Great range of stories here Michael. Brainiac is one of my three favourite Superman villains, I think even his portrayal in the 1960s cartoons managed to portray his cold malevolence well. Interesting choice for #1: the sheer audacity of the concept, the fact that Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams just get it right and of course the Adams/Giordano/Austin art all contribute to its success. I couldn't do such a list, there are just too many great stories in Superman's history, some very famous ones but also a lot of minor stories hardly anyone remembers but which still resonate with me decades later.
That was a lot of fun. I have to admit, I'm not that much of a Superman fan...but I've also read a lot of your list. A couple of years before the Byrne revamp, there was an attempt at revitalizing Superman by redesigning his villains, among other things. This is where the Giger-style Brainiac came from, and I particularly enjoyed the ensuing run in Action comics, mostly because Gil Kane took over the art, and he really visualized a glorious Superman, in my opinion. He also drew a couple of double-sized Superman Specials, including one that he wrote himself. The story was kind of overwrought and melodramatic, but you could sense his personal commitment to it, and sometimes that's better than the professionally written, more restrained stuff.
That was a great little period which have been some of my favourites too, the Superman Specials, Action and Superman, the story of Brainiac travelling the universe and his madness about Superman and redesigned evolution into that death skulled machine, so good.I loved that skull spaceship. Gil Kane on Superman was just fantastic, its nice to see someone else mention those dynamic tales.
I greatly recommend Superman Secret Identity; one of my favorite pieces of Superman content I've been able to enjoy, 4 books of maybe 50 pages at most, and its take on having the powers of the man of steel in a world where Superman is comic fiction is incredibly moving and well illustrated.
Wow. I've finally found someone who shares my all time favorite Superman story. I could (and have been known to) go on and on about everything I loved about Superman Vs Muhammad Ali.
The Three Supermen from Krypton is a favorite of mine as well. It had such an epic feel to it. It was like a an event before event comics were written and in some ways, did it so much better! Forget Zod! U-Ban was awesome. And I also loved Panic In The SKy. I love it when my heroes all team up. it's why crossover events are a treat for me.
My top 4: 4. Who killed Jimmy Olsen? by Matt Fraction 3. Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang 2. Superman Up in the Sky by Tom King 1. All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison
I have your number one and agree. I think I’ve read it 100 times…. Always great to hear what you think about these things. Just got my copy of the Spider,syndicate of crime, my fav anti hero, written by Jerry Spiegal who cocreated Superman.
The Elite, of course, was based on Warren Ellis's Authority. I enjoyed Ellis's run on that comic but I never bothered with any of the other runs. I read the 85th Anniversary graphic novel because I decided that I needed to read more Superman. I'm far more familiar with Batman. And oddly enough a lot of obscure DC characters. I enjoyed it for the most part. Really liked Curt Swan's art.
Great list. If I were going to list my favorites, they'd include (1) WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW?, naturally, but I would add John Byrne's Man of Steel (2) and Generations (3), World's Finest GN by Steve Rude (4), World's Finest #175 "The Superman-Batman Revenge Squads" (5), Superman #247 "Must There Be a Superman" (6), Superman #53 "Origin" (7), Action Comics #500 (8), Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #69 - "The Dynamic Duo of Kandor" (9), and Cullen Bunn's Superman-Batman "Sorcerer Kings" (10)
I've probably read enough by now to make a top 10 but it'd be just the 10 I've read so far (almost exclusively from the 40's...) - this was a great list, though!
