Superman Reading Order, 1987-1988: The Man of Steel

Get in on the first two years of the Man of Steel’s career as New Earth continuity begins! The universe-altering events of CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS (1985-1986) gave DC Comics the chance to restart the history of Superman from the ground up. Follow the six-issue Man of Steel series, the characters exploits were covered in three ongoing titles – Action Comics, the retitledd Adventures of Superman and the relaunched Superman series – steered by writer/artist John Byrne, with Marv Wolfman and Jerry Ordway. Action Comics would become a weekly anthology series from #601, and included a regular two-page Superman storyline from Roger Stern and Curt Swan.

Here, you’ll be introduced to the mainstay support cast, including Lois Lane, Bibbo Bibbowski, Kat Grant, Jimmy Olsen and Perry White. You’ll also meet new incarnations of classic villains, like Metallo, Mister Mxyzptlk, Brainiac (sort of) and, of course, Lex Luthor, along with new villains such as Rampage, Bloodsport and the Silver Banshee. But it’s the introduction of Supergirl and General Zod that will pave the way to explaining the reason why there’s one line Superman won’t cross!

You can also find additional ‘untold tales’ that were told years later, and are fitted into Kal-El‘s new history. It’s worth noting that I’ve tried to avoid including Superman’s altered history following the events of INFINITE CRISIS (2005-2006). These will be included as we get closer to that event as it would make things far too confusing, here. But if there’s anything else you feel I’ve missed, let me know!

A huge thank you to DCU Guide and Comics Back Issues for their assistance in assembling this reading order. 

Must Reads: Story arcs in bold in the Core List or marked with a ✔ in the Full Reading Order are must-read stories from this time period, along with any key related stories and often-forgotten tales that are worth a look.

Anthology Issues: When an issue contains multiple stories, the relevant story is denoted with square brackets. For example, [2/5] refers to the second story of the five stories in that issue, so you don’t need to read the other four.

Chronology: Every appearance of the Superman Family from this time period is included in chronological order, laying out the timeline rather than just the order the issues were released.

Spoilers: The issue/story overviews may include spoilers, so be warned!

A reading order covering the previous incarnation of SupermanClark Kent of Earth-One – will be added to the Omniverse Comics Guide at a future date!

Want to keep it simple? Here’s the core reading order without story descriptions, page-by-page breakdowns – just the stories:

  • World of Krypton (1987) #1-2
  • The Kents #1-12
  • World of Krypton (1987) #3
  • The Man of Steel (1986) #1-2
  • Adventures of Superman Annual #7
  • Superman Annual (1987) #7
  • Action Comics Annual (1987) #7
  • The Man of Steel (1986) #3
  • World’s Finest (1999) #1
  • Legends of the DC Universe #6
  • Secret Origins (1986) #32
  • JLA: Year One #7
  • Superman: The Man of Steel Annual (1991) #4
  • JLA: Year One #11-12
  • Superman #700 [2/3] (2010)
  • The Man of Steel (1986) #4
  • World’s Finest (1999) #2
  • The Man of Steel (1986) #5
  • JLA: Incarnations #1
  • Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder #1-4
  • JLA: Incarnations #2-5
  • JLA 80-Page Giant (1998) #1 [1/7]
  • Nightwing (1996) #102
  • World’s Finest (1999) #3
  • The Man of Steel (1986) #6
  • Superman (1987) #1
  • Booster Gold (1986) #6-7
  • Action Comics #584
  • Adventures of Superman #424-425
  • Superman (1987) #2
  • Action Comics #585
  • Cosmic Boy (1987) #1
  • Legends #2-3
  • Superman (1987) #3
  • Adventures of Superman #426
  • Action Comics #586
  • Legends #5-6
  • Superman (1987) #4
  • Adventures of Superman #427-428
  • New Teen Titans (1984) #30-31
  • Action Comics #587
  • Superman (1987) #5-6
  • Booster Gold (1986) #16
  • Captain Atom (1987) #2
  • Adventures of Superman #429
  • Action Comics #588
  • Action Comics #589-590
  • Superman (1987) #7-8
  • Action Comics #591
  • Adventures of Superman #430
  • Adventures of Superman #431
  • Superman (1987) #9-10
  • Adventures of Superman #432
  • Firestorm #63 (1987)
  • Superman Annual (1987) #1
  • Superman: The Earth Stealers (1988)
  • Weird #1-4 (1988)
  • Adventures of Superman #433
  • Justice League International (1987) #7
  • Action Comics #592-593
  • Adventures of Superman Annual (1987) #1
  • Superman (1987) #11
  • Adventures of Superman #434
  • Action Comics Annual (1987) #1
  • World of Krypton (1987) #4
  • Action Comics #594
  • Booster Gold (1986) #23
  • Adventures of Superman #435
  • Action Comics #595
  • Superman (1987) #12
  • Millennium #1
  • Firestorm #67
  • The Flash (1987) #8
  • Justice League International (1987) #9 [1/2]
  • Superman #13
  • Millennium #2
  • Swamp Thing (1984) #68
  • Adventures of Superman #436
  • Action Comics #596
  • Millennium #5
  • Justice League International #10 [1/2]
  • Firestorm #68
  • Millennium #6
  • Superman (1987) #14
  • Millennium #7
  • Adventures of Superman #437
  • Action Comics #597
  • Millennium #8
  • Superman (1987) #15
  • Adventures of Superman #438
  • Action Comics #598
  • Superman (1987) #16
  • Adventures of Superman #439
  • Action Comics #599
  • DC Bonus Book (1988) #1
  • Superman (1987) #17
  • Wonder Woman (1987) #16
  • Adventures of Superman #440
  • Action Comics #600
  • Superman (1987) #18
  • Superman Annual #2 [2/2]
  • World of Smallville #1-4
  • Adventures of Superman #441
  • Superman (1987) #19
  • Adventures of Superman #442
  • Action Comics #601 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #602 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #603 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #604 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #605 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #606 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #607 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #608 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #609 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #610 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #611 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #612 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #613 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #614 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #615 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #616 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #617 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #618 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #619 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #620 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #621 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #622 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #623 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #624 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #625 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #626 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #627 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #628 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #629 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #630 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #631 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #632 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #633 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #634 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #635 [2/3]
  • Action Comics #636 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #637 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #638 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #639 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #640 [4/6]
  • Action Comics #641 [4/6]
  • Adventures of Superman #443
  • Superman Annual (1987) #2 [1/2]
  • Animal Man (1988) #2
  • Doom Patrol (1987) #10
  • Superman (1987) #20-21
  • Adventures of Superman #444
  • Superman (1987) #22
  • Adventures of Superman #445
  • Green Lantern Special (1988) #1
  • Batman #428-429
  • Superman (1987) #23
  • Cosmic Odyssey #1-4
  • Action Comics #642
  • Adventures of Superman #446
  • Superman (1987) #24
  • Swamp Thing (1984) #79
  • Adventures of Superman #447
  • Lex Luthor: The Unauthorised Biography (1989)
  • Superman (1987) #25
  • Action Comics #635 [1/3]
  • Justice League International #19
  • Adventures of Superman #448
  • Superman (1987) #24
  • Adventures of Superman #449

