15 DC Comics Graphic Novels You Must Read Before You Die
5. All Star Superman
While a lot of Grant Morrison's work is based on adding new twists to existing characters, his work on All Star Superman instead gets right to the core of the character and tells the definitive story of the Man of Steel.
It's a bright and optimistic story, which is surprising considering it's about Superman discovering that he's dying. However, instead of focusing on the grim inevitability of death, Superman decides to fill up his final days by doing everything he can to leave the world a better place. His actions include a return to Silver Age shenanigans like allowing Lois Lane to become Superwoman for a day, epic feats like reigniting the Sun and smaller, more emotional acts of heroism like convincing a young girl not to kill herself. All of these acts are drawn in vivid and detailed style by Frank Quitely, giving Superman the appearance of a kind and benevolent God.
While a lot of jokes have been made about Superman being so good he's boring, All Star manages to take that nobility and give it a sense of wonder. It's a reminder of why so many people fell in love with Superman in the first place and a love letter to the boundless imagination of Silver Age comics.