1. Superman Earth One
Although it received only mixed reviews Superman Earth One is easily the must read graphic novel for anyone wishing to go see Man of Steel at the cinema as it is the one graphic novel that has been cited repeatedly as being closest to the story that became the new movie. In the hands of accomplished (and awesome) writer J. Michael Straczynski Superman's post puberty years are re imagined like the Smallville TV show if it had been directed by Christopher Nolan. Beginning with young Clark Kent's arrival in Metropolis it explores his relationships with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen as well as Daily Planet editor Perry White after he lands a cushy job as a writer for the cities premier newspaper. If you remember from Smallville that iconic moment when Clark finally becomes Superman you get that in spades here. Sure he's not quite the hero you imagine him as at this point but by the end of the story he is well and truly ready to accept his fate as the protector of Earth What makes this story so great as well - and it's reflected in the new movie - the writer does not automatically assume that everyone reading the comic is a 12 year old nerd sat alone in his bedroom. Stravinsky realises that adults read comics too - many of whom read the origin story as a kid - and as a result created a Superman story that was fresh and for perhaps the first time seen through the eyes of an adult.