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Superman has been around for more than 85 years. That’s a lot of comics, especially when you consider that the character has appeared in multiple titles for most of that time. Taking all these comics into account, I’ve crafted a list that spans the Man of Steel’s publication history – one year at a time.
Each recommendation represents a Superman comic published in a given year. There isn’t exactly a science to compiling this list. Some years, there are plenty of stories to choose from. Other times, it’s slim pickings. As a result, this list of the best comic book stories – there’s already one of those. Instead, it features stories picked either for their quality, importance, oddity, or general curiosity.
Let’s start from the very beginning…
Action Comics #1 cover by Joe Shuster.1938: Superman, Champion of the Oppressed
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by Joe Shuster.
Published in: Action Comics #1
The story that introduced Superman to the world. It’s an interesting read, highlighting his differences and how he represented a depression-era kind of justice by taking on corruption, wife-beaters, and criminals.
1939: Superman in the Slums
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by Joe Shuster.
Published in: Action Comics #8
A story about youth crime that attempts to explore the symptoms of it.
1940: Europe at War
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by Paul Cassidy and Joe Shuster.
Published in: Action Comics #22-23
Superman joins World War II. This story also features the first appearance of Lex Luthor.
1941: Fifth Columnists
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by Wayne Boring and Joe Shuster.
Published in: Action Comics #36
A volunteering drive ends up being a cover for an invasion by “Nation X”.
1942: Case of the Funny Paper Crimes
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by Ed Dobrotka.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #19
Superman battles a villain who has a machine that can turn comic book illustrations into real life.
1943: Lois Lane — Superwoman
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by George Roussos.
Published in: Action Comics #60
Lying in a hospital bed after being hit by a truck, Lois Lane dreams about the super powers she would get if she received a blood transfusion by Superman.
1944: The Mysterious Mr. Mxyztplk!
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by Ira Yarbrough.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #30
The first appearance of Mr. Mxyzptlk.
1945: The Puzzle in Jade
Written by Don C. Cameron. Art by Ed Dobrotka.
Published in: Action Comics #85
I primarily chose this issue based on the cover.
1946: Christmas ‘Round The World
Written by Don C. Cameron. Art by Ira Yarabrough.
Published in: Action Comics #93
Superman witnesses all the different ways Christmas is celebrated around the world.
1947: Journey Into Ruin!
Written by Don C. Cameron. Art by Ira Yarabrough.
Published in: Action Comics #107
A weird Golden Age Superman story involving him building an entire city.
Superman (1939 series) #53 cover by Wayne Boring and Stan Kaye.1948: The Origin of Superman
Written by Bill Finger. Art by Wayne Boring.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #53
The first comprehensive retelling of Superman’s origin.
1949: Superman Returns To Krypton!
Written by Bill Finger. Art by Al Plastino.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #61
Superman has visions of Krypton’s last days thanks to a criminal hex.
1950: Superman’s Super-Magic Show!
Written by Edmond Hamilton. Art by Wayne Boring.
Published in: Action Comics #151
The Prankster, Luthor, and Mr. Mxyztplk team up to make Superman a laughing stock.
1951: It!
Written by Bill Finger. Art by Wayne Boring.
Published in: Action Comics #162
Superman faces an extra-dimensional spinning creature that appears to be impervious to everything the Man of Steel throws at it.
1952: The Mightiest Team in the World
Written by Edmond Hamilton. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #76
Superman and Batman discover each other’s secret identities when they both try to catch a diamond thief.
1953: Superman’s Big Brother
Written by Edmond Hamilton. Art by Al Plastino.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #80
A superpowered being from another planet believes that he’ i’s Superman’s older brother.
1954: The Menace from the Stars!
Written by Bill Woolfolk. Art by Wayne Boring.
Published in: World’s Finest #68
Superman loses his memory, forgetting he’s a superhero.
1955: The Girl Who Didn’t Believe in Superman!
Written by Bill Finger. Art by Wayne Boring.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #96
Superman tries to convince a blind girl that he’s real.
1956: The Stolen Superman Signal
Written by Otto Binder. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #13
Crooks discover the existence Jimmy Olsen’s signal watch and use it steal charity money that Jimmy is raising.
1957: The Gorilla Reporter
Written by Otto Binder. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #24
Jimmy Olsen switches minds with a gorilla at the zoo. It’s up to Superman to fix it.
1958: The Lady and the Lion
Written by Otto Binder. Art by Wayne Boring.
