The Poet

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CV's Top 100 Superman Universe Stories Runner Up List

When I was creating Comic Vine's Top 100 Superman Universe Stories List, I was provided with 146 Superman-related stories.

After a few steps, I created the actual list and removed these 46 Stories. For your benefit, here they are!

List items

  • By far my favorite Jimmy Olsen centered story!This story is a modern take on Jimmy Olsen's Silver Age troubles but with a serious tone to it,Jimmy talks mortality with Superman, the story is deep with a twist ending!By Abhay Khosla and Andy Macdonald! -- Squalleon

  • This story may not be one of the biggest Superman stories but I do like it for many different reasons nonetheless: First of all, I'm a fan of Phil Noto and his style works well for Superman & Supergirl, too. Beyond that, this is a 5-part mini-series about relationships - a slave (Maelstroem) following in love with Doomsday, Doomsday not sharing the love but trying to use it for his purposes (he's also quite sarcastic and funny in this one!), and last not least the relationship between Superman & Supergirl, who try to solve some issues during a "camping trip" to a weird planet where they have to survive without their superpowers. It's an unusual Superman story. -- DonFelipe

  • Superman comes to terms with the people of Earth after returning from New Krypton and wishes to walk across America not only to serve humanity he committed to protect, but also discover what else is out there on his adopted planet. This take place after the destruction of New Krypton and the loss of his adoptive father, as well as after the events of 100 Minute War. He goes state to state, being a helping hand for people of everyday lives; some of states that Superman contributed the most were Chicago, Nebraska, Colorada, Utah, Oregon, and ending his voyage in Seattle. This story arc is written by non other than J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by Eddy Borrows, and filled in with the talented colors of Rod Reis. -- ckuakini

  • In this story we get the triumphant return of Superboy! After having recently come back to life, Conner must choose what kind of man he wants to be and come to terms with the events that have transpired since his death. With a little help from his friends, Conner will face his obstacles head on. -- The_ Tree

  • An explosion accidentally throws Superman through time without control of where he's going, only further explosions will send him into another era. Superman finds himself send to different times in the past and future fighting T-Rex, the Nazis, joining a circus, and teaming up with several incarnations of the Legion of Superheroes. This is a great and funny story (arc) for fans of time travel. -- DonFelipe

  • Adventures of Superman Annual #7: Part of DC's 'Year One' initiative of 1995, The Adventures of Superman Annual #7 takes us back to the early days when Superman himself knew very little of his own origins, the police force of Metropolis was unsure what to make of the new costumed vigilante, and the criminal underworld was first looking at how to adapt to the Superman era. The writing is excellent with great dialogue and nearly non-stop action. There are a whole host of supporting characters all with their own agendas and opinions about Superman, and the villains actually have powers and abilities capable of challenging the Man of Steel. The artwork features very dynamic compositions by Ron Wagner and bold line work and shading from Joe Rubinstein. And Linda Medley colors things in very bright colors which help sell the idea of the comic being a flashback to earlier times. A great entry point for readers who've never read Superman before. -- etragedy

  • I liked it because the meeting of past foes and the worrying of future turmoils pressed on Superman's psyche in a way never seen before-for he had the question the very thing that kept him strong-his morals. He was considering killing someone in the story, which Superman swore he would never do due to his upbringing and high value of human life, no matter how scarred. -- xxxddd

  • The first volume of Supergirl's new series after her rebirth in the hands of Jeph Loeb!This is Supergirl travelling around the DCU meeting the JSA, the Teen Titans, the Outsiders, and the JLA! She continues her training under the DCU TRINITY and meets Lex Luthor for the first time!By Jeph Loeb and Ian Churchill! -- Squalleon

  • Supergirl 2011 #1-7: I can't say I loved this version of Kara as much as compared to the origins few years ago. But this would be my second favourite origin. I do think both origins are pretty much similar, but this one really stretched out her being on earth and added several villains to her rogue gallery. Prior to this reactron was her biggest villain, but right now I would say Simon Tycho would be up for that spot. Adding to the fact that her reaction towards Superman when they first met was epic. I did thoroughly enjoy this first arc from supergirl. -- sethysquare

  • Superboy #59: Superboy teams up with Superman in an trip to the past! They go to how Krypton was the days before it imploded. Superboy learns its culture and custumeries. At the end of the day, he finally receives a name. -Sandman_

  • Supergirl #75-80: Supergirl(Linda) meets the Silver version of Kara-Zor-El who mysteriously traveled to the Post Crisis Era. What could be behind this?

