What Are the Best Superman Stories from DC Comics?

Everyone is familiar with Superman — the Man of Steel, the Man of Tomorrow, the man who always saves the world even when it hurts. But if you’re not a frequent reader of Superman comics, you might not realize the depth and variability this DC super hero possesses.

He has a heart of gold and a moral code just as strong as his Kryptonian muscles. Over the years, he’s faced a variety of challenges both physically and mentally. Though his spirit ultimately never wavers, there were certainly some close calls. As we get closer to the debut of James Gunn’s Superman (2025), let’s look at seven of the most important and powerful Superman stories from DC.

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Superman For All Seasons

Even the strongest super heroes have to grow up at one point in their lives. Long before he joined the Justice League, Kal-El lived a (sort of) simple life in Smallville. Clark Kent’s childhood instilled in him the values he holds dear for the rest of his life. But what about his transition into life in the big city?

Superman for All Seasons explores what it was like for Clark to move to Metropolis in a series of vignettes. He has poignant moments with his father and Lois Lane, and the book serves as an excellent segue into the beginning of his adult life in Metropolis. Plus, the moving, eye-catching artwork from Tim Sale gives Clark and his life all-new dimensions and colors. If you’re looking for the heart of Superman, it lies here in Sale and Jeph Loeb’s storytelling.

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Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?

Some villains are just downright annoying. That’s a fact. And surely it takes every ounce of a super hero’s patience to not simply kill them. Yet even Superman has broken the golden rule of a super hero. That momentary mistake nearly cost him everything as seen in Alan Moore’s masterful Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?, a pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths story.

With powers like Superman, any mistake is bound to be bigger and more consequential. That’s why Superman decides to use Gold Kryptonite to de-power himself. Sans powers, Kal-El isolates himself and Lois Lane tells his sad tale to a Daily Planet reporter. Moore’s story shows just what it takes to truly break a super hero — and those stakes are especially high for Kal-El. Never fear, the ending still manages to inspire hope for a brighter tomorrow. This book is for those who enjoy a heart-wrenching story whose finale delivers equally satisfying payoff.

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The Death of Superman

DC has a knack for orchestrating tragic and shocking comic book deaths. The Bat-Family, the Titans, and even villains like Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy have dealt with death. However, few would ever think that Superman, the Last Son of Krypton, would meet his end in such a grueling physical battle. The Death of Superman does just that — and more.

Not many enemies are an even match for Superman and all of his power. But Doomsday would prove to be the hero’s end. Doomsday is a creature from prehistoric Krypton, the horrific result of repeated cloning experiments that created a nearly invulnerable being fueled by pure rage. When Doomsday reaches Earth, Superman attempts to stop the monstrosity. Both eventually strike each other with fatal blows, and Superman’s death leaves the entire DC universe in mourning … until various imposters show up seeking to replace him. The Death of Superman is a key piece of DC history and also one of its best-selling stories.

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Superman: Red Son

Some tropes are classic for a reason and that includes turning a beloved hero evil. Bonus points when their well-known origin story is twisted into something uncomfortably unfamiliar, yet still eerily possible. Superman: Red Son has entered the atmosphere.

Instead of landing in Kansas with the Kents, baby Kal-El’s pod crashes into Ukraine. He’s raised to be a hero for the Soviet people, which has resounding effects on the course of world history. Lex Luthor becomes a face for American society in direct opposition with this version of Superman. Red Son is a fascinating look at how a character’s core values can be manipulated to create someone entirely new. Especially considering Superman’s ties to middle American upbringing and values, this revision of the Kryptonian hero challenges the reader to question what really makes him Superman. Is it the time and place and a red cape … or is it the man?

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All-Star Superman

If you knew your time was limited, what would you set out to do? When Superman must confront this question, he does what he does best: Save the world. However, even for the Man of Steel, mortality is a daunting wall to face. He can fly around the world at unimaginable speeds but nobody can escape death forever. That’s a finish line we all must cross someday.

Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman harkens back to a pre-Crisis Superman. As such, this bold tale takes place in a reality slightly different than what modern comics have held for Superman. Nevertheless, the hero’s spirit shines as brightly as the star he risks his life to defend — and Frank Quitely’s unique art style does an excellent job of emphasizing this fresh take on a classic hero. Readers who enjoy original one-shots and daring narrative choices, this is for you.

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Kingdom Come

Being a hero may appear to be easy — with all their great powers, these figures often make it look that way. But every once in a while there comes a story that pushes a super hero to their absolute limits. That’s the case with Mark Waid’s Kingdom Come, a story made all the more real and haunting with artwork by Alex Ross.

While heroes might seem immortal, eventually they do grow older. They can’t all do this forever. So what happens when they do finally leave? New heroes must take up their mantles, of course. But when these young heroes prove to be too ruthless and reckless, and the world is endangered by their actions, the old heroes must return. Superman leads the charge as the returned heroes attempt to put a stop to a frightening new world. Kingdom Come is epic DC lore at its very best.

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Superman and The Authority

Superman and The Authority is another entry from Grant Morrison. Their ability to push Superman past his normal heroics continues to shine in this book that introduces The Authority. Much like the Justice League, The Authority is composed of multiple power-players with very different backgrounds. They’re united by a desire to save the world but their initial mission together is, to be frank, less than successful.

When his powers begin to wane, Superman assembles The Authority. They’re not as seasoned as the Justice League and their personalities don’t always mesh well. And up against Mongul, the tyrant of Warworld, they certainly have their work cut out for them. If you’re interested in a team that doesn’t make total sense yet still manages to save the day, then this book is calling your name.

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The Man of Steel mythology is far from over. With nearly a century of history, this is only scratching the surface. After a horrific murder by The Joker, Superman terrorizes his beloved Earth in Injustice. He’s battled with Batman, fallen in love with Wonder Woman, and even raised a super-powered son with Lois Lane. So which Superman story is your favorite?

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