Published in: Action Comics #243
Superman has turned into an animal-man, with the only cure being accepting a marriage proposal from the woman caused his changed state.
1959: The Supergirl from Krypton!
Written by Otto Binder. Art by Al Plastino.
Published in: Action Comics #252
This story is the first appearance of Supergirl.
Superman (1939 series) #141 cover by Curt Swan.1960: Superman’s Return to Krypton!
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by Wayne Boring.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #141
Superman accidentally travels back in time to before Krypton’s destruction. There, he witnesses his parent’s wedding and has a Kryptonian romance.
1961: The Death of Superman!
Written by Jerry Siegel. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #149
In this imaginary tale, Lex Luthor pretends to do good as part of a successful plot to kills Superman.
1962: The Last Days of Superman!
Written by Edmond Hamilton. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #156
Superman discovers that he’s dying and goes out to do as much good and inspire people while he still can.
1963: The Showdown Between Luthor and Superman!
Written by Edmond Hamilton. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #164
Superman and Lex Luthor have a fist fight under a red sun, where Superman has no powers. However, Luthor is not fighting as clean as he promised.
1964: The Team of Luthor and Brainiac!
Written by Cary Bates and Edmond Hamilton. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #167
Lex Luthor and Brainiac team-up to take on Superman.
1965: Clark Kent’s Incredible Delusion!
Written by Edmond Hamilton. Art by Al Plastino.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #174
Clark Kent is convinced that all the time he has spent as Superman has been a delusion and he has no super powers.
1966: Power of the Parasite
Written by Jim Shooter. Art by Al Plastino.
Published in: Action Comics #340
Features the first appearance of the villain Parasite.
1967: Superman’s Race With the Flash!
Written by Jim Shooter. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #199
The first iconic race between Superman and The Flash. Writer Jim Shooter was only 15 years old at the time.
1968: The Superman-Batman Revenge Squads – To the Victor Comes Death!
Written by Leo Dorfman. Art by Neal Adams.
Published in: World’s Finest #175
Superman and Jimmy Olsen compete against Batman and Robin in an annual competition of wits. However, this friendly completion becomes less friendly when a third party tries to wipe them all out.
1969: Superman’s Secret Past!
Written by Leo Dorfman. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #218
In this weirdo story, Superman is confronted by a woman who claims to be his wife and mother of his super-powered son.
Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133 by Jack Kirby, Vince Colletta, Al Plastino, and Gaspar Saladino.1970: Jimmy Olsen, Superman’s Pal, Brings Back the Newsboy Legion!
Written by Jack Kirby. Art by Jack Kirby and Al Plastino.
Published in: Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133
Jack Kirby moved over to DC Comics and immediately worked his magic on the publisher’s lowest-selling title. This issue will begin planting the seeds of the Fourth World saga.
1971: Kryptonite Nevermore! a.k.a The Sandman Saga
Written by Denny O’Neil. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #233-235, 237-238, 240-242
Through a bizarre accident, Kryptonite no longer effects Superman. At the same time, a sand version of Superman is stalking the Man of Steel, making him weaker at inopportune times. The tale is a mediation on power.
1972: Must There Be a Superman?
Written by Elliot S. Maggin. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #247
The Guardians of the Universe confront Superman with the idea that his presence is holding back Earth’s natural progress.
1973: I Can’t Go Home Again
Written by Elliot S. Maggin. Art by Murphy Anderson.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #270
Clark Kent’s childhood friend, who knows Superman’s identity, tries to cover the tracks of Superman’s double-life by scheduling a demolition of Kent’s childhood home. However, he doesn’t realise how much sentimental value is attached to it.
1974: Make Way for Captain Thunder!
Written by Elliot S. Maggin. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #276
Superman vs Captain Mavel!
1975: The Luthor Nobody Knows!
Written by Elliot S. Maggin. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #292
After a battle with Lex Luthor, Superman looks back the villain’s origins and remembers that Luthor wasn’t always such a bad guy.
1976: Who Took The Super Out Of Superman!
Written by Cary Bates and Elliot S. Maggin. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #296-299
Superman has issues with his powers, making him seriously consider if he should dedicate his life to being Superman or Clark Kent.
1977: Krypton — No More!
Written by Gerry Conway. Art by José Luis García-López.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #307
Supergirl goes to drastic measures to stop a rampaging Superman.
1978: Superman vs. Muhammad Ali
Written by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams. Art by Neal Adams.