That was fun, had a feeling what your number one would be. A few of my favourites - Superman Annual 11 .. Alan Moore & Dave Gibons - its Superman's birthday and Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman discover Mongul has brought Kal a horrible gift Superman Special 2 .. Gil Kane space action with Brainiac Action Comics 544 .. 45th Anniversary giant sized issue, two tales of madness, Luther gets the green supersuit, Brainiac evolves into the silver skullfaced machine DC Comics Presents 59 Superman and the Legion of Substitute Superheroes - Ambush Bug running amock in the 31st century, a fun story and very silly Legends of the World's Finest .. Superman & Batman in glorious painted art by Dan Brereton, had to have a team up, it is epic comicbook Wednesday
I haven't made such a top ten list, but if I did, three of yours would make my list, and Superman vs Muhammad Ali might also be #1 on my list. Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? and What's So Funny about Truth, Justice, and the American Way would certainly make my list, too. But I have really fond memories of a 3-parter from 1980, Action Comics #510, 511, and 512. These were titled "Luthor's Last Stand," "Luthor Fights for Good," and "Luthor's Day of Reckoning." They were written by Cary Bates and illustrated by Curt Swan, and they were my first encounter with Lex Luthor. The story concerns Luthor reforming, but the twist ending in this one is especially good, and for a ten-year-old, it was surprisingly emotional, too. Loved this video.
I love this video. A friend gifted me Superman vs. Muhammad Ali for my birthday years ago. A terrific pick! I’d like to hear your thoughts about the Green Lantern Mosaic story arc. It’s one of my favorites.
My favorite Superman story was an imaginary story. The Superman Red/Superman Blue imaginary story, where practically everyone in the Superman Family got a happy ending. (NOT the more recent Sup Red/Sup/Blue story.)
Loved this video. Great list. I especially appreciated that you included the comic strip origin of Superman...which I only became aware of a few months ago. The only one of these I haven't read is the Mark Waid story you mentioned. If I were making my own list, I'd have to include Grant Morrison's and Frank Quitely's All Star Superman...probably somewhere in the top three.
Great list. If I had to pick a favorite Superman story i think it would be a tie between Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons "For The Man Who Has Everything" in Superman Annual 11 and the Exile storyline. Superman being so emotionally damaged by guilt after killing the Phantom Zone criminals that he had to leave Earth and everyone loved for exile in space always resonated with me. Panic in the Sky is a favorite as well, wish DC would do an oversized hardcover of that storyline.
Interesting list, Michael. Have you ever read Superman Godfall or Our Worlds At War? Technically, OWAW was a DC event, but it was primarily a Superman story. Godfall is visually stunning with antagonists that have been sadly lost. I think you'd enjoy both.
Some excellent choices here (love the ❤ for Supes v. Ali), but where was “The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue?” IMO, the greatest silver age Supes story, the greatest “imaginary story” (sorry, Alan), and quite possibly the greatest single issue of a comic book ever. I had Curt Swan autograph my copy of “The Greatest Stories” hardcover right on that story. Hands down my favorite.
Some good choices there. I'd add that Superman Annual that Alan Moore wrote... you know the one. But I have to confess that Superman Vs Ali book wouldn't even make my top 1000. I really didn't like it much.
Love the tie. Clark Kent would never wear it. Um...Superman and Muhammad Ali were working together, so unless Muhammad Ai was, well, being his usually self at the beginning and Superman put him in his place, where does the "versus" come in? I'd love to see that one.
All star Superman Whatever Happened to the Man Of Tomorrow For the Man Who Has Everything Superman 775 I think What’s so funny about Truth an Justice. Superman took on The Elite Secret Identity Else worlds
Great range of stories here Michael. Brainiac is one of my three favourite Superman villains, I think even his portrayal in the 1960s cartoons managed to portray his cold malevolence well.
Interesting choice for #1: the sheer audacity of the concept, the fact that Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams just get it right and of course the Adams/Giordano/Austin art all contribute to its success.
I couldn't do such a list, there are just too many great stories in Superman's history, some very famous ones but also a lot of minor stories hardly anyone remembers but which still resonate with me decades later.
That was a lot of fun. I have to admit, I'm not that much of a Superman fan...but I've also read a lot of your list. A couple of years before the Byrne revamp, there was an attempt at revitalizing Superman by redesigning his villains, among other things. This is where the Giger-style Brainiac came from, and I particularly enjoyed the ensuing run in Action comics, mostly because Gil Kane took over the art, and he really visualized a glorious Superman, in my opinion.
