In celebration of Superman Day, we’re taking a look back and ranking the most iconic Superman comic book covers of all time. Let’s take a tour.
Happy Superman Day 2026, folks! In celebration of this day, we’ve been taking a look through the decades of comic book archives. We’ve picked out some legendary, witty, and quintessential Superman covers that we believe encapsulate everything great about the Man of Steel.
Superman #233
A quintessential Bronze Age cover by Neal Adams, this seminal 1939 issue takes place when a scientific experiment turns all the kryptonite on Earth to iron, as Clark Kent moves from newspaper to television journalism. The cover portrays Superman’s immense, metal-shattering strength.
Superman #199
An iconic cover from Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson, it pits Superman and The Flash against each other, asking the question: Who is the fastest man alive? Published in 1967, the issue follows Superman and Flash, who are requested by the UN Secretary to race each other in an effort to raise funds. Who wins? Read and find out!
All-Star Superman #1
Written by Grant Morrison, All-Star Superman (2006) ushered in a new era for the Man of Steel; the series also served as inspiration for James Gunn’s 2025 movie. The cover by Frank Quietly, featuring a young Clark Kent watching over a cloudy Metropolis, became an instant iconic cover.
Adventure Comics #247
In Adventure Comics #247, Clark Kent is shocked when two young people identify him as Superboy, and later while out on patrol he finds a girl who outs him as Clark Kent. The brilliant cover comes from Curt Swan and Stan Kaye.
Superman Vs. Humammad Ali
Written by Dennis O’Neil and illustrated by Neal Adams, the two face each other in the ring, only to later have to team up to save Earth from an alien invasion. Also note Batman watching on from the crowd. T
Action Comics #419
Neal Adams has drawn so many Superman covers over the years, and this is another stellar entry of Superman mid-flight. In Action Comics #419, Moe Malloy fishes a strange glowing gun and pair of shoes out of Metropolis harbor which give him super powers.
Superman #1
Depicting Superman flying over skyscrapers. From the yellow background, to the iconic suit, Joe Shuster’s cover from 1939 solidified the visual language of the superhero genre.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #7
Created by George Pérez, this is one of the most heartbreaking covers ever made, portraying Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) dying in Superman’s arms after sacrificing her life.
The Death of Superman
Dan Jurgens’ Death of Superman cover is perhaps the most haunting cover from the 90s, showing Superman’s iconic ripped and tattered cape tied to a wooden pole against a dark background.
Action Comics #1
What is there to say about this cover that hasn’t already been mentioned? It’s one of the single most recognisable covers in comics history: a perfect display of Superman’s strength. Joe Shuster’s cover will be forever legendary.
What’s your favourite Superman cover? Tell us in the comments down below!
Disclaimer: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
