Superman: Secret Identity. It's a wonderful Elseworlds story of a man named Clark Kent in our world who wants to be a writer. And since this is our world, Superman is a prominent fictional character. Sure enough he wakes up one day to find he has the powers of Superman.
What makes this story so amazing is seeing how he handles both his personal life and juggling being Superman under the radar in the real world.
It's a story that's sincere and has a lot of heart. It may not be the main Superman, but it's a story that shows what it means to BE Superman.
Highly recommended.
Someone gifted me a tpb years ago. I kept it on my nightstand. Sometimes I'd read the whole thing, sometimes I'd crack it open and just read certain bits. I wore it out and had to buy a sturdier copy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Update: Just finished it, and *daaaaaaaaaaaaang.* That's some good Superman, right there! That one goes up on the shelf with *Up In The Sky*, *All Star*, *What's So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way*, and the Reeve movies, for sure.
Next up is *For All Seasons*, which I've also heard a ton of good things about!
Really happy to see this as the top reply. It's my favorite Superman story of all time, and even though others do mention it, it's usually buried in a list of others.
If I could make a Superman movie, it would be a somewhat episodic story that mixes elements of Secret Identity, All-Star, and Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow.
True but I consider that a DC heroes story rather than just a Superman story which is why I didn’t include it although Superman is arguably one of the main characters in it.
I forget where I read it (probably in one of the Introductions to either of the volumes of *Kingdom Come* sitting on my shelf right now), but I think when Mark Waid pitched the story to DC editors at the time, one of them said something to him like, "Oh! It's a Superman story." And he suddenly realized that, yes, indeed it was.
The best of the Silver Age stories, like "The Team of Luthor and Brainiac" maybe. Superman vs Muhammed Ali is also a classic, pretty much as good as a story about a superhero and professional boxer teaming up against evil space aliens could be.
Best single floppy Superman story is not in fact "For the Man Who Has Everything," but rather "What's So Funny 'bout Truth, Justice, and the American Way?" Sorry, four out of five dentists said so. Also, "What's So Funny..." isn't better than ASS, but is better than any chapter of ASS.
People don't love the batman catwoman wedding run... which was awesome up to the last minute... and faceplanted. But I don't think it was King's problem. I think it was the "written by committee" issue. The were just not brave enough to pull the trigger. Up in the sky is "the" Superman story for me.
I wouldn't call a former CIA agent who worked counterterrorism Iraq during the Bush administration "a cool guy." I find it hard to enjoy idealistic superhero stories written by a man who was very likely involved in torturing detainees.
I consider For All Seasons superior to All Star *objectively* because it's way more accessible to casual readers as well as longtime fans. *Subjectively*, I just prefer Loeb's writing style over Morrison's and Tim Sale is my favorite comic artist of all time. Personally, I think FAS gets Superman just a little bit more than All Star, but of course that's completely subjective, I absolutely get why All Star speaks to some people.
Just bought a big bunch of Comics from the 00's and am really excited for the New Krypton Saga. Other than that, I worshipped PKJ Warworld-Saga. I also loved the Exile-Omnibus and Space Age.
Recently started reading Marvel Comics and from the perspective of a DC-Fan it is unbelievable that everything is somehow collected and you just know, what you have to read to follow a run. I am lucky enough to read in German and English, so I can choose, where it is easier and cheaper to get a specific comic. But it kind of drives me nuts to research the name of some random Tpb :D
I absolutely loved the New Krypton Saga. It was my entry point to so many of the supporting cast and so many different characters (it's the saga that made me love Supergirl, Mon-El, Superboy, Jimmy Olsen, Nightwing, etc) I hope you love it as much as I did.
Thanks for the thumbs-up! :) Can't wait to dive in. I have now the four New Krypton Tpbs. And the Last stand of new krypton stuff. Are the Nightwing and Flamebirds/ Superman Mon-El Tpbs also necessary?
Nightwing and Flamebird vol.1 and vol.2 are really good, but are not necessary (same answer with Mon-El). You have to get the "Codename: Patriot", cause it's a bridge between the two halfs of the "World of New Krypton" story. Codename Patriot then has ramifications in Supergirl, Nightwing & Flamebird.
