The three essential Superman runs are theMorrison All-Star Superman (2005–2008)which transcends the character, theByrne Man of Steel (1986-1988)who reinvents it for a generation, andTomasi/Gleason Rebirth (2016-2018)which offers the perfect family man Superman.
Superman is the first superhero. Since 1938, the Man of Steel has crossed every era of the comic book, and its almost uninterrupted publication over 85+ years offers collectors a dizzying catalog. But not all runs are created equal — some redefined the character while others faded into obscurity.
This ranking identifies the essential Superman runs for a coherent and ambitious collection. From the Siegel/Shuster origins to modern series, here are the segments where visionary creators have captured the essence of Kal-El and produced comics that remain benchmarks for the medium.
Top 1 — Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely (All-Star Superman #1-12, 2005-2008)
Screenwriter:Grant Morrison |Designer:Frank Quitely |Numbers:#1-12
The ultimate Superman. Morrison condenses the entire Kal-El mythology into 12 perfect issues: a dying Superman who fulfills his final exploits with grace and humanity. Quitely draws a luminous and serene Man of Steel. Each issue is self-contained and masterful — it's the character's absolute masterpiece.
Key numbers:#1 (iconic opening, $30-100), #6 (Clark Kent investigates), #10 (creation of Earth without Superman). Complete series: $100-350.
Top 2 — John Byrne (Man of Steel #1-6 + Superman vol.2 #1-22, 1986-1988)
Writer/Draughtsman:John Byrne |Numbers:Man of Steel #1-6, Superman #1-22, Action Comics #584-600
The post-Crisis reboot. Byrne modernizes Superman: Krypton becomes cold and scientific, Clark Kent is the real character, and the powers are rationalized. A seminal work that influences all subsequent versions of the character, including the films. Essential for understanding modern Superman.
Key numbers:Man of Steel #1 (reboot, $10-35), Superman vol.2 #1 ($5-20), Action Comics #600 (wedding issue). Full run: $80-250.
Top 3 — Peter Tomasi & Patrick Gleason (Superman vol.4 #1-45, 2016-2018)
Screenwriter:Peter Tomasi |Designer:Patrick Gleason |Numbers:#1-45
Superman as a father. The Rebirth run puts Jon Kent (Superboy) at the center and explores Clark as a dad hero with an emotional warmth that the character has lacked for decades. Gleason excels in the family scenes as much as the cosmic action. The ultimate feel-good run.
Key numbers:#1 (Rebirth launch, $5-15), #10-11 (Batman crossover), #37 (Super Sons). Full run: $60-150.
Top 4 — Dan Jurgens (Superman #66-100 + Death/Return, 1992-1993)
Writer/Draughtsman:Dan Jurgens |Numbers:Superman #73-82, Adventures of Superman #497-505
The Death of Superman — the comic book event of the 90s. Jurgens orchestrates the fatal battle against Doomsday then the triumphant return of Kal-El. A global media phenomenon, these numbers remain cultural milestones. Speculation has flooded the market, but high grades retain their value.
Key numbers:Superman #75 (Death, polybagged, $10-40 opened, $20-80 sealed), Adventures #500 (Return, $5-15). Death to Return full bow: $40-120.
Top 5 — Curt Swan (Superman Silver/Bronze Age, 1955-1985)
Designer:Curt Swan |Screenwriters:various (Otto Binder, Edmond Hamilton, etc.) |Numbers:Action Comics/Superman ~200 issues
Swan WAS Superman for 30 years. His clean, expressive line visually defines the character for generations. The Silver Age stories—imaginary, Bizarro World, Red Kryptonite—are uniquely joyful inventive. To collect Swan is to own the golden age of the character.
Key numbers:Action Comics #242 (first Brainiac, $500-3000), Superman #199 (race vs. Flash, $200-800). Swan numbers in good condition: $10-100 each.
Top 6 — Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Action Comics #1030-1060, 2021-2023)
Screenwriter:Phillip Kennedy Johnson |Designers:Daniel Sampere, Riccardo Federici |Numbers:Action Comics #1030-1060
The most epic modern run. Johnson sends Superman to Warworld in a tale of resistance and liberation reminiscent of the best cosmic sagas. Sampere delivers breathtaking double-page spreads. A warlike Superman but always a bearer of hope — the best recent incarnation.
Key numbers:#1030 (start of Warworld saga, $5-12), #1050 (milestone, $8-20). Full run: $50-120.
Top 7 — Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster (Action Comics #1-62, Superman #1-17, 1938-1942)
Screenwriter:Jerry Siegel |Designer:Joe Shuster |Numbers:Action Comics #1-62, Superman #1-17
The Big Bang. Siegel and Shuster invented the superhero and changed popular culture forever. These issues are among the most valuable in the world — Action Comics #1 is a collector's holy grail. Even the “secondary” numbers from this era are worth fortunes.
Key numbers:Action Comics #1 ($6M+ in 9.0), Superman #1 ($500K+), Action #23 (first Lex Luthor). Current Golden Age numbers: $200-5000 depending on condition.
Also consult our guides onSuperman key numbersand theeditorial history of the Man of Steel.
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