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
World of Krypton #1-2 (1987-1988)
The Black Zero Organisation‘s attempt to wipe out all human life on Krypton is opposed by the resistance under the guidance of Van-L; Krypton is the rebuilt under Van-L’s leadership.

1st appearance: Black Zero, Eyra, Kan-Z, Ran-L, Van-L, Vara, Kryptonian Warsuit
THE WORLD OF SUPERMAN
The Kents #1-12 (1997-1998)
In the 1850s, the Kent Family move to Kansas; Luther Reid becomes the Kents’ nemesis.

1st appearance: Jebediah Kent, Nathaniel Kent, Jim Lane, Luther Reid
World of Krypton #3 (1988)
Jor-El reviews the history of Krypton, including his ancestors’ involvement in key moments; the Kryptonian Science Council introduce Jor-El to Lara Lor-Van, ordering their union to enable the first Kryptonian birth in some time.
THE WORLD OF SUPERMAN
The Man of Steel #1 (1986)
The Man of Steel #2 (pp.1-12) (1986)
Before their home planet Krypton explodes, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van send their infant son to Earth to save his life; teenage Clark Kent learns that, though he was raised by Jonathan & Martha Kent in Smallville, the couple found him in a strange spacecraft that crashed into their land; Clark decides to leave Smallville and use his burgeoning powers for the good of the world; Clark meets Lois Lane when he prevent a plane crash; Lois dubs the mysterious hero Superman; Martha makes Clark his first Superman costume; the Daily Planet‘s Managing Editor Perry White sends Lois to find out more about Superman…

1st appearance: Jor-El, Kal-El (unnamed, obscured), Kelex, Kelor, Jonathan Kent, Martha Kent, Lana Lang (cameo), Lara Lor-Van, Lex Luthor (in shadow, cameo), Perry White,Green Kryptonite, Kent Family Scrap Book, Kryptonian Birthing Matrix, Daily Planet
Adventures of Superman Annual #7 (pp.1-39) (1995)
Lois Lane investigates Superman’s numerous exploits; Maggie Sawyer joins the Metropolis Police Department; Intergang bring Kalibak into Metropolis to tackle Superman…
YEAR ONE

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent/
Crossover
The Man of Steel #2 (pp.13-22) (1986) / Adventures of Superman Annual #7 (pp.40-42) (1995)
Lois Lane risks her life to get the story on Superman, but she’s scooped by new Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent!

1st appearance: Jimmy Olsen, Metropolis Police Department
Adventures of Superman Annual #7 (pp.43-46) (1995)
Superman checks in on Dan Turpin after the Kalibak incident.
YEAR ONE
Superman Annual #7 (1995)
Superman still struggles to win the citizens of Metropolis over; Superman learns of his weakness to magic when he teams up with Doctor Occult.
YEAR ONE
Action Comics Annual #7 (1995)
Superman flies to the Moon for the first time when an alien craft crashlands there; Superman defends Earth from robotic conquerors, the H’Tros.
YEAR ONE
Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #4 (pp.1-9) (1995)
Superman hears about another costumed crime-fighter over in Gotham City
YEAR ONE
The Man of Steel #3 (1986) / Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #4 (pp.10-14) (1995)
Superman’s attempt to apprehend the Gotham City vigilante Batman is turned around when the Dark Knight convinces the Man of Steel to team up to stop the Magpie’s killing spree.

1st appearance: Batman/Bruce Wayne, Magpie/Margaret Pye, Gotham Museum of Antiquities
Superman/Batman Annual #1 (2006)
Deathstroke is hired to kill Bruce Wayne; Batman and Superman meet their evil 
Antimatter Universe counterparts – Owlman and Ultraman – as well as the Superwoman of the Crime Syndicate.

