The Best Superman Comics for New Readers

[@troyoboyo17]

What’s your favorite Superman story that I didn’t mention here?

[@tate_cockman]

i want you to know that you have become one of my favorite youtubers simply because of you’re prewrites and rewrites. i love the other stuff as well but as a writer who has prewritten many marvel movies, I LOVE YOU. no homo ofc

[@felipedias3229]

I know Jeph Loeb isn't a great person in real life (btw learned about it in your the batman 2 video) but Superman For All Seasons is straight up beautiful.

[@felipedias3229]

Kingdom Come and Red Son are amazing, but I'm fed up with Superman building gulags.

[@MrPjw5]

“Superman: Peace on Earth”, by Paul Dini and Alex Ross.

[@aryan7767]

Bro no need to say ‘no homo’. There is more than one form of love.

[@firstlast9846]

*People who say Superman is boring* are usually people who just watch comic book movies and nothing else… the character - is on par with Spider-Man - in terms of wholesomeness and character depth.

[@brownjordan0523]

PREACH!!!

[@Jondoe297..]

Fr

[@shahanahsan05]

That's church

[@brysonadams8065]

I used to not like him but I’m into Superman and supergirl right now

[@Mr_Chip69]

Got a point but I still think he character is a little bit boring at times mainly bc how op his powers are and that’s why there’s no games of him but he does have some great comics

[@milkiassamuel780]

Superman is the character that taught me to always keep hope and even now during some of most terrifying and darkest moments of my life, I still look up to Superman as he taught me to keep on going. To all those who call him boring and don't understand Superman, I would highly recommend these stories.

[@Comicbroe405]

I literally agree with everything said! He's such a cool character & it's sad to see so many misconceptions around him.

[@suto5704]

Great comment

[@angelofdarkness243]

My parents are divorced, and My mother had been ill for a long time. My mother has schizophrenia, and recently she had been diagnosed with cancer, but thank god she is doing ok now. I never knew about Clark Kent until I saw the tv show Smallville and the beautiful movie Man of Steel. I knew nothing about Clark's life but when I started watching Smallville, Clark's life story and struggles Inspired me so much. He really gave me hope, and inspiration to do good. To spread peace, and justice as much as I can. Watching Clark's Life, and how his parents, Ma and Pa Kent raised him with such strong morals felt like someone is teaching me these precious morals. Clark's Life gave me the lesson that, "It's not about the powers, but the heart that makes Clark, Superman".

[@alancook8734]

No amount of hate will ever erase the fact that Superman is a timeless character. I will always love Superman and will forever be fascinated by him

[@fionn_mac_ribs]

Another pick should be Superman For All Seasons by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, the guys behind Batman: The Long Halloween, Spider-Man: Blue and a bunch of other great stuff. The book opens up with Clark In his senior year of high school, summer nearing. Clark is depicted as a very quiet and a very kind boy. It’s already established that he’s aware that he’s not human and that he has powers. The first issue shows his life in Smallville, being soft on Lana Lang, saving people from tornados, and worrying about what comes next after high school. The first issue ends with him saying his goodbyes to his parents and leaves to study in Metropolis. The story then moves on, Clark’s older and works at the Daily Planet, and is in his first year as Superman. The second issue opens up with a narration by Lois Lane where she calls Superman “too good to be true” and rants about how infuriating Superman’s existence is. Lex’s hatred of Superman is established, and it’s petty as shit. Lex is willing to create and spread a virus across Metropolis just to make Superman believe he was the original carrier and convincing him to quit being Superman. There are some fantastic moments in this book. The “my mom made my costume for me” originates from this book. There’s a scene where Lois is held hostage and Lex says “I can negotiate with anyone, even terrorists!” TLDR; I like Jeph Loeb.

[@mroof1615]

I just started reading Superman: Birthright yesterday and has become one of my favorite comics of all time. It is just such a refreshing and different story, that still stays true to the character.

[@StarJoes]

Superman Birthright is another great choice for new people to jump into. Can’t go wrong with Mark Waid writing a story.

