10 Best Superman Covers That Changed Comic History

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Superman is arguably the most influential character in comic book history. Although comics existed before his creation, his immense popularity played a key role in ensuring the medium’s survival. Throughout the years, Superman’s popularity has fluctuated, but he remains a central figure for DC Comics. Many legendary comic creators have contributed to the character’s stories, resulting in iconic moments that have profoundly impacted the world of comics. Ultimately, Superman helped transform superheroes and comics into the powerful cultural force they are today, and his visual design has been particularly significant to the art form.

Comic book covers are essential for attracting readers and driving sales, and Superman has consistently had some of the most iconic and impactful covers of all time. Here are ten Superman covers that are particularly striking and influential in the world of comics.

10) New York World’s Fair Comics #2

Superman and Batman are considered the greatest superhero team, and they helped define what team-up comics could be. For nearly a century, fans have enjoyed stories featuring the pair, starting with their first appearance together decades ago. Their initial cover appearance was in 1940’s New York World’s Fair Comics #2, illustrated by Jack Burnley, alongside Robin. This marked the beginning of countless team-up comics and shared covers, all stemming from that first collaboration.

9) Action Comics #1

Superman has had many memorable moments, but the cover of Action Comics #1, created by Joe Shuster and Jack Adler, is arguably the most important. This image launched the very first superhero and remains one of the most recognizable pieces of art from the 20th century. It was unlike anything audiences had ever seen, instantly drawing readers in to learn about the man in the blue, yellow, and red suit. Author Grant Morrison analyzed what makes this cover so effective in their book SuperGods, highlighting its composition and how perfectly it introduces the superhero concept. Even a quick look at the cover reveals why it was so impactful – it’s a lasting piece of pop culture that will always resonate with fans.

8) Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #115

From the late 1950s to the early 1970s, a unique era in comic book history saw a surprisingly mischievous Superman. Comics from this period, often called the Silver and early Bronze Age, frequently depicted Superman playfully tormenting and tricking characters like Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Perry White, and Lana Lang. While many covers showcased this behavior, Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #115 is the most famous example. The cover, illustrated by the renowned Neal Adams, shows Superman threatening to dump water on Jimmy Olsen and Aquaman – a brilliant and iconic image that perfectly captures the essence of this playfully mean-spirited Superman.

7) Superman (Vol. 1) #125

Superman #125 is a truly iconic comic book cover, instantly recognizable to fans. Illustrated by Curt Swan and Stan Kaye, it depicts Superman demonstrating a new ability, drawing amazed reactions from the people below. It’s the perfect Superman cover – showcasing the hero at his best with a dynamic and eye-catching image that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. This classic cover has become a beloved and significant piece of Superman’s history.

6) Action Comics (Vol. 1) #538

The comic book event Crisis on Infinite Earths dramatically reshaped DC Comics, bringing an end to the decades-long practice of having multiple universes. As part of this event, writer Alan Moore was chosen to pen what was considered the final Superman story, resulting in the acclaimed issue, “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?”. Action Comics #538 (Vol. 1) featured a cover by Curt Swan, Murphy Anderson, and Anthony Tollin, and it marked the last appearance of the classic Superman design that had graced covers since 1956. Many consider this cover to be a masterpiece, beautifully capturing the poignant feeling of this historic moment in comics, and it carries a significance that extends far beyond what most readers appreciate.

5) All-Star Superman #10

Many consider All-Star Superman to be the definitive Superman comic. Created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, this 12-issue series is a fan favorite from the last two decades, with stunning covers by Quitely and Jamie Grant. Issue #10 features a particularly iconic cover: a simple yet powerful image of Superman gently holding the Earth in his hands. It perfectly captures the essence of the character, conveying everything you need to know about Superman and the story within a single, meaningful picture.

4) Superman Annual #10

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, the creators of the highly acclaimed comic Watchmen, previously collaborated on a beloved Superman Annual story. Issue #11 pitted Superman against the villain Mongul and a deadly plant called the Black Mercy, which offers its victims their heart’s desire before killing them. Widely considered a classic Superman tale, it features a now-iconic cover by Dave Gibbons. The cover’s masterful composition has cemented its place as one of the greatest in comic book history.

3) Action Comics (Vol. 1) #252

Supergirl is a truly significant character in the history of DC Comics. She first appeared in Action Comics #252, with a memorable cover by Curt Swan and Al Plastino (many consider Swan the best artist to depict Superman and his world during that era). The cover itself is a classic – a simple yet powerful image of the two heroes and a rocket – and perfectly introduces the new character. Supergirl quickly became popular and paved the way for a new wave of female heroes in the comic book industry. This cover is considered one of the greatest of all time, marking the beginning of her legacy.

2) Superman (Vol. 2) #75

The “Death of Superman” storyline was incredibly impactful, and it culminated in the iconic cover of Superman (Vol. 2) #75, created by Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding. Interestingly, two different versions of this cover were released. One, sold in newsstands, showed Superman’s torn cape blowing in the wind with his friends mourning. The other, available in comic book stores, featured a polybag with a bleeding Superman logo and a cover depicting his gravestone. Both covers perfectly represented the event, but the newsstand version is the more widely recognized and remains a powerful image for many fans, capturing the essence of this classic Superman moment.

1) All-Star Superman #1

The cover of All-Star Superman #1, created by Frank Quitely and Jamie Grant, is considered one of the most recognizable and definitive images of Superman ever made. It’s become the standard many people use when picturing the hero. The image of Superman sitting on a cloud overlooking Metropolis, gazing directly at the reader, is simply perfect. It’s hard to explain why it works so well – it just does. For many fans, All-Star Superman is a favorite Superman story, and this cover perfectly captures the essence of the Last Son of Krypton.

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2026-01-13 17:14