Note: There are numerous continuity issues with this story that leave many asking if it’s even set in New Earth continuity at all.
Superman/Batman #85-87 (2011)
When Gotham Gazette reporter Garrett Remington discovers Batman’s secret identity. Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent also looks into the story.
Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #4 (pp.15-36) (1995)
Superman has much friendlier first meetings with the Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), the Flash (Barry Allen), Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter
YEAR ONE
World’s Finest #1 (1999)
Serial Killer Eric Stang breaks out of Arkham Asylum; Superman happens to be in Gotham City that day, so helps Batman out despite his request not to do so.
Legends of the DC Universe #6 (1998)
While Bruce Wayne is out of town, Robin patrols Gotham City alone and has his first meeting with Superman.
Secret Origins #32 (1988)
Superman cameo; the Appellaxians prepare to invade Earth; Superman handles one of the invading aliens.
JLA: Year One #7 (pp.1-14) (1998)
Clark Kent cameo; Superman learns the various heroes he recently met are struggling to defeat the Weapons Master….
JLA: Year One #7 (pp.15-22) (1998) / Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #4 (pp.37-40) (1995)
The Justice League of America ask Superman to join their team.
Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #4 (p.41) (1995)
Lois Lane covers the Superman/JLA story…
YEAR ONE

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
JLA: Year One #11-12 (1998)
Superman, the Justice League and a whole host of metahumans join forces to defend Earth from the Appellaxians.
Superman #700 [2/3] (2010)
Robin almost falls prey to a band of criminals on Gotham Pier, but Superman comes to his rescue.
The Man of Steel #4 (1986)
After a year and a half of living in Metropolis, Clark Kent finally meets Lex Luther when he and Lois Lane attend Luthor’s party aboard the Sea Queen; when terrorists strike, Lex Luthor allows events to play out to test Superman, beginning their feud.

1st appearance: Mayor Frank Berkowitz, Lex Luthor (full)
World’s Finest #2 (1999)
Superman and Batman join forces again to capture the time-travelling Knodar.

1st appearance: Knodar
The Man of Steel #5 (1986)
Two years after their first meeting, Lex Luther learns Superman is an alien and unleashes a bizarre clone of the Man of Steel.

1st appearance: Bizarro (unnamed), Lucy Lane, LexCorp Battlesuit/Warsuit, LexCorp, LexCorp Tower
JLA: Incarnations #1 (2001)
Superman cameo; Superman attends a funeral held for the Justice League.
Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder #1-4 (2005-2006)
Superman meets Captain Marvel when they uncover a conspiracy involving Lex Luthor, Dr Sivana, Eclipso and Sabbac!
JLA: Incarnations #2-5 (2001)
Superman assists the Justice League against the dinosaur Fire-Eye and Gorilla Grodd; Superman helps the League settle into their new satellite HQ; Superman helps defend reality from the Anti-Monitor during the Crisis on Infinite Earths.
JLA 80-Page Giant #1 [1/7] (1998)
Batman investigates a murder in Gotham City that appears to have been carried out by Superman.
World’s Finest #3 (1999)
A man pretending to be Superman seeks to defeat the super-criminal Illuminata; Batman and the real Superman have to round up Arkham Asylum’s escaped prisoners.
Nightwing #102 (2005)
A conversation with Superman inspires Dick Grayson – recently fired as Robin by Batman – to forge a new direction for himself.
The Man of Steel #6 (1987)
Superman is reunited with Lana Lang in Smallville and learns about his Kryptonian origins.

1st appearance: Helen Lang, Lana Lang (full)
Superman #1 (1987)
Superman faces a foe powered by a fragment of his home planet when John Corben is brought back from the brink of death as the Kryptonite-charged Metallo; Lex Luthor becomes an unexpected ally.

1st appearance: Metallo/John Corben, New Troy
Booster Gold #6-7 (1986)
Booster Gold‘s efforts to gain Superman’s attention to deal with the alien Ranzee backfires when the two heroes end up fighting it out!

1st appearance: Ellen Carter, Michelle Carter, Lois Lane, Jack Soo, Superman/Clark Kent/Kal-El
Action Comics #584 (1987)
David Gunderson creates a device that allows him to swap bodies with Superman; inhabiting Superman’s form, Gunderson goes on a rampage in Metropolis until he’s met with resistance from the Teen Titans; Lex Luthor seeks the connection between Superman & Clark Kent.
THE SECRET REVEALED
Adventures of Superman #424-425 (1987)
Professor Emil Hamilton is pushed to the brink when his machine that could protect America from nuclear attack is ignored; Clark Kent meets new reporter Cat Grant; the Qurac terrorist Freedom League attack Metropolis; Lois Lane’s mother is dying and Lex Luthor offers a cure.

1st appearance: Cat Grant, Professor Emil Hamilton, Inspector Bill Henderson, Ella Lane, General Sam Lane
Superman #2 (1987)
Lex Luthor has the Kryptonite removed from Metallo and made into a ring; Lana Lang is kidnapped by Luthor’s goons; two days later, an enraged Man of Steel confronts him; LexCorp scientist Amanda McCoy discerns Clark Kent is Superman, but Luthor refuses to accept it.

1st appearance: Sydney Happersen, Gretchen Kelley, Amanda McCoy, Kryptonite Ring
THE SECRET REVEALED

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
Action Comics #585
After narrowly defeating Arathaza, Superman teams up with the Phantom Stranger when the Sherabite Stone from her staff turns the soil in a graveyard of criminals into a frightening monstrosity.

1st appearance: Phantom Stranger
Cosmic Boy #1 (1987)
Flashback; Cosmic Boy of the Legion of Super-Heroes travels from the 31st Century to the present day and encounters Superman; the Man of Steel has no clue who Cosmic Boy is.
LEGENDS
Legends #2-3 (1987)
Superman #3 (1987)
Adventures of Superman #426 (1987)
Action Comics #586 (1987)
Legends #5-6 (1987)
Darkseid launches a conspiracy to discredit the superheroes of Earth to prepare for his dominion over the planet; Superman is briefly stranded on Apokolips; Superman returns to Earth for the final battle and witnesses the birth of the new Justice League.

