10 Superman Stories We Need to Talk About More

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Superman stands out as the most impactful character created in the 20th century. His influence is unmatched – every superhero who followed owes a debt to his legacy. Iconic stories like “Death of Superman,” “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?,” and All-Star Superman are particularly famous and demonstrate his lasting importance. But beyond these well-known tales, countless other stories have contributed to making Superman the legend he is today.

At 88 years old, this creator has a wealth of incredible stories, many of which fans haven’t discovered. Some of these hidden gems are just as good as the popular ones and deserve more attention. Here are ten Superman stories that don’t get the recognition they deserve.

10) “House of Brainiac”

Brainiac, one of Superman’s oldest foes, often takes a backseat to Lex Luthor, but he’s been incredibly important to Superman’s history. Recently, in 2024’s “House of Brainiac” storyline by Joshua Williamson and team, he became a major threat again. The story featured a full-scale attack on Metropolis with an army of Czarnians – the race of Lobo – and involved the kidnapping of members from both the Super family and the Luthor family. It’s packed with exciting action, constantly escalating tension, and a conclusion that ties into the year’s biggest DC event, Absolute Power, while also significantly altering the dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor. It’s a fantastic story and a highlight of Joshua Williamson’s impressive work on the Superman comics.

9) Superman and the Authority

Grant Morrison, widely considered one of the best writers to ever work on DC Comics, recently concluded his full-time comic book career with All-Star Superman. This four-issue story, a truly exceptional piece of work, depicts Superman facing the loss of his powers and assembling a new team to fight injustice while he still can. Featuring art by Mikel Janin, Talent Foreman, and Fico Ossio, the story cleverly highlights two of Superman’s lesser-known enemies, making it a fitting and fantastic end to a legendary career.

8) DC Comics Presents Annual #1

The first issue of DC Comics Presents Annual, created by Marv Wolfman and Richard Buckler, is a straightforward and enjoyable comic book. As DC Comics Presents was known for bringing heroes together, this annual features the Supermen from two different Earths – Earth-One and Earth-Two – joining forces to stop their respective Luthors in a scheme that spans multiple universes. It’s a classic team-up story, showcasing what many consider the definitive version of Superman – the Earth-Two hero. The story even ventures to Earth-Three, introducing its sole protector. It’s a self-contained, exciting adventure that would feel like a major event comic if released today.

7) Dark Crisis: Worlds Without a Justice League: Superman #1

Many fans overlook Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, particularly those who didn’t read all the related stories. A highlight of the event was the Dark Crisis: Worlds Without a Justice League series of one-shots, which explored the alternate Earths where Pariah trapped the Justice League to steal their powers after seemingly killing them. The Superman issue, crafted by Tom King and Chris Burnham, beautifully depicted Superman and Lois Lane raising their son, Jon, and guiding him as he learned to control his abilities, understand his limits, and navigate the boundaries his parents set for his own safety. It’s a deeply moving and well-written story that foreshadows a key element of the overall Dark Crisis plot. This comic is exceptional and highly recommended for any Superman enthusiast.

6) “The Supergirl From Krypton”

The early 2000s were an exciting period for DC Comics fans, as the publisher began revisiting characters and concepts from its pre-Crisis era. A key part of this was bringing back the original Supergirl, Kara Zor-El. Her return unfolded in issues 8-13 of the Superman/Batman series, reintroducing this classic heroine to the DC Universe after a long absence. The story, crafted by Jeph Loeb and the incredibly talented Michael Turner, was full of both compelling characters and thrilling action – a fitting comeback for such a popular DC icon. While it leans into a slightly pin-up style, which was characteristic of Turner’s work, it remains a standout story.

5) “The Golden Age”

Phillip Kennedy Johnson began writing Action Comics in 2021 and quickly became known for his impressive take on Superman, culminating in the acclaimed “Warworld Saga.” From the very start, his run on the title was exceptional, and the two-issue story “The Golden Age” hinted at the great things to come. This story sees Superman and his son, Jon, responding to an alien invasion, but these aliens pose a unique threat – they can actually harm Superman, who has been experiencing a decline in his powers. Beyond the action, it’s a heartfelt story about the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, beautifully illustrated by Phil Hester, who delivers both powerful emotional moments and exciting action sequences.

4) “This Is Your Life”

Fans believed the original Superman, from Earth-Two, met his end during the 1985 event Crisis on Infinite Earths. But he surprisingly returned in Infinite Crisis, becoming a key player in the story. The storyline, “This Is Your Life,” crafted by a team of talented writers and artists including Jeph Loeb, Joe Kelly, and Jerry Ordway, spanned several issues of Superman, Action Comics, and Adventures of Superman. It explored the character’s past, revealing the deception he faced from Alexander Luthor of Earth-Three. This story is a fantastic introduction to the classic Man of Steel, created by some of the best in the business, and deserves recognition.

3) Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds

Geoff Johns and George Perez’s Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds was a thrilling story that united three different versions of the Legion of Superheroes – a team that now has six distinct iterations, compared to just three twenty years ago – alongside Superman. They faced off against the powerful Superboy-Prime and the Legion of Supervillains in a large-scale, action-packed adventure. This comic delivers a truly epic story filled with memorable moments from two legendary creators. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Superman or the Legion’s history, you’re sure to enjoy it.

2) DC Comics Presents #85

Alan Moore is considered one of the best comic book writers ever, and his two most famous Superman stories, “The Man Who Had Everything” and “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?”, are still discussed today. But there’s another Superman story he wrote – DC Comics Presents #85, called “The Jungle Line,” with art by Rick Veitch – that deserves more recognition. In it, Clark Kent investigates a meteorite that crashes in Metropolis, carrying alien life. He becomes infected with a Kryptonian disease that drives him to the brink of madness, leading him to a meeting with a powerful, mystical entity known as the Avatar of the Green in Houma, Louisiana. This story is a shining example of Moore’s effortless talent and creates a truly timeless Superman tale.

1) Superman: Space Age

Mark Russell and Mike & Laura Allred’s Superman: Space Age is a truly exceptional Superman story that deserves more attention. This three-issue series reimagines the beginning of Superman and the DC hero universe in the 1960s, charting their adventures in a new era. It’s a story with a deep understanding of Superman’s character and motivations, getting right to the core of who he is. The second issue is a particular standout, raising the stakes and cleverly referencing a beloved classic DC tale. It’s a beautifully crafted story – a perfect blend of writing and art – that more fans should experience.

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2026-03-20 23:15