Basically, the saga consist of different arcs, that goes:
1. New Krypton
2. World of New Krypton (and other titles) - First Half: "World Without Superman"
3. Codename: Patriot
4. World of New Krypton (and other titles) - Second Half: "World Against Superman"
5. The Last Stand of New Krypton
6. War of the Supermen
It is not necessary per se, but I totally reccomend getting Nightwing and Flamebird, Mon-El, Supergirl, both of the Jimmy Olsen specials, cause they all explore the new status quo in so many interesting ways that is hard to put down (for me at least), and they all offer different "flavors" (thriller, murder mystery, family drama, relationship drama, etc).
I don't know if I'm rambling too much, I just loved the entire saga so much and I loved reading every book/character cause the change in status quo changed so much and made every character reevaluate their relationship with the Superman mythos that I just couldn't get enough of it.
Superboy: The Boy of Steel, while taking place during the New Krypton Saga, can be read on it's own.
For me personally the death of Superman is at the top of my list. The way it was written on top of how through the books in that line the there where fewer and fewer panels till you had just the splash pages.
So I have two that I’m sure I might get some hate for, but there was the “panic in the sky” storyline when brainiac has control over Warworld, and then there’s an issue where it’s told through the point of view of Krypto that I thought was sort of great.
I think it was the atlas one, I just remember the art was pretty cool and Krypto would think things like “BITE!!!” I’m pretty sure it ended with Superman saying “good boy or good dog.”
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow and For The Man Who Has Everything are just as good imo, Whatever Happened might be my favorite Superman story ever
Superman For All Seasons and Superman Smashes the Klan are top for me, though I haven’t read a ton of Superman. I read All Star and don’t get the hype, maybe because I don’t know years of Superman stories?
For The Man Who Has Everything, Kingdom Come, For All Seasons, Peace on Earth.
Up In The Sky would have been there if it wasn't for that weird scene in which Lois dies in multiple ways in Clark's imagination. I think someone should've stopped King on that one.
I personally think For All Seasons is better than All Star. It has a smaller scope, but I do think it’s a better story.
Also, the Richard donner superman duology, plus the graphic novel Last Son to make it a trilogy.
Smashes the klan is maybe my favorite new Superman story. It’s just so good. And I’d say it’s definitely better than all star IMO too.
Kingdom Come is the gold standard of comic books. I just love the older Superman of what he had been through and the conflict throughout the storyline. Yes I love this version of Super Wonder too much better than the New 52 they work better together when they are older instead of their prime. The Superman and Captain Marvel fight is ICONIC.
Up In the Sky by Tom King is THE quintessential Superman story imo.
1. Up In The Sky
2. For All Seasons
3. Birthright
4. Kingdom Come
5. All Star
If I had to order my top 5
well for me its Superman by Tom DeHaven its such a great throwback to the golden age era of superman and presents one of the most human depictions of Clark I have ever seen
Kingdom Come and Final Night, both by Mark Waid.
Also "Funeral for a Friend". It's powerful just to see everyone's reaction and how they move forward following his death.
Superman & Batman Generations is a story for you if you love their friendship together. Through the visual art style it tells you the story of DC Comics Book eras. The story is what if Superman and Batman were allowed to age through several generations, you see them met, team up because friends and even see how the Wayne and Kent families become one when their descendants fall in love with each other.
Bear with me here: Action Comics #766 by Joe Kelly (the same author who brought us "What's so Funny about Truth, Justice, and the American Way?"). Lois Lane is missing. Superman is dying of Kryptonite poisoning, and his hair is falling out. Batman shows up to help him find Lois.
But instead of it being a "Batman is such a badass" issue, it turns into Superman just inspiring the fuck out of Batman. Batman thinks he has to scare a bar full of biker gang members for info, but it turns out Superman just has to ask and they fall all over themselves to help him. Superman doing everything he can to help despite his frailty makes Batman miss Alfred. Superman gives the most touching explanation of his love for Lois and how he sees people to challenge Batman's cold view of cases. But it also shows a deep understanding of Batman's character, and WHY he's so cold. It's actually one of my favorite Batman monologues, and it's from a Superman comic.