[@MightyAverage]

I am so glad Secret Identity was mentioned. I only read comics every once in a while, but I was up all night reading those. It’s a spectacular story

[@jackdibitetto8490]

Sorry that this is kinda late But I checked out Superman up in the sky from my library and finished it today and it really just moved me, it’s so pure and genuine. Thanks so much for recommending it and I’m going to go on a Superman comics kick now Anyways thanks for being awesome

[@samkaranja5709]

I'd also recommend superman for all season, a truly beautiful and human story about Clark growing and coming into his own as Superman from the perspective of his father, Lois, Lex and Lana. My personal favorite Superman story

[@ericlaskey7729]

For All Seasons I personally think is a great starting point not only cause it sets everything up perfectly but because it was my starting point and I instantaneously fell in love with the character cause of it

[@Park3ro]

I would also definitely say Doomsday Clock. The heart of the story is a love letter to clark and why he he so special. Man , the ending is just what every person should do and should feel about superman after discover his beauty. Oh and some other of my all time favorite are also : For the man who has everything and : What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way?.

[@fangzntalonz]

Doomsday Clock isn’t a good place to start, though.

[@KingKhupacabra]

No not doomsday clock. U have to read watchmen before hand. Come on man. These r beginner books not advanced ones

[@floorboss]

​​@@fangzntalonzSuperman Rebirth is Best for starting new. Although,, The _Superman Batmn_ comic series, is Best over-all! > Read #SuperBat 1-6, 19-24 & Annual 1 first. Then _The Real Super Girl of Steel_ 7-13 & 19 (continues in Supergirl 1-5, vol.4). Then read the _Ethan Van Sciver_ drawn story & up! There's so much in SuperBat. _Search for Kryptonite, Sorcerer Kings,_ Super Bat 50, 78 & 79. Its the Ultimate DC Comic series, w/ THE ULTIMATE COVER LOGO!

[@cubfan0062]

My two favorites: What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way? Then, the Man Of Steel miniseries by John Byrne from the 80’s.

[@galactic85]

No love for Birthright? That's my favorite Superman comic and my go to counterargument when someone says he is a 'boring' character. Glad you included 'Smashes the Klan' though. The unique way that Yang explores Superman's immigrant status in that book is so clever. My favorite line from that book is "I wish it were ok for you to fly."

[@brownjordan0523]

Birthright is definitely a good one.

[@laxmandass6946]

My fav as well.

[@suto5704]

I'll have to check Birthright out

[@Theblackout292]

Birth right is my absolute favorite. Secret origin being a close second!

[@vilstef6988]

In Red and Blue #1, the story Human Colors which is the frame of Red and Blue is one of the most imaginative Superman stories ever. Lots of psychology and what makes us human through the lens of a few critical character. A real must read!

[@TESORO-b1x]

Superman is NEVER boring.

[@bluetarantulaproductions6179]

My favorite Superman stories have to be: - "Superman: Secret Origin" - "Superman: Red Son" - "Superman: Emperor Joker" - "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" - "Death/Return of Superman" (Plus many more)

[@KobytheHero]

Great video, good picks all around. People get so caught up in what Supes CAN do , they lose sight of the importance of what he CHOOSES to do. If I may add to the list, I'd wholeheartedly recommend "Superman For All Seasons", it's a quick four-issue miniseries told from the perspective of various characters in Clark's life. As well, while "It's a Bird..." isn't really a Superman story in the proper sense it's a wonderful, heartfelt book about a writer coming to understand the beauty of the character.

[@jbb15]

Thanks for the recommendation I’ve been trying to read more comics.

[@spencergeorge4077]

I started with the elseworld story "whatever happened to the man of tomorrow." I used to write off superman and his no kill rule as lazy writing and doing the right thing because he's superman, but that story made me realise the power behind his no kill rule. It's not that he won't kill normal people, it's that if he kills anyone he shouldn't be aloud to draw a line anywhere on who he can and can't. I could write about the story for hours but on the off chance you read this I'm gonna tell you to read it yourself

[@Goofguy103]

Man I am not gonna lie, the speech at the end, really got me tearing up there. I wasn’t expecting to have such a strong emotional reaction to a 10 minute KZbin video lol great stuff

[@BucketSentry]

just discovered your channel, been going through your superman content, maaan its so nice hearing someone love superman for just being a nice guy. An aspect that wasn't mentioned but i really like about the character is how he holds back (obviously doesnt always apply to some stories), like a bull in a china store he has to make sure he pulls his punches so he doesnt kill or smash everything in his wake. Even with his worst enemies he tries to be as delicate as he can. When people blab about goku vs superman or hulk vs superman, a real superman fan knows he would go out of his way to not fight them, and hilariously he'd probably befriend both.

