Best Superman Stories Ever?

[drewkearns]

Normally I am a strickly Marvel fanboy, but for reading's sake I wanted to ask you DC boys what the best Superman tpb's are that I could pick up and read. I watch Smallville, and enjoy it a lot and am looking foward to seeing the new movie, but I have no idea where to start looking for some really good stories comics-wise. Any help would be great.

[JulianPerez]

Mostly I'm a Marvel fanboy too, but I do make an exception for Superman. I wonder why that is, that guys like us can love Marvel and not be as big as fans of DC, except when it comes to Superman?

Ahhh, well, anyway, as for great Superman TPBs:

Check out SUPERMAN IN THE SEVENTIES. It has some stuff by Cary Bates and Elliot Maggin, including the Len Wein story that was the first introduction of the Galactic Golem. Very best work from one of the better decades.

Mark Millar's RED SON is a recommendation a lot of people will probably give you, but it is nonetheless pretty great a Classic Superman story and totally worth checking out, a "What if?" tale if Superman was Russian.

Despite the name, get the recent color full-color re-issue of SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN VOL 1 by Jack Kirby. Filled with trippy concepts, an asskicking Jimmy taking on biker gangs, race cars, monster clones, four armed mutants, and all that good Kirby stuff.

Hopefully, they will collect into trade paperback the recent, extraordinary Busiek/Johns UP, UP AND AWAY story arc, which features the best use of the Prankster yet: iching powder that disables Hal Jordan, making prank phone calls when refrigerators loot the town, a new Kryptonite Man, Supergirl vs. the Kryptonite Man, and...oh, yeah: Lex Luthor piloting a Kryptonite transformer. A Kryptonite. Transformer.

They're already coming out with SUPERMAN SHOWCASE VOL. 2, which is a little like the Essentials - black and white reprints of tons of comics; you can buy one on Amazon for $11 or less. These are great because you get to read a lot of Superman's history (along with classic old school stuff) and it's cheap. I'd go for VOL 2 instead of VOL 1, because VOL 2, the focus is more on science fiction grandeur, instead of the pleasant silliness of the late fifties/early sixties of VOL. 1. Genius ideas, but Superman was still finding his wings...by VOL. 2, the formula has been refined.


Some books you may see recommended that should be avoided:

FOR TOMORROW (Ecch from start to finish)

THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN (featuring ugly art and an overhyped, unpleasant story - not worth spending money on. Think of it sort of like DC's answer to the Spider-Clone Saga.)

[Sean Whitmore]

THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN (featuring ugly art and an overhyped, unpleasant story - not worth spending money on. Think of it sort of like DC's answer to the Spider-Clone Saga.)


Which story does this book collect? I don't recognize the title.


SEAN

[chriskenny]

I actually enjoyed Return of Superman. I don't think it works as a Clone Saga parrallel because they weren't fixing a mistake. They were working out a mystery of what happened to Superman while at the same time setting up new characters, a mystery, and a villain. I thought it was one of the few mega Superman crossovers that actually worked. It was decent.

You are right about the art though. Not very good.

Chris

[bodomsMARVEL]

superman: for all seasons. i loved it. its written by Jeph Loeb and Drawn by Tim Sale. same guys who did spiderman:blue, daredevil:yellow, and hulk:grey. its the story of how he learned to deal with his powers and become superman.

[chriskenny]

The Greatest Superman Stories Ever Told has some great samplings of Superman stories from every era. An early printing of the book has my favorite Superman story, written by Alan Moore... the one with Mongul attacking Superman on his birthday by giving him his heart's desire. Great stuff.

The Superman Adventures books are pretty good. Has some great one-off stories from Mark Millar, who really "got" what made Supeman great in this animated series title.

Superman: Peace on Earth is fully painted by Alex Ross and written by Paul Dini who wrote the old Batman cartoon. That is a nice, simple classic Superman tale.

If you want to see what Superman looked and acted like in his first appearances, it might interest you to check out Superman Chronicles Vol. 1, which reprints the earliest adventures in chronological order.

