Recommended reading as Superman turns 86

Midweek update: Superman's anniversary celebrated on April 18

Making it to 86 this year is the phenom that kickstarted the American comics industry, Superman.

April 18, 1938, is celebrated by DC Comics as the anniversary of Superman, based on their records of when copyright was received for “Action Comics” #1.

To celebrate this year, here are a few Superman recommendations:

Action Comics #1 (2011)

I’ve recommended the original from 1938 before — here, I’ll recommend Grant Morrison’s “New 52” reboot of the character. Resetting “Action Comics” may have been a mistake — DC later rolled the number back — and the long-term implications of this series may not have totally worked, however: this issue by itself is a fresh, fun updated take.

This “Action Comics” No. 1 finds Superman as a brash young hero in blue jeans and work boots standing up to corporate criminals. “Action Comics” is written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Rags Morales.

Superman: Space Age (2022-2023)

Weaving through historical events a la “Justice League: New Frontier,” Superman becomes a hero and tries to save humanity from threats interior and exterior in this miniseries. It starts stronger than it finishes, but it’s still absolutely worth the time for Superman fans, and those who like the work of either Russell or Allred.  This Superman is active from the 1960s to the 1980s, and works to prevent an oncoming Crisis that he has been warned about by a mysterious visitor. 

Superman Annual #11 (1985) “For the Man Who Has Everything”

Superman’s Justice League friends Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman find Superman incapacitated in the Fortress of Solitude. The villainous Mongul has put Superman in a trance courtesy of a wish-fulfilling parasitic plant known as the Black Mercy, which has Superman dreaming of an idyllic life on Krypton.

This collaboration, by the “Watchmen” creative team of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, is a classic Superman tale, as Superman must confront everything he’s lost.

What are some of your favorite Superman tales? Let me know in the comments! 

Matthew Price, matthew@matthewlprice.com, has written about the comics industry for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma.