With the reveal of the first-ever trailer for Superman, fans of the Man of Steel are ecstatic. The film will mark the beginning of the DCU, created by James Gunn for Warner Bros. Gunn himself will direct the movie, so expectations are high considering the film will introduce yet another new version of the beloved Superman.
Superman will premiere on July 11, 2025, so fans have plenty of time to prepare. From comics to learn more about some of the characters in the film, like Krypto and Guy Gardner, to the stories that will inspire the movie, according to Gunn himself, these are the best comics to read before the film hits the big screen this summer.
Updated on March 27, 2025, by Mayra Garcia: Superman (2025) is closer every day, so fans should prepare for the movie that will inaugurate the DCU by reading some of the best Man of Steel comics that will inspire it. This list is updated to include more great comics and reflect CBR’s current publication standards.
Justice League International Lets Guy Gardner Shine For Who He Is
Justice League International (Vol. 1) by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire
Although Hal Jordan is the most popular Green Lantern, Guy Gardner is easily a close second, regardless of his terrible attitude. Gardner sucks at teaming up, often bad-mouthing his teammates and disobeying. Justice League International shows how much he struggles with this, but he finally has a dose of reality when Batman punches him unconscious.
With Nathan Fillon set to portray the character – and donning the iconic bowl cut – fans will want to get used to Gardner’s attitude. Justice League International is the perfect comic to learn how his mind works, especially when working with other heroes, and what makes him tick.
The Brainiac Arc Shows the Villain’s Evil Nature
“Brainiac” in Action Comics #866-870 (Vol. 1) by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Jon Sibal, Rob Leight and Brad Anderson
When Brainiac arrives on Earth ready to add this world to his sadistic collection of bottled-up planets, Superman and Supergirl ally to stop him. In the ensuing battle, this comic series includes one of the saddest moments in Superman’s history: the death of his adoptive father, Jonathan Kent.
The Brainiac arc is an excellent comic for new fans to learn how evil and powerful this villain is. Although Gunn or DC has yet to confirm it, rumors say this character will make it into the movie, so there is no time like today to learn this. Regardless, since it features a team-up with Supergirl, this series is also great for fans to start getting hyped up about her appearance in the DCU.
Kingdom Come Shows a Truly Grim Universe but a Hopeful Superman
Kingdom Come (Vol.1) by Mark Waid, Alex Ross, Todd Klein and Bob Kahan
Kingdom Come is one of the most influential Superman stories ever, thanks to its story and incredible art. Given this, James Gunn knows this, so he has already confirmed this series has inspired a great deal of Superman. This comic follows a bleak world where vigilantes have taken over the superhero community, with the good heroes gone.
Since Kingdom Come is quite a desolate universe, it’s unlikely Gunn will inaugurate the DCU with this story. The Superman trailer doesn’t show this kind of world. Instead, the director probably got inspired by Superman’s iteration in this comic. He’s an older hero who has lost all hope but finds it in himself to trust again. Corenswet Kal-El may go through a similar journey, and comic readers should be prepared for it by reading Kingdom Come.
Lois Lane: Enemy of the People Will Show Readers Who Lois Truly Is
Lois Lane (Vol. 2) by Greg Rucka, Mike Perkins, Paul Mounts and Simon Bowland
When Lois Lane debuted in comics, she was just Superman’s love interest. Fortunately, over time, she has become a powerful character in her own way. She’s an amazing journalist, and more often than not, this puts her in terrible danger, as if she were a super, too. Lois Lane: Enemy of the People focuses on her as she bravely delves into a political conspiracy that reaches international levels.
Lois Lane: Enemy of the People is a thrilling read – as per usual with Rucka, but those who are reading to prepare for Superman (2025) shouldn’t focus so much on this as on Lois as a character. Rucka writes her as a courageous journalist who won’t rest until she finds the truth and gets justice for those who need it. Fans can only hope Rachel Brosnahan will tune this Lois in for the movie.
In Superman: Ending Battle, Even a Villain Understands Superman Means Hope
Superman (Vol. 2) by Geoff Johns, Pascal Ferry, Cam Smith, Richard Horie, Tanya Horie and Richard Starkings
Superman: Ending Battle follows a battle between Manchester Black and Superman. In this comic, the villain controls the minds of different Superman rogues, so they attack the Man of Steel and his beloved ones. Manchester Black even tricks Superman into thinking he killed Lois Lane, all in an attempt to push him to kill.