Published in: All-New Collectors’ Edition Vol 1 C-56
Superman and Muhammad Ali compete against each other in a boxing match on an alien world.
DC Comics Presents (1978 series) #14 cover by Dick Dillin and Dick Giordano.1979: Superman and Superboy: “Judge, Jury…And No Justice!
Written by Paul Levitz. Art by Dick Dillin.
Published in: DC Comics Presents (1978 series) #14
I don’t know if this story is any good. However, the cover is crazy.
1980: The Miraculous Return of Jonathan Kent!
Written by Cary Bates. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Action Comics #507
Jonathan Kent appears to come back from the dead and Superman faces a superpowered hippie.
1981: Where No Superman Has Gone Before!
Written by Len Wein. Art by Jim Starlin.
Published in: DC Comics Presents (1978 series) #29
A team-up between Superman and The Spectre.
1982: Two for the Death of One!
Written by Marv Wolfman. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Action Comics #534
Superman is split in two through magic.
1983: …With but a Single Step!
Written by Marv Wolfman. Art by Gil Kane.
Published in: Action Comics #545
Superman fights Brainiac, who has taken on a new robotic body.
1984: The Living Legends of Superman
Written by Slliot S. Maggin. Art by Joe Orlando, Al Williamson, Frank Miller, Marshall Rogers, Wendy Pini, Mike Maluta, and Klaus Janson.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #400
A big milestone issue with an impressive roster of artists.
1985: For the Man Who Has Everything…
Written by Alan Moore. Art by Brian Bolland.
Published in: Superman Annual #11
Superman receives a dangerous birthday gift from Mongul that makes him dream of his greatest desires but also feeds on his lifeforce. Features plenty of tragedy, humour, heroics, and family drama.
1986: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
Written by Alan Moore. Art by Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson.
Published in: Superman (1939 series) #423 and Action Comics #583
In this imaginary tale, Alan Moore, Curt Sawn (one of the quintessential Superman artists) and Murphy Anderson say goodbye to the classic interpretation of Superman and the concepts that revolve around it before the character’s reboot by John Byrne.
1987: The Secret Revealed!
Written and art by John Byrne.
Published in: Superman (1987 series) #2
Lex Luthor makes it his mission to find out Superman’s identity. However, he won’t believe the answer he gets.
1988: The Power Within
Written by Roger Stern. Art by Curt Swan.
Published in: Action Comics Weekly #601-641
Published in two-page increments on a weekly basis, this story sees Superman deal with a cult who worships him like a god.
Superman (1987 series) #28 cover by Kerry Gammill and Dennis Janke.1989: Exile
Written by Dan Jurgens, Jerry Ordway, George Pérez, and Roger Stern. Art by Kerry Gammill, Dan Jurgens, Mike Mignola, Jerry Ordway, George Perez, and Curt Swan.
Published in: Superman (1987 series) #28-33, Adventures of Superman #451-456, and Action Comics Annual #2
After a great personal failure, Superman self-exiles into outer space. It’s the first big Superman crossover of the Post-Crisis era.
1990: Homeless for the Holidays
Written by Roger Stern. Art by Dan Jurgens.
Published in: Adventures of Superman #462
This Christmas issue about homelessness and a plea to look out for your fellow neighbour.
1991: Secrets in the Night
Written by Roger Stern. Art by Bob McLeod.
Published in: Action Comics #662
Clark Kent reveals he’s Superman to Lois Lane.
1992: Panic in the Sky
Written by Roger Stern, Louise Simonson, Dan Jurgens, and Jerry Ordway. Art by Bob McLeod, Jon Bogdanove, Dan Jurgens, and Tom Grummett.
Published in: See reading order
This big crossover ties-up many long-term storylines as Superman and the heroes of Earth fight an alien invasion lead by Brainiac.
1993: The Death of Superman Saga
Written by Dan Jurgens, Jerry Ordway, Louise Simonson and Roger Stern. Art by Dan Jurgens, Tom Grummett, Jon Bogdanove, Jackson Guice, Brett Breeding, Doug Hazlewood, Dennis Janke, Denis Rodier, and Rich Burchett.
Published in: See reading order
By far the most famous Superman story, this saga consists of multiple crossovers that tell one massive story of Superman’s battle with Doomsday, his subsequent death, the funeral, the heroes that fill Superman’s void, and the Man of Steel’s eventual return.