[@jimgarcia9824]

I know it's a little too late, however i would like to mention the comic "Superman: Last Son" from 2006, written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner, with art by Adam Kubert. In this story, Superman takes under his wing a young kriptonian boy, who is named Christopher Kent (in honor of the actor Christopher Reeves). It is later discovered that he is the son of General Zod, who returns along with his allies from The Phantom Zone, in order to conquer the earth. This story has a special place in my heart, for many reasons: First, it introduced the possibility of Superman to be mentor. While in the past, he had excellent relationship with others young heroes (like Nightwing and Superboy/Kon-El), this was the first that explored a father-son relationship with Clark as parental figure. Many praise the Tomasi's run (with good reasons) for taking this approach, but this storyline was the first to take the initiative. Secondly, the character of Christopher Kent/Lor-Zod. I know that Jon Kent is more popular and beloved, however i find him as a "Christopher Kent 2.0" with more time to developed and shine. Unfortunately, after this story was completed, (with the exception of the "New Krypton" storyline) DC never used him again, especially after the New 52 reboot. I found this situation frustrating because i think that he was a lot of potential because i found fascinating the fact the choose to be with Superman (despite nor being his father), his harsh backstory (where he was abuse by Zod and Ursa) and, during this time, it was stipulated that Superman couldn´t have children with Lois. With Chris showing up, it was a nice solution to that problem. Also, the possibility of adoption in superheroes comics it would be refreshing and the fact that we don't see this often it is a shame. Finally, with this story it introduced many concepts that that be followed in the future: the return of Zod was something that was lacking in the comics at the time (due editorial wanted superman to be the only kryptonian on earth), it introduced the idea of Clark being a father (something that i find that it is the best idea for the past 20 years) and pushed the notion that Superman could be treated as an immigrant allegory that he would love nothing more that be with more from his specie (like Kara and, in this case, Chris. Anyway, great video and I hope that you read this message and reply. I will be waiting for your next video. Peace

[@ethanhansen1479]

My dad showed my smallville as a kid and the justice league animated show. This was my first introduction to superman and been in love since. My first superman comic was all star superman and man did I love that comic. Still my favorite to this day

[@anarudiaz]

That's how I fell in love with Superman too!

[@KingKhupacabra]

Same here. I’ve always liked superman but like last year or two years ago I was rlly depressed and got into superman. Omg what a character

[@namesarefortheweak]

Im not kidding when i say that this is without a doubt my favorite channel on youtube. Its just so perfect for what i want to listen to and you are just such a radiant and fun person to listen to. If you see this, keep doing what youre doing. Thank you.

[@mischiefman8720]

One of my favorites is Superman: Up in the Sky, by Tom King. It’s a pretty good underrated story, and Tom King really gets the character.

[@chazjohannsen]

I always liked Superman For All Seasons. It’s a nice piece of Americana that returns Clark Kent to his Kansas roots. It humanizes him in such a way that proves despite his superhuman abilities, he is can be vulnerable and human.

[@justdre2692]

Loeb and Landis not with standing 'A Superman for all seasons' and 'american aliens' are my favorites (shout out to 'what's so funny about truth and justice'). Reading comics is just like "oh no the worst person you know wrote something that transformed your life!" Thanks for your picks there's definitely some here I'm going to check out to get back on the supes wagon

[@BloodBathhhh]

Superman is the best superhero of all time physically and mentally bro has all the powers in the world but still pure

[@StarJoes]

Great choices! Love all of those. I would also recommend Superman For All Seasons. I know that’s an obvious choice for many, but it is great for a new person to Superman. I would also recommend Superman Unchained. Great self-contained story with amazing art.

