Superman, debuting in 1938, is widely considered the original superhero. He first appeared in Action Comics #1, and quickly gained enough popularity to warrant his own self-titled comic a year later. Since then, there have been countless attempts to relaunch his story with new ‘first issues.’ These initial issues are crucial for any comic, as they need to attract readers and keep them engaged. Looking back at Superman’s long history, it’s clear that his early issues were incredibly successful at capturing fans’ imaginations and building a loyal following.
Not all first issues of a comic are great, but a few truly shine. While not every Superman #1 is a masterpiece, seven of them are exceptional – they perfectly capture everything a first issue should, making them the very best.
7) Superman (Vol. 4) #1
DC Rebirth was a major restart for the DC Universe, launched in response to the mixed reception of the New 52. It started strong with the first issue of Superman (Vol. 4), written by Pete Tomasi and Patrick Gleason. This issue reintroduced the classic version of Superman, his wife Lois Lane, and their son Jon, establishing the family’s new normal. The story was well-received by fans and also hinted at mysteries surrounding Jon’s developing powers. It was a truly excellent first issue that set a positive tone for the Rebirth era.
6) Superman and the Authority #1
Grant Morrison is considered one of the best writers to ever tackle Superman, and they fittingly ended their full-time comic book work with a series starring the iconic hero. The first issue of Superman and the Authority, with art by Mikel Janin, features a vulnerable Superman rescuing his foe, Manchester Black, from the authorities. He then explains the true nature of his abilities and the two join forces to revive the Authority team. While not filled with constant action, the comic is captivating thanks to Morrison’s deep understanding of the characters and their engaging conversations. Combined with Janin’s beautiful artwork, it’s a fantastic first issue that will leave readers eager for more.
5) Kingdom Come #1
As a huge comic book fan, I can tell you that Kingdom Come is truly something special – one of the best ever made. This story, by Mark Waid and Alex Ross, imagines a future for the DC universe, but at its heart, it’s all about Superman. And this first issue really shows you why! It’s Superman’s choices – what he does and what he doesn’t do – that drive everything. You can just feel how much Waid and Ross adore Kal-El, and it makes for a fantastic read. It perfectly sets up the story and leaves you wanting more – honestly, it’s a near-perfect start!
4) Superman (Vol. 6) #1
DC Comics is currently surpassing Marvel, and the latest Superman series (Volume 6) is a major reason why. From the very first issue, it’s been consistently one of DC’s best titles, launching a fresh direction for the character. The series, written by Josh Williamson and illustrated by Jamal Campbell, introduces a bold new development: Superman taking control of Lex Luthor’s wealth and establishing SuperCorp. It also features compelling new villains like Graft and Doctor Pharm, alongside classic foes such as the Parasite and Livewire. The book is exceptional on all fronts, with Campbell’s stunning artwork elevating Williamson’s writing to another level.
3) All-Star Superman #1
Many fans and critics consider All-Star Superman, a 12-issue series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, to be the best Superman comic ever created. The story begins with a crisis caused by Lex Luthor during Superman’s mission to the Sun, which he bravely resolves. The first issue quickly establishes the core idea of the series – Superman discovering he’s been given a fatal illness – and showcases the incredible character development that makes this story so special. Morrison and Quitely truly deliver a landmark issue that’s become a classic in the comic book industry.
2) Action Comics (Vol. 1) #1
With the release of Action Comics #1, the modern superhero comic was born. Though characters like Zorro and the Phantom appeared earlier, Superman uniquely combined existing ideas to create something new. This iconic issue not only introduced Superman, thanks to creators Joe Siegel and Jerry Shuster, but also established the core elements of his character. It even featured the debut of Zatara, Zatanna’s father! While it might seem simple by today’s standards, Action Comics #1 remains a fantastic introduction to the world’s most famous hero.
1) Action Comics (Vol. 2) #1
While DC’s New 52 reboot didn’t fully succeed, especially with Superman, Grant Morrison and Rags Morales’s run on Action Comics was a definite highlight. The first issues of this series were among the first released as part of the New 52, offering readers a fresh origin story for Superman and a glimpse of the revamped DC Universe. Morrison brilliantly updated the classic “man of the people” themes from Superman’s early days for a modern audience, carefully setting up the overarching story. Morrison is arguably the best modern Superman writer, and that talent shines through immediately with a vibrant and energetic young Clark Kent. Combined with Rags Morales’s stunning artwork, this comic is a treat for both the eyes and the mind.
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2026-04-21 17:13