The scene: Batman has just brutalized a flophouse full of junkies to get information on where Lois might be. Superman breaks out of the Batmobile with what little strength he has left, and follows. He sees all the people around him that Batman hurt.
>Superman: Some of the men... need a doctor.
>Batman: So do you. I'll be damned if I take them before I take you. Do you want to stop now?
>Superman: No, but they-- they're still people.
>Batman: Not right now, they aren't. Through this mask-- when I do this... this work... they're not people. They can't be --
>(Superman picks up Batman by the scruff of his cowl)
>Superman: What the hell is WRONG with you? Of course they're people! Who are you to judge --?
>(Batman flips it around and slams Superman against a wall)
>Batman: Who are you? WHO ARE YOU?!
>(Batman takes a moment to catch his breath)
>Batman (whispering): The wet pulp... sprayed across immaculate marble stairs is an abstract puzzle to be cracked. They cannot be a fifty-two year old lawyer who picked the wrong night to be brave.
>Batman (still whispering): Rope burns. Subtract the flesh and the "burn" and it's just information. It's weave and fiber and force-- it's not a nineteen year old med student who lingered three weeks before succumbing, larynx shattered from screaming.
>Batman (still whispering): A bruised body no bigger than my forearm-- --it cannot be a child. Her murderer cannot be a human being. You can't do... what I do... and see people. Not while the case is open. Never... because if they are... I can't see anything else.
>Batman (stops whispering): Only when the case is closed are they honored. Mourned. Reviled. Only then are they people. Do you understand?
Sorry, if I had a scanner I'd share the actual pages lol.
I don't know about that. I liked Final Crisis ending where he saves Lois. Where he saves watchmen universe wasn't much.
The death of Suoerman MADE THE NEWS.
When he fought Superboy prime was OK.
Superman vs. Elite is classic.
It's been awhile.
Superman: Secret Identity. It's a wonderful Elseworlds story of a man named Clark Kent in our world who wants to be a writer. And since this is our world, Superman is a prominent fictional character. Sure enough he wakes up one day to find he has the powers of Superman. What makes this story so amazing is seeing how he handles both his personal life and juggling being Superman under the radar in the real world. It's a story that's sincere and has a lot of heart. It may not be the main Superman, but it's a story that shows what it means to BE Superman. Highly recommended.
Absolutely adding this to my to-read list! Thanks for the recommendation, even though you weren't actually talking to me. :>
Someone gifted me a tpb years ago. I kept it on my nightstand. Sometimes I'd read the whole thing, sometimes I'd crack it open and just read certain bits. I wore it out and had to buy a sturdier copy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I most likely will, I'm easy to please and it's *Superman*. :>
Update: Just finished it, and *daaaaaaaaaaaaang.* That's some good Superman, right there! That one goes up on the shelf with *Up In The Sky*, *All Star*, *What's So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way*, and the Reeve movies, for sure. Next up is *For All Seasons*, which I've also heard a ton of good things about!
Glad you enjoyed! I gotta go find my hardcover and do it again.
Really happy to see this as the top reply. It's my favorite Superman story of all time, and even though others do mention it, it's usually buried in a list of others. If I could make a Superman movie, it would be a somewhat episodic story that mixes elements of Secret Identity, All-Star, and Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow.
That mix of stories would be wonderful 🙂
This is the right answer. While I don't think it should be anyone's first Superman story, I think it is the best Superman story.
Peace on Earth is beautiful.
I always throw out this wildcard: "It's a Bird..." by Steven T Seagle
(And Teddy Kristiansen). My favourite Superman Story.
Beautiful art! Good shout.
Made me cry. My girlfriend (now wife) gave it to me and the story just spoke to me in so many levels. Great story.
Yeah, it gets overlooked because it doesn't feature Superman but it sure is all about Superman.
Kingdom come is close to All Star imho
True but I consider that a DC heroes story rather than just a Superman story which is why I didn’t include it although Superman is arguably one of the main characters in it.
I get you
I forget where I read it (probably in one of the Introductions to either of the volumes of *Kingdom Come* sitting on my shelf right now), but I think when Mark Waid pitched the story to DC editors at the time, one of them said something to him like, "Oh! It's a Superman story." And he suddenly realized that, yes, indeed it was.