[@suto5704]

Great video. I just picked up Superman Up In The Sky today and I can't wait to read it.

[@matt55800]

My favorite Superman story is Superman For All Seasons, such a great portrayal of the character

[@Joeyz65]

This is the exact video I've been needing!! Thank you for the recommendations!

[@vilstef6988]

Superman is at his best at his most human. Best also when he thinks things out rather than duking it out!

[@bulbafett5787]

I finally started reading comics after the spider-man one you did last time. Please keep doing thease. I'd love to see a green arrow one next

[@Purple_Jay]

As someone who's just getting into comics this video was really helpful! I'd love to see a "Fanboy Writes" story for Superman to see your interpretation of the character.

[@austinsmith8610]

My favorite book concerning Superman is it’s a bird by Steven seagle. It was the first full length comic I read and it’s so captivating on how Superman is more than the boring character I knew him as in the movies I had seen. The art style is also incredible and I’d love to see more people read it

[@dkk730]

Red son is such a good superman story

[@aidenoppie]

I love these types of videos. Thank you for making another one.

[@MattDraper]

This video is super, dude. Wait I messed that up.

[@stupendoushorrendous8258]

Actually, I feel that Superman: Red & Blue, unlike Batman: Black & White, has no misses. I think it's 100% perfect all the way through. That's just me tho.

[@poopooman-q7r]

superman and batman are my 2 favorite superheroes

[@keithyates5808]

Superman: for all seasons is perfect anyone who hasn’t should read it. It’s four issues all in the eyes of a different person in Clark’s life viewing him differently it’s so good

[@jackblack9605]

My go to list for best Superman comics are : 1.Superman Birthright 2.All Star Superman 3.Superman For All Season 4.Superman American Alien 5.Superman Red Son 6.Kingdom Come All good and well told stories that cover everything awesome about Superman. Reading all 6 will make you fall in love with the character

[@invisiblefan2387]

I reallllllly wanna see the CW Superman fight Homelander. It would be so much fun to see Superman be heroic and Homelander feel inferior to him.

[@crashedfilms5720]

THANk YOU. I will check some of these out. I’ve started with the comics suggestions of Spider-Man and Superman Rebirth that you suggested a couple years ago. You are a cool dude. Goodnight Tristate area.

[@megacrashthehedgehog5377]

I don't have a comic recommendation (not technically), but whenever people say that Superman is boring, the movie Superman vs. the Elite, which itself is based on a great comic, is what I always think of ever since I first saw it several years back. The story puts Superman in a situation where he faces the embodiment of the people who say that he's boring, old hat, and that his ways of "no killing" no longer have a place in the world. And yet, despite all the heartache and however many times people tell him that he's a fool, Superman proves why he will not and cannot kill a living being, and that he'll never stop fighting for his dream of a world where, to use clever wordplay, "truth, justice, and the american way" becomes a reality. It's great stories like that that makes me wonder, "when did we become so cynical?"

[@IanMSantos]

There’s some great older stories, too, like John Byrne’s “Man of Steel.” But, man, you sum up Superman so well when you speak to his kindness, and how he inspires people. That’s the reason why the S Shield is known the world over, and that’s ao beautiful to me.

[@ziddydan9584]

Ever since school went out I’ve been binge-reading comics, and thanks to your video on Spider-Man and this one, it was really easy to do so. Love this series, and I think similar videos on Batman, the X-men, and the FF could be awesome

[@darkknight11311]

Superman Earth One is what got me into the character

[@Reynardnoir]

I'd add in here, 'For the Man Who Has Everything' By Alan Moore, 'Must there be a Superman' Elliot S Magin, John Byrne's *classic* run on Superman (this is the Superman still in continuity, fyi - he came to New 52 Earth post Convergence), Superman Beyond by Grant Morrison (and G Moz's run on Action Comics for the New 52 was, of course, great). For more classics, Superman - Exile is about to be re-released, too, and that's a great read. And don't miss the more recent Warworld storyline, it's great.

[@BlaykeWasHereStudiosOfficial]

All Star Superman was my first Superman comic, but I was already familiar with the character from movies and animation

[@pmh6719]

Superman for All Season 👌

[@FriendlyBatDoom]

Batman and Superman are not only the WORLD'S FINEST but also the GOATS OF COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS along with Spider-Man as well.