1994: The Battle for Metropolis/The Fall of Metropolis
Written by Roger Stern, Loise Simonson, Dan Jurgens, Karl Kesel, and Barry Kitson. Art by Norman Felchie, Jon Bogdanove, Brent Anderson, Barry Kitson, Jackson Guice, Curt Swan, and Pete Krause.
Published in: See reading order
Metropolis gets caught up in a conflict between Project Cadmus, Lexcorp, and the Underworlders.
1995: The Trial of Superman
Written by Louise Simonson, Dan Jurgens, Karl Kesel, David Michelinie, and Roger Stern. Art by Jon Bogdanove, Ron Frenz, Stuart Immonen, Keiron Dwyer, and Tom Grummet.
Published in: See reading order
Superman is put on trial by an intergalactic law enforcement for his ancestor’s part in the destruction of Krypton.
1996: Kingdom Come
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Alex Ross.
Published in: Kingdom Come #1-4
In this classic Elseworlds tale, Superman must come out of retirement when the next generation of heroes become too violent and destructive.
1997: Superman…Reborn!
Written by Dan Jurgens. Art by Ron Frenz.
Published in: Superman (1987 series) #123
The introduction of Electric Blue Superman!
1998: For All Seasons
Written by Jeph Loeb. Art by Tim Sale.
Published in: Superman For All Seasons #1-4
A beautiful and moving tale about Superman/Clark Kent’s early superhero career. Each issue is told from the perspective of a supporting character and the backdrop of a season.
1999: Of Thee I Sing
Written by Garth Ennis. Art by John McCrea.
Published in: Hitman #34
A biting critique of Superman in a way that only Garth Ennis (The Boys) can deliver.
Superman Adventures #41 cover by Mike Manley and Marie Severin.2000: 22 Stories in a Single Bound
Written by Mark Millar. Art by Ty Templeton, Joe Staton, Neil Vokes, Bret Blevins, Min S. Ku, Cameron Stewart, Mike Manley, Craig Rousseau, Rick Burchett, Darwyn Cooke, Aluir Amancio, Philip Bond, and Terry Austin.
Published in: Superman Adventures #41
Inspire by Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (or possibly 22 Short Films About Springfield), each page is a humorous one-page Superman story. Lots of fun.
2001: What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, & the American Way?
Written by Joe Kelly. Art by Doug Mahnke and Lee Bermejo.
Published in: Action Comics #775
Superman faces The Elite (stand-ins for the Wildstorm Comics’ The Authority) and must prove that death and destruction are not a means to an end.
2002: First Date
Written by Keith Giffen. Art by Cliff Rathburn.
Published in: DC First: Superman/Lobo #1
This one-shot details the first meeting between Superman and Lobo.
2003: Birthright
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Leinil Francis Yu.
Published in: Superman: Birthright #1-12
An expanded and comprehensive look at Superman’s origin, intertwining previous modern retellings.
2004: Secret Identity
Written by Kurt Busiek. Art by Stuart Immonen.
Published in: Superman: Secret Identity #1-4
In a world where Superman is fictional, a boy named Clark Kent discovers that he can fly.
2005: For Tomorrow
Written by Brian Azzarello. Art by Jim Lee.
Published in: Superman (1987 series) #204-215
Superman has to deal with the guilt and personal loss or a million people (including Lois) mysteriously disappearing from Earth.
2006: All-Star Superman
Written by Grant Morrison. Art by Frank Quitely.
Published in: All-Star Superman #1-12
Superman has a year to live so he goes out to do as much good while he still can. Morrison and Quitely treat the story as a celebration of the character, highlighting elements that make Superman unique and inspirational.
2007: Kryptonite
Written by Darwyn Cooke. Art by Tim Sale.
Published in: Superman Confidential #1-5, #11
This flashback story recounts Superman’s first encounter with kryptonite.
2008: Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes
Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Gary Frank.
Published in: Action Comics #858-863
Geoff Johns and Gary Frank reinvent the Legion of Super-Heroes by realigning them with their classic incarnation.
2009: Secret Origin
Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Gary Frank.
Published in: Superman: Secret Origin #1-6
Another Superman origin tale, this time reinstating the idea that Clark Kent operated as Superboy while growing up in Smallville.
2010: No recommendation
It’s difficult to recommend any Superman comic from 2010. Most of the comics were either wrapping stories up from the New Krypton era, pulling at threads from the aftermath of Blackest Night, or is the panned Grounded story.
