TRUTH, JUSTICE AND A TIMELESS LEGACY: SUPERMAN DAY 2025

87 Years with a legacy unlike anyone else

Since his debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938, The Man of Steel has left quite the impression. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creation embodies what pop culture thinks of when they hear “superhero”. Throughout the decades, SUPERMAN has been the center of some of the best stories in all of literature.

Take a look at the brief synopsis:

World-Ending events. Evil Villains. The complexity of being the symbol of Hope for millions. Countless act of heroics. Everyone’s got a Superman story that has connected with them on a certain level.

For this special Superman Day article, Members of the N.I. Bullpen speak about their favorite Superman stories. Let’s see what stories of Truth, Justice & A Better Tomorrow impacted them the most.

DEREK – Superman: Birthright (2003)

Creative Team: Mark Waid and Leinil Francis Yu, & Gerry Alanguilan

Superman: Birthright will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only was it the first full Superman story I had read, but it so perfectly encapsulated everything great about a character that I had, until then avoided.

Superman was a character that I mocked in my youth, I thought he was boring with no interesting stories to tell. Birthright, however, boasts a beautiful story of hope and inspiration, and a modern origin story for Clark that would go on to define the character for a whole new generation.  

Of course, it helps that Birthright sports some of the most incredible artwork I had ever seen, artwork that is still some of my favorite over 20 years later. Superman: Birthright is a perfect jumping on point for new fans and a wonderful examination of a character that is powerful enough to be a god but humble enough to strive to be more human.

The love that I have for Superman can be attributed directly to this phenomenal story from two powerhouse creators!

TOM – Superman Vol 2 #135 (May 1998 “Shattered Worlds”)

Creative Team: Dan Jurgens, Ron Frenz, Joe Rubinstein, Glenn Whitmore, John Costanza and Joey Cavalieri

It’s unique how my Superman story is the same as my first comic book story. I had always been a fan of the movies and the animated series. But I was always leery of picking up a comic because “Where do I start?” 

But there I was, a naive 15-year-old, standing inside the drug store waiting for my dad to pick up his prescription, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw not one but TWO Supermen on the spinning wire rack. Intrigued, I used my own money and picked up my first issue, one that I wanted for myself. My dad had picked up random books for me over the years, such as the signed trade paperback of The Death of Superman. But this was different, this is one I fell drawn to!

THE SUMMER OF SUPERMAN BEGINS!

It was from the BEHOLD! THE MILLENNIUM GIANTS! Storyline. At this point, I had no idea how the story was going across several different runs of Aquaman, Teen Titans, Supergirl, etc. It just came down to seeing Red and Blue!

Then, in issue #135, not fully understanding how Red and Blue came to be, or how the comic community at large hated them for “changing Superman.” I saw both characters do what I always knew Superman would do: sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

I was mindblown, even if you look at my copy now, you can see the imprint of the tracing I took of the cover. I, of course, followed up with picking up Superman Forever #1, but it didn’t click for me. I never picked up another comic till years later when something caught my eye and gave me that same feeling of wonder.

But in the years since, I’ve been fortunate enough to learn more about comics and have a great appreciation for the Big Blue Boy Scout, and will hold steadfast for “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow.”

KAT: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest (2022-Present)

Creative Team: Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Adrian Gutierrez, Tamra Bonvillain and Steve Wands

If you would’ve told me that this story would humanize Superman for me, I don’t think I would’ve believed you. This story takes the Man Of Steel and really pushes him, sometimes to his limits. But it makes the character feel that much more human.

But something else I noticed: Superman knows how to adapt to every villain in this book. In every issue, you see Superman find creative ways to take on a villain. Issue #31 is a prime example. Having Eclipso show up was incredible to see.

But it was interesting to see how Superman was going to take him on, and seeing how he was able to beat Eclipso was so perfect to see. But you can read any issue and see just how Superman is able to take on the bad guys.

This is a comic and a story I always tell people to go and check out if they are looking for something a little different to what they have been reading.

And for me (The EIC), this was a tough call. There have been plenty of creative teams that have brought the core themes of Superman to the masses. You can’t go wrong with anything Joshua Williamson has been doing. His current run on the “Superman” title has been incredible. The John Byrne stories have always been classic. Dan Jurgens contributions left shockwaves that influence modern runs. I can go on and on about “World’s Finest” by Mark Waid. All that said, there’s one issue & one page in particular that sums up Kal-El.

KEN – ALL-STAR SUPERMAN #10 (March 2008)

Creative Team: GRANT MORRISON, FRANK QUIETLY, JAIME GRANT & TRAVIS LANHAM

The “All-Star” line was one I was never a huge fan of. All-Star Batman was…..something. Knowing Grant Morrison was helming this take, I knew it was going to be different. This story centered around Superman dying.

The writing walks readers through Superman’s acceptance of his doomed fate. It is a very unique vision of Kal-El. Lois Lane and Lex Luthor have stand-out moments. Their interactions are heartfelt and explosive in their own ways.

Issue 10 of the 12 chapter run focuses on Superman leaving his “last Will and Testament”. In dealing with his “Twelve Challenges”, Clark Kent lays out the blueprint with a world without Superman. The chapter runs a gauntlet of events. They ranging from fighting a monster robot, saving Lois to gifting Kandor a new age of prosperity.

Even with these key events happening around him, one moment stands out above all. In the grand cosmos scheme, it is minor. In the eyes of a hero, it’s every bit as important. Usually I would post the cover to the issue here, but this moment deserves the spotlight.

A teen by the name of Regan is on the ledge of a building ready to end their life. Superman hears the pleas to try stopping the situation failing. As Regan is ready to fall, Superman appears. With a few simple words, Regan breaks down and stops. it is the HOPE that Superman symbolizes that curves the potential tragedy.

A simple hug is stronger than any force in the universe in this moment.

As the chapter continues, time winds down for the Man of Steel. Before his clock runs out, Superman visits dying children in a hospital. Another moment of hope is instilled. Superman says how he won’t be here for a visit next week. He also proclaims that the kids will be going home today. Along for this visit are Kandorian doctors ready to cure these children with their advance technology. They can’t save Superman as his condition is graver than their own knowledge, but they can save these children.

Once again, the hero puts others even when it costs him his own remaining time and peace.

As cliche as it goes, Superman is the iconic definition of a hero. The ultimate “boy scout”. Some say his time has passed. I strongly disagree. During these VERY polarizing times, people need hope more than ever. People NEED Superman. They need inspiration that things will get better and to keep pressing forward. If the Man of Tomorrow can do it, why not the people of today? Something to ponder after reading this powerful chapter.

We gave you our picks. Now, we want yours. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below about what Superman stories have made the biggest impact on you. As always, Thanks for reading!