The Ultimate Superman Reading Order

Having collected comics for a while and starting to read them at a later date, I never knew where to start. Especially when it came to having missing issues, or having series that intertwined with another, or issues that followed previous stories which I hadn’t read yet! Also as a dedicated Superman fan, I wanted to ensure that I’d read EVERYTHING featuring Superman and when I searched online where to begin, what I found wasn’t very clear at all.

With that said, I used those guides and my own experience to create a list which focuses mostly on release date. That way you and I can experience Superman & co in comics in the order that comic publishers originally intended, and also in the same way that many other generations of Superman fans did.

Different readers may want to focus on different aspects and characters of ‘The Superman Family’, however this reading order will follow the issues and series of the characters mentioned in the key below.

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, purple text feature Lois Lane, and red text feature Supergirl. Those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, pink text feature Superwoman, green text feature Krypto The Superdog and fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

For more complex years whereby issues and stories are intertwined, please see the key for that particular section.

30’s / 40’s / 50’s

Golden Age / Silver Age

1938 – Golden Age

Key: Issues in white text are Superman focused, those highlighted with purple text feature Lois Lane and those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #1 – 18/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #2 – 25/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #3 – 25/06
  • Action Comics #4 – 25/07
  • Action Comics #5 – 25/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #6 – 25/09 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen unnamed)
  • Action Comics #7 – 25/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #8 – 25/11

1939 – Golden Age

Key: Issues in white text are Superman focused, those highlighted with purple text feature Lois Lane.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #9 – 02/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #10 – 25/01
  • Action Comics #11 – 02/03
  • Action Comics #12 – 24/03
  • Action Comics #13 – 24/04
  • Superman #1 – 18/05 (Reprints Action Comics #1-4) – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #14 – 29/05
  • Action Comics #15 – 24/06
  • Action Comics #16 – 24/07
  • Superman #2 – 19/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #17 – 24/08
  • Action Comics #18 – 25/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #19 – 24/10
  • Superman #3 – 15/11 (Reprints Action Comics #5-7 but features one new story) – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #20 – 24/11
  • Action Comics #21 – 24/12

1940 – Golden Age

Key: Issues in white text are Superman focused, those highlighted with purple text feature Lois Lane.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #22 – 26/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #4 – 15/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #23 – 23/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #24 – 22/03
  • Action Comics #25 – 24/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #5 – 10/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #26 – 22/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #27 – 21/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • New York World’s Fair #2 – 03/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #6 – 10/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #28 – 24/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #29 – 23/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #7 – 06/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #30 – 20/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #31 – 23/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #8 – 08/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #32 – 22/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #33 – 20/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman’s Christmas Adventure – Dec – (Lois Lane)

1941 – Golden Age

Key: Issues in white text are Superman focused, those highlighted with purple text feature Lois Lane and those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superman #9 – 03/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #34 – 22/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #35 – 21/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #10 – 05/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #36 – 21/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #1 – Mar – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #37 – 23/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #2 – 07/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #11 – 07/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #38 – 23/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #39 – 20/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #12 – 02/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #40 – 18/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #3 – 15/08
  • Action Comics #41 – 18/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #13 – 26/08 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Action Comics #42 – 19/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #43 – 14/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #14 – 01/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #4 – 10/11 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen unnamed)
  • Action Comics #44 – 17/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #45 – 15/12 – (Lois Lane)

1942 – Golden Age

Key: Issues in white text are Superman focused, those highlighted with purple text feature Lois Lane and those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superman #15 – 02/01 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Action Comics #46 – 13/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #5 – 03/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #47 – 16/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #16 – 28/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #48 – 14/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #49 – 14/04 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen unnamed)
  • World’s Finest Comics #6 – 28/04 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman #17 – 05/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #50 – 16/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #51 – 16/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #18 – 30/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #52 – 14/07 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • World’s Finest Comics #7 – 28/07
  • Action Comics #53 – 15/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #19 – 30/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #54 – 15/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #55 – 13/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #20 – 27/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #8 – 27/10
  • Action Comics #56 – 10/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #57 – 12/12 – (Lois Lane)

1943 – Golden Age

Key: Issues in white text are Superman focused, those highlighted with purple text feature Lois Lane, those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, and those highlighted with pink text feature Superwoman.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superman #21 – 02/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #58 – 12/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #9 – 26/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #59 – 09/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #22 – 23/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #60 – 13/03 (Superwoman Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #61 – 13/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #10 – 24/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #23 – 27/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics # 62 – 11/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #63 – 12/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #24 – 26/06 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen unnamed)
  • Action Comics #64 – 13/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #11 – 24/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #65 – 14/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #25 – 24/08 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen unnamed)
  • Action Comics #66 – 14/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #67 – 12/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #12 – 23/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #26 – 30/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #68 – 13/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #69 – 14/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #27 – 27/12 – (Lois Lane)

1944 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, purple text feature Lois Lane, and those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #70 – 15/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #71 – 15/02 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • World’s Finest Comics #13 – 25/01 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman #28 – 26/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #72 – 14/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #73 – 16/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #14 – 25/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #29 – 01/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #74 – 16/05
  • Action Comics #75 – 13/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #30 – 27/06 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Action Comics #76 – 11/07
  • World’s Finest Comics #15 – 25/07
  • Action Comics #77 – 12/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #31 – 26/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #78 – 12/09
  • Action Comics #79 – 14/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #16 – 24/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #32 – 28/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #80 – 14/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • More Fun Comics #101 – 18/11 – Clark Kent(Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #81 – 12/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman’s Christmas Adventure Vol 2 – Dec
  • Superman #33 – 26/12 – (Lois Lane)

1945 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, and those with purple text feature Lois Lane.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #82 – 15/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • More Fun Comics #102 – 16/01 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #17 – 23/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #83 – 13/02
  • Superman #34 – 26/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #84 – 13/03
  • More Fun Comics #103 – 20/03 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #85 – 16/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #18 – 24/04
  • Superman #35 – 30/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #86 – 14/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • More Fun Comics #104 – 28/05 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #87 – 12/06
  • Superman #36 – 26/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #88 – 10/07
  • More Fun Comics #105 – 23/07 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #19 – 24/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #89 – 13/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #37 – 28/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #90 – 11/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • More Fun Comics #106 – 23/09 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #91 – 15/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #20 – 23/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #38 – 29/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #92 – 13/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • More Fun Comics #107 – 20/11 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #93 – 11/12 – (Lois Lane)

1946 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, purple text feature Lois Lane, those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, and those highlighted with pink text feature Superwoman.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superman #39 – 02/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #94 – 14/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #21 – 28/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #95 – 12/02 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #103 – 25/02 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #40 – 26/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #96 – 11/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #104 – 26/03 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #22 – 27/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #97 – 15/04
  • Adventure Comics #105 – 23/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #41 – 29/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #98 – 13/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #106 – 22/05 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #23 – 29/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #99 – 12/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #107 – 19/06 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #42 – 01/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #100 – 15/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #108 – 22/07 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #24 – 29/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #101 – 12/08 (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #109 – 19/08 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #43 – 26/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #102 – 16/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #110 – 23/09 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #25 – 25/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #103 – 14/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #111 – 21/10 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #44 – 28/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #104 – 18/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #112 – 20/11 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #26 – 27/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #105 – 16/12
  • Adventure Comics #113 – 18/12 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #45 – 30/12 – (SuperwomanLois Lane)

1947 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, purple text feature Lois Lane, and those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #106 – 15/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #114 – 22/01 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #27 – 29/01
  • Action Comics #107 – 17/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #115 – 19/02 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #46 – 03/03 – (Lois Lane), (Superboy – Clark Kent)
  • Action Comics #108 – 17/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #116 – 19/03 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #28 – 26/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #109 – 14/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #117 – 21/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #47 – 30/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #110 – 13/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #118 – 21/05 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #29 – 28/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #111 – 12/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #119 – 18/06 – Clark Kent
  • All Star Comics #36 – 23/06 – Guest Feature
  • Superman #48 – 30/06 – (Lois Lane), (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Action Comics #112 – 15/07 –
  • Adventure Comics #120 – 21/07 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #30 – 28/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #113 – 13/08
  • Adventure Comics #121 – 20/08 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #49 – 27/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #114 – 16/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #122 – 17/09 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #31 – 24/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #115 – 14/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #123 – 20/10 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #50 – 03/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #116 – 17/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #124 – 19/11 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #32 – 26/11
  • Action Comics #117 – 15/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #125 – 17/12 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #51 – 29/12 – (Lois Lane)

1948 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, those with purple text feature Lois Lane and those with fuchsia text feature Jor-El

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #118 – 14/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #126 – 19/01 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #33 – 28/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #119 – 16/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #127 – 18/02 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #52 – 01/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #120 – 15/03
  • Adventure Comics #128 – 17/03 – Clark Kent, (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #34 – 29/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #121 – 14/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #129 – 19/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #53 – 03/05 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #122 – 17/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #130 – 19/05 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #35 – 26/05
  • Action Comics #123 – 14/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #131 – 21/06 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #54 – 28/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #124 – 12/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #132 – 21/07 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #36 – 26/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #125 – 16/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #133 – 18/08 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #55 – 30/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #126 – 13/09
  • Adventure Comics #134 – 21/09 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #37 – 27/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #127 – 13/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #135 – 20/10 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #56 – 01/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #128 – 15/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #136 – 22/11 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #38 – 24/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #129 – 13/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #137 – 20/12 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #57 – 29/12 – (Lois Lane)

1949 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, those with purple text feature Lois Lane and those with fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superboy #1 – 05/01 – Clark Kent(Lois Lane), (Superman)
  • Action Comics #130 – 12/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #138 – 19/01 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #39 – 26/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #131 – 14/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #139 – 21/02 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #58 – 28/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #2 – 07/03 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #132 – 14/03
  • Adventure Comics #140 – 21/03 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #40 – 28/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #133 – 13/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #141 – 18/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #59 – 02/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #134 – 16/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #142 – 16/05 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #3 – 23/05 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #41 – 25/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #135 – 13/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #143 – 13/06 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #60 – 29/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #136 – 13/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #144 – 13/07 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #4 – 20/07 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #42 – 27/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #137 – 10/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #145 – 10/08 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #61 – 29/08 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #138 – 07/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #5 – 12/09 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #146 – 14/09 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #43 – 28/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #139 – 12/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #147 – 12/10 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #62 – 31/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #140 – 07/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #148 – 09/11 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #6 – 21/11 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #44 – 30/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #141 – 12/12 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #149 – 12/12 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #63 – 28/12 – (Lois Lane)

1950 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, those with purple text feature Lois Lane, and those with fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #142 – 09/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #150 – 11/01 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #7 – 23/01 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #45 – 30/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #143 – 13/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #151 – 13/02 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #64 – 01/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #144 – 13/03 – (Lois Lane – Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #152 – 15/03 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #8 – 27/03 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #46 – 29/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #145 – 12/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #153 – 12/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #65 – 01/05 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #146 – 10/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #154 – 15/05 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #9 – 24/05 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #47 – 29/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #147 – 12/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #155 – 14/06 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #66 – 28/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #148 – 10/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #156 – 12/07 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #10 – 24/07 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #48 – 26/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #149 – 14/08 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #157 – 14/08 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #67 – 23/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #158 – 30/08 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #150 – 11/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #11 – 20/09 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #49 – 27/09 – (Lois Lane – Cameo)
  • Action Comics #151 – 11/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #159 – 16/10 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #68 – 25/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #152 – 13/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #160 – 15/11 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #12 – 15/11 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #50 – 27/11
  • Action Comics #153 – 13/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #161 – 13/12 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #69 – 27/12 – (Lois Lane)

