5 Superman Comics to Read If You Loved the Movie

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The latest “Superman” film has made its debut in cinemas, marking the start of James Gunn’s DC Universe, and if you’re reading this piece, it’s likely that you shared my enthusiasm for the movie. The film portrayed Superman as a beacon of kindness and hope amidst a world that appeared to discard such ideals, while also featuring a brilliantly mad Lex Luthor who would go to extreme lengths to seek revenge on Superman. This type of storytelling remains timelessly significant and entertaining, leaving me yearning for more of the same. If you’re searching for Superman comics to bridge the gap left by the movie, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are five Superman comic books that capture the same essence as the “Superman” film. If you found the movie captivating, these comics are certain to at least pique your interest.

1) Superman: Birthright

The twelve-issue comic series, titled “Birthright,” narrates a fresh take on Superman’s beginnings, beginning with his parents sending him from Krypton and emphasizing his choice to become Superman and his initial days in Metropolis. This storyline is commonly referred to as the definitive origin of Superman, and it’s not hard to understand why. In this version, the S-crest symbolizes hope and justice for the people of Krypton, and places a strong emphasis on Clark’s aspiration to improve the world.

Initially, the comic follows freelance journalist Clark Kent in Africa, where he encounters and assists an activist named Kobe Asuru, who is making the kind of positive change that Clark aspires to bring to the world. The subsequent issues depict Superman’s introduction in Metropolis, along with his interactions with classic characters like Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. However, what remains consistent throughout is the development of Superman’s character. He emerges as a global citizen, having spent years traversing every corner of the world as a journalist, and seeks to combat social injustices as his primary adversary.

Clark is portrayed as relatable, grappling with issues such as fitting in among those around him and everyday problems like misplaced drycleaning. Just like in the movie, Luthor tries to exploit Superman’s alien heritage to turn public opinion against him. In response, Superman demonstrates his true humanity.

2) “Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes”

In “Action Comics” issues 858-863, we follow a narrative where the Legion of Super-Heroes, an intergalactic team from the 31st century, seek help from Superman due to a crisis in their future. These young heroes admire and mimic Superman’s deeds, even incorporating him as a member when he was still Superboy on Earth. However, this particular story finds them seeking Superman’s aid because they’ve been accused of deceiving the people by claiming Superman is an alien, inciting a violent uprising against all extraterrestrials. Superman travels to the future to clear his name and prove that compassion doesn’t discriminate based on origin.

In this tale, one of the most moving Superman moments occurs when he dismantles a truck to rescue wrongfully imprisoned aliens. Superman embodies support for all people regardless of their planetary background. The story delicately addresses the destructive power of prejudice, demonstrating how it can lead individuals to believe that cruelty towards others based on trivial differences like birthplace and species is acceptable. But once again, Superman serves as an inspiring example, showing everyone that empathy and tolerance are the paths to progress.

3) Superman Smashes the Klan

Discussing themes of compassion and inclusion, the comic “Superman Smashes the Klan” beautifully embodies these values. Inspired by the 1940s radio series “The Adventures of Superman,” this graphic novel revolves around a narrative that highlights the immigrant journey inherent in Superman’s background. In the post-World War II era of 1946, it follows Roberta and Tommy Lee, newly settled Chinese-American residents in Metropolis, who face hostility from the Ku Klux Klan. As Superman grapples with his own identity, he steps forward to protect the family and deals blows against racism concurrently. This story delves into two key aspects of Superman, namely his battle against social injustice and his extraterrestrial roots that make him an immigrant.

The comic is remarkable for several reasons: firstly, the radio series on which it’s based had a significant impact, causing a substantial drop in Klan membership when initially released. This book commemorates this historical event while also emphasizing the ongoing necessity to combat such bigotry. Secondly, despite its weighty themes, the comic remains an engaging and entertaining read, rather than wallowing in despair. It is both a delightful comic book adventure and a poignant commentary on bigotry.

In conclusion, this is a captivating and essential read for everyone. The artwork is exceptional, with each panel brimming with emotion and the Superman design being nothing short of outstanding. The traditional yellow crest adds a classic touch, while the black crest in future or past stories complements the narrative flawlessly and looks sleek and clean.

4) “Warworld Saga”

The “Warworld Saga” is a grand narrative that surpasses the magnitude of most Superman tales ever penned. Upon discovering that an offshoot of Kryptonians, called Phaelosians, are enslaved by Mongul on his battleground planet named Warworld, Superman decides he can no longer turn a blind eye to this inhumane reality. He assembles a team and after delegating Earth’s protection to his son Jon, they embark on a mission to liberate every captive under Mongul’s control. However, upon their arrival, they find that Mongul has prepared for them, having installed red sun generators to weaken Superman’s powers. Superman is apprehended and compelled to engage in gladiatorial death matches, yet he never loses his optimism. He fights relentlessly to free everyone from captivity, earning the moniker ‘Unbloodied Sword’ due to his unwillingness to take lives.

Superman finds himself powerless and held as a slave for Mongul’s entertainment, but he continues to fight, instilling hope in those around him. He offers hope to individuals who have never known it before, and together they ignite a revolution to save everyone. This story showcases Superman at his finest and most inspiring, encapsulating the depth of his compassion for every life. I wholeheartedly recommend this tale and consider it an unmissable epic if you wish to witness Superman combat corruption with unwavering integrity.

5) Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor

In this three-part Elseworlds tale, we delve deep into Superman’s character as well as the intricate yet elementary bond between him and Lex Luthor. When Lex accidentally contracts a disease from Kryptonite, he turns to the wealthiest individual, who happens to be Superman. While Lex knows that Superman won’t stand idly by while someone is dying, he uses this opportunity to tarnish Superman’s reputation. Throughout their journey across time and space, they encounter individuals who urge Superman to let Lex perish, but his compassionate nature compels him to help. Meanwhile, Lex witnesses the profound influence Superman has on people, despite his attempts to harm him.

The narrative also highlights their friendship in Smallville, where Clark attempted to reach out to a young Lex who saw the world as an adversary. It portrays Lex as both a malevolent antagonist and a pitiable man, causing Superman to ponder if Lex could have been good-hearted with a friend. By the story’s end, they discover that their ordeal was part of a sinister plan by an even more wicked Superman foe, forcing both characters to make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good.

If you’re seeking a tale where Lex embodies his movie persona of pettiness and envy, this story is your best bet. For it showcases the petulant, ungrateful, yet brilliantly cunning manchild that Lex becomes in this alternate reality.

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2025-07-13 23:40