He also drew a couple of double-sized Superman Specials, including one that he wrote himself. The story was kind of overwrought and melodramatic, but you could sense his personal commitment to it, and sometimes that's better than the professionally written, more restrained stuff.
That was a great little period which have been some of my favourites too, the Superman Specials, Action and Superman, the story of Brainiac travelling the universe and his madness about Superman and redesigned evolution into that death skulled machine, so good.I loved that skull spaceship. Gil Kane on Superman was just fantastic, its nice to see someone else mention those dynamic tales.
I greatly recommend Superman Secret Identity; one of my favorite pieces of Superman content I've been able to enjoy, 4 books of maybe 50 pages at most, and its take on having the powers of the man of steel in a world where Superman is comic fiction is incredibly moving and well illustrated.
Wow. I've finally found someone who shares my all time favorite Superman story. I could (and have been known to) go on and on about everything I loved about Superman Vs Muhammad Ali.
you may be the best Superman expert on TH-cam :)
I doubt that but thanks!
The Three Supermen from Krypton is a favorite of mine as well. It had such an epic feel to it. It was like a an event before event comics were written and in some ways, did it so much better! Forget Zod! U-Ban was awesome.
And I also loved Panic In The SKy. I love it when my heroes all team up. it's why crossover events are a treat for me.
Yes had a feeling Ali would be number 1. The artwork does look incredible.
My top 4:
4. Who killed Jimmy Olsen? by Matt Fraction
3. Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
2. Superman Up in the Sky by Tom King
1. All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison
I have your number one and agree. I think I’ve read it 100 times…. Always great to hear what you think about these things. Just got my copy of the Spider,syndicate of crime, my fav anti hero, written by Jerry Spiegal who cocreated Superman.
The Elite, of course, was based on Warren Ellis's Authority. I enjoyed Ellis's run on that comic but I never bothered with any of the other runs.
I read the 85th Anniversary graphic novel because I decided that I needed to read more Superman. I'm far more familiar with Batman. And oddly enough a lot of obscure DC characters. I enjoyed it for the most part. Really liked Curt Swan's art.
ANd Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow is my favorite Superman story of all time. The best Superman epic ever.
You have excellent taste in Superman stories
Great list. If I were going to list my favorites, they'd include (1) WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW?, naturally, but I would add John Byrne's Man of Steel (2) and Generations (3), World's Finest GN by Steve Rude (4), World's Finest #175 "The Superman-Batman Revenge Squads" (5), Superman #247 "Must There Be a Superman" (6), Superman #53 "Origin" (7), Action Comics #500 (8), Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #69 - "The Dynamic Duo of Kandor" (9), and Cullen Bunn's Superman-Batman "Sorcerer Kings" (10)
I've probably read enough by now to make a top 10 but it'd be just the 10 I've read so far (almost exclusively from the 40's...) - this was a great list, though!
LOL, this made me laugh.
6:14 speak for yourself Mr. Vaughan, mullet superman is my favourite superman design, the super-mullet got to come back!
I’m pretty sure you are alone in this opinion. At least I hope so.
That was fun, had a feeling what your number one would be. A few of my favourites -
Superman Annual 11 .. Alan Moore & Dave Gibons - its Superman's birthday and Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman discover Mongul has brought Kal a horrible gift
Superman Special 2 .. Gil Kane space action with Brainiac
Action Comics 544 .. 45th Anniversary giant sized issue, two tales of madness, Luther gets the green supersuit, Brainiac evolves into the silver skullfaced machine
DC Comics Presents 59 Superman and the Legion of Substitute Superheroes - Ambush Bug running amock in the 31st century, a fun story and very silly
Legends of the World's Finest .. Superman & Batman in glorious painted art by Dan Brereton, had to have a team up, it is epic comicbook Wednesday
Excellent choices!