[@mundanehatred]

I really love Superman earth one, it is a great start for someone getting into superman imo, it has some of my favorite moments in any comic

[@The_coal_mine]

I love Shane Davis's art.

[@randomknowledgeperson2872]

omg i loved this. as a longtime sups fan i totally agreed with this list and yet i’ve never read “up in the sky” so i’ll have to get that. could you do more videos like this for other heroes? i’ve been wanting to start reading wonder woman so could you make this into a series?

[@eliquate]

I was really in to Batman in my early twenties, I was edgy and wanted edgy content. My late 20’s early 30s I loved Spiderman. I was calming down, and just wanted to help people but I was still kind of a mess. Now I’m in my late 30s and a dad and I am all about Superman, because… he’s the best! Ironically I feel like Superman is the most grown up superhero to follow.

[@Joenah5]

The story that taught me to love Superman was American Alien. Also, the Byrne run is great if you want to read more than just modern books.

[@adolfogarzachaires394]

i always understood Superman's symbol and what it meant and i hadn't never even picked a comic book of Superman, moral of the story, some people just get it

[@ltrain7715]

All-Star Superman was a great ending to the Superman saga and a great animated movie

[@rjafa65]

Just spent all night going through Secret Identity after watching this. Got Red and Blue and Up in the Sky in the pipeline. Thank you for the recommendations! Love these types of videos.

[@realjpegmafia]

This video was needed , i'm so tired of people calling supes boring when they definitely haven't seen who superman actually is

[@altothesting]

I’d probably should say that the Seinfeld shirt is probably going to be an unintentional choice since Jerry Seinfeld once did an advertising campaign where Jerry was friends with Superman (who was voiced by Patrick Warburton in those advertisements)

[@youcannowplayasluigi3698]

I’m begging you to do one of these videos for green arrow. After watching your video on him I got curious and binged justice league unlimited and i need more green arrow in my life

[@okayspectre]

Anyone who thinks Superman is boring is tripping and missing out on great stories

[@akwilson1676]

Anyone who thinks Superman is boring have never read a single Superman comic in their life.

[@okayspectre]

@@akwilson1676 or seen any of the DC animated movies/shows

[@akwilson1676]

@@okayspectre Yeah I mean Superman vs The Elite basically tells you everything you need to know about Superman.

[@jefreysanchez4157]

Wow just was wondering which Superman comic to pick up and discover your channel. Honestly after just watching this video I gotta say you’re the best channel/person giving comics recommendations. Keep on doing this type of content, appreciate it a lot!!

[@UnknownJ25]

The rebirth superman book is one of my favorite comics ever. Made me love Superman as a character and bumped up the creative team as my favorites in the business

[@orderlysummit]

I actually read Superman: Secret Identity a few nights ago and it's for sure top notch. Really need to get to Superman Smashes the Klan soon

[@rap3208]

They think Superman is boring because he is too powerful, they don't know that his opponents are a lot more powerful than him.

[@wdcain1]

1) Superman For All Seasons. Lana's speech to Clark in the final actually got me misty-eyes. 2) Birthright. The best modern origin for Clark that shows his humanity in all aspects. 3) Jeph Loeb and Joe Kelley's Superman & Action Comics runs from '99 to '03. 4) Mark Millard's twenty issues from Superman Adventures. Each one is brilliant.

[@dishonesthonest1327]

Gonna put my two sense in here, don’t care what you think about the writer, but American Alien is also a must read in my opinion. It’s a pretty good story about the culture of superman and the mental process of what makes superman who he is. (And there’s technically an unofficial sequel which is pure gold)

[@micheleangepaduano211]

SUPERMAN IS INCREDIBLE ☄️☄️☄️☄️

[@emmamurphy8112]

I can't believe that the first comic that you mentioned was the first Superman comic that I ever read (and the only one)😃😃😃

[@ryanm7239]

Me before starting the video: "Up in the sky better be on here troy" Well by golly, my favourite baha blast boi did not disappoint

[@troyoboyo17]

I am to please

[@dougjones3305]

I could not get into his comics until I read all star superman... It's amazing. Still one of the best books I've read.

