Summary
The first movie in the new DC Universe is James Gunn’sSuperman, starring David Corenswet as the iconic superhero and set to release on July 06, 2025. Over eighty years since his debut, the big blue boy scout continues to entice fans old and new, making it the perfect time for people to explore the comics that introduced the character in the first place.
From origin stories to in-depth character studies, there is something for everyone when it comes to Superman and his role as the most important superhero in the DC Universe.These comics cover key moments and themes that enable readers to better understand Superman as a character and appreciate the upcoming film on a whole new level.
10Superman Unchained
The New 52 Era Made Some Divisive Changes
In 2011, the entire DC Universe was rebooted in the form of the New 52, and Superman was given a drastically different portrayal to fit what was a grittier universe at the time. InSuperman Unchained, instead of being a perfect idol of a character, Superman was a young man with an attitude who would make mistakes due to reckless behavior, all while maintaining strong moral values.
The more youthful take on Superman led to fans being divided, but as time went on, the New 52 Superman evolved into more of the upstanding hero that fans know, and that is explored as he fights W.R.A.I.T.H. inSuperman Unchained. There are hints of that Superman in James Gunn’s portrayal, especiallywith the aesthetics of the suit, which has the armor patterns and high collar from these comics.
9Superman Vol. 1 #680
Krypto Proves He’s The Bestest Boy
Krypto plays an integral part in James Gunn’sSuperman, being a remnant of the Man of Steel’s homeworld and his best friend when fighting against the forces of evil. One of the best examples ofSuperman and Krypto’s partnershipcan be found inSuperman Vol. 1 #680, simply titledDog of Steel.
While fighting the supervillain known as Atlas, Krypto joins the Man of Steel. Since Krypto shares all the abilities of Superman, he can put up just as good of a fight, but his more animalistic tactics are harder for Atlas to combat. Even when Superman leaves to get help, Krypto never backs down, demonstrating his loyalty to his friend. When the battle is over, Superman makes sure to give the brave dog his due credit.
8Superman: Birthright
Mark Waid’s Origin Story Still Influences Modern Interpretations
The legendary Mark Waid gave fans a new take on Superman’s origin story withSuperman: Birthright, which has gone on to influence several animatedand live-action takes on Superman. It focuses on the early years of Clark Kent, balancing his life as a superhero and a mild-mannered civilian, developing relationships with friends and enemies that fans know and love.
Superman: Birthrighteven gets credit for being the first story to confirm that the S-shaped crest of Superman’s Kryptonian heritage stands for hope. James Gunn’sSupermanalso takes place in the early years of Clark’s life in Metropolis, introducing slight twists, such as Lex Luthor once being a friend of Superman and the inclusion of Lionel Luthor as an abusive father, similar to the portrayal in theSmallvilleseries.
7Superman: Supercorp
Back To Basics, But With A Twist
Starting in 2023,Superman: Supercorpis written to give the Metropolis Marvel a fresh start without requiring a reboot of continuity. It depicts Clark Kent returning to the role of Superman, reviving his vibrant world full of hope and a more uplifting tone after years of DC presenting Superman with darker storylines and themes. With LexCorp rebranded as Supercorp and Lex Luthor in prison, a new threat lurks in the shadows.
In many ways, Joshua Williamson cleverly brings Superman back to his roots as a superhero, showcasing the grand life of Clark Kent, while adding enough twists and turns to test the Man of Steel throughout his run. This includes a different dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor, showcasing their complex relationship that can range from ultimate enemies to strong allies.
6Superman: For All Seasons
Everyone In His Life Views Superman Differently
From Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, the duobehind iconic Batman storieslikeBatman: The Long HalloweenandBatman: Dark Victory,Superman: For All Seasonsis often regarded as a classic for newcomers to Superman. It captures the wholesomeness and grandeur of Superman, but from the perspective of different characters.
Across four issues, one for each season,Superman: For All Seasonsis an anthology of different stories about Superman from the eyes of Jonathan Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Lana Lang. Superman can be seen as the most powerful being in the universe or the most humble human, being a prime example of how complex yet simple Superman can be.
5Superman: The Man Of Steel
John Byrne Changed Superman Comics Forever
Much like he did for The Fantastic Four at Marvel, John Byrne’s take on Superman helped redefine the character for generations. His six-issue miniseries, known asSuperman: The Man of Steel, brought about many aspects that would become commonplace, such as his deep connection to humanity andthe portrayal of Lex Luthoras a petty and twisted megalomaniac.
Superman: The Man of Steelretells the origin of Superman, offering a deeper look at the world of Krypton, as well as a more in-depth character study of the Man of Steel. It highlights the importance of everyone around him, including the Kents, Lois, and even the everyday people of Metropolis. Even to this day, there are comics, animated projects, and live-action movies that are influenced by John Byrne’s run.
4Action Comics Vol. 1 #775
Proof That Being A Good Person Is Integral To Superman
Also known as"What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, And The American Way?",Action Comics Vol. 1 #775depictsthe pure-hearted Superman becoming antagonized by a group of edgier superheroes known as The Elite. This was essentially DC’s way of parodyingThe Authoritycomics, with superheroes who are willing to get the job done by any means, even if it’s brutal torture or killing.
Action Comics #775was the main inspirationfor the famous DC animated movie,Superman Vs. The Elite, which has the same dialogue and events but is even more expanded. James Gunn’sSupermanseems to be featuring a similar concept, with Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific being antagonists to Superman at first, until Superman teaches them that altruism is not a flaw.
3Superman: Up In The Sky
Superman Goes To Infinity And Beyond To Save A Child
Rather than trying to fit Superman into modern-day Earth as fans know it, James Gunn is embracing a pre-existing DC Universe where metahumans, aliens, and magical beings are the norm. In a way, there is a lot of influence from the Golden and Silver Ages, which can also be said about Tom King’sSuperman: Up In The Sky.
Not every story needs to be complex, and Tom King delivers on that with Superman leaving Earth to save a child named Alice from extraterrestrial kidnappers. It takes Superman and Alice on a trek across galactic civilizations, meeting bizarre characters, and embracing the more outlandish side of the DC Universe, just like what James Gunn is doing.
2Kingdom Come
Proof That The World Always Needs Superman
Kingdom Come, another classic by Mark Waid, shows a world where Superman comes out of retirement to make the world a better place when the younger generation of heroes abuses their power. James Gunn’sSupermanis taking a reverse approach to that concept, wheresuperheroes like the Justice Gangare corporate stooges, and a young Superman becomes the symbol of hope.
While Superman is not the only main character in the story, his presence is important and felt throughout, and is what helped turnKingdom Comeinto an iconic Elseworlds story. It even went on to influence David Corenswet’s Superman depiction, with the symbol being ripped straight from theKingdom Comepages, but given classic Superman colors.
1All-Star Superman
The Last Days Of The Last Son Of Krypton
From the moment James Gunn announced hisSuperman, he usedAll-Star Supermanas his placeholder image, likely giving people a clue as to what the inspiration would be.Grant Morrison’s Elseworld comicis often called the definitiveSupermanstory, as it focuses more on character development and relationships while also featuring the superhero spectacle of the Man of Steel.
After being exposed to excessive solar radiation, Superman has only a limited time left to live. The story follows him as he embraces life to the fullest until the end comes. The Superman robots, Lex Luthor’s increasingly psychopathic desire to destroy Superman, and the portrayal of Clark Kent as a symbol of absolute good, all highlight elements present in James Gunn’supcoming interpretation.