1951 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy and purple text feature Lois Lan. Those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, those with pink text feature Superwoman, and those with fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #154 – 15/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #162 – 15/01 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #13 – 24/01 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #51 – 31/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #155 – 14/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #163 – 14/02 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #70 – 28/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #156 – 14/03 – (Superwoman – Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #164 – 14/03 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #14 – 21/03 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #52 – 04/04
  • Action Comics #157 – 18/04 – (Lois Lane – Cameo) (Jimmy Olsen unnamed)
  • Adventure Comics #165 – 18/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #71 – 02/05- (Lois Lane) (Superwoman – Robotic)
  • Action Comics #158 – 16/05 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #166 – 16/05 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #15 – 23/05 – Clark Kent, (Superman)
  • World’s Finest Comics #53 – 30/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #159 – 18/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #167 – 18/06 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #72 – 01/07 – (Superboy – cameo) (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #160 – 18/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #168 – 18/07 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #16 – 23/07 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #54 – 30/07
  • Action Comics #161 – 15/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #169 – 15/08 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #73 – 29/08 – (Lois Lane), (Superboy)
  • Adventure Comics #170 – 12/09 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #162 – 24/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #17 – 26/09 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #55 – 03/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #171 – 10/10 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #163 – 24/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #74 – 05/11(Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #172 – 12/11 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #164 – 26/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #56 – 28/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #18 – 03/12 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #173 – 10/12 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #165 – 24/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #75 – 31/12 – (Lois Lane)

1952 – Golden Age

Superman Reading Order

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, those highlighted with purple text feature Lois Lane and those with fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Adventure Comics #174 – 14/01 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #166 – 28/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #57 – 30/01 – (Lois Lane – Cameo, Jor-El)
  • Superboy #19 – 04/02 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #175 – 18/02 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #167 – 25/02
  • Superman #76 – 05/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #176 – 19/03 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #168 – 24/03 – (Lois Lane – Cameo)
  • World’s Finest Comics #58 – 26/03 – (Lois Lane – Cameo)
  • Superboy #20 – 31/03 – Clark Kent(Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #177 – 16/04 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #169 – 23/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #77 – 05/05 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #178 – 21/05 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #170 – 26/05 – (Lois Lane – cameo)
  • World’s Finest Comics #59 – 28/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #21 – 09/06 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #179 – 23/06 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #171 – 30/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #78 – 07/07 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #180 – 21/07 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #172 – 28/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #60 – 30/07
  • Superboy #22 – 11/08 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #181 – 27/08 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #173 – 03/09 – (Lois Lane – Cameo)
  • Superman #79 – 08/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #182 – 29/09 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #174 – 01/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #61 – 01/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #23 – 06/10 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #183 – 26/10 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #175 – 27/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #80 – 10/11 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • World’s Finest Comics #62 – 24/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #184 – 26/11 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #176 – 26/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #24 – 08/12 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #185 – 24/12 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #177 – 24/12 – (Lois Lane)

1953 – Golden Age

The Ultimate Superman Reading Order

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, purple text feature Lois Lane, those with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen and those with fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superman #81 – 12/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #63 – 26/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #186 – 26/01 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #178 – 28/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #25 – 09/02 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #187 – 23/02 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #179 – 25/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #82 – 09/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #64 – 23/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #188 – 23/03 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #180 – 25/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #26 – 06/04 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #189 – 22/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #83 – 04/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #181 – 27/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #65 – 25/05 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #190 – 25/05 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #182 – 27/05 – (Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Superboy #27 – 03/06 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #191 – 24/06 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #183 – 29/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #84 – 06/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #66 – 27/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #192 – 27/07 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #184 – 29/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #28 – 03/08 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #193 – 24/08 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #185 – 26/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #85 – 07/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Three-Dimensional Adventures Superman #1 – 14/09 – (Lois Lane)(Reprints stories from Superman #49, #51 and #53)
  • World’s Finest Comics #67 – 23/09 – (Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #194 – 23/09 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #186 – 28/09 – (Lois Lane Cameo, Jor-El)
  • Superboy #29 – 05/10 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #195 – 26/10 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #187 – 28/10
  • Superman #86 – 02/11 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • World’s Finest Comics #68 – 11/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #196 – 23/11 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #188 – 25/11 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superboy #30 – 25/11 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #87 – 14/12 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #197 – 21/12 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #189 – 28/12 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)