I don't know if you are a John Byrne fan or not--or even a fan of his retcon of Superman or not--but they just released the first four volumes of Superman's rebooted history. If you want to read Superman's first post-Crisis Superman tales, then Superman: Man of Steel Vol. 1-4 are out. It is a nice starter on the Superman you see in the books today.

Superman For All Seasons is a book by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale that is pretty solid. A story set in Superman's earliest adventures. If you like their Batman work or even their Marvel work together, you will like this. It is in the same vein.

Can't think of much else. I love Superman as a character but I seldom find really great, outstanding stories.

Chris

[dancj]

THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN (featuring ugly art and an overhyped, unpleasant story - not worth spending money on. Think of it sort of like DC's answer to the Spider-Clone Saga.)

The Return of Superman is great. Death of Superman and World Without a Superman were rubbish, but The Return of Superman is just a great all out stupid action packed epic - and just about the only good story to come out of the whole jurgens era of Superman.

I'd recommend:
Whatever Happenned to the Man of Tomorrow
The Return of Superman
Red Son
The Dark Side
Secret Identity
the Superman Adventures digest books by Mark Millar

[jhp789]

Many hardcore Superman fans will disagree, but I think Birthright is an excellent introduction, especially for a Smallville fan.

[astronato]

I'm pretty new to Superman too. I've been buying up trades and old back issues for the last year and loving it.

Does any recommend SUPERMAN: INFINITE CITY

http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=5730

the word Infinite in the title scares me away a little but the solicit seems interesting.

[Devil_LeonX]

I've been looking for some issues of Superman and when I finnally found them I saw that they are actully part of something called "Godfall" and I found that ebay is selling the entire set for what it costs to almost buy 2 of them. I would just like to know is GF worth buying? What happens in it?Is it a good story? And any intesting things come from this storyline? Thanks in advance anyone.

[dancj]

Godfall's not that great.

I've got Infinite City at home. The art is nice, but I haven't read it yet

[van-zee]

These are my picks:

http://neatgeek.phpnet.us/?p=27

[DWEarhart]

One of my personal favorites came out back in the mid to late eighties. He was stranded on Apocalypse with amnesia, and brainwahsed by Darkside to be his new champion. Superman grew a beard and wore some weird toga outfit.

There was a sweet throwdown between Supes and Orion, and once Superman regained his memory, and was told about the acts Darkseid had him commit, he was maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad.

[Tony Bedard]

"What Ever Happened To the Man Of Tomorrow?" by Alan Moore & Curt Swan. Best Superman story ever by the best comics writer ever.

[onenatv]

"What Ever Happened To the Man Of Tomorrow?" by Alan Moore & Curt Swan. Best Superman story ever by the best comics writer ever.
Dude that's why you are awesome. Totally agree.:D

[brian2322]

since your a smallville fan i recommend Superman:Birthright. The art isnt my cup of tea but its a really good story and takes alot of elements from Smallville. (Clark and Lex's friendship)

[G'nort]

Birthright had some good stuff, but it turned superman into a vegitarian. Im surprised that tony was the first person to mention "what ever happened to the man of tommorow".

Most of the best superman stories ever take place out of continuity. Most of my favorites have already been mentioned, but Ill throw Kingdom Come out there. Great future story about a war between superheroes.

[dancj]

Birthright had some good stuff, but it turned superman into a vegitarian. Im surprised that tony was the first person to mention "what ever happened to the man of tommorow".

He wasn't - I was:(

[astronato]

what were the best Superman stories featuring the Superman Revenge Squad?

[Aaron Kashtan]

what were the best Superman stories featuring the Superman Revenge Squad?

I just read a good one last night: "The Revenger of Steel" from Superman #368, by Bates, Swan and Chiaramonte.

[Rey-El]

All Star Superman

[marshal99]

what were the best Superman stories featuring the Superman Revenge Squad?

There isn't particularly a lot of stories involving the superman revenge squad in recent years.