1st appearance: Amazing Grace, Big Barda, Bronze Tiger (unnamed), Forever People (Beautiful Dreamer, Big Bear, Mark Moonrider, Serifan, Vykin the Black), Glommer, Granny Goodness, Highfather/Izaya, Hunger Dogs/Lowlies, Kanto/Iluthin, Lightray/Solis, Metron, Mister Miracle/Scott Free, Orion, Pacifiers, Parademons, Task Force X/Suicide Squad, Gwyneth Tate, Virman Vundabar, Astro-Harness, Beta-Club, Mega-Rod, Armagetto, Fire Pits of Apokolips, New Genesis, Source, Supertown
LEGENDS
Superman #4 (1987)
A gun-toting maniac with a Vietnam fixation calling himself Bloodsport goes on a killing spree in Metropolis; his hi-tech weapons fire Kryptonite darts, making him tough for Superman to take down alone.

1st appearance: Bloodsport/Robert DuBois, Metropolis Major Crimes Unit/Metropolis Special Crimes Unit, Maggie Sawyer
Adventures of Superman #427-428 (1987)
Superman heads to Qurac to confront the country’s President to cease his attacks on American soil; Superman comes under psychic attack from the underground members of the Circle who believe he’s one of them; Perry White’s son is kidnapped the mob over his exposé on Jay Falk; Superman tries to find Jerry White while Perry makes a tough choice.

1st appearance: Bibbo Bibbowski, José Delgado, Alice Spencer, Jerry White, Ace o’Clubs
New Teen Titans #30-31 (1987)
Superman is among the heroes who respond to the urgent summons to quell the Church of Blood’s potential rise in power.
Action Comics #587 (1987)
Glenda Mark is trapped in a self-replicating city growing from the centre of Gotham City; the demon Etrigan sends Superman back in time to cut the mystical power at its source.

1st appearance: Jason Blood, Etrigan/The Demon, Morgaine le Fey, Glenda Mark, Harry Matthews/Harry the Pillow, Randu Singh
Superman #5-6 (1987)
Superman can’t stop thinking and dreaming about Wonder Woman; Clark Kent heads to Costa del Marco in South America where Lois Lane is reporting on a hi-tech site below ground that’s over 100,000 years old; Clark takes on an a gigantic mechanoid ‘mummy’; Superman discovers an ancient civilisation poised to claim the Earth; a clash with the Host decides the fate of a city and the whole world.

1st appearance: Alice (Daily Planet), H’v’ler’ni, H’v’ler’ni Host, Whit (Daily Planet)
Booster Gold #16 (1987)
Clark Kent cameo; Clark Kent leaves Booster Gold’s press conference in disgust.

1st appearance: Booster Gold International/BGI
Captain Atom #2 (1987)
Superman cameo; Superman looks forward to meeting Captain Atom someday.
Adventures of Superman #429 (1987)
Adventures of Superman #430 (pp.1-7) (1987)
The lives of Clark Kent and Superman converge when an attempt to reunite Kat Grant with her son is interrupted by a mysterious and powerful threat looking for revenge; the Fearsome Five get the better of Superman, but face trouble from their two new members.

1st appearance: Charger, Concussion/Sthula (unnamed), Deuce, Adam Grant/Adam Morgan, Joseph R Morgan
Action Comics #590 (pp.1-5) (1987)
Clark Kent accidentally triggers a process that begins Chemo’s recreation following his destruction in the recent Crisis…
Action Comics #588 (1987)
Superman is called upon by two Thanagarian aliens, ‘Hawkman’ and ‘Hawkwoman’ – actually Fel Andar & Sharon Parker, despite calling themselves ‘Katar Hol’ and ‘Shayera Thal’ – and assists them in a war against their own people.

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
Action Comics #589 / Adventures of Superman #430 (p.8) (1987)
Arisia Rrab of the Green Lantern Corps takes Superman to safety; Superman and the Green Lantern Corps tackle a cloud of biological material headed for Earth.
Action Comics #590 (pp.6-22) (1987)
Chemo returns in a gigantic ‘Superman’ form – complete with his Kryptonian powers – and kidnaps Platinum of the Metal Men; Superman and the Metal Men oppose Chemo at the cost of one of their own.
Adventures of Superman #430 (p.8) (1987)
Superman saves a school bus, causing Clark Kent to miss an interview with a UN delegate; Clark also misses a date with Cat Grant…
Superman #7 (pp.1-22) / Adventures of Superman #430 (p.8) (1987)
Professor Karen Faulkner’s Bio-Energy Actualiser explodes, apparently transforming Lois Lane into Rampage; Captain Maggie Sawyer’s Special Crimes Unit leap into action; Superman learns Rampage’s true identity…

1st appearance: Dr Thomas Moyers, Rampage/Karen Faulkner
Superman #8 (1987)
Action Comics #591 (1987)
Superman meets the Legion of Super-Heroes and battles the Superboy and Krypto of a pocket universe.

1st appearance: Krypto (pocket universe)
A TWIST IN TIME
Adventures of Superman #430 (pp.8-17) (1987)
Clark has missed half of his assignments; the Fearsome Five rob the floating luxury liner, the Augustus Mandrell, causing Superman to miss his parents’ surprise wedding anniversary party…
Superman #7 (p.23) (1987)
Superman visits Karen Faulkner in the hospital.
Adventures of Superman #430 (pp.18-22) (1987)
Superman faces the Fearsome Five again and discovers Charger and Deuce are working for someone else.
Adventures of Superman #431 (pp.1-21) (1987)
Superman deals with the deluded Doctor Stratos uses his weather satellite to attack London, Paris, Egypt and Morocco.
Superman #9 [1/2] (1987)
The Joker takes a holiday from testing Batman and focuses his attention on Superman.

