The Best Superman Elseworlds Comic Stories

Highlights

DC Comics in 2023 has produced compelling Superman stories like
Red Son, Earth’s End, Metropolis, Son of Superman,
and
Kingdom Come.
These tales explore alternate universes, post-apocalyptic landscapes, future class struggles, and Superman’s progeny dealing with his legacy.
From Russia to an apocalyptic Earth, to future Metropolis, Superman’s stories showcase his enduring impact and heroism.

As a long-time fan of DC Comics and a connoisseur of alternate universe tales, I must say that these Elseworlds stories have always held a special place in my heart. They offer a refreshing twist to our beloved characters, providing us with unique perspectives and intriguing storylines.

Superman, often hailed as the original superhero, is a prominent figure in DC Comics, heading the Justice League, and famously known as the Man of Steel and the Starman watching over us from above. Ever since his debut comic, fans have admired how he employs his diverse set of powers to serve as a beacon of hope for both civilians and fellow superheroes.

Regardless of the universe, the Last Surviving Son of Krypton consistently demonstrates feats that are either incredibly brave or awe-inspiringly powerful. Here are five exceptional Superman tales set outside the traditional DC Universe narrative.

5 Superman: Red Son

The USSR Man Of Steel

The Best Superman Elseworlds Comic Stories

Publication Date: 2003
Focus Characters: Superman, Batman, Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman

As a gamer, imagine stepping into an alternate universe where Superman didn’t find his way to the heartland of America. Instead, he crashed landed in the USSR, under the watchful eyes of the Soviet government. That’s the fascinating premise that the comic book Superman: Red Son explores.

In a fascinating twist on the classic Superman saga, this narrative unfolds in an alternate reality. Here, we encounter diverse iterations of characters from the DC universe’s main timeline, including Batman, Lex Luthor, and Wonder Woman. Moreover, notable figures from our world history, such as John F. Kennedy and Josef Stalin, make appearances. Spanning five decades, this story delves into significant historical events, with the tense Cold War standoff between the USSR and the USA, as well as ideas like socialism and Stalinism, taking center stage.

In this three-part comic series, DC’s nefarious characters team up with the CIA, supernatural forces lend aid to the KGB, influential extraterrestrials influence global politics, and ultimately, a catastrophic societal breakdown ensues due to these intertwined events.

4 Superman At Earth’s End

DC Apocalypses

Publication Date: 1995
Focus Characters: Superman, The DNA Diktators

When you consider the tale of Superman, it’s often images of optimism and grace that spring to mind, as this Steel-clad hero illuminates an already vibrant world even more through his presence and deeds. Yet, some narratives show Superman grappling with the profound darkness that humanity can succumb to. One such story is “Superman in Earth’s Final Hours.“

The narrative of “At Earth’s End” unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting where a deadly mutation looms, pushing an already fragile world towards ruin. While Superman is typically closest to Batman within the Justice League, the multitude of bat-like figures traversing the Earth were far from comforting. This ‘Elseworld’ offers a unique twist with an older, white-bearded Superman who sports a rougher appearance to align with the apocalyptic motif.

The narrative continues the saga from the DC Comics miniseries titled “Kamandi: At Earth’s End“. It unfolds subsequent events like Gotham City being under imminent nuclear danger, the demise of Batman, and an unexpected appearance of Adolf Hitler’s likeness among the leaders of a mysterious group called the DNA Diktators.

3 Superman’s Metropolis

Trouble In The Big City

Publication Date: 1996
Focus Characters: Clarc Kent-son, Lutor, Lois Lane

Although Superman was raised in Smallville, Metropolis is where he truly calls home. It’s a city that houses most of his mature counterparts, friends, and associates. Here, Superman works as a journalist at the Daily Planet, often collaborating with Lois Lane. Given that Metropolis is known as the Steel City, it was fitting for a story set there to become an engaging Elseworlds adventure.

The story of Superman’s city, Metropolis, unfolds in a future time marked by social disparities and class conflicts. Superman, ever committed to justice, strives to address these perceived inequalities. Clark Kent, son of Jon Kent (the Master of Metropolis), immerses himself among the lower class citizens to experience their daily struggles. Meanwhile, a deceitful scientist named Lutor, who rules over the city with malice, creates chaos.

In this parallel world, the city of Metropolis is plagued by disorder, as Luthor orchestrates abductions, there’s an undercurrent of social unrest, and the Kent family finds themselves entangled in violence.

2 Son Of Superman

Jon Kent Adventures

Publication Date: 1999
Focus Characters: Jon Kent, Superman

As a lifelong fan of Superman, I have followed his adventures closely and have always been intrigued by his legacy. The “Son of Superman” comic series caught my attention because it delves deep into the struggles of carrying on such an iconic mantle. Growing up with a parent who was a superhero myself, I can relate to the pressures that come with being in their shoes. This story is not just about action and adventure; it’s about the emotional toll that comes with being a super-powered individual, especially when your father is Superman. It’s a must-read for any fan of the Man of Steel.

In this narrative, we meet a young man named Jon Kent who learns and accepts that he is Superman’s son. Over time, he uncovers and harnesses an impressive array of supernatural talents. This story unfolds approximately fifteen years after Superman mysteriously vanishes, adding complexity to the situation. During this period, Jon takes up his father’s legacy by confronting a government intent on implementing an economically divisive segregation policy.

In this tale, Jon assists rebellious groups and later locates Superman, rescuing him from imprisonment. With the aid of the Justice League, they successfully thwart the terrorists and prevent Lex Luthor from exploiting Superman’s powers. The story concludes in a heartwarming manner, as we witness Jon taking up his father’s mantle by wearing his uniform.

1 Kingdom Come

Metahuman War

Publication Date: 1996
Focus Characters: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Shazam

One standout Elseworlds story is the 1996 narrative titled “Kingdom Come“. This tale offers more than just Superman’s adventures; it delves into the exploits of an entirely different Justice League ensemble. The plot revolves around a potential threat to their world, as a new crop of heroes emerges on the scene.

In this Justice League narrative, Superman takes center stage as the primary character, representing the vanguard amidst tension between the old guard heroes and the newer ones, whose contrasting ideals cast doubt on their world’s future. As Magog, a metahuman who advocates violence, gains prominence, Superman and the Justice League abandon their roles as superheroes. This decision triggers an influx of additional metahumans with extraordinary abilities. A significant part of America is threatened by radiation, and devastation and destruction are prevalent.

1. The Justice League is compelled to reunite once more, with Superman taking charge after his long absence from Earth. During the battle that follows, Superman and his allies apprehend the foe, inspiring others to join their struggle. Explosions erupt, superhero chaos ensues, and the United Nations becomes involved, turning this into an exhilarating chapter in Superman’s Elseworlds adventures.

2024-08-07 09:37