  • DC Comics Presents #87: Superman travels to our world and tries to find a way back into his reality. But, Superman finds that our world has his own Superman.Witness, before Superboy-Prime was a villain, there really was no difference between him and Superman before. -- Sandman_

  • Superboy #60-65: Witness as Superboy travels hypertime meeting different versions of what he could have been. He later fights an adult version of him in a World where Superman never came back from the dead, who plans to take over all the worlds with his clone army! -- Sandman_

  • DC Comics Presents #81: Just what we needed, A good old fashioned body switch issue between Superman and The Ambush Bug....As cliched as the story is, this could be the best of the Ambush Bug Superman issues. Kobra walking into Ambush Bugs office sets up a brilliant few pages, of decent comedy. Keith Giffen should get a medal for bringing this kind of fun back to the comics in the 80's. I really liked the opening where we see the bug golfing. Seriously, it wont break the bank, and it is thoroughly enjoyable. -- ENGLENTINE (submitted to this project via The Poet)

  • Superman #287: A Krypto-centered tale, in which he falls in love! A tender yet with a twist, that the dog of his affections, rejects him, because he's too "Super" a dog, not "normal". -- ngroove

  • Supergirl #13: An exciting "new costume" for Supergirl, the kinda "rejected" costume for the Helen Slater movie, but nevertheless, a spectacular new costume! Read as Supergirl takes on her worst foe yet, BlackStarr. -- ngroove

  • Action Comics #432: Featuring two warring Toymen, Winslow Schott, and Jack Nimball (the one chosen to be in that "Challenge of the Superfriends" show). -- ngroove

  • Superman #249: First appearance of Terra-Man, of course, classic recurring Super-foe of the 70s-mid 80s, Regarded a joke to many modern fans after that, but nevertheless, still fond to those who digs him fondly, for being that space cowboy. -- ngroove

  • Action Comics #285: Supergirl, previously hidden-ly used as "Superman's Secret Weapon", is finally revealed out in public, in a grand celebration. Added with suspenseful, exciting super-challenges for her, such as battling the "Infinite Monster". -- ngroove

  • Superman #50: May be part 4 of "Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite", which, for the most part, is just another Superman feud against Lex Luthor and Mister Mxyzptlk, but my opinion, most notable, most important, most crucial, perhaps even touching, part, and it may be just a side-part of the tale! It is the issue, six years before it would finally happen, perhaps even goaded by "Lois & Clark: the New Adventures of Superman", which all would be the climax of a 50+ years of courtship between the two, even if only for fifteen years; Clark Kent and Lois Lane becomes engaged, towards the path to marriage!

  • Superman #88: Superman against Golden Age Arch-enemies Toyman, Prankster, and Luthor! -- ngroove

  • Superman #167: Superman against two of his very worst enemies, Luthor and Brainiac, in their first of many feuds against him as a duo! Also featuring Lexor, Ardora, the sometimes-used woman who would be Mrs. Lex Luthor, and the revelation that Brainiac is from a "him" to an "it", a computer! -- ngroove

  • Superman #310: The first appearance of the second, but first recurring, throughout the Bronze and Copper ages, Metallo, Roger Corben! Guest-threatening SKULL! -- ngroove

  • Honestly I can't fully explain why I love this story I just do. Also a young Superman prior to his full power emerging vs Shar Khan was pretty cool -- Joshmightbe

  • Superman Annual #6: It was pretty much the Ultimate Superhero mash up, Even though the story has some pretty major flaws some of the scenes in it were just fantastic, the scene near the beginning where Bruce/Clark is a small child in the alley where his parents dies, when he looks up and flash fries the mugger with his heat vision stuck with me for years. -- Joshmightbe

  • This was of course about the aftermath of the Death of Superman event. It tells the heartbreaking story of what happened after Superman sacrificed his own life to save the world and defeat Doomsday. It's quite poignant and features all of his closest friends and allies as they try to come to terms with the death of their friend, with special focus on Lois, the love of his life. -- Icon

  • Superman #676: Written by Vito Delsante with art by Julian Lopez, this story deals with the first meeting between Superman and Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern. As Solomon Grundy goes on a rampage in Metropolis on Memorial Day, Superman learns something about super-heroism that couldn't be taught by the Kents back in Smallville. A short and sweet story, it was refreshing to see a younger Superman learn so much from a hero that he himself looked up to as a child on the farm. It also features a quote that really sums up Superman's attitude towards fighting the "never ending battle": In this comic, Superman says, "Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They can wear badges or uniforms or even capes. But their sacrifice remains the same. If we're to defend life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... then we need to look back at the battles fought before us and learn from them. We need to honor those who came before us. Because the threats to freedom will only get worse. Bigger. Badder. But thankfully, heroes will always stand for truth, justice, and the American way." --Gambit1024

