Superman (New 52 Version) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring the New 52 version of Superman (Clark Kent/Kal-El) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances, but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Note: This reading order is only for the New 52 version of Superman. For the main version of Superman see our “Superman Reading Order“.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

At the beginning of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset. In this new continuity, almost every character’s history was wiped clean and they were reintroduced to the DC Universe. However, two distinct versions of Superman, one with a wiped history and one without, were introduced over the course of this era.

Throughout this time period, the majority of the focus was placed on the New 52 version of Superman, the one with a wiped history. This version was depicted as younger and more rash than Superman is traditionally depicted. In addition, a relationship with Wonder Woman, a new power, and a tumultuous “Final Days” story arc help define this version.

This version of Superman is introduced through the Action Comics series, which explains the revised version of his origin. From here, his adventures primarily play out through both Action Comics and Superman. He also has a starring role in the Batman/Superman, the Justice League and the Superman/Wonder Woman series and makes plenty of smaller appearances in other comics. Finally, Superman’s role in this era comes to an end in the Superman: The Final Days of Superman (Reading Order) crossover event.

Also make sure to see ComicBookWire’s full “Superman Reading Order“.

B: TDK = Batman: The Dark Knight
ToS: TPS = Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger
SM/WW = Superman/Wonder Woman
Action Comics issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Justice League issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Supergirl issues are from the Vol. 6 series
Superman issues are from the Vol. 3 series
OMAC issues are from the Vol. 4 series
Batman: The Dark Knight issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Swamp Thing issues are from the Vol. 5 series
Batman/Superman issues are from the Vol. 1 series
All-Star Western issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Lobo issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Deathstroke issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Secret Six issues are from the Vol. 4 series
Batman issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Martian Manhunter issues are from the Vol. 4 series
Detective Comics issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Starfire issues are from the Vol. 2 series

Notes

1. Superman is a member of the Justice League (Reading Order) in this era. In most of the League's appearances he serves in a supporting role or plays a contributing part in a larger group effort, which does not contribute much to his story. From these appearances, this reading order links ComicBookWire's "Justice League Reading Order" to prevent this reading order from becoming overly complicated. Larger or more significant appearances are listed separately and explained where indicated.
2. These issues are mostly about Supergirl (Reading Order). However, they help establish the initial relationship between Supergirl and Superman.
3. Superman's appearance here is relatively inconsequential to his progression. However, it emphasizes action in a way some fans may enjoy seeing.
4. These issues are mostly about Batman but Superman's appearances in them add to the overall development of the relationship between these two.
5. Superman appears in all issues of the Superman: H'el on Earth (Reading Order) crossover except for Supergirl #16.
6. This issue provides a quick look at Superman's thoughts on his actions during the Trinity War (Reading Order) event.
7. This issue is exclusively focused on Superman and Wonder Woman's relationship. In addition, only the "Truth or Dare" story from the issue is relevant to this reading order.
8. Superman's appearance here is relatively inconsequential to his progression. However, it emphasizes his role as a respected member of the superhero community in a way some fans may enjoy seeing.
9. Superman has an extensive partnership with Wonder Woman throughout this era, mostly stemming from a moment in Justice League #12. However, many of their appearances together simply emphasize their unique relationship and, thus, have little impact on their progression through this era. For these appearances, this reading order links ComicBookWire's "Superman/Wonder Woman Reading Order" to prevent this reading order from becoming overly complicated. Larger or more significant appearances are listed separately and explained where indicated.
10. Superman has an extensive partnership with Batman throughout this era, mostly throughout the Batman/Superman series. For these appearances, this reading order links ComicBookWire's "Batman/Superman Reading Order" to prevent this reading order from becoming overly complicated. Larger or more significant appearances are listed separately and explained where indicated.
11. Only the "Superman" story from Secret Origins #1 is relevant to this reading order.
12. This issue is mostly about other characters but show Superman's reaction to Supergirl's "Red Daughter of Krypton" (Reading Order) story arc.
13. Superman appears in all issues of the Superman: Doomed (Reading Order) crossover except for Supergirl #34-35.
14. Convergence #0 is mostly a prelude to the Convergence (Reading Order) event but also shows the aftermath of Superman: Doomed (Reading Order). Meanwhile, Convergence #6-8 only feature brief appearances from Superman.
15. This issue partly looks at some of the fallout form the Superman: Doomed (Reading Order) event but also builds on Superman and Supergirl's (Reading Order) relationship.
16. This issue is set in the alternate universe of the Forever Evil (Reading Order) event and, thus, is not immediately relevant to Superman's present adventures.
17. These issues only feature Superman in a supporting role but continue his involvement with the new Batman.
18. This issue is a team-up between Superman and Nightwing (Reading Order) that mostly just serves to highlight the relationship between the two.
19. This issue is essentially a retrospective on Superman and Wonder Woman's (Reading Order) recent time together. It helps contextualize their relationship going into the Savage Dawn (Reading Order) event but is not essential to understanding what is going on.

Rebirth

The New 52 Superman does not physically appear in this era. However, the Superman: Rebirth special shows some of the aftermath of the The Final Days of Superman (Reading Order) event. More importantly, the Superman: Reborn (Reading Order) event significantly clarifies the differences between the New 52 and regular Superman and shows how the New 52 Superman's legacy is incorporated into the DC Universe from this point onward.

Also make sure to see ComicBookWire's full "Superman Reading Order".

Superman issues are from the Vol. 4 series
Action Comics issues are from the Vol. 1 series

All DC Comics Reading Orders