1st appearance: Tobey Raynes
Adventures of Superman #432 (pp.1-9) (1987)
Soon after his run-in with the Joker, Superman, Lois Lane and Hector Delgado save kids from a fire, possibly started by Jerry White. Lex Luthor’s men round up juvenile delinquents, including Jerry…
Superman #9 [2/2] (1987)
No Superman appearance; Lex Luthor taunts a lady in a diner with a once-in-a-lifetime offer.

1st appearance: Jenny Hubbard
Adventures of Superman #431 (pp.22) (1987)
The impact of Superman’s fight with Doctor Stratos is revealed, days after their conflict (though we never hear from Statos again).
Superman #10 (1987)
Superman’s powers are still in flux, but a clash with Klaash soon highlights Lex Luthor’s involvement; Captain Sawyer stands up to Luthor.

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
Adventures of Superman #432 (pp.9-22) (1987)
Hector Delgado investigates Jerry White’s disappearance; Superman goes after the organised gang of teenagers, knowing Lex is involved.
Firestorm #63 (1987)
Superman cameo; President Ronald Reagan fails to convince Superman to enter the crisis with Firestorm in Russia.
GROUND ZERO
Superman Annual #1 (1987)
Lois Lane investigates a twisted science project and discovers Amanda Waller ‘s involvement in the transformation of the enhanced, oversized ape Titano; Superman is forced to bring Titano down.

1st appearance: Titano
Superman: The Earth Stealers (1988)
The Man of Steel opposes a giant alien spacecraft, intent on stealing planet Earth and its moon.
Weird #1-4 (1988)
Superman, Captain Atom and the Justice League investigate the emergence of the Weird – unable to tell whether his intentions are good or evil.
1st appearance: The Weird/Walter Langley
Adventures of Superman #433 (pp.1-10) (1987)
Lois Lane follows up on Jerry White’s connection to the militant street gang. Lois runs the story against Perry White’s wishes…
Justice League International #7 (1987)
Superman cameo; President Reagan asks Superman what he thinks about the Justice League’s new status with the United Nations.

New identity: Justice League as Justice League International
JUSTICE LEAGUE… INTERNATIONAL!
Justice League of America #0 (p.13) (2006)
Batman tells Superman that he punched Guy Gardner in the face.
Action Comics #592 (pp.1-10) (1987)
Big Barda is taken prisoner by the Apokoliptian exile, Sleez

1st appearance: Sleez
Adventures of Superman #433 (pp.11-14) (1987)
Jerry White is sent to a correctional facility…
Action Comics #592 (pp.11-22) (1987)
Action Comics #593 (1987)
Superman follows the trail of a power source that turns out to be Big Barda’s Mega-Rod; Mister Miracle comes to the rescue when he sees what Sleez is making Barda do with Superman.
Adventures of Superman Annual #1 (1987)
Sarge Steel convinces the President to call in Superman when the citizens of a town in South Dakota vanish off the face of the Earth; the disturbing situation the Man of Steel uncovers leaves him with a severe moral quandary.

1st appearance: Wordbringer/Hfuhruhurr
Adventures of Superman #433 (pp.15-22) (1987)
Hector Delgado risks his life to stand up to Lex Luthor; Luthor orders more progress from Project Synapse.
Superman #11 (1987)
Lois Lane is swept off her feet by ‘Ben DeRoy’ who leaves bizarre levels of chaos in his wake; the mischievous Mister Mxyzptlk challenges Superman.

1st appearance: Mister Mxyzptlk/‘Ben DeRoy’ (an anagram of ‘Beyonder’), Fifth Dimension (mentioned)

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
Adventures of Superman #434 (1987)
Cat Grant’s personal life affects her relationship with Clark Kent; Lois and Clark investigate Luthor’s connection to the gang war; Gangbuster takes a more direct approach in dealing with the gangs.

New identity: José Delgado as Gangbuster
World of Krypton #4 (1988)
Superman tells Lois Lane about Krypton’s history, destruction and how he came to be on Earth.
THE WORLD OF SUPERMAN
Action Comics #594 (1987)
Booster Gold #23 (1987)
Mayor Berkowitz’s Superday is interrupted by an amped up Booster Gold who’s intent on highlighting the error of the Man of Steel’s actions in Qurac.
INVASION FROM DIMENSION X
Adventures of Superman #435 (1987)
The Circle decide against revenge on Superman, but they still need his help to escape Earth.

1st appearance: Charger, Concussion/Sthula (unnamed)
Action Comics #595 (pp.1-21) (1987)
Superman #12 (1987)
Action Comics #595 (p.22) (1987)
Superman receives help from the Justice League International when he faces death at the Silver Banshee’s hands; Ronal invites Superman to celebrate the life of Lori Lemaris; Lana Lang’s connection to a terrifying organisation is revealed.

1st appearance: Lori Lemaris, Ronal, Silver Banshee
MILLENNIUM
Millennium #1 (pp.1-11) (1988)
Firestorm #67 (pp.1-8) (1988)
Millennium #1 (pp.12-20) / The Flash #8 (pp.8-9) (1988)
Millennium #1 (pp.21-22) (1988)
Superman is among the heroes called upon to defend Earth and the Chosen from the Manhunters.
MILLENNIUM
Justice League International #9 [1/2] (pp.15-17) (1988)
Superman cameo; Maxwell Lord monitors Superman, fully-aware that he’s Clark Kent.
MILLENNIUM
Superman #13 (pp.1-18) (1988)
Millennium #2 (pp.1-3) / Superman #13 (pp.19-21) (1988)
Someone close to Superman is revealed to be a Manhunter…

