by Superman, in many ways, is the quintessential super hero. Arguably the first and most important superhero to ever debut. However, in recent years there’s been a shift in the narrative. Suddenly he’s boring, overpowered, uninteresting, and, worst of all, unrelatable. While it certainly is a choice to have these opinions, many who are more familiar with the character and his mythos know that he is quite the opposite. Despite what the film Man of Steel (2013) may have you believe, Superman is in fact not an emotionless demigod who only cares about his girlfriend and turns evil the second she dies. Many avid readers know that Superman is just a guy who comes from a small town and does his best to help people, but because of recent years that narrative has been lost.
Everybody has heard of Superman, but it seems like not many know him. With James Gunn taking the reins of DC Studios and leading the films in a bold new direction, it seems only right to have Superman as the first in that line up. Judging by the trailer and its view count of over 50 million it’s safe to say that many are more than excited for the film. So today here at Happy Hobbyist we are giving you a list of the integral and beginner friendly Superman comics to prepare yourself for James Gunn’s Superman film set to release in July this year.
- Superman: Up in the Sky by Tom King
Released as a Walmart exclusive comic that has since then been collected and re-released in trade paperback form, Superman: Up in the Sky is a simple tale; a girl is kidnapped by aliens and Superman goes to rescue her. That’s as basic as a premise gets but there’s more to it than that. Throughout the story Superman has to make compromises to his morals and character. From making a deal with Darkseid, having to convince his other half that this journey is worth the effort, and a boxing match without the use of his powers, it’s a galactic rescue mission for one little girl stolen from her family. Many people ask why Superman bothers to rescue a cat from a tree or to save one measly person when he can go around and fix all the big problems. I mean why bother with one person. As controversial as this take is, ultimately it’s missing the point. Superman is strong and powerful but STILL cares about the individual person. It’s an honor and a privilege that someone like Superman cares so much for the safe return of one little girl that has faith that will save her, no matter what. It reminds us that Superman, despite all his power, cares for the common man.
- Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
More of a period piece but still relevant to his character, Superman Smashes the Klan is a 3 issue mini series based on the old Superman radio serials. Most particularly the saga of him fighting against the Clan of the Fiery Cross, a stand in for the cowardly Ku Klux Klan. This is a story about identity as much as it is a story about punching racists. Oftentimes, it’s easy to forget that Superman is also Clark Kent. That despite his awesome power he’s still like you and me. Paying bills, having insecurities, doubts, and finding his place in the world are all things that he has to deal with. This story showcases that. Superman since inception has always been meant to be interpreted as allegory for immigration. So when a Chinese-American family moves in and becomes the targets of a bigoted crusade, Superman has to step in. Throughout the story, Superman has to contend with his identity as not only an immigrant but also as an alien and how that affects his view of himself and how others see him. It’s a great read that explores his identity in a unique way that says Superman is for everyone.
- Superman Birthright by Mark Waid
Superman Birthright is the first of many modern retellings of the early days for the Man of Steel, but, in my opinion, does so the best out of all of them. This origin deals with more complex topics that the modern age has thrown at the Last Son of Krypton. What he faces is a more cynical, fearful, and near xenophobic world. One that is immediately distrusting of Superman. One that doesn’t see him as a symbol of hope but instead as something to be avoided and cautious of, no better represented than by Lex Luthor. Birthright is a story of legacy and trying to find a place within the world and what that means for a person like Clark. The term immigrant has always been associated with Superman but here it’s on full display. We see the world through his eyes and just how much he means to change that for the better. Birthright tells a very personal and human story for Clark and the people he knows, one that doesn’t shy from the more uncomfortable topics. Using his culture as a weapon for xenophobia, the native distrust of people, what it means to be the other, this book is a master class and one the defining origins for Superman.
- Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
A modern classic if there was one, Kingdom Come, while having a bigger focus on the DC Universe as a whole, Superman is at the forefront of much of this story. The story is set in a future where all the classic heroes we know have either retired or abandoned their missions and went away. In their place a new breed of “hero” emerges, a far more violent and careless band of killers. The distinction of hero and villain are so far blended together it’s impossible to tell them apart. It’s a world without hope. So now Superman and his allies must return to the world and save it as they once did. It’s a story that explores humanity and the morality of superheroes. How would these godlike beings act when confronted with a world that deems them old fashioned and unnecessary? Would they adapt to the times, change innately, or will the world pass them by? Kingdom Come explores a lot of what it means to be a superhero and icon as Superman struggles with his role in the world and how he determines to fight for it. Much of this story is the basis that James Gunn is using for his DCU so it’s a worthwhile read even for just that.
- All Star Superman by Grant Morrison
Here it is, THE Superman story. All Star Superman is the ultimate cultivation of the character, world, and mythos all rolled up into one package. This truly explores the character in larger than life iconography while still not pulling too much away or looking down on the reader. This story explores Superman at his end, dying from a solar flare that supercharged his abilities. It follows him as he tries to do as much good as he can with the little time he has left. We see him at his most powerful but also at his most vulnerable as he comes to grips with his own mortality, what he represents to everyone, and how much he means to people. From spending time with Lois to making peace with Lex Luthor, All Star Superman shows a man who has only ever tried to do as much good but still feels disappointed that it wasn’t enough. It shows him as this herculean figure that is still gentle enough to give the people he saves a hug that says everything is going to be alright. All Star Superman is literature through and through that should be taught and talked about for years to come.
There you have it, everything you need to know about Superman before the film comes out on July 11, 2025. James Gunn seems to be taking in a bold, but familiar direction that many are being receptive to. These stories focus on different aspects of the character that those unfamiliar with the character overlook often, so hopefully you’ll have everything you need to walk into the theater with confidence once the movie releases. Stay tuned for more in depth reading guides and more articles in the future right here from Happy Hobbyists.
Happy Hobbiying!