[@backwardsbrain2255]

Troy, you making these types of videos is a god send, and makes *you* the real hero. The superhero comic community is so big and as great as (most of) it is, I mostly revolved around established fans, and yeah that makes sense, but there isn’t too much assistance in gaining way to the comics and the community. It’s always hard to just recommend a particular comic to someone, but the way you do this is fantastic.

[@HuntersCinema]

I bought my first comic "Spider-Man: Lifestory" yesterday because of your Spider-Man video, and now I will get "Secret Identity" and "All Star." Thank you!

[@Isaacisaperson4677]

It's pretty basic but I think Secret Origin is a good jumping in point and has a fresh take on the origin

[@IfIHadMyTimeAgain]

Because of this video I read up in the sky as my first comic book in years and I'm not exaggerating when I say it nearly brought me to tears, phenomenal recommendation

[@kaybeeva]

8:20 ...there's a STAR MAN waiting in the sky!

[@kermitgotthesickkicks4265]

Smallville and superman all stars made me enjoy superman more.

[@VAULT-TEC_INC.]

How is “A Superman for All Seasons” not listed here? Especially with the recent death of the great artist, Tim Sale.

[@duckydae]

seeing all-star superman be celebrated as such an incredible superman story makes me so happy as a glaswegian.

[@d.j.mulcahy1657]

You should do more videos like this on other superheroes. Maybe you could give comic recommendations for characters like Batman, the X-Men, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Captain America, and Flash.

[@phantom3146]

This one will probably get lost in the comments but I’d love a X-men or Fantastic 4 recommended video if not then Wolverine would be great too !

[@LibertyBridgeProductions]

Superman: Lois and Clark By Dan jurgens I’d say read before tomasi’s run

[@costelinha1867]

"Superman can never be hurt" Good luck telling that to anyone who watched the Justice League episode "For the Man Who Has Everything" or read the comic book story this was inspired by.

[@IsiahBradley]

Saw this is my algorithm so I was curious. Look, there's "All-Star Superman" and then there's everything else :) But you're right; it's not for newbies. THANKS for this!!!! Enjoyed it!!!

[@criticalrants]

Amazing video dude! It’s always a pleasure to hear you talk about the big blue boy scout

[@paulieboy6644]

All Star Superman was my introduction to the character and I’m glad it was. I would totally encourage people to start there But I also just gravitate toward Grant Morrison. I loved their New 52 Action Comics run, made me realize that Superman was for sure my favorite hero

[@vilstef6988]

Kurt Busiak is a great Superman writer!

[@paradox4780]

Superman Up In The Sky is my favorite comic, period.

[@siguybeach]

just read Superman: Up in the Sky and loved it a ton, thanks dude

[@paragonjones13]

I never knew you wanted to wrote for Supes!! Reach for that dream! I believe in you!!

[@Sengial]

Congrats my guy this is what got me into superman

[@truthspeaker6602]

To the guys who whine about Superman being OP, where were you during shonen anime with characters like Goku and Naruto, and where were you when there are superheroes like Thor or Ironman.

[@DCUlegacy]

superman up in the ksy is such a beautiful story

[@brannonh7406]

Kingdom Come was the story that made me love Superman

[@spielebrocken]

The opening sentence sums it up perfectly. I always ignored him cause he thought he wss a boring dork, but after reading All-Star Superman, I want to buy everything worth reading now.

[@LibertyBridgeProductions]

Before watching: praying this list isn’t full of origin comics cuz everyone just speaks about superman origins. After watching: thank you for actually recommending some stuff u haven’t read.

[@supervoss4321]

You should've done top 10, also if you love Secret Identity you'd love Kurt Busiek run on Superman. At least check out Camelot Falls.

[@nathanmcintyre1678]

I honestly prefer superman over Batman when I was younger I had that mentality that Batman was better cause superman was boring and uninteresting while Batman was cool dark and Bruting but now I’m uninterested with Batman only really caring for him when involved with the bat family while superman became more interesting to me and that is my opinion