8. Secret Origin
Writer: Geoff Johns Artist: Gary Frank
What better way to start than with the legendary origin story of Superman? Geoff Johns covers the full Superman origin from start to finish - the exodus from Krypton, the discovery of the baby in a Kansas field by Jonathan and Martha Kent, the young Clark discovering he's different as his powers emerge, meeting Lex Luthor, leaving for Metropolis and becoming a reporter at the Daily Planet, meeting Lois Lane, and becoming Superman. Johns writes Superman and Clark exactly as you would expect - Superman is self-assured, noble, and gentle despite possessing god-like powers, and Clark is clumsy and unsure of himself around Lois. Artist Gary Frank draws Superman/Clark as Christopher Reeves so if you're a fan of the movies, it's like reading a comic book version of a Reeves Superman movie. While there have been many Superman origin books over the years, Johns' is the definitive one as it adheres strictly to Superman continuity and the reader sees all the favourite characters and events in one book. A greatest hits collection, if you will, and an ideal starting place for new Superman readers.