10 Best Superman Comics Of The 21st Century (So Far)

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Superman set the standard for all superheroes, and many consider him the greatest of all time. While fans often cherish his stories from the Silver and Bronze Ages, a strong case can be made that the 21st century represents the peak of his 85-year history. The stories featuring the Man of Steel in recent years have been exceptional, with some being hailed as the very best ever. DC Comics has consistently put its top writers and artists on Superman’s books throughout the 21st century, resulting in consistently high-quality work.

In my opinion, some of the best Superman stories were created in the 21st century. Over the years, the publisher has reimagined the character, resulting in truly exceptional comics featuring Superman and his supporting cast. Here are ten of the very best stories from this era, ones that really captured what fans were looking for in Superman comics.

10) Dark Crisis: World Without a Justice League: Superman #1

Many feel that Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths doesn’t get the praise it deserves, and it actually features some truly excellent issues. A standout is Dark Crisis: World Without a Justice League: Superman #1, a story by Tom King and Chris Burnham. It imagines a seemingly perfect life for Superman – he’s married to Lois, and his son Jon is his partner, operating as Robin. However, something feels off about this world, and Superman eventually realizes the truth. While Tom King hadn’t written Superman extensively before, he nails the character here, delivering a surprisingly emotional story. Chris Burnham’s artwork is also fantastic, really making the issue come alive. Overall, this story is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.

9) “Brainiac”

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank are a fantastic creative team, and their work on Superman, particularly their run on Action Comics, is exceptional. Their “Brainiac” storyline perfectly showcases their talent. It revisits the classic villain Brainiac, offering a unified explanation for his various appearances throughout Superman’s history. The story is both a thrilling action adventure with impressive world-building and a deeply emotional experience. The action sequences are incredibly well-done, the artwork is stunning, and the story manages to feel both fresh and nostalgic, as it coincided with DC’s effort to incorporate elements from preCrisis* Superman lore.

9) “Camelot Falls”

The period following the Infinite Crisis event was a golden age for Superman comics. Geoff Johns revitalized Action Comics, and Kurt Busiek’s run on Superman delivered the epic storyline “Camelot Falls,” illustrated by the incredible Carlos Pacheco. This story is considered one of the greatest Superman tales ever told. It features Arion, a wizard from Atlantis who shows Superman a potential future devastated by his own actions, forcing him to question whether he’s truly helping or harming the world. The story boasts stunning artwork and memorable action sequences thanks to Pacheco, and while Superman’s impact on the world has been explored before, this 21st-century take is arguably the best.

7) Superman: Space Age

Mark Russell and Mike & Laura Allred have created something special with Superman: Space Age – a truly excellent retro-style story that deserves more attention. Beginning in 1985, during a world-ending event, the comic chronicles Superman’s life, his romance with Lois Lane, the rise and fall of the Justice League, and offers a fresh perspective on Crisis on Infinite Earths. While the Lex Luthor storyline isn’t the strongest part, the book as a whole exceeds expectations, delivering both classic DC charm and a compelling Superman narrative.

6) Superman and the Authority

Grant Morrison is widely considered the best Superman writer of recent times, and they reinforced that reputation with their story, Superman and the Authority. Though they’ve since contributed to other DC projects like DC Pride: Better Together and Batman/Deadpool, this four-issue miniseries (illustrated by Mikel Janin, Talent Foreman, and Fico Ossio) showcases a vulnerable Superman forming a new iteration of the Authority team. The series pits them against two of Superman’s most compelling, yet often overlooked, enemies. It’s a truly excellent comic, blending classic Authority members like Apollo and Midnighter with newer faces such as Natasha Irons, Enchantress, and updated versions of Lightray and O.M.A.C., alongside Manchester Black. With stunning artwork, it’s a compelling Superman story that will captivate readers from beginning to end.

5) “Superman and the Legion of Superheroes”

The Legion of Superheroes has seen its share of ups and downs, but after the Infinite Crisis event at DC Comics, things started looking up. The team’s history was rewritten to tie them back to Superman’s beginnings, and the classic Legion was reintroduced. Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s “Superman and the Legion of Superheroes” is a fantastic way to meet the team. The story features Superman being transported to the 31st century where he discovers the future’s superhero team has been defeated by a version of the Justice League. They believe only Superman can help them reclaim their future. The Legion can be complex, but this story avoids confusion, giving new readers everything they need to know about the team and its past. It’s a thrilling, large-scale adventure, and Gary Frank’s artwork perfectly captures the action.

4) “Warworld Saga”

“Warworld Saga” arrived just when Superman needed it. Previous storylines had lost the excitement that the Rebirth era had created, and fans were eager for something fresh. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson delivered, building on the ending of “Superman and the Authority” to create an epic new tale. The story follows a weakened Superman and the Authority as they travel to Warworld to defeat Mongul, quickly discovering they’re facing a challenge far greater than they anticipated. Johnson, along with talented artists like Daniel Sampere and Riccardo Federici, crafts a thrilling and visually stunning adventure. The saga is packed with action, but it also explores what makes Superman a compelling character – and anyone who doesn’t love seeing Superman as a powerful gladiator might need to check their pulse! It’s a truly grand story, and well worth reading.

3) “Last Son”

As a huge Superman fan, let me tell you about “Last Son”! It’s an incredible story that started when Geoff Johns, who learned from the legendary director Ricard Donner (of the original Superman movies), brought Donner over to the comic world. Together, they delivered the definitive take on the Zod invasion. It all kicks off when a young Kryptonian crashes on Earth, forcing Superman to face Zod, Ursa, and Non. What makes it so great is seeing Superman team up with unexpected heroes – even Lex Luthor! – and a special team created to fight him. Seriously, this story is a non-stop thrill ride, and I think it’s just about perfect Superman. Adam Kubert’s artwork is absolutely sensational too – I genuinely believe it’s the best work of his career, and some of the best I’ve ever seen in a comic. If you haven’t read “Last Son”, you absolutely need to. It’s often collected with the “Brainiac” story, making it a fantastic value.

2) Superman: Up in the Sky

Tom King and Andy Kubert took a risk with Superman: Up in the Sky, a story that wasn’t a traditional release – it was sold in a Walmart anthology alongside classic Superman tales. The story follows Superman as he journeys into space to save a single girl, facing obstacles along the way and questioning if such a grand effort is justified for one life. King and Kubert deliver a story that truly gets Superman, offering a thoughtful exploration of the hero that many other stories miss. The artwork is stunning and perfectly complements the writing. Ultimately, this story is a standout achievement that ranks among the best Superman stories ever told.

1) All-Star Superman

It’s no surprise to many that All-Star Superman is considered the best superhero story ever told. This twelve-issue series, created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, features Superman being fatally poisoned by Lex Luthor. Facing his own mortality, Superman embarks on a series of incredible acts to improve the world before he’s gone – adventures unlike anything fans had seen before. Morrison infuses the story with a mythological feel, connecting Superman to legendary heroes like Gilgamesh and Hercules. Frank Quitely’s artwork is exceptional, and while his style might not appeal to everyone, his skill in this comic is unmatched. All-Star Superman is a truly timeless comic, drawing on the entire history of Superman to deliver a unique and unforgettable experience.

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2025-11-24 22:16