Action Comics (2011 series) #1 cover by Rags Morales.2011: Superman and the Men of Steel
Written by Grant Morrison. Art by Rags Morales.
Published in: Action Comics (2011 series) #1-8
As part of the New 52 soft-reboot, Grant Morrison and Rags Morales reinvented Superman’s early days as a superhero. It’s a fun period that shows Superman still figuring things out to the backdrop of Morrison’s big ideas.
2012: The Boy Who Stole Superman’s Cape
Written by Grant Morrison. Art by Ben Oliver.
Published in: Acton Comics (2011 series) #0
Th title explains the the premise. The result is a great single issue story that shows what makes Superman inspirational.
2013: H’el on Earth
Written by Tom DeFalco, Scott Lobdell and Mike Johnson. Art by Kenneth Rocafort.
Published in: Superman (2011 series) #13-17, Superboy (2011 series) #14-17, Supergirl (2011 series) #14-17, and Superboy Annual #1.
H’el, a being of Krypton’s past, plans to destroy Earth and replace it with a revived Krypton.
2014: Superman Unchained
Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Jim Lee.
Published in: Superman Unchained #1-9
Two of DC Comics’ biggest creators come together to tell an epic tale about a secret being who seems to know Superman better than he knows himself. Will Superman get the answers he seeks before the mysterious Ascension destroys the world?
2015: Lois and Clark
Written by Dan Jurgens. Art by Lee Weeks.
Published in: Superman: Lois and Clark #1-8
This miniseries reintroduces the pre-Flashpoint interpretation of Superman and Lois Lane, showing their struggles living in a familiar, yet different, universe. It also introduced their son Jon Kent.
2016: Son of Superman
Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason. Art by Patrick Gleason.
Published in: Superman: Rebirth #1, Superman (2016 series) #1-6
Superman must juggle being a father in a new world with the return of The Eradicator.
2017: Revenge
Written by Dan Jurgens. Art by Patrick Zircher.
Published in: Action Comics #979-984
Part of the DC Rebirth publishing initiative, this story sees Metallo, Mongul, Eradicator, and Cyborg Superman form the Superman Revenge Squad.
2018: Invisible Mafia
Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by Patrick Gleason.
Published in: Action Comics #1001-1006
Brian Michael Bendis took over both core Superman titles in 2018. The writer focused on adventures involving the Metropolis underworld and the Daily Planet with this branch of his run.
2019: Superman Smashes the Klan
Written by Gene Luen Yang. Art by Gurihiru.
Published in: Superman Smashes the Klan #1-3
This is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Clan of the Fiery Cross radio serial. In it, Superman takes of a fictionalised version of the Klu Klux Klan to protect a Chinese family that has recently moved to Metropolis. At the same time, the tale is all about being yourself and leaning into what makes you unique.
Superman: Up in the Sky cover by Andy Kubert.2020: Up In the Sky
Written by Tom King. Art by Andy Kubert.
Published in: Superman: Up in the Sky #1-6
An inspirational tale of what Superman is willing to go through to save one girl from being kidnapped by aliens.
2021: Superman and the Authority
Written by Grant Morrison. Art by Mikel Janin.
Published in: Superman and the Authority #1-4
Superman recruits Manchester Black and a new Authority team to aid him with tasks that our outside the Justice League’s methods and purview. At the same time, the Ultra-Humanite forms his own team to take out the Man of Steel.
2022: Warworld Saga
Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson. Art by Sami Basri, Adriana Melo, and Miguel Mendonca.
Published in: Action Comics 1036-1046, Action Comics Annual 2022, and Superman: Warworld Apocalypse #1
Superman heads to Warworld when he learns of an enslaved race of people with potential ties to Krypton. However, he ends up enslaved himself and must become the greatest gladiator in order to liberate everyone.
2023: Lost
Written by Christopher Priest. Art by Carlo Pagulayan.
Published in: Superman: Lost #1-10
Superman finds himself lost in space for 20 years after a mission goes wrong. However, only a short time has passed for those on Earth. The comic goes into Superman’s struggle to reconnect with his old life and loved ones.
2024: House of Brainiac
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Rafa Sandoval, Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, Edwin Galmon, Steve Pugh, and Mirko Colak.
Published in: See reading order
An alien invasion seems to be a cover for ulterior motives of something far more sinister.
2025: ???
What will be 2025’s stand out Superman comic? The jury is still out on this one, so we’ll have to wait and see at the end of the year.
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