1st appearance: Morgan Edge (cameo), Godiva/Dorcas Leigh, Toyman/Winslow Percival Schott
MILLENNIUM
Swamp Thing #68 (1988)
Superman cameo; Superman is seen chasing Lana Lang through the air!
MILLENNIUM
Superman #13 (p.22) (1988)
Adventures of Superman #436 (1988)
Action Comics #596 (1988)
Millennium #5 (1988)
Justice League International #10 [1/2] (pp.1-2) / Firestorm #68 (pp.1-2) (1988)
Justice League International #10 [1/2] (pp.3-16) (1988)
Firestorm #68 (pp.20-21) (1988)
Justice League International #10 [1/2] (pp.16-17) / Firestorm #68 (p.22) (1988)
Millennium #6 (pp.1-8) (1988)
Superman #14 (1988)
Millennium #7 (1988)
Adventures of Superman #437 (1988)
Action Comics #597 (pp.1-17) (1988)
Millennium #8 (1988)
Action Comics #597 (pp.18-22) (1988)
Superman faces Manhunters in his hometown before teaming up with the Spectre and joining a select band of heroes on a mission to the Manhunters’ adopted home planet.

1st appearance: Morgan Edge (cameo), G’nort Esplanade Gneesmacher, Godiva/Dorcas Leigh, Manhunter Overmaster/Highmaster, Pete Ross, Toyman/Winslow Percival Schott, Dr G.I. Whitney
New identity: Chosen as New Guardians (unnamed), Gregorio de la Vega as Extraño, Xiang Po as Gloss, Celia Windward as Jet, Takeo Yakata as RAM
MILLENNIUM
Superman #15 (1988)
Maggie Sawyer calls on Superman to help her find her missing daughter.

1st appearance: Sarah Olsen, Skyhook/Aleister Hook
Adventures of Superman #438 (1988)
At the Farnum & Beatty Circus, Clark Kent stumbles across an act called the Amazing Brainiac, who’s convinced he receives his power from an advanced, disembodied alien called Vril Dox; Lois Lane investigates the death of Combattor.

1st appearance: Amazing Brainiac/Milton Fine, Brainiac/Vril Dox (behind the scenes), Computer Tyrants (behind the scenes)
Action Comics #598 (1988)
Superman and Lois Lane encounter terrorists and a mysterious organisation intent on stopping them.

1st appearance: Checkmate (unnamed), Grace Guinness (unnamed), Knight-One (unnamed), Knight-Two (unnamed)
OPENING GAMBIT
Superman#16 (1988)
At Christmas time, Superman falls prey to the Prankster; Morgan Edge ups the ante in his campaign against Superman; something surprising is found in Antarctica!

1st appearance: Morgan Edge (full), Prankster/Oswald Loomis, Pete Shoemaker, Supergirl (unnamed)
New identity: DeSaad as ‘Darkseid’

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
Adventures of Superman #439 (1988)
Lois Lane and Jose Delgado get closer; Jimmy Olsen and Kat Grant are kidnapped; Superman recovers in Metro General Hospital, while Clark Kent tries to find out who this ‘Superman’ really is.

1st appearance: Superman Robot
Action Comics #599 (1988)
Lex Luthor has Tin of the Metal Men transformed into his Kryptonoid Man; Superman finds a clever way to restore the Metal Men; Superman returns to the Daily Planet; sporting a new look, Jimmy Olsen heads off on vacation that turns into a murder investigation; Superman unearths the Cult of Gallus Kon Akkqqus.

New identity: Tin as Kryptonoid Man
Superman #17 (1988)
Silver Banshee returns, along with her sibling; Superman meets Jimmy Olsen’s mother.

1st appearance: Bevan McDougal
DIFFERENT WORLDS
Wonder Woman #16 (1988)
Superman/Clark Kent off-panel; Superman agrees to a date with Wonder Woman.

1st appearance: Inspector Ed Indelicato (named), Lt Michael Shands
DIFFERENT WORLDS
Adventures of Superman #440 (1988)
Action Comics #600 [1/5] (1988)
Action Comics #600 [3/5] (1988)
Action Comics #600 [2/5] (1988)
Superman’s date with Wonder Woman ends in an unexpected battle with Darkseid’s minions on Olympus; Lex Luthor threatens to expose Maggie Sawyer’s secret; Clark Kent offers Lois Lane support… briefly!
DIFFERENT WORLDS
Action Comics #600 [4/5] (1988)
Action Comics #600 [5/5] (1988)
Superman#18 (1988)
After battling Man-Bat, Superman and Hawkman deal with the fallout of Krypton’s destruction.
RETURN TO KRYPTON
Superman Annual #2 [2/2] (pp.1-2) (1988)
No Superman appearance; Dan Turpin of the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit is injured while trying to apprehend Barrage

1st appearance: Barrage
PRIVATE LIVES
World of Smallville #1-4 (1988)
Clark Kent returns to Smallville and looks into the history of his family and his hometown, including their connection to the Manhunters; Lana Lang recalls her reaction to the revelation that Clark Kent is Superman.
THE WORLD OF SUPERMAN
Adventures of Superman #441 (1988)
Mister Mxyzptlk returns, causing chaos by transforming Hollywood into a cartoon; in Antarctica, the young woman in the ‘Superman’ costume calls herself ‘Supergirl’; a disguised Metallo shows up in Australia.

1st appearance: Dreadnaught/Bree’mill (voice), Supergirl (named), Big Belly Burger
Superman #19 (1988)
Adventures of Superman #442 (1988)
Superman’s powers start blinking out and he finds two aliens are the cause; Supergirl heads to Smallville; Lex Luthor adjusts to life with one hand.

