A new era begins for the Man of Steel as a threat from his earliest origins reemerges to destroy the Last Son of Krypton!

SUPERMAN: AN INTRODUCTION

Superman is about as familiar to most people as a fictional character can be.  Since 1938, he’s been a symbol for all that’s good and heroic in the world.  Perhaps because of his iconic stature, he has undergone fewer changes over the years than Batman or Wonder Woman, remaining steadfastly honorable and altruistic.

So, with nearly 80 years of steady continuity to wade through, where do you start reading Superman?  If you want a taste of the Big Blue Boy scout at his most iconic, I recommend starting with Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s run on Action Comics #858-870.  Johns is a writer who brings gravity, humanity and history to his characters and Frank’s expressive, detailed style make for a compelling read and an accessible entry point into the world of the Man of Tomorrow.  It also doesn’t hurt that Frank’s take on Superman resembles the actor Christopher Reeve, the actor who has perhaps been the most fully realized big screen version of the character.

For further Superman reading, check out:

The Man of Steel, by John Byrne, which reintroduced the character to the DC Universe after Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? features classic standalone stories written by Alan Moore, as well as art by Curt Swan, whose take on the character defined Superman’s visual style from the 1950′s through the 1980′s.

Action Comics #775, by Joe Kelly and Doug Mahnke features a Superman deeply at odds with his role in the world, questioning his ideas of truth and justice as they relate to the contemporary climate.

Superman: War of the Supermen by James Robinson and Sterling Gates is an exciting story that focuses heavily on Superman’s relationship with his cousin, Supergirl.

Finally, Grant Morrison and Rag Morales’ New 52 reboot of Superman takes the character back to his roots, as an alien trying to do good in a complicated world, and features a decidedly 21st century take on the Man of Steel.

Up, up and away!

Harris Smith is comiXology’s mild mannered Tumblr editor and production coordinator.