8 Handpicked All Time Best Superman Comics

You have seen Superman in various mediums. Arguably, the most popular superhero of our time has become a standard for all over-powered characters in the comics world.

Today, amidst all superhero buzz, Superman is sometimes dismissed as a superhero who is too strong, too heroic, or too good. When you think about it, this leads to people imagining evil Superman versions - The Homelander, Omni-man, the evil kid from the movie Brightburn, and even an actual evil Superman!

However, true fans of Superman know that he is not about strength or superpowers but the character. That's why it's important that you read the essential Superman comic books to understand the Man of Steel.

Here are our 8 Handpicked All-Time Best Superman comics that you must read.

All-Star Superman (2005)

The story arc of All-Star Superman beautifully captures the true essence of the character. The story digs down Superman's character and what he feels about humans and earth.

Lex Luthor hatches a plot that increases Superman's powers but leaves the Man of Steel with just one year to live! There's a lot in this story arc - from time travelling to fighting an evil star and a chance to witness that Superman's best superpower is his compassion.

If you are looking for a great Superman story, then this is a perfect choice. All-Star Superman is written by Grant Morrison.

Kingdom Come (1996)

Kingdom Come is a special Superman story with Alex Ross' breathtaking art and an old and mature Justice League. Kingdom Come is a post-apocalyptic story where Superman and others have given up. In their absence, a new ruthless breed of super characters has taken over the world.

It's not just the story that makes this comic book great; it's also the artwork. The art captures every grey strand of hair and wrinkle on the ageing superheroes. Artist Alex Ross and writer Mark Waid created a master comic book story that you must read.

Red Son (2003)

Red Son is an Elseworlds story that imagines Superman not as an American but as a Ukrainian! Superman changes the events of the Cold War. The entire DC universe is re-imagined in this awesome storyline, and DC's main superheroes like Green Lantern and Batman are given fantastic spins.

Lex Luthor shines as America's leader who goes beyond his limits to defeat the communist alien. Red Son tackles almost everything - from politics to the two nations' rivalry.

Batman impresses with his brief but heavy appearance. Arguably, Red Son can qualify as one of the best Batman stories as well.

Red Son is written by Mark Miller.

Secret Identity (2004)

Secret Identity is Clark Kent's story. The story is all about Clark's dilemmas and his life from his school days to adulthood.

Secret Identity puts Clark Kent and Superman side by side and tries to explain and feel an overpowered alien being's struggle and desire to live as a human being.

If you ever thought that you couldn't see more of Clark Kent than Superman, then this is the right Superman story for you.

Experience Clark Kent's life in Secret Identity by Kurt Busiek.

Superman for All Seasons (1998)

Secret Identity deals with Clark Kent's journey from childhood to adulthood; Superman for All Seasons takes it further.

It tells the story through the perspectives of Superman's loved ones, Jonathan Kent, Lana Lang, Lois Lane, and his arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. It explores Clark's transition to Metropolis from Smallville.

Writer Jeph Loeb delivers a beautiful story that shows Superman's doubts, confusions, homesickness, and compassion.

Death of Superman (1992)

Personally, I don't think Death of Superman is a great Superman story, but it is a significant Superman story.

When Death of Superman came out, fans quickly realized it was a cash-grabbing stunt where Superman would die and inevitably would come back. However, it created a historical moment that can still be considered relevant.

The best thing about the storyline was the unstoppable Doomsday.

Death of Superman is written by Dan Jurgens

Brainiac (2009)

Brainiac - the collector of worlds is one of Superman's most iconic and powerful villains. Brainiac is a scientist who travels to collect worlds by shrinking them and preserving them in bottles.

Brainiac ends up creating his clone, who lives on after his death and continues to collect.

Find out what happens when he meets the Kryptonian? Brainiac is written by Geoff Johns.

Superman: Birthright (2003)

Birthright is a miniseries that presents a story from various angles of his mythos. This Superman story was first intended to be non-canon, but due to its immense popularity, it replaced the 1986 John Byrne's origin story of Superman.

Superman: Birthright retells the story of the Kryptonian Kal-El and his journey from a visitor to earth's greatest defender.

Superman: Birthright is written by Mark Waid.