1954 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy, purple text feature Lois Lane, and those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superboy #31 – 06/01- Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #69 – 13/01 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #198 – 25/01 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #88 – 25/01 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Action Comics #190 – 27/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #32 – 17/02 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #199 – 22/02 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #191 – 24/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #89 – 08/03 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #200 – 22/03 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #70 – 22/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #192 – 24/03 – (Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #33 – 07/04 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #201 – 26/04 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #193 – 28/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #90 – 03/05 – (Lois Lane, Superbaby, Superboy – Clark Kent)
  • World’s Finest Comics #71 – 24/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #202 – 25/05 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #34 – 26/05 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #194 – 26/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #91 – 14/06 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #203 – 23/06 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #195 – 28/06 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #1 – 30/06 – (Superman, Lois Lane Cameo)  
  • Superboy #35 – 07/07 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #72 – 14/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #204 – 26/07 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #92 – 26/07 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Action Comics #196 – 28/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #36 – 16/08 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #205 – 23/08 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #197 – 25/08 – (Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #2 – 01/09 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Superman #93 – 06/09 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #206 – 22/09 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #73 – 22/09
  • Action Comics #198 – 27/09 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superboy #37 – 03/10 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #207 – 26/10 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #199 – 26/10 – (Lois Lane Cameo, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Superman #94 – 31/10 –  (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #3 – 02/11 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #74 – 24/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #38 – 24/11 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #208 – 28/11 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #200 – 28/11 – (Lois Lane Cameo, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Superman #95 – 14/12 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #209 – 28/12 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #201 – 28/12 – (Lois Lane)

1955 – Golden Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy and purple text feature Lois Lane. Those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, green text feature Krypto The Superdog and fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superboy #39 – 04/01 – Clark Kent
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #4 – 04/01 – (Superman)
  • World’s Finest Comics #75 – 23/01
  • Superman #96 – 23/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #210 – 25/01 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog, Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #202 – 25/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #40 – 13/02 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #211 – 22/02 – Clark Kent – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #203 – 22/02 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman #97 – 06/03 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Superboy – Clark Kent)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #5 – 15/03 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #76 – 22/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #212 – 27/03 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #204 – 27/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #41 – 05/04 – Clark Kent
  • Adventure Comics #213 – 26/04 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #205 – 26/04
  • Superman #98 – 03/05 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #6 – 15/05 – (Superman)
  • Superboy #42 – 24/05 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #77 – 24/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #214 – 27/05 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Action Comics #206 – 29/05 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman #99 – 14/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #215 – 28/06 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #207 – 28/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #43 – 05/07 – Clark Kent
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #7 – 17/07 – (Superman)
  • World’s Finest Comics #78 – 17/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #100 – 24/07 – (Lois Lane Cameo, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #216 – 26/07 – Clark Kent – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Action Comics #208 – 26/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #44 – 16/08 – Clark Kent
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #8 – 23/08 – (Superman, Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #217 – 28/08 – Clark Kent(Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #209 – 28/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #101 – 03/09 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • World’s Finest Comics #79 – 25/09 – (Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #218 – 27/09 – Clark Kent(Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #210 – 27/09 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superboy #45 – 02/10 – Clark Kent
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #9 – 11/10 – (Superman)
  • Superman #102 – 25/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #219 – 25/10 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #211 – 25/10 – (Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Superboy #46 – 23/11 – Clark Kent
  • World’s Finest Comics #80 – 23/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #220 – 27/11 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Action Comics #212 – 27/11 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen cameo)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #10 – 04/12 – (Superman)
  • Superman #103 – 13/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #221 – 27/12 – Clark Kent
  • Action Comics #213 – 27/12 – (Lois Lane)