I haven't made such a top ten list, but if I did, three of yours would make my list, and Superman vs Muhammad Ali might also be #1 on my list. Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? and What's So Funny about Truth, Justice, and the American Way would certainly make my list, too.
But I have really fond memories of a 3-parter from 1980, Action Comics #510, 511, and 512. These were titled "Luthor's Last Stand," "Luthor Fights for Good," and "Luthor's Day of Reckoning." They were written by Cary Bates and illustrated by Curt Swan, and they were my first encounter with Lex Luthor. The story concerns Luthor reforming, but the twist ending in this one is especially good, and for a ten-year-old, it was surprisingly emotional, too.
Loved this video.
I love this video. A friend gifted me Superman vs. Muhammad Ali for my birthday years ago. A terrific pick! I’d like to hear your thoughts about the Green Lantern Mosaic story arc. It’s one of my favorites.
My favorite Superman story was an imaginary story. The Superman Red/Superman Blue imaginary story, where practically everyone in the Superman Family got a happy ending. (NOT the more recent Sup Red/Sup/Blue story.)
Great choices I would add that because i'm a spider web fan is two team ups with spider-man
Wark waids birthright is the best superman story in my opinion.
Loved this video. Great list. I especially appreciated that you included the comic strip origin of Superman...which I only became aware of a few months ago. The only one of these I haven't read is the Mark Waid story you mentioned. If I were making my own list, I'd have to include Grant Morrison's and Frank Quitely's All Star Superman...probably somewhere in the top three.
Great list. If I had to pick a favorite Superman story i think it would be a tie between Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons "For The Man Who Has Everything" in Superman Annual 11 and the Exile storyline. Superman being so emotionally damaged by guilt after killing the Phantom Zone criminals that he had to leave Earth and everyone loved for exile in space always resonated with me. Panic in the Sky is a favorite as well, wish DC would do an oversized hardcover of that storyline.
Oh you mentioned birthright!
Interesting list, Michael. Have you ever read Superman Godfall or Our Worlds At War? Technically, OWAW was a DC event, but it was primarily a Superman story. Godfall is visually stunning with antagonists that have been sadly lost. I think you'd enjoy both.
I read both of those but it’s been a while. I need to pick those up again.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 I wonder if Our Worlds At War would've made a good addition to Booktube at War.🙂
Some excellent choices here (love the ❤ for Supes v. Ali), but where was “The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue?” IMO, the greatest silver age Supes story, the greatest “imaginary story” (sorry, Alan), and quite possibly the greatest single issue of a comic book ever. I had Curt Swan autograph my copy of “The Greatest Stories” hardcover right on that story. Hands down my favorite.
A lot of people really love Superman Red/Superman Blue.
Very cool!
Thanks.
Thanks.
Some good choices there. I'd add that Superman Annual that Alan Moore wrote... you know the one. But I have to confess that Superman Vs Ali book wouldn't even make my top 1000. I really didn't like it much.
It was a masterpiece! 😫
Have you read the novel, It's Superman, by Tom De Haven.
I have not.
A greater video
Thanks!
Love the tie. Clark Kent would never wear it.
Um...Superman and Muhammad Ali were working together, so unless Muhammad Ai was, well, being his usually self at the beginning and Superman put him in his place, where does the "versus" come in? I'd love to see that one.
Well they did fight.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 And Ali was left standing...
No All Star Superman?
No. I liked it though.
All star Superman
Whatever Happened to the Man Of Tomorrow
For the Man Who Has Everything
Superman 775 I think What’s so funny about Truth an Justice. Superman took on The Elite
Secret Identity Else worlds
So here’s my question,
why does Kandor have an Eiffel Tower?
It doesn’t. Brainiac shrunk Paris.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 he shrunk Paris?! Why? What did the Parisian’s even do to him?
Who is your favourite on-screen Superman? And Roger’s favourite 😮?
Christopher Reeves for me and George Reeve for Roger.