5 Unbelievable Superman Covers That Will Shock You

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Superman is often considered the greatest superhero of all time, but his comic book history includes some surprisingly strange and memorable cover art. Most comic fans recognize the image from Action Comics #1 of Superman lifting a car, but that’s just one example. Covers like Superman #75 and All-Star Superman #1 are also well-known. However, some Superman covers are famous – or perhaps infamous – for what they actually show.

As a lifelong Superman fan, I’ve read a lot of his comics. And honestly? Some of the older cover art is…weird. Like, really weird. I’m talking about things like that cover for Action Comics #593 where Clark Kent is kissing Big Barda while Mister Miracle just stands there looking helpless! Or Action Comics #289, where Superman’s hugging a woman who looks exactly like Supergirl. Don’t get me wrong, there’s tons of amazing Superman artwork out there, but if you’re curious about some of the most surprisingly strange covers, you might want to keep reading.

5. Action Comics #593

Honestly, this comic book cover just feels…wrong. It’s disturbing enough to see Superman kissing Big Barda with Mister Miracle looking on, but the story behind it makes it even worse. A villain named Sleez is controlling them both, forcing them to make a porno so he can fund an army to fight Darkseid. The idea of Superman being with another hero’s partner, with neither of them consenting, is really unsettling.

4. Action Comics #289

The cover of Action Comics #289 features Superman with a new character, Luma Lynai, and while the image itself isn’t too strange, the context is definitely odd. Supergirl chimes in, pointing out Luma’s resemblance to an older version of herself – a completely unnecessary and unsettling observation. The story then takes another weird turn with Superman mentioning Kryptonian laws against marrying cousins. It’s hard to figure out what the writers were aiming for with these choices, and frankly, it’s a little disturbing.

3. Action Comics #466

Lex Luthor is known for being cunning, but just how far does his villainy go? Action Comics #466 explores this by showing Lex turning DC’s heroes into children. After easily defeating Batman and the Flash, he attacks Superman – or, in this case, a younger Superboy. Lex doesn’t hold back, delivering a full-force punch to the inexperienced hero. The story later reveals this was all an illusion created through hypnosis. While it’s not shocking that Lex would attack a child, it’s surprising that DC Comics approved this cover image without question.

2. Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #106

The comic Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #106 attempted a progressive and understanding story, but it didn’t quite land. Inspired by John Howard Griffin’s Black Like Me, Lois asks Superman to use his powers to transform her into a Black woman. While the intention – for Lois to gain a better understanding – is clear, the idea of her pretending to be another race feels deeply uncomfortable. It’s easy to see why this cover is often cited as one of the most problematic in Superman history, despite potentially good intentions.

1. Action Comics #58

Even a beloved character like Superman isn’t safe from having his image misused. An old issue of Action Comics #58 shows Superman printing flyers to promote war bonds, but the posters contained hurtful and prejudiced imagery of Japanese people. While attitudes were different back then, that doesn’t excuse it. Superman is meant to represent our highest ideals and fight against prejudice, so it’s disappointing to see him featured in something that promotes division instead of unity.

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2026-02-19 23:42