With Earth One out, it's gotta be like the 100th telling of Superman's origin. With all of these out there, which did it best? 
 
John Byrne- Man of Steel mini series 
Mark Waid- Superman: Birthright 
Geoff Johns- Secret Origin 
 JMS- Superman: Earth One 

Or is there any other that did it even better than these?

I'm a big fan of Birthright myself.

1. Birthright.
2. Earth One.
3. Secret Origin.
4. Man of Steel.

See out of all of these I've only read Man of Steel and Earth One. I've heard great things about Birthright. I haven't heard anything about Secret Origins... 

" I'm a big fan of Birthright myself. "

Secret Origin and Earth One are on par for me. Never read Birthright and Man of Steel was fine.

"

1. Birthright.
2. Earth One.
3. Secret Origin.
4. Man of Steel.

 They're all good though, IMO. "

Birthright is my favorite origin story ever so that's my number 1 !

QFT

Each retelling of Superman's origin has certain elements which are better than any of the others.

The Man of Steel had the best art. Even more so than the great Curt Swan, John Byrne drew the definitive Superman. And his was a Superman that unapologetically fought for "the American way."

Birthright made great use of the "S" insignia and had the best portrayal of Lew Luthor, from his friendship with Clark in Smallville to fully incorporating both the billionaire businessman and genius scientist aspects of the character. I especially love the end, which ties everything back to the first page of the first issue, with Kal-El informing his birth parents through time and space that he arrive safely.

Secret Origin portrayed the definitive Krypton, incorporating elements from each of the past incarnations perfectly. It excels in very few particulars, but is nevertheless one of the best overall origin stories for Superman.

Earth One showcased Clark's intellect better than any other while at the same time giving the best justification for him working at the Daily Planet. It certainly was the most cinematic in scope, perhaps more so than even the recent film which it inspired. The uninspired villain unfortunately brings it down some, but the notion that Krypton was purposefully destroyed is quite intriguing.

Action Comics by Grant Morrison in the New 52 should not be overlooked as an origin story either, and though the art suffers terribly, the story stands next to All-Star Superman as one of the best in the history of the genre. In it are some of the best single issues ever to feature the man of tomorrow, particularly #9 and #13. Read it in full at least twice to fully appreciate Morrison's accomplishment.

You know despite me being a Superman fan....I've never actually read any one of these before. Gah really should.

I liked the four-panel origin story in All-Star Superman 1 though.

I've only read Birthright (it was good) and tried to get into Secret Origin but couldn't.

For me personally

1. Birthright
2. Earth-One
3. Man of Steel (haven't read it in completion yet)
4. Secret Origins

@rideaspacecowboy: Excellent descriptions of each story. Seriously, I applaud you.

My favorite would be GM's origin is Action Comics. The fan favorite is Birthright and the best is....completely subjective :-P

0_0
How come usually everyone starts with an origin story?

@squalleon said:

QFT.

Have not read them all, but:

1. Superman: Birthright

2. Superman: Earth One

3. New 52 Action Comics

It was just a 1 page thing

@rideaspacecowboy said:

Each retelling of Superman's origin has certain elements which are better than any of the others.

The Man of Steel had the best art. Even more so than the great Curt Swan, John Byrne drew the definitive Superman. And his was a Superman that unapologetically fought for "the American way."

Birthright made great use of the "S" insignia and had the best portrayal of Lew Luthor, from his friendship with Clark in Smallville to fully incorporating both the billionaire businessman and genius scientist aspects of the character. I especially love the end, which ties everything back to the first page of the first issue, with Kal-El informing his birth parents through time and space that he arrive safely.

Secret Origin portrayed the definitive Krypton, incorporating elements from each of the past incarnations perfectly. It excels in very few particulars, but is nevertheless one of the best overall origin stories for Superman.

Earth One showcased Clark's intellect better than any other while at the same time giving the best justification for him working at the Daily Planet. It certainly was the most cinematic in scope, perhaps more so than even the recent film which it inspired. The uninspired villain unfortunately brings it down some, but the notion that Krypton was purposefully destroyed is quite intriguing.

Action Comics by Grant Morrison in the New 52 should not be overlooked as an origin story either, and though the art suffers terribly, the story stands next to All-Star Superman as one of the best in the history of the genre. In it are some of the best single issues ever to feature the man of tomorrow, particularly #9 and #13. Read it in full at least twice to fully appreciate Morrison's accomplishment.

This is the real answer, everyone is special in it's own way. Me personally I have my own head canon were it takes influence from them all.

If anyone says anything besides "Birthright" we can't be friends anymore. Lol jk but seriously Birthright is the way Superman story ever IMO and the best origin ever as well

I prefer Morrison's Ac :P

@squalleon:

I really like that too but I see Birthright as the better story.

1. Birthright

2. Men of Steel

3. For All Seasons

4. Secret Origin

5. Man of Steel

6. Earth One

That's a damn fine list OP, and I think Morrison's AC was some of the finest writing i've read in N52, all titles, but i'm going to have to give it to earth one sans the half thought up villian, because of how they showcased his intellect, even liked vol. 2 and his struggles their sans Parasite of course.

Yep. For me there isn't really a contest here.

1) Birthright

2) Earth One

3) Secret Origins

Haven't read Man of Steel yet, but I'm gonna read it soon.

1) Birthright

2) Earth One

3) Action Comics New 52