  • World's Finest Comics #75: When Batman is injured, Superman steps in to take his place. A story that highlights the friendship between Kal El and Bruce Wayne. -- etragedy

  • World's Finest Comics #68: A giant asteroid is on a collision course with Earth. Superman stops it from hitting the Earth, but knocks it into Earth orbit, wreaking havoc with the weather. Worse, the asteroid was partially composed of Kryptonite which causes Superman to plummet to Earth with amnesia. This was the basis for the great 'Panic in the Sky' episode of the Superman TV show. -- etragedy

  • Superman #1: Contains a text only story about a police sergeant who vows to take Superman in. Begins the complex relationship between Superman and the police. -- etragedy

  • DC Comics Presents #29: In trying to stop Mongul's Warworld, Supergirl is catapulted beyond the natural barriers of the universe. Superman tries to rescue her, but The Spectre bars his way! This shows that even at his most powerful, Superman had his limits. No matter how powerful you are, there is always someone else more powerful than you. -- etragedy

  • Action Comics Annual #1: It's great fun seeing Superman and Batman team-up, and this comic features a threat worthy of such a team: vampires! Batman is on the trail of a mass murderer who he's tracked to a swamp somewhere in the deep south. When he discovers that he's actually up against a vampire infestation, he knows he's in over his head, so he contacts Clark Kent and asks him to send Superman. The comic shows a Batman and a Superman who are aware of each others existence, and are starting to form a limited form of trust. They are becoming aware of each others strengths and weaknesses. The issue also features very good artwork. -- etragedy

  • Action Comics #554: This comic is the flipside to 'Must There Be a Superman'. It looks at what the world would be like if Superman had never existed. The two stories can be seen as bookends to the Bronze Age Superman era (one is right at the beginning, the other right at the end). It's more than that, though. It is a very loving tribute to Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and if that weren't enough, it captures the essence of why Superman matters to us: he embodies everything we aspire to be. -- etragedy

  • Superman Annual #2: This one isn't about Superman, but two of the supporting characters. When Barrage puts Dan Turpin in the hospital, he begins to reevaluate things, including his relationship with Captain Sawyer. -- etragedy

  • Superman #38: This was the infamous Superman story that the U.S. government didn't want you to see! Clark and Lois drive into the countryside looking for the source of a 'terrific upheaval'. They discover massive trees bent over, boulders melted and steel structures twisted. Upon further investigation they come across some of Luthor's thugs. Learning that Superman is close to discovering his plot, Luthor launches an immediate attack on the Daily Planet with a powerful Atomic weapon! -- etragedy

  • Another one that you either like or you don't. The idea of putting Superman on trial to own up for something his family has done and in a position where he loses all his powers and has to defend himself, is an interesting one. -- DonFelipe

  • One of the best Elseworlds with Superman in it. Luthor & Superman switch sides but are still driven by the same desire and obsession to the extremes. Though Superman uses his powers to be a media star at first, he ends up hiding as Clark Kent and a journalist after all. The most funny thing is when Superman starts publishing Superman comics to expand his merchandising. Brilliant idea! With about 65 nominations thus far I'm happy I can still one of my favorite Superman stories (with Red Son, For the man who has everything, and Man of Steel) -- DonFelipe

  • Superman signs up to fight for the Union Army in the Civil War, unsure if he will ever make it out alive. This all changes from the moment on a cannonball hits him and bounces right back. Amusing Elseworlds story about Superman becoming America's greatest soldier of the Civil War. -- DonFelipe

  • This is something different! Well, it's Elseworlds! Not sure if this will end up in the top100 eventually? What I like about this one is the basic idea of combining Superman and Fritz Lang's epic Metropolis, the art (though most people may not like it), and how the writer uses original quotes from the movie. Maybe one has to know and like the movie to appreciate this one. I decided in favor of Metropolis and against Whom Gods Destroy btw. -- DonFelipe

  • As one of the Flashpoint tie-ins, it temporarily changed the origin of Superman, as it did with other DC Characters. Project Superman explored what would happen if Superman had been discovered by the government instead of John and Martha, and used as a test subject for the US government to create the perfect weapon. In this story we see a Superman who has never been exposed to sunlight, causing him to appear thin and frail. It is an interesting take on a Superman who had never seen or been taught about the good in humanity, and is instead afraid of humans. His one connection to humanity is found through Lois Lane, the daughter of his captor, who he has only met once or twice. --Delphic

