Superman: 10 Best Comic Issues Of The 2010s

For several decades, the Man of Steel has been dominating the world of comics. But it’s only in recent years that the all-powerful Kryptonian hero is being treated as a human with real-world emotions. The storylines in the 2010s elaborate on his internal conflicts as not just a hero but also as a father with Jon Kent’s introduction in the DC universe.

A few limited series also explored vastly different possibilities that might come off as a surprise to audiences. These scenarios can range from Superman’s parents surviving Krypton’s destruction to Superman turning into a Doomsday-like creature.

10 Injustice: Year Zero (Injustice #1-14)

Based on the popular DC video game series of the same name, Injustice serves as a prequel and takes place in an alternate reality. After the Joker massacres Superman’s family, the Kryptonian hero descends into madness. After brutally killing the Joker, he also establishes his own totalitarian regime.

This story goes on to show how Superman’s power can sometimes be misused. Even though readers would empathize with his loss, they might side with Batman who makes an insurgency plan to counter his motives. Superman’s rage is quite similar to the ending of Zack Snyder’s Justice League in this case.

9 Superman: American Alien (Limited Series)

American Alien is a limited series that reimagines Superman’s origin. The story transitions from depicting him as a naive teenager who turns into a responsible hero with time.

Instead of any high-profile action sequences, American Alien benefits from little moments. For instance, Clark Kent discovers his flying abilities in his sleep but then struggles to actually try it out in an open field. Apart from his teenage observations, the comic also covers his early years as a Daily Planet journalist. This includes an interesting interview that he has with a younger Lex Luthor. Such experiences make the limited series a good character study on the superhero.

8 War Of The Supermen (Limited Series)

As Superman rebuilds a Kryptonian city (following the New Krypton storyline), the classic Superman comic villain General Zod informs these Kryptonians about the role that Lex Luthor might have had in Krypton’s destruction. This creates further chaos as Superman’s kinfolk end up waging war on Earth itself.

War of the Supermen perfectly captures the struggles of Superman to support both planets that made him who he is. On one hand, he has always served as the guardian of planet Earth. But on the other hand, he doesn’t wish to let go of Krypton having already lost the planet during his birth.

7 Superman: Lois & Clark (Limited Series)

When it comes to Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s romance, Clark & Lois is one of the best storylines in recent years. The narrative covers their parental responsibilities while raising Jon Kent. While Jon carries Superman’s powers, the couple is perplexed on how to introduce their child to his superhuman abilities.

Another significant aspect of the storyline is that it reintroduced the post-Crisis versions of Clark and Lois after they were erased in the New 52 universe. Superman’s prodigal son Jon Kent gets enough space to shine as a passionate kid who would later go on to walk in his parents’ footsteps.

6 Earth One Vol 1 (Superman: Earth One #1-3)

Featuring a much younger Superman in an alternate Earth-1, the introductory issues of J Michael Straczynski find the hero looking for jobs in the sprawling city of Metropolis. But in his professional pursuits, the 20-year-old Clark Kent also goes through bouts of self-doubt and questions his true origin.

Fans of Superman origin stories like American Alien and Man of Steel would love Earth One‘s character-building as Superman gradually discovers his powers in fascinating ways. Further, making Superman more confused and youthful is a good move to make the character approachable to teen readers.

5 Superman Unchained (Limited Series)

This miniseries ran for nine issues and united some of the greatest DC talents including Scott Snyder as the writer while Jim Lee and Scott Williams handled the artistic responsibilities. The plot pit Superman against a mysterious being known as The WRAITH. As always, Lex Luthor is thrown in the mix along with a plot involving eco-terrorists.

What’s interesting is that the WRAITH himself is more than a one-dimensional villain. In fact, towards the third act, he’s ready to foil his own plans and save Superman. This goes in line with Superman’s own respect for his adversaries. He might be aggressive at times but he’s always willing to give them the benefit of doubt.

4 Reign Of Doomsday (Crossover)

The Death of Superman is an essential DC comics storyline that ended with Doomsday killing off the titular hero. The beast kept on hunting other alternate versions of Superman until the Kryptonian was brought back to life in Reign of the Supermen. 2011’s Reign of Doomsday is basically a retelling of this arc and covers the efforts of Steel, eradicator, Cyborg Superman, and Superboy to fight off Doomsday in Metropolis.

Spanning across several series and issues, it is an adrenaline-fueled, action-heavy storyline that respects its source material while building upon its mythos. Apart from the four Supermen, Supergirl also has a larger role to play as compared to the original.

3 The Last Family Of Krypton (Limited Series)

This limited series introduces a major ‘what if’ moment in the history of DC comics. In the reality of this comic, both Jor-El and Lara are able to survive Krypton’s destruction. Along with their son Kal-El, they shift to Earth to start a new life. Jor-El becomes a scientist while Lara starts a self-help movement based on Krypton’s religion. Just when the family begins to have a happy life once again, both parents quarrel about Kal-El’s future.

As Kal-El isn’t Superman yet, The Last Family On Krypton covers interesting scenarios that would ultimately decide his legacy as a hero. Readers would also be interested to see his parents live their life as Earthlings, a possibility that was never explored earlier.

2 Doomed (Crossover)

Superman has been at loggerheads with Doomsday many times, starting with the 1990s comic issue The Death of Superman. But what if Superman turned into Doomsday himself? Doomed answers this question as one of Superman’s battles with the villain ends with him being infected with his virus. As a result, Superman himself starts turning into a Doomsday-like creature.

The metamorphosis is both exciting and haunting to witness while the storyline also explores other aspects of Superman’s life. His romantic relationship with Wonder Woman and the consequences of his own actions are also touched upon.

1 Grounded (Superman #701-704)

Grounded is set in the wake of the aforementioned New Krypton storyline. After settling his people in a new planet, Superman returns to his adoptive home of Earth only to feel disconnected from the people. He wonders if Earth really needs a Superman anymore after attending a congressional hearing on the Hundred Minute War (the central even in War of the Supermen).

Given the fact that Superman has been seen as an all-American hero for a long time, Grounded presents a fresh perspective. After all, Superman might protect the people of this planet but he was and will always be a Kryptonian. The hero feels this disconnect now more than ever in this storyline.

About The Author

Shaurya Thapa
(732 Articles Published)

Shaurya Thapa is an Indian freelance journalist who mostly dabbles in writings on cinema, music, and human interest features. When it comes to Screen Rant, he writes lists on a wide array of subjects ranging from international films to mainstream Netflix series and comic book trivia. He also hosts a podcast called ‘BhindiWire’, an Indian parody of IndieWire.

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