Pushing the boundaries of the No Killing rule is a more common trope in Batman comics. However, Superman: Ending Battle proves that this moral quarry also works great when extrapolating it to the Man of Steel, since it highlights his strict moral compass. Even Manchester Black is surprised by how Superman makes him hope for a better tomorrow. This kind of optimistic thinking is very akin to what Gunn has said he wants for the DCU’s Superman.
Hawkgirl Focuses Solely On This Oftentimes Side Character
Hawkgirl (Vol. 2) by Jadzia Axelrod and Amancay Nahuelpan
Superman will focus on the Man of Steel. Still, the trailer revealed that many other heroes will be a part of his journey, like Mister Terrific, Green Lantern, Metamorpho, and Hawkgirl — one of the greatest heroines in DC Comics. DC fans are particularly excited about this heroine’s debut since it’s the first time she will appear on the big screen.
Portrayed by Isabela Merced, Hawkgirl is Kendra Saunders. After dying by suicide, her body became the vessel for Shiera Sanders Hall – an ancient relative of her grandfather. She then became Hawkgirl, struggling with her identity for a while. In 2023, Jadzia Axelrod and Amancay Nahuelpan created Hawkgirl, Kendra Saunders’ second solo series. Fans who want to know this character closely for the film should check out the six-issue series. It’s short but full of action.
Nicholas Hoult Took Inspiration From Lex Luthor: Man of Steel
Lex Luthor: Man of Steel (Vol. 1) by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo
Lex Luthor: Man of Steel depicts the rivalry between Lex and Superman, this time from the villain’s perspective. In the comic, Lex creates a new superheroine, Hope, who soon wins the public’s love, leaving Superman in a conundrum. Since Lex tells the story, Lex Luthor: Man of Steel almost humanizes him — up until one incredible plot twist that reminds the reader of his true nature.
Lex Luthor: Man of Steel hasn’t been mentioned as an inspiration for the film’s script, but Nicholas Hoult has commented he read the comic and definitely based his Lex on this iteration. Not only is this comic a great story, but it’s also a perfect starter dish for fans to get a taste of how complicated Hoult’s Luthor will be.
Superman: Birthright’s Emotionality May Have Inspired Gunn’s Script
Superman: Birthright (Vol. 1) by Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu and Gerry Alanguilan
Following the death of a beloved activist friend, Kal-El realizes he has widely neglected his Kryptonian heritage, so he starts learning more about it on his way to becoming Superman. At the same time, he crafts a safe persona, Clark Kent, ready to begin his public career as a journalist. In Metropolis, Lex Luthor makes things complicated for him, but this is nothing the Man of Steel can’t handle.
Superman: Birthright re-tells Superman’s story, adding new details that add gravitas and a truly compelling emotional side to the Man of Steel lore. Anyone who has watched James Gunn’s films knows that the director prioritizes character development over anything else, and Superman: Birthright does precisely that. It puts the focus on Superman and his inner life. Waid’s comic is the perfect choice to get accustomed to such poignant scenes in between action-packed moments.
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Secret Origin Spotlights Krypto’s Kindness
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Secret Origin (Vol. 1) by Scott Snyder, Geoff Johns, Jerry Ordway, Francis Manapul, Ryan Benjamin, Paul Pelletier, Richard Friend, Norm Rapmund, Ian Herring, Rob Leigh and Rain Beredo
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Secret Origin tells the story of Superboy-Prime, only one of the many Kryptonians who fight together against the Dark Knights, but instead of having a good relationship with the rest of the Super Family, he has fought his own nature for too long — wounding up a villain on their eyes. Except for Krypto.
This one-shot may focus on Superboy, but Krypto is the true heart of the comic, always kind to a lonely boy who really needs it. Any fan who got emotional seeing Krypto in the Superman trailer will love this story. Although it’s embedded in a bigger event, its true value resides in the beautifully unconditional love of this canine – something everyone wants to see on the big screen soon.
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Is Superman in a Nutshell
“Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” by Alan Moore, Curt Swan, George Pérez, Kurt Schaffenberger, Todd Klein and Julius Schwartz.
Alan Moore’s “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” is a last goodbye to Superman before John Byrne reintroduces the character following Crisis on Infinite Earths. Because of this, it features pretty much every important character from the Man of Steel’s mythos. From Lois to Supergirl to every villain that Superman has faced. The comic begins with Lois Lane talking about the last time she saw Clark, and it follows Superman’s last days on Earth.