1st appearance: Dreadnaught/Bree’mill (full), Thaddeus Killgrave, Psi-Phon
POWER PLAY
Action Comics #601 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #602 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #603 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #604 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #605 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #606 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #607 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #608 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #609 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #610 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #611 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #612 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #613 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #614 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #615 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #616 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #617 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #618 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #619 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #620 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #621 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #622 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #623 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #624 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #625 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #626 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #627 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #628 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #629 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #630 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #631 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #632 [4/6] (1988)
Action Comics #633 [4/6] (1989)
Action Comics #634 [4/6] (1989)
Action Comics #635 [2/3] (1989)
Action Comics #636 [4/6] (1989)
Action Comics #637 [4/6] (1989)
Action Comics #638 [4/6] (1989)
Superman intervenes in a bank robbery that turns into an investigation into the rise of a Superman Cult; Superman inadvertently upsets the criminal Consortium who believe Superman to be the Antichrist; Superman is shocked to discover Darkseid’s involvement in his current quest.

1st appearance: Superman Cult

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
Action Comics #639 [4/6] (1989)
Action Comics #640 [4/6] (1989)
Action Comics #641 [4/6] (1989)
Superman tries to help a Metropolis shop owner who’s under attack from local racists.
Adventures of Superman #443 (1988)
Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen take a dangerous assignment in Jordan in the Middle East; Superman’s involvement reveals the existence of a strange clan of alien Exiles.

1st appearance: Husque
Superman Annual #2 [1/2] (1988)
The Newsboy Legion escape the Cadmus Project; Superman and Cadmus’ Head of Security, Guardian, butt heads while rounding the Legion up; Jude of the Hairies reveals the secret origin of the Cadmus Project as well as the identity of the man who freed the Legion; Superman has a rematch with Sleez.

1st appearance: Cadmus Project, DNAliens, Dubbilex, Jonathan Gabrielli, Guardian/Jim Harper (clone), Hairies, Walter Johnson, Patrick MacGuire, Newsboy Legion/Alpha Subjects (clones – Big Words/Anthony Rodriguez, Gabby/Jonathan Gabrielli, Walter Johnson, Jude, Scrapper/Patrick MacGuire, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Thompkins), Anthony Rodriguez, Thomas Thompkins, Whiz Wagon, Kirby County, Mount Curtiss/Mountain of Judgment
Superman Annual #2 [2/2] (p.3) (1988)
Dan Turpin recovers in hospital…

1st appearance: Maisie Turpin
PRIVATE LIVES
Animal Man #2 (1988)
Superman cameo; Animal Man almost meets Superman.
Superman #20 (pp.1-7) (1988)
Doom Patrol #10 (pp.14-22) (1988)
Superman #20 (pp.7-22) (1988)
Superman and the Doom Patrol face an upgraded Metallo!
MEN OF STEEL
Superman #21 (1988)
Adventures of Superman #444 (1988)
Superman #22 (October 1988)
Superman finally meets Supergirl, returns to the Pocket Universe and, in battle with General Zod, makes a decision that will haunt him.

1st appearance: Hal Jordan (Pocket Universe), Oliver Queen (Pocket Universe), Lex Luthor (Pocket Universe), Quex-Ul/‘Ston-Ar’ (Pocket Universe), Supergirl/Matrix (named), Bruce Wayne (Pocket Universe) Zaora/‘Mara’ (Pocket Universe), General Zod/Dru-Zod/‘Von-El’ (Pocket Universe)
THE SUPERGIRL SAGA
Adventures of Superman #445 (1988)
Superman struggles with his actions in the Pocket Universe; the real Brainiac resumes his control of Milton Fine, but isn’t prepared to face the turmoil in Superman’s mind.
OVER THE EDGE
Green Lantern Special #1 (1988)
Superman cameo; Superman demands that Hal Jordan address the behaviour of fellow Green Lantern John Stewart.
Superman Annual #2 [2/2] (pp.4-8) (1988)
Dan Turpin misinterprets Maggie Sawyer’s feelings about him.
PRIVATE LIVES
Batman #428-429 (1988-1989)
Following the murder of Robin (Jason Todd), the State Department asks Superman to make sure Batman doesn’t attack the new Iranian Ambassador – the Joker – and cause an international incident.
Superman #23 (1988)
Superman, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen discover the origin of the Silver Banshee.

Must
Reads
Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
Cosmic Odyssey #1-4 (1988-1989)
Darkseid finally locates the Anti-Life Equation in the form of the Anti-Life Entity; Superman is among the heroes of Earth who travel to New Genesis, only to find a much larger threat.
Action Comics #642 (1989)
Superman, Deadman and Nightwing join forces to find the missing Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.
Adventures of Superman #446 (1988)
Morgan Edge continues to villainise Superman; Gangbuster is back in town, but is it Jose Delgado under the armour?

1st apearance: Laura Conway, Steve Lombard
New identity: [REDACTED] as Gangbuster
OVER THE EDGE
Superman #24 (pp.1-21) (1988)
Rampage returns, targeting a pro-Superman senator…
Swamp Thing #79 (1988)
Swamp Thing decides to confront Lex Luthor over his recent attempt to have him killed; Superman intervenes when he thinks Swamp Thing wants to kill Lex.
Adventures of Superman #447 (1988)
The war between Morgan Edge and Lex Luthor escalates; Superman struggles to find Gangbuster; Jose Delgado reveals he can walk again.
OVER THE EDGE
Superman #24 (pp.21-22) (1988)
Senator Herbert Forrest‘s attempt to cash in on Superman fails.
Lex Luthor: The Unauthorised Biography (1989)
Journalist Peter Sands looks into the true history of Lex Luthor.
Superman #25 (1988)
Brainiac messes with Superman’s mind and seeks an alliance with Lex Luthor.
OVER THE EDGE
Action Comics #635 [1/3] (1989)
Superman, the Green Lantern (Jordan) and Black Canary head to South America to oppose the despotic Colonel Diaz.
Justice League International #19 (1988)
Superman cameo; Superman turns down Batman’s offer to join the Justice League.
Adventures of Superman #448 (1988)
Superman and Gangbuster both try to help change a man’s outlook on life, with two very different approaches.
INVASION!

