The Man of Steel’s Mightiest Adventures: Top 20 Best-Selling Superman Comics of All Time

The iconic Man of Steel, has been a cornerstone of American pop culture since his debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938.

Superman Comics

Superman, his enduring popularity has made him a perennial favorite among comic book fans, and his adventures have spawned countless issues over the years. In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 best-selling Superman comics of all time, celebrating the most remarkable moments in the life of the Last Son of Krypton.

Top 20 Best-Selling Superman Comics of All Time

  1. Action Comics #1 (1938) – The Birth of a Legend: The comic that started it all, Action Comics #1, marked the debut of Superman, created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. This issue is not only a piece of comic book history but also one of the most valuable and sought-after comics in the world.
  2. Action Comics #1000 (2018) – Celebrating 80 Years: Action Comics #1000 marked a momentous occasion in Superman’s history, celebrating his 80th anniversary. Featuring stories from some of the most talented writers and artists in the industry, this landmark issue paid tribute to Superman’s enduring legacy.
  3. Superman #75 (1993) – The Death of Superman: “The Death of Superman” storyline captivated readers in the ’90s, culminating in Superman #75. This issue depicted Superman’s heroic sacrifice in a battle against Doomsday, leaving the world mourning the loss of their hero.
  4. Superman #50 (1990) – The Wedding of Superman and Lois Lane. In issue #50 was a significant event in comic book history, celebrating the union of one of the most iconic couples in the DC Universe.
  5. Action Comics #252 (1959) – The Arrival of Supergirl. Supergirl made her first appearance in Action Comics #252, forever altering Superman’s world by introducing his cousin Kara Zor-El.
  6. Superman #1 (1939) – A Solo Series Begins: Superman’s solo series launched with Superman #1, solidifying his place in the comic book world.
  7. Superman #4 (1940) – The Birth of Lex Luthor: Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, made his debut in issue #4, setting the stage for countless epic battles to come.
  8. Action Comics #7 (1938) – An Early Classic: Action Comics #7 is one of the earliest issues featuring the Man of Steel, showcasing his early adventures and feats of heroism.
  9. Action Comics #23 (1940) – The Origin of Superman: In Action Comics #23, readers were treated to the origin of Superman, shedding light on his Kryptonian origins and upbringing by the Kents.
  10. Superman #10 (1941) – The First Appearance of Brainiac: The diabolical Brainiac made his first appearance in issue #10, establishing himself as one of Superman’s most cunning foes.
  11. Action Comics #242 (1958) – The Introduction of Kryptonite: Kryptonite, the one substance that could weaken Superman, was introduced in Action Comics #242, adding a new layer of vulnerability to the hero.
  12. Superman #53 (1948) – The Mischievous Mr. Mxyzptlk: The impish Mr. Mxyzptlk first tormented Superman in issue #53, with his reality-bending pranks becoming a recurring challenge for the hero.
  13. Action Comics #583 (1986) – The End of an Era: Action Comics #583 marked the end of the original series before it was relaunched, concluding decades of adventures.
  14. Superman #149 (1961) – The Bizarro World: The bizarre world of Bizarro was introduced in issue #149, giving birth to the backwards-speaking, imperfect duplicate of Superman.
  15. Action Comics #419 (1972) – The Eradicator’s Arrival: The Eradicator made his debut in Action Comics #419, a character whose story would have significant implications for Superman’s mythology.
  16. Superman #233 (1971) – “Kryptonite Nevermore”: The classic storyline “Kryptonite Nevermore” began in Superman #233, exploring the consequences of the hero’s exposure to Kryptonite.
  17. Action Comics #484 (1978) – The Omega Men: Action Comics #484 featured the first appearance of the Omega Men, a team of interstellar heroes in the DC Universe.
  18. Superman #149 (1961) – The Mysterious Lori Lemaris: Lori Lemaris, a mermaid-like character and one of Superman’s early love interests, made her debut in Superman #149.
  19. Action Comics #252 (1959) – The Arrival of Supergirl: Supergirl’s introduction in Action Comics #252 is a momentous occasion in Superman’s history, expanding the Super-family.
  20. Superman #100 (1955) – A Milestone Issue: Superman #100 celebrated the hero’s 100th appearance in his solo series, a testament to his enduring popularity.

Superman’s Legacy

Superman’s adventures have spanned over eight decades, captivating readers with his incredible feats and unwavering commitment to justice. These top 20 best-selling Superman comics represent the most significant milestones in the Man of Steel’s storied career, reminding us of the enduring legacy of this iconic superhero. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Superman’s world, these comics offer a captivating journey through the life of one of the greatest superheroes of all time.

An individual who has a strong interest in comic books and the culture surrounding them. Comic books are a form of printed or digital media that combines text and artworks that tell beautiful and interesting stories, often featuring characters with superhuman abilities and adventures. A comic fan, passionate about the medium and collect, read, discuss, and even create comic books.