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/01699661920.543.GIF

But if you like to see a teamup of many superman villains , i imagine "Ending battle" might satisfied you. I believe it has been collected in TPB.
http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Ending_Battle

[Sean Whitmore]

There isn't particularly a lot of stories involving the superman revenge squad in recent years.

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/01699661920.543.GIF

This was like the "Legion of Substitute Heroes" version of the Superman Revenge Squad.


SEAN

[marshal99]

This was like the "Legion of Substitute Heroes" version of the Superman Revenge Squad.


SEAN

Still better than some of the no-name aliens that called themselves "the superman revenge squad" during pre-crisis.

Here , you see a bunch of bald headed luthor wannabes in the superman revenge squad.
http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97220661824.175.GIF

or these yellow aliens.
http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/pages/83754703976.414.P2.GIF

[Hair]

For All Seasons (by Loeb/Sale) is a great Superman origin story in a retro style. Features some of Clark's later childhood, start as Superman, and battle with Luthor. It is very sentimental and moving.

Birthright (Waid/Yu) is a modern retelling of Superman's origin (as it would happen today). Primarily concerns his life and past as Clark, and Lex Luthor. Smallville-esque.

Red Son (Millar) Superman lands in the USSR instead of Smallville and becomes that nations great superweapon.

For The Man Who Has Everything, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow, both collected in The Stories of Alan Moore, and the new Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow hardcover. Classics, must read.

All Star Superman Vol 1 and 2 (Morrison, Quitely) just read them. Very creative, eclectic, modern take of Superman with all of the fun of (and cues from) past eras.

Anything by Geoff Johns is going to be pretty good, and if it is with Gary Frank, even better.

The Death of Superman/World Without a Superman/Return of Superman trilogy is pretty classic. It made me a Superman fan when I was a kid.

I think any of the early Superman (reprinted in Superman Chronicles) is still really fun to read.

[LifeFirst]

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/4/23332-773-26011-1-superman_super.jpg

One of my favorite Superman stories ever.

[Ilash]

Superman: Secret Identity is my favourite Superman story even if it doesn't actually star Superman. I also agree with most of the other choices mentioned but Action Comics #775 is a must read as well.

[dupersuper]

This was like the "Legion of Substitute Heroes" version of the Superman Revenge Squad.


SEAN

3 of them were pretty much good guys then or before long. Barrage and Riot are the only real villains. Riot is hard to contain, but otherwise just a nut in a suit, and Barrage is a guy in a suit of armour with a huge blaster for an arm that would be pretty useful if the hero he was fighting were way way way less invulnerable.

[Mat001]

3 of them were pretty much good guys then or before long. Barrage and Riot are the only real villains. Riot is hard to contain, but otherwise just a nut in a suit, and Barrage is a guy in a suit of armour with a huge blaster for an arm that would be pretty useful if the hero he was fighting were way way way less invulnerable.

Maxima was a villain who then was a hero in the JLA, before going back to her old ways. Misa was a trouble maker. So she was neither good, nor bad. Anomoly was presented as a villain in his metallic form and good when he wasn't.

But for a good Revenge Squad tale since 1997, then one shoudl read "Last Son" which had four heavyweights.

[Will.S]

I don't know how many of you guys have read this but I just recently checked out Steve Gerber and Gene Colan's "Phantom Zone" mini series on a recommendation of a friend (Scott Gardner of Two True Freaks) and I must say it was fantastic.

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6412/phantomzone0100.jpg

It was one of the last Pre-Crisis stories that really blew me away, even as someone who hasn't read a big amount of Pre-Crisis Superman stories. With this 4 issue mini series, one can definitely see where Geoff Johns got inspiration from with his Last Son storyline.

[dupersuper]

Maxima was a villain who then was a hero in the JLA, before going back to her old ways. Misa was a trouble maker. So she was neither good, nor bad. Anomoly was presented as a villain in his metallic form and good when he wasn't.


All 3 had gone out of their way not to hurt any one (even Anomaly in metallic form), and Maxima was in the freaking Justice League and apparently died saving the universe. Hard to consider them in the same class as Riot the complete lunatic (seen gone completely loopy in Peter Davids run on Supergirl) and a cop killer/attempted cop killer.

