Why does it seem there or more classic Batman stories than Superman?

[LordMikel]

I wonder if it is a bit of marketing too?

Death in the Family where Jason Todd was killed vs Cat Grant's son dying, which I'm not even sure what storyline that happened in.

For an example.

Batman is advertised with storylines that have impact while Superman doesn't really. Or not as many which is what prompted this thread.

[The World]

I wonder if it is a bit of marketing too?

Death in the Family where Jason Todd was killed vs Cat Grant's son dying, which I'm not even sure what storyline that happened in.

For an example.

Batman is advertised with storylines that have impact while Superman doesn't really. Or not as many which is what prompted this thread.

It was the storyline involving the original Post-Crisis Toyman I believe where Cat Grant's son died. But yeah in general I think the big problem with Superman is risk aversion. If you want to go down in history you've got to put your neck on the line.

[LordMikel]

It was the storyline involving the original Post-Crisis Toyman I believe where Cat Grant's son died. But yeah in general I think the big problem with Superman is risk aversion. If you want to go down in history you've got to put your neck on the line.

Right, I mean the storyline should be called, "Toys aren't for kids." Or something like that and everyone should be saying, "Did you read the Superman storyline "Toys aren't for kids"? That is tragic."

[Comics N' Toons]

Reading this thread I can see 2 questions really being asked here: Why isn't Superman more popular than he is (or as popular as he should be)? 2) What are the best Superman stories that are comparable to the best Batman stories?

1) The answer to the popularity question is that... this is the 21st century... Given the course of human history and by extension, American history, of the last 20-30 years, Superman's ideals have been lost and have become outdated in an age where fear, uncertainty, confusion, cynicism and angst have taken over. His replacement, Batman, has a darker more cynical edge, for arguably more cynical times. The American psyche has responded to the last 20 or so turbulent years with a greater appreciation for Batman. Batman crept into his current popularity in 2005 with Batman Begins and Nolan, and has only become more popular since then. So, there's that.

As for the 2nd question... You guys want a near-perfect Superman collection of stories that will do very well to represent who he is? I Would SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING:

Superman: The Greatest Superman Stories Ever Told (1980's Edition)
The Superman Archives Vol. 1 (Superman 1-4 1939)
Superman Adventures (animated series comics)
For All Seasons
Superman: Kryptonite by Darwyn Cooke
Superman: Brainiac
All Star Superman
The Man of Steel miniseries by John Byrne
The rest of the Byrne run
Dark Knight Over Metropolis
LEX LUTHOR – Man of Steel
Superman: Exile
The Death and Return of Superman Story
Superman: The Wedding and Beyond
Kryptonite Nevermore (DC Comics Classics Library)
Last Son by Donner/Johns
Superman-Shazam: First Thunder
Superman Vs The Flash TPB
Whatever Happened To the Man of Tomorrow?
For the Man Who Has Everything
Superman: Peace On Earth

These are all timeless in my opinion, or at least snapshots of what makes Superman great. I will grant you... few, if any, of these stories have been published in the last 10 years BUT these are "Classic" none the less.

I would also add... that most of Batman's great stories happened before the year 2000 as well.