Superman is more than just a pop icon. His character is a direct link to an idealized America. He is a reminder of the spirit of the USA — especially at times when our country doesn’t live up to expectations. As for the rest of the world, Superman is possibly one of our greatest imports — a sentinel of Truth, Justice, and the American Way who brandishes a red and yellow emblem recognized across the globe.
For all of the above reasons (and then some), Superman’s relevance shouldn’t be a topic. Unfortunately, The Man of Steel’s significance is always called into question every few decades. Historically, whenever cynicism seems to infect the zeitgeist, it is the character of Superman that has served as a sort of cultural anchor. From the post-Nixon box office success of 1978’s Superman: The Movie to President Obama being depicted as The Man of Tomorrow, Clark Kent’s alter ego has helped remind Americans to look forward, to look up, and to look away from the things that have set us back.
Fortunately, in recent years, comics have managed to remind readers how important Superman’s integrity is. If you’ve ever wondered why nerds feel so strongly about that cornball superhero, the answers lie in the following five contemporary classics. This is…5 SUPERMAN COMICS THAT WILL MAKE HATERS BELIEVE IN A MAN CAN FLY!
5. Superman: The Last Son
Amazon says…
It’s Superman vs. Superman Revenge Squad and the Phantom Zone criminals – with the life of Christopher Kent hanging in the balance! Plus: The “Brainiac” epic that set the stage for “New Krypton.”
AAGG says…
If it turns out that you enjoy Superman: The Movie and Superman II as much as Bryan Singer then this straight-up superhero adventure is right for you. Written by fan-favorite Geoff Johns with legendary director Richard Donner, this blockbuster-styled graphic novel re-introduces General Zod to fans of the Christopher Reeves films.
A new last son of Krypton arrives to Earth. This young alien boy is instantly rescued by Superman from the clutches of big government. Now, for the first time ever, Superman is on the other side of the law. To make matters worse, the incarcerated General Zod and his fellow Phantom Zone inmates land on Earth in similar pods across the globe. What seems like proof that Superman isn’t alone in the universe turns out to be a full scale Kryptonian prison riot – with Earth as the prison.
4. It’s A Bird…
Amazon says…
Since his debut in 1938, Superman has become a true American icon. Now, acclaimed writer Steven T. Seagle (Superman, Grendel) teams up with renowned painter Teddy Kristiansen (Superman) to present a fresh look at the entire Superman mythos. Offered the chance to chronicle the adventures of the world’s most famous hero, Steve’s life has never looked brighter. His personal life, though, has taken a turn for the worse: his father has gone missing, his mother is very worried and a grim family secret – a fatal genetic disease – has re-entered his life. In the real world, where not all diseases have cures, where the only Superman is ink on paper, who will come to save the day?
AAGG says…
Writer Steven T. Seagle (with painter Teddy Kristiansen) opens up about his own experience writing about an American icon. His initial disregard for the character turns into true understanding as he ends up using the strength of the fictional hero to lift up his spirits during a personal bout with Huntington’s disease. It’s A Bird… is very meta. But more importantly, it’s the type of character dissection that really brings you to the heart of what Superman is supposed to mean.
3. Luthor
Amazon says…
Superman has been called many things, from the defender of truth, justice and the American way to the Big Blue Boy Scout. In LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL, he is called something he has never been called before: a threat to all humanity. Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo–the acclaimed team who brought you the best-selling JOKER–deliver a bold story in which readers get a glimpse into the mind of Superman’s longtime foe. MAN OF STEEL reveals why Luthor chooses to be the proverbial thorn in the Man of Steel’s side: to save humanity from an untrustworthy alien being.
AAGG says…
Lex Luthor. His name is as synonymous with villainy as Superman is to heroism. But what makes him such an important part of the mythos? Writer Brian Azzarello knows, and he invites us to see things completely from Lex’s perspective in Luthor. The layers to the arch-nemesis of arch-nemesis are many, and Azzarello makes a strong argument for Luthor. In the end though, Luthor learns a thing or two about his own flawed ego when compared to Superman.
2. Kingdom Come
Amazon says…
Set in the not so distant future, the DC Universe is spinning inexorably out of control. The new generation of heroes has lost their moral compass, becoming just as reckless and violent as the villains they fight. The previous regime of heroes—the Justice League—returns under the most dire of circumstances, setting up a battle of the old guard against these uncompromising protectors in a battle that will define what heroism truly is.
AAGG says…
Alex Ross’ amazingly painted images and Kurt Busiek’s lively imagination give birth to one of the crown jewels of any comics collection (and Jay Z’s reading recommendation, apparently).
A new breed of ruthless and careless superheroes have taken up the mantle. The difference between the good guys and the bad guys has drastically narrowed, and Earth’s three biggest heroes (Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman) have hung up their tights. What happened to The Man of Tomorrow? Did he turn his back on humanity or did humanity turn their back on him? When did the golden vigilante, Magog, take over Metropolis, and what series of events put all of Earth’s greatest superheroes into retirement. More importantly, how bad will it have to get to bring Superman out of retirement? Answer: Pretty bad.
1.All-Star Superman
Amazon says…
The amazing creative team of writer Grant Morrison (BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM) and artist Frank Quitely (WE3) join forces to take Superman back to basics and create a new vision of the World’s First Super-Hero. This trade paperback collection features the first twelve issues of the acclaimed series. Witness the Man of Steel in exciting new adventures featuring Lex Luthor, Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Bizarro, and more.
AAGG says…
Like all great stories, All-Star Superman is a simple yet full of emotion. This Technicolor dream introduces us to a decaying Superman. Ironically enough, the sun — his power source — is killing him. Naturally, Lex Luthor had a little something to do with it, but the Man of Steel’s greatest challenge isn’t that megalomaniac. It’s the guarantee of his earthly legacy. He just wants to know if we’ve learned anything from him. Humble as always, even Superman doesn’t know in the end. He’s too busy crossing off his list of final things to do.