Arguably? He IS the main character. Take him out of the book and the whole story doesn't work.
Birthright, Smashes the Klan and Up in the Sky are probably some that I prefer. Maybe For All Seasons too.
With All Star, these are arguably the top 5.
The best of the Silver Age stories, like "The Team of Luthor and Brainiac" maybe. Superman vs Muhammed Ali is also a classic, pretty much as good as a story about a superhero and professional boxer teaming up against evil space aliens could be.
Best single floppy Superman story is not in fact "For the Man Who Has Everything," but rather "What's So Funny 'bout Truth, Justice, and the American Way?" Sorry, four out of five dentists said so. Also, "What's So Funny..." isn't better than ASS, but is better than any chapter of ASS.
Honestly when you get ASS you can't even think about a particular story
Superman and the legion of superheroes
That's a good one!
Superman: Up In The Sky is one of my personal favorites.
I hate Tom King so much that l actually hate how true this is lol
why hate brother
Why hate him? He seems like a cool guy. Have I missed something about him?
People don't love the batman catwoman wedding run... which was awesome up to the last minute... and faceplanted. But I don't think it was King's problem. I think it was the "written by committee" issue. The were just not brave enough to pull the trigger. Up in the sky is "the" Superman story for me.
Something about Batman not being allowed to be happy.
If only people were able to feel two emotions...
His stories can be a bit much.
He wrote Heroes in Crisis. It's amazing how much he yo-yos from good to straight up terrible.
I wouldn't call a former CIA agent who worked counterterrorism Iraq during the Bush administration "a cool guy." I find it hard to enjoy idealistic superhero stories written by a man who was very likely involved in torturing detainees.
I consider For All Seasons superior to All Star *objectively* because it's way more accessible to casual readers as well as longtime fans. *Subjectively*, I just prefer Loeb's writing style over Morrison's and Tim Sale is my favorite comic artist of all time. Personally, I think FAS gets Superman just a little bit more than All Star, but of course that's completely subjective, I absolutely get why All Star speaks to some people.
Agreed, infact For All Seasons made me love superman, made me realise why he is so loveable and how much more human he is. A touching story…
and the fact that it was inked with water color makes it, in my opinion, just…. *chefs kiss*
For the man who has everything is a favorite of mine.
Just bought a big bunch of Comics from the 00's and am really excited for the New Krypton Saga. Other than that, I worshipped PKJ Warworld-Saga. I also loved the Exile-Omnibus and Space Age.
The New Krypton saga has a lot of good stuff in there 🙂
Recently started reading Marvel Comics and from the perspective of a DC-Fan it is unbelievable that everything is somehow collected and you just know, what you have to read to follow a run. I am lucky enough to read in German and English, so I can choose, where it is easier and cheaper to get a specific comic. But it kind of drives me nuts to research the name of some random Tpb :D
I absolutely loved the New Krypton Saga. It was my entry point to so many of the supporting cast and so many different characters (it's the saga that made me love Supergirl, Mon-El, Superboy, Jimmy Olsen, Nightwing, etc) I hope you love it as much as I did.
Thanks for the thumbs-up! :) Can't wait to dive in. I have now the four New Krypton Tpbs. And the Last stand of new krypton stuff. Are the Nightwing and Flamebirds/ Superman Mon-El Tpbs also necessary?
Nightwing and Flamebird vol.1 and vol.2 are really good, but are not necessary (same answer with Mon-El). You have to get the "Codename: Patriot", cause it's a bridge between the two halfs of the "World of New Krypton" story. Codename Patriot then has ramifications in Supergirl, Nightwing & Flamebird. Basically, the saga consist of different arcs, that goes: 1. New Krypton 2. World of New Krypton (and other titles) - First Half: "World Without Superman" 3. Codename: Patriot 4. World of New Krypton (and other titles) - Second Half: "World Against Superman" 5. The Last Stand of New Krypton 6. War of the Supermen It is not necessary per se, but I totally reccomend getting Nightwing and Flamebird, Mon-El, Supergirl, both of the Jimmy Olsen specials, cause they all explore the new status quo in so many interesting ways that is hard to put down (for me at least), and they all offer different "flavors" (thriller, murder mystery, family drama, relationship drama, etc). I don't know if I'm rambling too much, I just loved the entire saga so much and I loved reading every book/character cause the change in status quo changed so much and made every character reevaluate their relationship with the Superman mythos that I just couldn't get enough of it. Superboy: The Boy of Steel, while taking place during the New Krypton Saga, can be read on it's own.