[numberONE]

Geoff Johns is writing a mini-series called Superman: Secret Origin, that comes out this fall. Of course we don't know if it's any good, let alone one of the "best Superman stories ever", but I have high-hopes as a fan of Johns's Green Lantern: Secret Origin. Plus, the series is a retelling of Superman's origin, so since your a new reader, it would be a good place to start.

[JackHawksmoor]

I have to go with SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN, SUPERMAN: RED SON, SUPERMAN: KRYPTONITE NEVERMORE, WHAT'S SO FUNNY ABOUT TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND THE AMERICAN WAY?, and ALL-STAR SUPERMAN. Hope this helped!

[AndItsOn!]

I really liked superman and Gen 13, so, highly recommend:smile:

[BBally]

I recommend several Kurt Buseik Superman stories: Up, Up and Away, Back In Action, 3...2....1 Action and Camelot Falls

[It's Superman]

A few of the best Superman stories in my opinion are.
Superman: Secret Identity
Superman: Secret Origin
Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes
Superman: Brainiac
Superman: Birthright
All Star Superman
Superman: For Tomorrow
What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?
Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
For the Man Who Has Everything
Superman: Red Son
Superman: Up, Up and Away!
Superman: Camelot Falls
John Byrne's Superman: Man of Steel

[Predabot]

I have to go with SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN, SUPERMAN: RED SON, SUPERMAN: KRYPTONITE NEVERMORE, WHAT'S SO FUNNY ABOUT TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND THE AMERICAN WAY?, and ALL-STAR SUPERMAN. Hope this helped!

I've resisted reading this for some time, but after everyone's recommendations I finally had to check it out.

You're all right, this really is one of the best Superman-stories of all time.

I'm generally *NOT* a fan of Joe Kelly, but he has pretty much redeemed himself in my eyes, with this one excellent issue.

Those final 2 pages, I put on the Superman-theme by John Williams, and I nearly had tears in my eyes.

TRUTH! JUSTICE! RESPONSIBILITY!

FUCK YOU MILLAR! AND FUCK YOU TOO ELLIS, AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON AS WELL, ENNIS!!

Respect, Mr Kelly. Respect.

*Is seriously pondering buying copies of Authority and Superman #775, and mailing them out to the gents above with a big 10 by 10 sign saying: shove it up your ass.*

[Ben D]

I've resisted reading this for some time, but after everyone's recommendations I finally had to check it out.

You're all right, this really is one of the best Superman-stories of all time.

I'm generally *NOT* a fan of Joe Kelly, but he has pretty much redeemed himself in my eyes, with this one excellent issue.

Those final 2 pages, I put on the Superman-theme by John Williams, and I nearly had tears in my eyes.

TRUTH! JUSTICE! RESPONSIBILITY!

FUCK YOU MILLAR! AND FUCK YOU TOO ELLIS, AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON AS WELL, ENNIS!!

Respect, Mr Kelly. Respect.

*Is seriously pondering buying copies of Authority and Superman #775, and mailing them out to the gents above with a big 10 by 10 sign saying: shove it up your ass.*

You should read Planetary and all of Millar's Superman works first. You'll change your mind about that.

[dancj]

Those final 2 pages, I put on the Superman-theme by John Williams, and I nearly had tears in my eyes.

TRUTH! JUSTICE! RESPONSIBILITY!

FUCK YOU MILLAR! AND FUCK YOU TOO ELLIS, AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON AS WELL, ENNIS!!

Respect, Mr Kelly. Respect.

*Is seriously pondering buying copies of Authority and Superman #775, and mailing them out to the gents above with a big 10 by 10 sign saying: shove it up your ass.*
It sounds like you really didn't understand The Authority. They were never supposed to be the good guys - at least not completely.

[ducklord]

Since I haven't seen it (or didn't notice it), allow me to chime in with Superman vs. Muhammad Ali. 'Cause it seriously rocks.

[Niche2012]

The Death (and return) Of Superman. Had me hooked.