Fans know James Gunn’s Superman will pay homage to the best Superman stories ever, and “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” definitely fits the bill, so there may be something about it in the 2025 film. Even if that isn’t the case, what better way to wait for a new Man of Steel film than reading a story that features pretty much every element from his backstory?
Krypto Saves the Day in Superman #680
Superman (Vol. 1) #680 by James Robinson, Renato Guedes, José Wilson Magalhaés, Hi-Fi Design and John J. Hill
Krypto is one of Superman’s most important allies, but he’s often taken for granted, with other members of the Super Family taking priority over him. “The Coming of Atlas, Part 4 – Man of Yore, Dog of Tomorrow” is the opposite. Superman #680 is all about Krypto the Super Dog. This comic depicts the end of Superman’s battle against Atlas on James Robinson’s run. Although ultimately Kal-El defeats the villain, the issue focuses on the fact that the Man of Steel would have never made it through this fight if it wasn’t for his relentless dog.
The new Superman trailer revealed many heroes, but fans are head over heels for the introduction of Krypto, especially because it’s now obvious that he will be central to Superman’s survival in the film. “The Coming of Atlas, Part 4 – Man of Yore, Dog of Tomorrow” spotlights this partnership in a short but sweet story.
Superman Teaches Vigilantes a Lesson in What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?
“What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?” in Action Comics (Vol. 1) #775, by Joe Kelly, Dough Mahnke, Lee Bermejo, Dexter Vines, Jim Royal, José Marzan, Jr., Wade Von Grawbadger, Wayne Faucher, Rob Schwager and Comicraft.
When a new group of vigilantes led by Manchester Black begins using lethal force against criminals, Superman has to teach them a lesson on true heroism. “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?” sees Kal-El deal with this crew that has slowly and steadily convinced the general public that violence is the right way.
Like Kingdom Come, “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?” discusses the effectiveness of Superman’s non-killing methods, which has led fans to assume the film will revolve around this topic. Whether this is true or not, this comic is a great way for the fans to remember Superman’s core values before the film.
Superman For All Seasons Sees Kal-El Through Others
Superman for All Seasons (Vol. 1) by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
In four sections — spring, summer, fall, and winter – Superman for All Seasons describes Supeman’s backstory and some of his most important moments through the eyes of those around him: Jonathan Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor and Lana Lang. Superman for All Seasons focuses on Clark’s closest ones’ opinion of him, so it paints a beautiful picture of the hero as a human, not a super-powerful being.
Of course, its art only makes it more emotional, and so far, it seems that Gunn has taken inspiration from Tim Sale’s drawings for the movie – the scene with Superman and Pa Kent on the farm comes directly from a two-page spread on Superman for All Seasons. Given this, this 4-issue series is a great comic to get a good idea of the film’s vibe.
Superman: Up in the Sky Speaks On Kal-El’s Motivations
Superman: Up in the Sky (Vol. 1) by Tom King, Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope, Brad Anderson and Clayton Cowles
Superman: Up in the Sky follows the Man of Steel as he tries to rescue a girl who has been abducted and taken to outer space. However, this overarching storyline is almost an excuse for Tom King to examine the character and reflect on Superman’s nature. This series only has six numbers, but it depicts Kal-El discussing a dozen different topics, from his motivation to his faith and even his odds in a fight against Batman.
With Tom King serving as a creative consultant for the DCU, it isn’t farfetched to assume Gunn will take some inspiration from this author’s comics. Superman: Up in the Sky is a heartfelt series. It features a version of this hero who struggles but never gives up. Why? Because he’s Superman – and while some will find this a bit of a lazy plot device, there’s simply no other reason for what he does but his nature. This characterization is surely the Superman that Gunn will want to kickstart the DCU.
All-Star Superman Is the Film’s Main Inspiration
All-Star Superman (Vol. 1) by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely
James Gunn himself has named All-Star Superman the main inspiration for the character in the 2025 film. He stated that the movie won’t adapt the series storyline, but Kal-El will be quite similar to this version of the Man of Steel — even Corenswet has commented that he read the comic at Gunn’s suggestion.
With this in mind, fans will want to check it out if they haven’t read it already. All-Star Superman is an emotional tale. It follows a Superman who knows he’s dying of sun exposure and his swan song, a last heroic sacrifice for the Earth he loves. Kal-El’s affection for this planet is palpable on every page, with even Lex finally understanding him. This emotional depth and nostalgia is exactly what fans want to see in the future Superman film.
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