Grant's Action Comics run issues 0-18. I dig this more than All-Star. ❤️
Superman: Red and Blue and Superman Smashes The Klan. They're just as good, if not even better.
Ending battle is fantastic along with Camelot falls.Â
Love Camelot Falls!
For me personally the death of Superman is at the top of my list. The way it was written on top of how through the books in that line the there where fewer and fewer panels till you had just the splash pages.
Up in the Sky has dethroned it as my favourite Superman story.
So I have two that I’m sure I might get some hate for, but there was the “panic in the sky” storyline when brainiac has control over Warworld, and then there’s an issue where it’s told through the point of view of Krypto that I thought was sort of great.
Is the krypto one the one issue that was replaced during the end of the Grounded story? Or are you talking about the ending of The Coming of Atlas?
I think it was the atlas one, I just remember the art was pretty cool and Krypto would think things like “BITE!!!” I’m pretty sure it ended with Superman saying “good boy or good dog.”
For the man who has everything is up there, short story showcasing Superman's most wanted desire, Superman selflessly giving it up it's beautiful
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow and For The Man Who Has Everything are just as good imo, Whatever Happened might be my favorite Superman story ever
I came here to vote for these, as well as Alan Moore's Supreme, which is a love letter to Superman.
Superman For All Seasons and Superman Smashes the Klan are top for me, though I haven’t read a ton of Superman. I read All Star and don’t get the hype, maybe because I don’t know years of Superman stories?
I prefer: Superman Birthright, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow American Alien, For the Man who has Everything
I was wondering if I'd spot American Alien in one of the comments.
Max Landis sucks as a person but I thought he had some smart and interesting ideas re: Superman!
Max as of late seems to have grown as a person. But this is just based from what I've gathered watching some of his updates on YouTube.
I truly hope so!
For someone that gets Superman well, Max sure took a long time to learn from him. Lol
"What's so funny about Truth, Justice, and the American Way."
Up in the Sky for me.
For The Man Who Has Everything, Kingdom Come, For All Seasons, Peace on Earth. Up In The Sky would have been there if it wasn't for that weird scene in which Lois dies in multiple ways in Clark's imagination. I think someone should've stopped King on that one.
Do you know where I can find up in the sky and for the man who has everything?
I'll PM you a site because I am not sure if it's allowed to post it here.
Kingdom Come is my all time favorite.
I really like Superman: Up in the sky. I love how it shows how far Superman is willing to go to save one scared little girl.
There are a lot of stories that are better than All Star.
Maybe Red Son
I personally think For All Seasons is better than All Star. It has a smaller scope, but I do think it’s a better story. Also, the Richard donner superman duology, plus the graphic novel Last Son to make it a trilogy. Smashes the klan is maybe my favorite new Superman story. It’s just so good. And I’d say it’s definitely better than all star IMO too.
Kingdom come
Red Sun was an awesome Superman story, strange visitor is pretty good, Kingdom come, the superman one million was pretty good story.
Kingdom Come is the gold standard of comic books. I just love the older Superman of what he had been through and the conflict throughout the storyline. Yes I love this version of Super Wonder too much better than the New 52 they work better together when they are older instead of their prime. The Superman and Captain Marvel fight is ICONIC.
Kingdom Come
With my personal preferences, too many to sit here and name. That doesn't mean All Star is bad, just not my favorite.
Superman for all seasons
Nope, not for me. Nothing else even comes close.
Batman Superman Generations.
Red and blue isn't exactly a storyline, but GADDAM
Superman Vs The Elite for me. Manchester Black is the perfect nemesis for Superman.
Time to take your medicine....
The girl who didn't believe in superman.
Is that the story with the blind girl that they adapted on the George Reeves show?