  • Action Comics #662: In this issue of Action Comics, Clark reveals to Lois that he is Superman. Lois and Clark have been engaged for a while by the time this issue takes place, but Clark has purposefully put off telling her the truth until this point because he fears his enemies might come after her, and that Lois might take the truth that he is Superman the wrong way. Clark continues to struggle with what he must do until Silver Banshee shows up and attacks him in his home, but after he leaves and deals with Silver Banshee, he returns home and finally reveals his alter-ego to Lois.This is an important event Superman's history because it was in this issue that Superman decided to trust his bride to be with his greatest secret. -- Delphic

  • Remarkably the most significant retcons in the history of DC Universe; Superman's origin and history are rebooted after the 'Crisis of Infinite Earths', which greatly affected Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes. Superboy's childhood, growing up to be Superman is erased from the DC history and the Legion of Super-Heroes discovers irregularities within the timeline they live in that shows historical data of Superman, therefore having them to confront the Time Trapper who seems to be responsible for the malfunctioning of the time stream. While on their mission, Time Trapper diverts some of the Legions to Superboy's time period and is captured by Superboy himself, as the others escaped in the future of Superman's time period where they meet for the first time and are also captured by Superboy, thereafter. While bringing them back into the past, Superman follows them, thus the battle of Superman vs. Superboy begins! Superboy wishes not to fight anymore and explains his actions to Superman, who returns back to his time period afterward; while the Legion of Super-Heroes continues their mission to battle Time Trapper. Soon after, they confront Time Trapper, not only to know the reason of the altercation in the timeline, but also to recruit the Superboy of the pocket universe onto the team, as well, not knowing it was a trap by Time Trapper to destroy the Legion. Superboy then dies after trying to save his Earth and the Legion of Super-Heroes from the Time Trapper. Time travel is therefore banned, but not only until Brainiac 5 found another way through time. This brilliant story is collaborated by the talents of Paul Levitz and John Bryne. -- ckuakini

  • Superman #2: This story arc is written by non other than the talented hands of John Bryne and explains the relationship between Lex Luthor and The Man of Steel, himself, as well as elaborating on the wealth that the mad scientist possesses. He goes on to show what Lex Luthor has developed throughout the years; which is a supercomputer specifically designed to try and discover the connection between Superman and Clark Kent. Eventually the machine concludes that Superman is Clark Kent, having Lex Luthor be in confusion of why someone with super human powers and abilities would settle in a place of ordinary people. Will Superman maintain his secret identity as Clark Kent or will Lex Luthor come to terms with the fact the he might just be the 'Superman'. -- ckuakini

  • Christmas With The Super-Heroes #2: Dying of an incurable disease, stranded for hours on a snow and ice covered road on Christmas eve, a lonely man abandons hope and places a gun to his head. So begins one of the greatest Superman stories ever told. One that reveals the bottomless depths of the Man of Steel's compassion, and the enduring spirit of giving at Christmas. It's only 8 pages long. There are no giant robots, epic brawls, or sneering bald scientists. It's a quiet story about the preciousness of life, and how saving even one will always be a job for Superman. -- Chalkshark

  • Starman #75: Jack Knight has just buried his father, the hero, Starman. Knight is at a crossroads in his own career as Starman. His heart is heavy, and certain hard decisions loom before him. Standing at his father's gravesite, Knight yearns for clarity. His father has died. Who else can light the path for Knight? Superman, of course. The Man of Steel has come to Opal City looking for his own answers. Knight recently returned from an adventure on Krypton, in the past. An adventure shared with the father Superman never knew, Jor-El. Two young men, lost in the world, seek knowledge from the other. To re-connect with their fathers, and forge the right path to their future. It's also a story about destiny, and how each hero, in very different ways, influenced the destiny of the other. -- Chalkshark

  • Superman #64: There's a special room, at a post office in Metropolis, where all the letters addressed to Superman are compiled and collected. Every year, at Christmas time, Superman spends one day reading his mail. The bulk of the letters are messages of praise or gratitude. In among the well wishes and thank you cards though, are the cries for help. Simple missives expressing deep human needs. On that one day, out of every year, Superman does his level best to answer those pleas. It's a story that asks the all too human Superman to stand in as savior. A metaphor that has been explored in countless Superman tales, but rarely with as much heart. This story also reveals that Superman's greatest power is his humanity. -- Chalkshark