Summary
Among superheroes today, it’s no surprise thatSupermanremains a beacon of hope to those he meets across the DC Comics Multiverse. Superman being hope’s defender remains a reality in the 2023 slate of DC Comics bearing the Man of Steel, with numerous stories across different titles showcasing the hero’s desire to save people around him: be it as Superman or Clark Kent.
However, with the manySupermancomics stories going on in 2023, certain stories of Clark and even the Super-Family stand out among the rest. For fans and newcomers to theSupermanmythos, just which of Superman’s adventures in the previous year - be it those in deep space, starring his own son, or even outings with the Caped Crusader - are worth reading?
Tom Taylor, Clayton Henry
Premise
It’s up to Jon Kent to stop a Superman-Killer from killing all the Kal-Els across the multiverse
Jonathan Kent has become a difficult character to write in the past few years, especially when his sudden aging and characterization as an extreme pacifist has led to Superman stories that don’t hit the mark quite as often as his father’s tales. However,Adventures of Superman: Jon Kentchanges this, especially when it shows that Jon’s ways are just as effective as his father’s - and influenced by a family that showed him how there are many ways to achieve peace.
This is exemplified in this miniseries, whereSuperman’s childis recruited by Val-Zod of Earth-2 as the only one who can stop Ultraman and stop his rampage of killing other Supermen. Fans woefully considerAdventures of Superman: Jon Kentas yet another contested title, especially when its candle is held against the glaring spotlight of current Superman stories. However, Tom Taylor’s writing still makes an attempt to showcasing Jon’s potential as a more peaceful Man of Tomorrow, and this multiversal journey shows there’s hopefully more to Jon in the future than what his current stories offer.
Christopher Priest, Carlo Pagulayan
A Justice League mission will have Clark Kent stranded for 20 years… but with no time passing on his Earth
Events ofSuperman: Lostbegin with quite an intriguing premise - Superman comes home from a Justice League mission in a trance, as though in utter disbelief. An angry Lois calls Bruce Wayne to explain exactly what happened, and somehow Clark returning to them in a couple of hours was in truth 20 whole years of Superman lost in outer space. As Superman comes to terms with this new reality, this new challenge also testsClark Kent’s relationship with Lois Lane.
While Carlo Pagulayan nails the art in his more classic 2000s-esque vibrance, it’s Christopher Priest’s writing - specifically the last leg - where fans got divided. Outside this setback, however,Superman: Lostis one of the more gripping Superman stories to come out of the year - specifically in how it challenges the Clark-Lois dynamic. Superman: Lost is as soft sci-fi as the concept comes, especially when time dilation becomes an emotional barrier between two lovers.
Mark Waid, Dan Mora
Metallo becomes a person of interest in the death of Simon Stagg
The Sherlock Holmes joke in the storyline’s name isn’t a mere pun, asElementaryto the DC Comics fan does indeed connect two things: Metamorpho the Element Man and a detective story. In this wild ride, the sudden death of Simon Stagg once again forces Superman and Batman to work together. And while the larger-than-life scope of Stagg’s activities makes his case Superman territory, the fact that Metamorpho was a bodyguard Stagg once betrayed places the superhuman right on Batman’s crosshairs. Elementary is no Court of Owls, but Superman’s presence in this whodunit story adds a vibrance that not many Batman stories contain.
Not to mention,Elementarybegins with one of the most hilarious stories: the reason Supergirl and Robin aren’t exactly on good terms. It’s been a running gag that Dick Grayson triedgoing out with Kara Zor-El, and that it didn’t exactly go well, but the events that led to this weren’t explored. Elementary begins with that story, and it was just as interesting seeing Superman and Batman talk to their respective younger versions on the “mysteries” of superhero dating.
Superman and Batman reunite with David in another universem, where its Justice League disappoints Clark
Possibly one of the most ambitious stories to come out of DC Comics in 2023 wasReturn to Kingdom Come, where Superman and Batman journey to Earth-22 where they encounter David - the same David they saved from Earth-0 - become Thunderboy, among the heroes who avidly worshipped Gog. While readers would already recognize this Earth asthe setting ofKingdom Come, Superman, and Batman are still coming to terms the horrific events that transpired in this reality. And although Batman has offered his share of detective work in deducing what may have happened to them, Superman has become the more emotional of the both of them.
Expressing disappointment in the conduct and the aftermath of superheroes who are technically “exactly” like them, Prime Superman would form early conflicts with theKingdom ComeSuperman and Batman, both of which are in charge of a more brutal version of the Justice League. While technically a “half-and-half” story between the Man of Steel and the Caped Crusader, Superman taking the moral reins here allows him to steal the show inReturn to Kingdom Come.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Rafa Sandoval
Norah Stone, the head of Blue Earth, reveals herself to the Super-Family and the true intent of her hostilities towards Superman and his kin
Continuing straight from whereRise of Metalloleft off, Norah Stone of Blue Earth has agreed to interview with Clark Kent inNew Worlds, and the youngster has proven to be more charismatic and idealistic than everyone else thought. What’s worse, however, is how the movement had managed to steal Superman’s powers, prompting Clark to temporarily fight crime while using a Superman Armor from John Henry Irons and begrudgingly using Lex Luthor’s Supercorp lasers. Things escalated further when Norah started antagonizing the adopted Supergirl Otho-Ra, and a big reveal of Norah’s origins thrust readers back into where Warworld left off.
