Superman: Man of Steel #1 marked four titles for Metropolis' favorite son in 1991

Midweek update: Jon Bogdanove brought classic power to the Kryptonian hero

A 48-page first issue with a powerful cover hit comic racks in 1991, starting a new era for comics’ flagship superhero. Superman: Man of Steel was the first new #1 ongoing for Superman since the 1987 series, and it marked an increasing popularity for the Superman titles. With four Super-titles on the stands, fans could essentially expect a weekly dose of the hero, which I think helped build his popularity through the early 1990s.

In “Superman: Man of Steel” #1, there’s a new foe on the scene named Cerberus, who is bombing Lexcorp facilities around the city.  Meanwhile, tough economic times are hitting the Daily Planet, which undergoes a 10 percent staff reduction -- including photographer Jimmy Olsen, who has just signed a lease on a new apartment.

As Superman attempts to track down Cerberus, he is interrupted with visions of Krypton.  As it turns out, the Kryptonian artifact known as the Eradicator - which Superman threw into the sun when it tried to turn him into the ideal Kryptonian - has returned, now in humanoid form.  

This issue was a group effort of the entire Superman team, including writer Louise Simonson and artists Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke, who would become the regular team on the “Man of Steel” ongoing.  Other artists on the issue included Tom Grummett, Bob McLeod, and Dan Jurgens on pencils, with Jerry Ordway, McLeod, and Brett Breeding on inks.  Bill Oakley was the letterer, and Glenn Whitmore was the colorist.  

This issue also marked the first appearances of the orphan Keith and his guardian Myra, both of whom add some diversity to the Superman supporting cast. 

I distinctly remember seeing this issue on a spinner rack at the Waldenbooks in the Sooner Fashion Mall.  It was a new #1 featuring the world’s most famous character - I couldn’t resist.  New #1 issues were somewhat still rare enough at the time that I’m sure some collectibility ideas entered my mind -- but while this isn’t a particularly expensive one, it is historically notable for kicking off the era of essentially weekly Superman comics, which would last for the next decade-and-a-half. 

In more recent years, This was released as a free digital issue around the time of the “Man of Steel” film and seemed to get largely positive reviews.  I wasn’t sure if it wouldn’t seem to be too much of its time, but it seems that people enjoyed it based on the online reviews. 

Bogdanove especially brought a real strength to Superman that reminds me of his Golden Age origins. This Superman was beefy and heroic but also human in his emotions and responses.

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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.