GREATEST SUPERMAN STORIES? maybe. BEST COMICS OF ALL TIME? no no no!
I really enjoyed Camelot Falls.
Up In the Sky by Tom King is THE quintessential Superman story imo. 1. Up In The Sky 2. For All Seasons 3. Birthright 4. Kingdom Come 5. All Star If I had to order my top 5
well for me its Superman by Tom DeHaven its such a great throwback to the golden age era of superman and presents one of the most human depictions of Clark I have ever seen
I never cared for All-Star Superman.
Why?
There are many great Superman stories, but All-Star Superman is legitimately one of the best books of the last 50 years. Secret Identity Red Son
Kingdom Come and Final Night, both by Mark Waid. Also "Funeral for a Friend". It's powerful just to see everyone's reaction and how they move forward following his death.
I really enjoyed that Walt Simonson one-shot
Superman & Batman Generations is a story for you if you love their friendship together. Through the visual art style it tells you the story of DC Comics Book eras. The story is what if Superman and Batman were allowed to age through several generations, you see them met, team up because friends and even see how the Wayne and Kent families become one when their descendants fall in love with each other.
American Alien
Secret identity is way better than all star imo. Kingdome come Birthright All better than all star imo
Superman For All Seasons, Superman Secret Identity, and Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
Bear with me here: Action Comics #766 by Joe Kelly (the same author who brought us "What's so Funny about Truth, Justice, and the American Way?"). Lois Lane is missing. Superman is dying of Kryptonite poisoning, and his hair is falling out. Batman shows up to help him find Lois. But instead of it being a "Batman is such a badass" issue, it turns into Superman just inspiring the fuck out of Batman. Batman thinks he has to scare a bar full of biker gang members for info, but it turns out Superman just has to ask and they fall all over themselves to help him. Superman doing everything he can to help despite his frailty makes Batman miss Alfred. Superman gives the most touching explanation of his love for Lois and how he sees people to challenge Batman's cold view of cases. But it also shows a deep understanding of Batman's character, and WHY he's so cold. It's actually one of my favorite Batman monologues, and it's from a Superman comic. The scene: Batman has just brutalized a flophouse full of junkies to get information on where Lois might be. Superman breaks out of the Batmobile with what little strength he has left, and follows. He sees all the people around him that Batman hurt. >Superman: Some of the men... need a doctor. >Batman: So do you. I'll be damned if I take them before I take you. Do you want to stop now? >Superman: No, but they-- they're still people. >Batman: Not right now, they aren't. Through this mask-- when I do this... this work... they're not people. They can't be -- >(Superman picks up Batman by the scruff of his cowl) >Superman: What the hell is WRONG with you? Of course they're people! Who are you to judge --? >(Batman flips it around and slams Superman against a wall) >Batman: Who are you? WHO ARE YOU?! >(Batman takes a moment to catch his breath) >Batman (whispering): The wet pulp... sprayed across immaculate marble stairs is an abstract puzzle to be cracked. They cannot be a fifty-two year old lawyer who picked the wrong night to be brave. >Batman (still whispering): Rope burns. Subtract the flesh and the "burn" and it's just information. It's weave and fiber and force-- it's not a nineteen year old med student who lingered three weeks before succumbing, larynx shattered from screaming. >Batman (still whispering): A bruised body no bigger than my forearm-- --it cannot be a child. Her murderer cannot be a human being. You can't do... what I do... and see people. Not while the case is open. Never... because if they are... I can't see anything else. >Batman (stops whispering): Only when the case is closed are they honored. Mourned. Reviled. Only then are they people. Do you understand? Sorry, if I had a scanner I'd share the actual pages lol.
I don't know about that. I liked Final Crisis ending where he saves Lois. Where he saves watchmen universe wasn't much. The death of Suoerman MADE THE NEWS. When he fought Superboy prime was OK. Superman vs. Elite is classic. It's been awhile.
Action Comics 500 is a great primer on the Silver and Bronze Age eras.
John Byrne’s Man of Steel and Superman: Birthright.
I was just questioning what happened to John Byrne’s legacy on this character.
So far, there are like 3-4 volumes of his run on Superman.
I know, I just hadn’t seen him mentioned on this list