OVER THE EDGE
Superman #24 (1988)
Adventures of Superman #449 (1988)
The Alien Alliance prepare to invade Earth; Gangbuster hunts the voodoo criminal Baron Sunday; Guardian meets Gangbuster; Superman tries to negotiate with the invading forces of the Citadel, the Dominators and the Warlords of Okaara.

1st appearance: Baron Sunday
INVASION!

Superman’s complete New Earth reading order will continue…

Other versions of Superman from across the DC Multiverse from this time period:

Title, Synopsis & First AppearancesEvent /
Crossover
Hawkman #10 (1987)
Action Comics #588 (1987)
Earth-85: Superman is called upon by Hawkman and Hawkwoman and assists them in a war against their own people, the Thanagarians.
SHADOW WAR
Legion of Super-Heroes #23 (1986)
Cosmic Boy #4 (1987)
Legion of Super-Heroes #37 (1987)
Superman #8 (1987)
Action Comics #591 (1987)
Legion of Super-Heroes #37 (1987)

Superman #21 (1988)
Adventures of Superman #444 (1988)
Superman #22 (October 1988)
Pocket Universe: The Superboy of the Time-Trapper’s Pocket Universe, ‘fixing’ the continuity issues surrounding the existence of the Legion in a single DC Universe timeline despite New Earth’s Superman never having been a member; after the fate of Superboy is decided, the Supergirl of the Pocket Universe seeks Superman’s help.
A TWIST IN TIME

THE SUPERGIRL SAGA

Collected Edition TitleCollects…
Absolute Superman: The Man of SteelMan of Steel #1-6
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.1 HC (2020)Action Comics #584-587
Adventures of Superman #424-428
Man of Steel #1-6
Superman #1-4
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.2 HC (2021)Action Comics #588-593
Adventures of Superman #429-435
Legion of Super-Heroes #37-38
Superman #5-11
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.3 HC (2021)Action Comics #594-597
Action Comics Annual #1
Adventures of Superman #436-438
Adventures of Superman Annual #1
Booster Gold #23
Superman #12-15
Superman Annual #1
Superman: The Earth Stealers
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.4 HC (2022)Action Comics #598-600
Adventures of Superman #439-444
Doom Patrol #10
Superman #16-22
Superman Annual #2
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.1 tpb (2003)Man of Steel #1-6
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.2 tpb (2003)Action Comics #584-586
Adventures of Superman #424-426
Superman #1-3
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.3 tpb (2004)Action Comics #587-589
Adventures of Superman #427-429
Superman #4-6
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.4 tpb (2005)Action Comics #590-591
Adventures of Superman #430-431
Legion of Super-Heroes #37-38
Superman #7-8
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.5 tpb (2006)Action Comics #592-593
Adventures of Superman #432-435
Superman #9-11
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.6 tpb (2008)Action Comics #594-595
Action Comics Annual #1
Adventures of Superman Annual #1
Booster Gold #23
Superman #12
Superman Annual #1
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.7 tpb (2013)Action Comics #596-597
Adventures of Superman #436-438
Superman #13-15
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.8 tpb (2013)Action Comics #598-600
Adventures of Superman #439-440
Superman #16-18
Superman: The Man of Steel vol.9 tpb (2016)Adventures of Superman #441-444
Doom Patrol #10
Superman #19-22
Superman Annual #2
Cosmic Odyssey

Cosmic Odyssey – The Deluxe Edition
Cosmic Odyssey #1-4
Legends

Legends: 30th Anniversary Edition
Legends #1-6
MillenniumMillennium #1-8
Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder

Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder – The Deluxe Edition
Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder #1-4
Superman: The Power WithinAction Comics #601-641 [Superman stories]
Action Comics #658
Adventures of Superman #471
Superman #48

Collected Edition TitleIncludes…
Batman: A Death in the Family

Batman: A Death in the Family – The Deluxe Edition
Batman #428-429
Booster Gold: The Big FallBooster Gold #6-7
Booster Gold: Future LostAction Comics #594
Booster Gold #23
The DC Universe by Mike MignolaAction Comics #600 [part]
Superman #18, 23
World of Krypton #1-4
Doom Patrol: The Bronze Age OmnibusDoom Patrol #10
Superman #20
The Greatest Superman Stories Ever ToldSuperman #2
JLA: Year One

JLA: Year One – The Deluxe Edition
JLA: Year One #7, 11-12
Justice League International vol.2

Justice League International, Book One: Born Again

Justice League International Omnibus vol.1

Justice League International: The Secret Gospel of Maxwell Lord
Justice League International #10
Legends OmnibusAction Comics #586
Adventures of Superman #426
Cosmic Boy #1
Legends #2-3, 5-6
Superman #3
Lois Lane: A Celebration of 75 YearsAction Comics #600 [2/5]
Man of Steel #2
The Many Worlds of KryptonWorld of Krypton #1-4
Superman: Dark Knight Over MetropolisAction Comics Annual #1
Superman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told Vol. 1Man of Steel #1
Superman #18
Superman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told Vol. 1Superman #2
Superman: The World of KryptonMan of Steel #1
World of Krypton #1-4
Superman: They Saved Luthor’s BrainAction Comics #600 [3/5]
Swamp Thing by Rick Veitch vol.2: SynchronicitySwamp Thing #79
Wonder Woman: Beauty and the BeastsAction Comics #600
Wonder Woman #16
Wonder Woman by George Perez vol.2 tpb

Wonder Woman by George Perez Omnibus vol.1 OHC

Wonder Woman Through The Years
Wonder Woman #16
Wonder Woman by John Byrne OmnibusAction Comics #600
Adventures of Superman #440

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