Your Top 7 essential Superman stories

[stargazer01]

What are those 7 or 10 essential Superman stories you enjoy and cherish the most?

Think about his whole history. It can be a Justice League story if Superman has a big role.

[bat39]

Is this restricted to comics only, or other media?

A large chunk of my Superman exposure has been other media so I'm going with that.

In no particular order:

Action Comics # 1: The character's a far cry today from what he was back then, but I think its important to read this to truly appreciate the Superman myth and where it came from - not to mention the origins of the genre as well.

Superman: The Movie: The movie pretty much defined Superman for a generation and more and continues to cast a long shadow on the character today, for better or for worse.

Man of Steel: The John Byrne miniseries. It defined the 'modern' Superman - a template that has mostly stood the test of time since then, barring the New 52.

What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & The American Way?: A key story that really drives home the idea of Superman being a Boy Scout and a 'nice guy' and presenting it as a symbol of strength, and not navel gazing.

The Death and Return of Superman: Be it the comics or any of the animated movies. I think its a crucial story that explores an interesting concept that, love it or hate it, has haunted the character ever since.

Superman TAS: Just a nice take on Superman that finds the perfect balance between 'classic' and 'modern'. Don't have a specific episode in mind.

Man of Steel: Now I'm talking about the Zack Snyder movie, which really reinvented Superman for a new generation without letting itself be constrained by the tonality of the Donner film and other more 'classic' takes.

[manwhohaseverything]

1)for the man who has everything
2)all star superman
3)kryptonite by darwyn cooke
4)action comics and superman comics runs of siegel and shuster .
5)action comics run by morrison
6)superman for all seasons
7)whatever happened to the man of tomorrow
8)birthright
9)who took the super out of superman
10)superman up in the sky,the amount lengths clark goes to save a child is something that reminds me of my late aunt.

[SiegePerilous02]

1. Action Comics #1
2. All Star Superman
3. Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
4. For the man who has everything
5. Morrison's Action run
6. Jungle Line
7. Phantom Zone

[Kuwagaton]

Action Comics #451: not my first comic or anything like that, but about when I woke up to the craziness of Superman. And the best example of him just being the sweetest bro.

DC Special Series #5: between two other great stories I'll list here in terms of range and content. The best team up of the best two villains at the least.

Superman #400: really epic. I treasure plenty of other comics from this era but this was just the most overall complete issue. If the other one I mentioned defines the comic, this defines Superman within fiction for me.

Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?: I think this is the only comic to make me misty eyed. All the beats that have been mimicked in the eras that followed don't wear out for me. Just haunting.

The Brainiac Trilogy: these are actually part of my first experience with Superman comics. Favorite villain, writer, and some great art.

Man of Steel #89: pretty much my favorite single issue, even if it's completely a part of a much larger story. Represents an all new look at Superman for me.

Bulletproof: obviously the whole run was strong and memorable, but these three issues with back ups are the most clever slice for me and the high point of what we've had post flashpoint.

[stargazer01]

Is this restricted to comics only, or other media?

Not restricted if you want to include other media. You can do 2 lists if you prefer, comics and other media.

Thanks guys for the replies, this helps me learn more and try to seek other great stories I haven't read.

I'm still really intrigued about the "Time and Time Again" Superman story. Also, "Superman Up in the Sky"

[KC]

Action Comics #1
For the Man Who Has Everything
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
All-Star Superman
Superman: Secret origin
Superman: The Movie
Superman II

[Kuwagaton]

If I think of other media...

Superman III
The Fleischer cartoons
Man of Steel
All Star Superman (movie)
Crisis on Two Earths
Superman vs the Elite
Superman TAS

Not restricted if you want to include other media. You can do 2 lists if you prefer, comics and other media.

Thanks guys for the replies, this helps me learn more and try to seek other great stories I haven't read.

I'm still really intrigued about the "Time and Time Again" Superman story. Also, "Superman Up in the Sky"

There were two stories called Time and Time Again. The later one is one of my favorites too, but for some reason I don't tend to think of the longer stories first. Feels like I'm just listing too much at once I guess.