5 Elseworlds Superman Stories You Need to Read

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It’s no wonder that DC has tried to profit from Superman‘s immense popularity by offering stories that cater to our love for him, but with an unexpected twist. Asking “What if” about enduring characters is always intriguing – it’s fascinating to imagine them in unfamiliar scenarios. With numerous Elseworld tales under his belt, Superman has been placed in some extraordinary situations that you wouldn’t encounter in the primary universe. If you’re a fan of seeing Superman in unconventional roles, here are five Elseworld stories that you simply must read!

1) Superman: Speeding Bullets

In this reimagined narrative, Superman’s spaceship doesn’t descend in the cornfields of Kansas but rather lands close to Gotham City. There, he is adopted by Thomas and Martha Wayne, who name him Bruce. His early life is blissful until the tragic event that frequently befalls these two parents occurs—they are murdered in front of young Bruce, leading him to unintentionally use his heat vision to kill Joe Chill in retaliation. As an adult, haunted by guilt and driven by a desire to combat crime in Gotham, Bruce unearths his spaceship hidden within Wayne Manor. He adopts the identity of Batman, determined to mete out punishment to wrongdoers. This version of Batman is not only superpowered but also more vengeful than usual, battling not just criminals but also the inner demons of guilt and failure. This story follows Bruce’s transformation from a figure of revenge into a beacon of hope reminiscent of Superman, and includes a Superman-inspired Bat-symbol, Lex Luthor portrayed as the Joker. If you’re a fan of either Batman or Superman, this tale is definitely worth exploring.

2) Superman: Last Son of Earth

In this reimagined narrative, instead of Krypton’s last child, Kal-El, being hurled towards Earth from the doomed planet Krypton, we follow the tale of human baby Clark Kent who is rocketed to Krypton as a meteor looms over his native world. Adopted by the El family and renamed, Clark grows up to discover that Krypton shares the same fate as his original home. Eventually, he is chosen to become the Green Lantern of his sector, using his extraordinary powers to rescue Krypton from imminent self-destruction. After saving his adopted home, Clark eventually arrives on Earth, only to find it untouched by destruction. However, the planet’s path towards suffering and arrogance mirrors that of his previous home. Green Lantern Kal-El dedicates himself to preventing another heartbreaking loss, using every ounce of willpower at his disposal. The twist of Superman being a human sent to Krypton is intriguing, but the concept of Superman as a Green Lantern serves this story best. Witnessing Superman’s unwavering determination in this context is truly inspiring, and exploring an alternate Krypton that avoids destruction adds an exciting dimension to the tale.

3) Superman: Secret Identity

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, this world knows no superheroes beyond the pages of comic books. I, young Clark Kent, have long despised my moniker due to the endless jokes linking me to the fictional Superman. However, one fateful night under the stars, I awaken to find myself endowed with the powers of the Man of Steel. The narrative unfolds, tracing the life of the genuine Clark Kent as he navigates his newfound abilities – from his initial attempts to exploit them for fame and recognition, to his transformation into a true hero who conceals himself to safeguard himself and his loved ones. This tale is equally about Clark’s personal growth as it is his Superman journey, offering a glimpse into every stage of his life, from youth to old age, as his powers fade with time. The source of my abilities remains enigmatic throughout, yet they are passed down to my two daughters, hinting at a future where superpowers become more prevalent worldwide. This captivating story delves deep into the themes of identity and self-discovery, making it one of the most remarkable Superman narratives, even though it follows an entirely distinct Clark Kent.

4) Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come, often regarded as DC Comics’ finest work, is a deeply debated masterpiece, and this praise isn’t uttered lightly. Although not an Elseworld story solely focused on Superman, the comic features him prominently among its characters. It delves into the profound impact Superman has had as the most significant superhero ever. The world portrayed is one that has lost faith in humanity, anticipating the day when metahumans will annihilate them. A new generation of superheroes, indistinguishable from villains, prioritize violence over justice. Superman retired years ago following the Joker’s killing of Lois Lane and the Daily Planet staff, with Metropolis revering the anti-hero Mangog for avenging the Joker’s death. Coaxed out of retirement, Superman confronts the hyperviolent youth, rallying the original Justice League’s veterans to restore order and hope. The Spectre and Minister Norman McCay observe these events, with the Angel of Wrath implying that Superman’s decisions will either doom or save the world. This story is not only captivating but also marks one of Superman’s best story arcs ever. Moreover, the entire comic is beautifully illustrated by renowned comic book artist Alex Ross. This work showcases the pinnacle of comic book storytelling and serves as an ideal conclusion to numerous superheroes’ mythos. It succinctly explains why Superman is crucial and what he represents for the world. I wholeheartedly recommend this comic; if you haven’t read it yet, do so immediately. And even if you have, a re-read is always worthwhile.

5) Superman & Batman: Generations

As a devoted film buff who adores comic book lore, I’ve always been fascinated by how comic book universes manage to keep iconic characters contemporary, even though most of them made their debuts years ago. This is achieved through something known as the sliding timescale, where periodically, a character’s origin gets pushed a few years closer to the present. In contrast, Superman & Batman: Generations presents a unique take on this concept, portraying a world where DC’s heroes age just like the rest of us. This captivating tale begins in 1939 at the Metropolis World Fair, with each chapter chronicling the passing of the next decade. The story follows the World’s Finest duo as they grow old, have families, pass on their legacies to their offspring, and continue their heroic journey. Despite the trials that follow them across the century, they remain steadfast in their virtues and strive to be the best superheroes they can be.

In this narrative, Superman and Batman live for over a thousand years and still have much life left to explore the cosmos, spreading peace wherever they go. Essentially, it’s a tale of two lifelong friends who grow old together, leave lasting legacies, and pass those legacies on to future generations. Yet, even as they bequeath their heroic duties, they never abandon the fight themselves. The story also includes two sequel series that focus on other heroes and their descendants.

For anyone seeking a multi-decade tale that offers a unique perspective on how these classic characters age, Superman & Batman: Generations is an engaging read. It provides a poignant conclusion to the characters’ stories as they reach the end of their lives, making for a powerful and thought-provoking finale. Definitely worth delving into if you’re looking for a captivating story that spans multiple decades.

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2025-07-14 22:10