5 MAD Spoofs Every Superman Fan Needs to See

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If you enjoy Superman and don’t mind some playful teasing, you should definitely check out DC Comics’ newest April Fool’s special. This one is different from their previous specials (which were about apes and Harley Quinn’s silly antics) because it’s modeled after their sister publication, MAD Magazine. Called MAD About DC #1 and led by Chip Zdarsky, it features a ton of writers and artists all working together to hilariously poke fun at the things we love about DC comics.

This special issue was packed with hilarious jokes and comic strips that playfully poked fun at DC Comics, including its popular characters and running gags. Superman, one of DC’s most famous heroes, wasn’t safe from the satire, and he and his supporting cast were frequent targets. From jokes about the endless types of kryptonite to a funny parody of The Daily Planet, MAD About DC #1 delivered some truly funny Superman moments. Here are 5 of the best jokes focusing on Superman and the people in his life.

5. “Know Your Kryptonite”

Chip Zdarsky, the creator of MAD About DC #1, also contributed a segment called “Know Your Kryptonite” to the special. It’s presented as a complete guide to all the different types of kryptonite, but Zdarsky playfully exaggerates their effects on Superman. He comes up with increasingly specific and ridiculous outcomes – from white kryptonite granting Superman immense privilege to various brown kryptonites causing digestive issues – leaving readers to wonder where he gets such creative (and bizarre) ideas.

4. “Superman’s Ex-Girlfriend Lana Lang”

I recently read a one-page comic called “Superman’s Ex-Girlfriend Lana Lang” by Colleen Coover, and it was surprisingly delightful! It doesn’t focus on Superman at all, but on Lana trying to navigate the dating scene. The problem is, every single date ends up being about him. It’s a really cute, simple story with a sweet sincerity to it. Honestly, the premise felt strong enough to carry a longer run, but it’s a charming little slice-of-life piece that provides a nice contrast to some of the wilder humor in the MAD About DC series.

3. “Daily Planet”

Have you ever imagined reading a real copy of The Daily Planet? Ben Errett and Chip Zdarsky offer a funny imitation, and it’s packed with jokes. From Superman apologizing for building his Fortress of Solitude on land traditionally belonging to the Inuit people, to a surprisingly insightful article suggesting that areas with phone booths in Metropolis have less crime, everything in this mock-up works perfectly. Honestly, it makes me wish next year’s April Fool’s Day prank was a full issue of The Daily Planet – but with the satirical style of The Onion.

2. “Power Girl Action Figure Ad”

Leah Williams, the writer of Power Girl, had fun adding some playful humor about the character and her family. She, along with artists Isaac Goodhart and John Kalisz, created a fake advertisement for a new line of Power Girl toys. One toy includes a ‘modesty curtain’ to cover her famous chest opening, while another leaves it completely exposed. The most clever (and subtly hilarious) part of the ad mentions the toys will come ‘pre-jarred’ – an inside joke for those familiar with internet culture, and a detail the writer found delightfully surprising.

1. “Humanity is the Real Kryptonite”

Gerry Dugan and Tony Moore, who previously worked together on Deadpool, team up again for what might be the best Superman story in MAD About DC. Titled “Humanity is the Real Kryptonite,” this short, three-page comic offers a humorous look at Superman’s life and challenges. Every panel is packed with clever jokes, from Superman playfully pointing out that his writers often lack hair to a self-deprecating comment about the financial flop of the “Death of Superman” comics. It’s clear Dugan and Moore had a blast creating this story, and it’s refreshingly funny to see Superman be a little self-critical.

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2026-04-05 16:41