What are some 'must-read' Superman stories?

[Colossus77]

I'm not talking about personal favorites but things like what Days of Future Past and Dark Phoenix Saga are to X-Men or The Killing Joke and Dark Knight Returns are to Batman.

Stories that have made a memorable read.

[Green Goblin]

Do you mean stuff like what happened to the man of tomorrow, that was pretty much the finale Superman story before the relanch.

[Maestro]

Superman doesn't have an incredible number of classic stories for some reason. But the stories are generally considered to be the best are Superman: Man of Steel, Superman for All Seasons, Red Son, and All-Star Superman.

If you like single issues, get Action Comics #866 just released on Wednesday. It's IMO a fantastic jumping on point

[Mr. Palmer]

I'd have to recommend THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN and its two follow-up trades.

Essential Supes reading, imho.

[Lunal]

Superman Annual #11

For The Man Who Has Everything (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_the_Man_Who_Has_Everything)

Great story, its one of the best of the old days of DC. My favorite line in it isn't even a Superman line, though, its a Batman line: "Think clean thoughts, chum." Not sure where it can be had these days.

[rwe1138]

For The Man Who Has Everything
Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow?
Red Son
Secret Identity

[suttercain]

Ok, I am not going to cheat and look at my bookshelf. Which stories jump out at me?

I really like the Man of Steel TPB. I thought John Byrne did some cool stories if you don't mind the 80's.

What else? Hmmm.... Superman For Tomorrow was pretty good. I really liked Jim Lee's art in it.

I like Time and Time Again too.

I think I am in the minority but I also liked Birthright.

[stealthwise]

It's a Bird.

Just don't expect an actual Superman tale.

Also, Red Son, Secret Identity, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?, and For the Man who has Everything are great too, as mentioned above.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

In addition to "For The Man Who Has Everything" and "Whatever Happened to The Man of Tomorrow?", Alan Moore's Supreme, though not "officially" Superman stories, are amongst the best Superman stories ever written in my view.

Mark Millar's Superman Adventures stories are also wonderful, particularly if you enjoy the Bruce Timm cartoon.

And, Morrison's All Star Superman is the best Superman comic in decades.

[Herr Mike]

I haven't read a whole lot. "For Tomorrow" I found to be bad.

All-Star is great.

Red Son is a personal fave of mine.

Lots of good Supes in the late 80's/early 90's, depending on if you like more "old school" comics.