The story’s big conclusion inAction Comics Annualsets the stage forbigger things for the Super-Family, and their love for each other can transcend even multiversal grudges. While its ending felt rushed, the arc did well in expanding on Kryptonian lore, and fleshing out the Super-Family dynamics without sacrificing tension and story development.
Joshua Williamson, Jamal Campbell
Lex Luthor’s efforts in turning a new leaf has attracted more enemies from his past who want to take advantage of his incarceration, with Superman at the center of it all
When a new threat named The Chained had begun wreaking havoc in Metropolis, it would take more than the Super-Family’s strength to defeat him. As this new threat pushes Superman to lower his guard and work with Luthor, the Chained’s mysterious origins seems to stem from Luthor’s villainous past. Although the arc’s final issue is set for a later release in 2024,Chained!as enough for fans to go for in terms of Lex Luthor’s developing appreciation for Superman.
Much of Superman’s troubles inChained!is a continuation of the premise in the series, wherehe has doubts (within reason) of Lex finally turning a new leaf. However, Lex seems to truly have appreciated Superman helping him turn a new leaf - albeit it’s equally as frustrating to see both his villainous past and attempts to do good both earning him enemies that Superman has to deal with. This arc attempts to further flesh out Lex’s character in a more modern context, showing how his own attempts to do good potentially making the foundation for interesting character-driven Superman stories.
A case regarding the Riddler will have Batman and Superman meet for the first time
Superman not liking Batman during their first encounter borders trope material in comic book fiction. Still, the two-issueSecret Origin of the World’s Finest Teamspins the concept in an endearing story that elevates the values of both heroes without painting any of them as villains. Beginning with the Riddler forming riddles specifically to Superman’s interest, the Man of Steel goes to Gotham to try and cooperate with the Caped Crusader on the root of Edward Nygma’s new games.
While technically stilla detective story featuring Batman, the depth of theSecret Originhas less to do with Bruce Wayne’s sleuthing and more on how “traditional” superheroics work well with Batman’s noir-esque flair. Batman being the “brains” while Superman being the brawn didn’t overshadow the other’s morals and ideals. And while the payoff on Superman’s side isn’t as satisfying as others would hope, theSecret Originis by far one of the more solid takes on how the World’s Finest eventually started working together.
Action Comics #1051 to #1056
Metallo begins hostilities with the Super-Family for reasons unknown to them, and sinister forces prove to be on the move
The switch-back to an anthology series is a much-needed breath of fresh air forAction Comics, especially as the emphasis on the Super-Family has paved the way for some of 2023’s most refreshing Superman stories. This isn’t to say the ongoingRise Of Metallostory is a slouch, as Superman andthe Super-Family contending with Metallohas become one of the more exciting foundations of their adventures since the events of Warworld.
On top of solving the origins of Metallo’s grudge against the Man of Steel, Superman, and his family need to get on top of the revolutionary Blue Earth that has begun escalating their crusade. All this tension, interspersed with delightful moments between members of the House of El has transformedRise of Metallointo showcasing how complex but wholesome their bonds have becoming. Seeing Lois and Clark mourn Jon’s lost years while the latter becomes a “big brother” to their adopted siblings is also a sight to appreciate.
After Lex Luthor’s incarceration, Superman’s nemesis hands him the reins to his own kingdom - and his own Supercorp
When Lex Luthor was finally incarcerated, Clark Kent could finally sigh in relief - or so he thought. The Superman Symbol suddenly replaced what remains of an inactive LexCorp Tower, with Mercy Graves telling Superman the last gift Lex gave him was his own company. DubbedSupercorp, the company was Lex’s attempt at using technology to help Superman save Metropolis, especially when there’s always the possibility of threats being outside the Man of Steel’s caliber. While Superman is naturally hesitant to accept the aid of his archnemesis, a new threat would slowly force Superman to at least consider the suggestion.
Thesheer idea of Lex Luthor wanting to work with Superman screams a wicked scheme, but seeing the prospect of Supercorp being similar to Spider-Man’s Parker Industries is exciting. The bright storytelling of Superman extends to even Superman’s new enemies and mysterious new acquaintances, with witty one-liners and art from a creative team that is spot-on with stunning visuals.
Mark Russell, Michael Allred
A Golden Age-style retelling of Superman’s story, up until the moment everything is destroyed in Crisis of Infinite Earths
In what is practically an Elseworlds retelling of the history of Superman and the Justice League,Superman: Space Ageis a love letter to Golden Age art and storytelling. Set as a decades-spanning affair, theSpace Agebegins in its climax, wheretheCrisis on Infinite Earthswill inevitably end life in the universeas it knows it. This is quite the dreary beginning of a story involving the world’s symbol of hope, butSuperman: Space Agewill have Superman even tackle the harshest of realities - that the world will inevitably end, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end that truly matters.
If there’s anythingSuperman: Space Agedoes, it’s to show how difficult of a role it is for Superman to present hope even in the direst of situations. Mark Russell stands out in writing such an intense take on the character, proving that Superman can make something like death something to hope for, especially when it’s the culmination of everything one has ever done. While its emotional weight can makeSpace Agedifficult to reread immediately, it’s a worthy read for any Superman fan and newcomers who want to see Superman writing at its finest.
