The 10 Best Superman Stories In DC Comics History

Superman is arguably the most influential character in comic book history. Although characters like Batman, Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Iron Man might be more well-known today, Superman paved the way for all of them. He fundamentally changed storytelling and popular culture. Throughout the years, Superman has adapted to reflect changing times, but his central themes – a selfless immigrant dedicated to protecting his new home and the world – have remained constant. Every Superman story, even the less successful ones, offers something enjoyable, often simply because of the hero himself.

For nearly nine decades, DC Comics has been home to incredible superhero stories, and some of the most memorable have starred Superman. There’s a special quality to stories about the Man of Steel, and his very best adventures rank among the greatest ever told. Here are ten of the best Superman stories in DC Comics history – stories that truly stand out.

10) “Warworld Saga”

While recent Superman stories have had their moments, “Warworld Saga” truly captivated readers. It arrived at a crucial time, as the previous run on Superman and Action Comics had lost momentum. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson revitalized the series with this epic storyline, collaborating with artists Daniel Sampere, Riccardo Federici, Dale Eaglesham, Fico Ossio, and others. The story follows a vulnerable Superman leading a team—his version of the Authority—to Warworld to liberate the planet from Mongul. It’s a compelling narrative that brilliantly utilizes the core themes of Superman, delivering everything fans could hope for and more.

9) Superman and the Authority

Grant Morrison is a major talent at DC Comics, and their Superman stories are particularly strong. They first demonstrated their skill with the character in JLA, and have been invited back to write Superman many times since. Their recent miniseries, Superman and the Authority, with art by Mikel Janin, Fico Ossio, Travel Foreman, and Evan Cagle, was initially presented as Morrison’s final DC project (though they’ve returned twice!). It follows a vulnerable Superman as he creates a new team, the Authority, to aid him in a last stand against two of his most compelling, but often overlooked, foes – making for a truly epic adventure.

8) Superman Annual #11

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, the creative team behind Watchmen, also crafted a truly exceptional Superman story. In Superman Annual #11, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Robin travel to the Fortress of Solitude to celebrate Superman’s birthday, only to find him trapped by the Black Mercy – a dangerous plant given to him by the alien warlord Mongul. This plant offers its victims their deepest desires before ultimately killing them. While the heroes fight Mongul, Superman battles his own internal struggles, realizing his seemingly perfect life isn’t as ideal as he thought. This self-contained story is a masterpiece, showcasing Moore and Gibbons at their best and delivering exactly what fans expect from such a talented team. It also features one of the most iconic battles in comic book history, solidifying its well-deserved reputation as a classic.

7) “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?”

The comic book event Crisis on Infinite Earths marked the end of an era for DC Comics, and writer Alan Moore jokingly insisted on writing Superman’s final story—a request he playfully ‘acted out’ on DC editor Paul Levitz, as Levitz later shared. Moore collaborated with acclaimed artists George Perez and Curt Swan to create “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” The story is framed as Lois Lane recounting Superman’s last days to a reporter. As Superman faces increasingly brutal attacks that expose his secret identity, he brings his loved ones to the Fortress of Solitude, leading to a final, deadly confrontation. This story beautifully concludes 30 years of Superman adventures, blending Moore’s contemporary style with the classic Silver Age aesthetic perfectly captured by Swan’s exceptional artwork.

6) “Death of Superman”

You might think no Superman story could compare to the work of Alan Moore, and that’s understandable. However, few comics are as significant as “Death of Superman.” This story, created by Dan Jurgens and a team of talented artists, fully achieves its goals and does so with skill. It brilliantly captures the intensity and drama of Superman’s battle with Doomsday, and the artwork and writing are surprisingly strong. While it’s essentially a powerful fight, it’s also a deeply emotional experience that resonated with readers in a way few comics had before.

5) “Superman and the Legion of Superheroes”

Superman’s history with the Legion of Superheroes was crucial for both groups, but the Crisis on Infinite Earths event ended that connection, significantly harming the Legion. After Infinite Crisis, DC Comics reintroduced their relationship, launching a new era with the story “Superman and the Legion of Superheroes” by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. The story begins with Superman being transported to the future by Dawnstar and Wildfire, where he discovers his friends have been overcome by a new Justice League. They believe he’s the only one who can save the 31st century. This story brilliantly blends classic superhero concepts with a modern approach. Geoff Johns delivers some of his best Superman writing here, and Gary Frank’s artwork is exceptional. Many consider this story a masterpiece, and few stories can compare to its quality.

4) “Last Son”

Geoff Johns brought together his mentor, the legendary Superman director Richard Donner (considered by many to be the best alongside James Gunn), to create a definitive version of the Superman vs. Zod story, titled “Last Son.” Artist Adam Kubert joined them on the project. The story centers around a Kryptonian boy arriving on Earth, drawing Superman into a battle with Lex Luthor and his team dedicated to defeating him, as well as the classic villains General Zod, Ursa, and Non, along with criminals from the Phantom Zone. Essentially, it’s the Superman II film Richard Donner always wanted to make, with no budget limitations, and delivers everything fans could hope for. However, the true standout is Adam Kubert’s artwork. He delivers exceptional visuals on every page, creating what many consider to be his best work yet.

3) Action Comics (Vol. 2) #0-19

Despite often being overlooked, the New 52 era of DC Comics has a lot to offer, and Grant Morrison’s run on Action Comics is a prime example. Morrison was given the opportunity to reimagine Superman’s origins, and brilliantly returned the character to his classic role as a hero of the everyday person. Collaborating with a team of talented artists including Rags Morales, Andy Kubert, Ben Oliver, Gene Ha, and Travel Foreman, Morrison crafted a continuous story throughout their 19 issues. This story features a unique villain operating outside of normal time, determined to defeat Superman. It’s a single, complex narrative filled with Morrison’s signature twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and anticipating the next reveal. This run truly showcases Superman at his best, with exceptional writing and stunning artwork.

2) Superman: Up in the Sky

Tom King and Andy Kubert’s Superman: Up in the Sky is a standout title. The story centers on Superman venturing into space after an alien attack, driven by a promise to save a young girl. It’s a surprisingly profound exploration of Superman’s character and his worldview. Few anticipated how excellent this book would be. King demonstrates a complete understanding of Superman, delivering a definitive portrayal, beautifully realized through Kubert’s stunning artwork. It’s an emotionally resonant story and a perfect example of creators perfectly in sync with their vision.

1) All-Star Superman

Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman is widely considered a landmark achievement. In my opinion, it’s not only the greatest Superman story ever told, but the best superhero story, full stop. The story begins with Superman undertaking a dangerous mission to the sun, a trap set by Lex Luthor, which results in a fatal diagnosis. Facing his own mortality, Superman dedicates himself to improving the world before he’s gone. The resulting narrative beautifully blends elements from every era of the character, offering a definitive statement on who Superman truly is. Morrison and Quitely truly excel here, pushing the characters in exciting new directions. While it’s become common to call this the best Superman story, there’s a good reason for that – it’s the one most fans and critics agree on.

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2025-11-29 23:18