Major collectible Superman crossovers include Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985-86, #7 CGC 9.8: $250-400), The Death and Return of Superman (1992-93), Our Worlds at War (2001), Infinite Crisis (2005-06, #1 CGC 9.8: $50-80), and Doomsday Clock (2017-19, #1 CGC 9.8: $30-50).
Superman is at the center of the most important events in the DC Comics universe. From the first destructions of the multiverse in 1985 to the cosmic clashes of the 2000s, the Man of Steel was the pivot of crossovers that redefined the publisher in each decade. For collectors, these events offer number sequences rich in key issues and historical moments.
This guide lists major Superman crossovers in chronological order, identifies the essential issues of each, and provides current ratings for building a cohesive event collection. Collecting by event is a particularly satisfying strategy because it gives a clear narrative framework to your collection.
Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985-1986)
The founding crossover of DC Comics, the one that changed everything. Marv Wolfman and George Pérez destroy the DC multiverse to create a single Earth, killing Supergirl and the Flash (Barry Allen) in the process. For Superman, it's the end of 47 years of Silver Age continuity.
Essential numbers
Crisis on Infinite Earths #7— Death of Supergirl. The most iconic cover of the series. CGC 9.8:$250-400.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #8— Death of the Flash (Barry Allen). CGC 9.8: $100-180.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #1— First appearance of the Anti-Monitor and Blue Beetle DC. CGC 9.8: $150-250.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #12— Conclusion, creation of the new Earth. CGC 9.8: $80-150.
Total cost of complete set #1-12 in CGC 9.6+: $600-1,200.
Essential Superman tie-ins
Superman #423 and Action Comics #583 (“Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” by Alan Moore): $250-450 for the duo in CGC 9.8. DC Comics Presents #87 (first Superboy-Prime): $200-350 in CGC 9.8.
The Death and Return of Superman (1992-1993)
The most resounding media event in comic book history. Superman dies to Doomsday, the whole world mourns him, then four contenders for the title emerge before the true return of Clark Kent.
Essential numbers
Superman: The Man of Steel #17(1992) — First full appearance of Doomsday (cameo in #18 before). CGC 9.8:$100-180. The newsstand is rarer and worth $200-350.
Superman #75(1993) — The Death of Superman. Polybagged Direct CGC 9.8: $80-120. Platinum edition CGC 9.8: $1,500-2,500.
Adventures of Superman #500(1993) — The four "Supermen" (Steel, Superboy, Eradicator, Cyborg Superman). CGC 9.8: $40-70.
Superman #82(1993) — The Real Return of Superman in Black Suit. CGC 9.8: $30-50. Chromium cover.
Total cost of the complete arc (approximately 30 issues): $200-400 in NM for the set reading order.
Our Worlds at War (2001)
A massive space crossover where Superman faces Imperiex, a cosmic entity who wants to recreate the Big Bang. This event is notable for its lasting consequences: the destruction of Topeka (Kansas), the temporary death of several heroes and the permanent damage to the Amazon Paradise.
Essential numbers
Superman #171(2001) — Start of the crossover. NM: $5-10.
Adventures of Superman #594-596— The heart of the battle. NM: $4-8 each.
Action Comics #780-782— The final confrontation. NM: $4-8 each.
Our Worlds at War Secret Files #1— Context number. NM: $5-10.
Total cost: $50-100 for the entire crossover in NM. This is the most affordable Superman event on this list and a great entry point for collectors on a budget.
Infinite Crisis (2005–2006)
Twenty years after the original Crisis, Earth-2's Superman (Kal-L), Superboy-Prime, Earth-2's Alexander Luthor Jr. and Lois Lane break down the walls of their paradise dimension to "correct" the world. An event that confronts the optimism of the Golden Age with modern cynicism.
Essential numbers
Infinite Crisis #1(2005) — Explosive opening with the destruction of the JLA watchtower. CGC 9.8:$50-80. Jim Lee varying: $80-120.
Infinite Crisis #5— Death of Superboy (Conner Kent). CGC 9.8: $30-50.
Infinite Crisis #7— Conclusion, Superman vs. Superboy-Prime. CGC 9.8: $40-60.
Adventures of Superman #649— “Up, Up and Away” prologue. NM: $5-8.
Total cost of set #1-7 in CGC 9.8: $250-450. In NM raw: $40-70 for the set.
Essential preludes
To fully understand Infinite Crisis, the prelude miniseries are essential: Superman: Sacrifice (Action Comics #829, Adventures of Superman #642, Superman #219) tells of Superman being mind-controlled by Maxwell Lord, leading Wonder Woman to kill Lord. These numbers are worth $5-15 each in NM.
Final Crisis (2008)
Grant Morrison's magnum opus for DC Comics. Darkseid conquers Earth with the Anti-Life Equation, and Superman must sing a perfect note to recreate reality. Complex, ambitious and divisive — but essential for Morrison fans.
Essential numbers
Final Crisis #1(2008) — Darkseid's invasion begins. CGC 9.8: $30-50.
Final Crisis #6— Superman holds Batman's body (echo of Crisis #7). CGC 9.8: $25-40.
Superman Beyond #1-2— 3D tie-in mini-series where Superman crosses the multiverse. CGC 9.8: $20-35 each. Essential to understand the finale of the main series.
Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #1-5— Superman and three versions of the Legion of Super-Heroes against Superboy-Prime. Pay attention to the drawings. CGC 9.8 #1: $25-40.
Doomsday Clock (2017-2019)
The sequel to Watchmen by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, where Dr. Manhattan confronts Superman in a meta-narrative clash about hope vs. hope. nihilism. Twelve dense issues that tie the Watchmen universe to the DC universe.
Essential numbers
Doomsday Clock #1(2017) — First appearance of Dr. Manhattan in the DC Universe proper. CGC 9.8:$30-50. “Time” cover variant: $40-70.
Doomsday Clock #12(2019) — The final Superman/Manhattan showdown. CGC 9.8: $25-40.
DC Universe: Rebirth #1(2016) — The prologue to this whole plot, with the reveal of the Comedian's badge. CGC 9.8:$40-70.
Total cost #1-12 in NM: $60-100 for the set. One of the best values for a Superman event of this narrative caliber.
Total Budget: A Complete Superman Event Collection
To own the key numbers of each major Superman crossover in NM (ungraded), count between$500 and $1,500according to your grade and completeness criteria. It's a reasonable investment that gives you access to the most important moments in Superman's editorial history, spanning more than four decades of publication.
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