the essential myth of Superman. Volume six has one of the best "Superman saves the day!" scenes ever.

Also, I know that they're maligned here, but I really, really liked the Death & Return of Superman. Not only are they key when understanding modern Superman, but the stories told in them still impact the DCU. It is in the Return of Superman that we meet Steel, Superboy, and the Cyborg, all of them are still players in the DCU today. The Death of Superman is a great read almost solely for Superman #75 and the event itself.

I actually own the Return of Superman comic: its still polybagged because back then I thought it would be worth something. Maybe I'll open it to give it a read :)

[CaptainAwesome]

Lately I have been thinking about Superman a lot, and I was wondering what other people think about the current book(s). I dont know a whole lot about the character, so can you guys answer some questions for me?

A) Is OYL a good jumping on point?
B) How many books are regularly published?
C) Do I have to get all the books to follow a story?
D) If no on (C) which one should I get?


Thanks for your help. :D

[shyguy]

OYL is as good a jumping-on point as there's ever going to be. Right now an eight-part storyline is running through Action Comics and Superman (the only two in-continuity Superman books right now), so you'll need to read both to get the whole story.

Once that storyline is over new creative teams will take over both books and presumably you won't have to read one to understand the other.

There's also All-Star Superman, which is completely out-of-continuity and of which only three issues have been released so far. It's getting rave reviews and highly recommended. If you were to only pick up one book, I'd make it this one, but All-Star Superman and the in-continuity Superman books are so different that it's kind of difficult to compare them.

[CaptainAwesome]

Thanks. Every now and then I get All Star Superman whenever I see it at the shop, but its not on my pull list. I meant "in continuity" books, just to clarify, and I apriciate your help.

[Rolsen]

hi!

I picked Superman/Batman vol. 1, 2 and 3 and I'm fascinated about Loeb's work.

i'm new to comics and i've a question:

I read anywhere in the web, that there's a big major event beginning which will change a lot of Superman... what was the name of it ?

and after busiek , which creative team will be next for superman?

thanks a lot
:)

[stealthwise]

hi!

I picked Superman/Batman vol. 1, 2 and 3 and I'm fascinated about Loeb's work.

i'm new to comics and i've a question:

I read anywhere in the web, that there's a big major event beginning which will change a lot of Superman... what was the name of it ?

and after busiek , which creative team will be next for superman?

thanks a lot
:)

The big event is happening right now! It's called "Infinite Crisis," and there's one issue left to be released. You might be able to get all of the issues if your local comic shop retailer can get them for you.

You don't really need it though, as it seems that the OYL Superman issues are setting up everything nicely to establish the current status quo.

Busiek's staying on one of the books, and I'm not sure who the other writer will be, there have been some rumours that it's Richard Donner writing.