1956 – Silver Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy and purple text feature Lois Lane. Those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, green text feature Krypto The Superdog and fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superboy #47 – 03/01 – Clark Kent (Superman, Lois Lane
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #11 – 17/01 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Superman #104 – 24/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #81 – 24/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #222 – 29/01 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #214 – 29/01 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superboy #48 – 14/02 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #12 – 26/02 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #223 – 26/02 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #215 – 26/02 – (Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Superman #105 – 11/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #82 – 20/03
  • Action Comics #216 – 27/03 – (Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #224 – 27/03 – Clark Kent 
  • Superboy #49 – 03/04 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #13 – 17/04 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #217 – 24/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #225 – 24/04 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #106 – 08/05 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Jor-El)
  • World’s Finest Comics #83 – 15/05
  • Superboy #50 – 22/05 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #218 – 22/05 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #226 – 29/05 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #14 – 05/06 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Superman #107 – 17/06 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Action Comics #219 – 24/06 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #227 – 26/06 – Clark Kent 
  • Superboy #51 – 03/07 – Clark Kent
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #15 – 17/07 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #84 – 24/07 – (Lois Lane, Superboy – Clark Kent)
  • Action Comics #220 – 24/07 – (Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #228 – 29/07 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #108 – 29/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #52 – 14/08 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #221 – 21/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #16 – 28/08 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #229 – 28/08 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #109 – 11/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #222 – 23/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #85 – 23/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #230 – 25/09 – Clark Kent 
  • Superboy #53 – 30/09 – Clark Kent  – (Superman)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #17 – 09/10 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #223 – 28/10 – (Jor-El)
  • Adventure Comics #231 – 28/10 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #110 – 04/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #54 – 18/11 – Clark Kent 
  • World’s Finest Comics #86 – 25/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #224 – 27/11 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #232 – 27/11 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #18 – 04/12 – (Superman)
  • Superman #111 – 16/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #233 – 25/12 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #225 – 25/12 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)

1957 – Silver Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy and purple text feature Lois Lane. Those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, green text feature Krypto The Superdog and fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superboy #55 – 01/01 – Clark Kent – (Jimmy Olsen, Superman)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #19 – 13/01 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #87 – 22/01 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #226 – 27/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #234 – 27/01 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #112 – 27/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #56 – 12/02 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #20 – 24/02 – (Superman, Superboy – Clark Kent, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #227 – 26/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #235 – 26/02 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #113 – 12/03
  • World’s Finest Comics #88 – 19/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #228 – 26/03 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #236 – 26/03 – Clark Kent 
  • Superboy #57 – 02/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #21 – 14/04 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #229 – 28/04 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #237 – 28/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #114 – 07/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Showcase #9 – 14/05 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • World’s Finest Comics #89 – 21/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #58 – 21/05 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #230 – 28/05 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #238 – 28/05 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #22 – 02/06 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Superman #115 – 16/06 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Action Comics #231 – 25/06 – (Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #239 – 25/06 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superboy #59 – 01/07 – Clark Kent 
  • Showcase #10 – 14/07 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #23 – 14/07 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #90 – 21/07 – (Jor-El, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #232 – 28/07 – (Superboy)
  • Adventure Comics #240 – 28/07 – Clark Kent (Jor-El)
  • Superman #116 – 28/07 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superboy #60 – 13/08 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #24 – 25/08 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #233 – 27/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #241 – 27/08 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman #117 – 08/09 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • World’s Finest Comics #91 – 22/09 
  • Action Comics #234 – 24/09 – (Lois Lane Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #242 – 24/09 – Clark Kent – (Jor-El Cameo)
  • Superboy #61 – 29/09 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #25 – 08/10 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #235 – 29/10 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #243 – 29/10 – Clark Kent – (Jor-El)
  • Superman #118 – 03/11 – (Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #92 – 17/11
  • Superboy #62 – 24/11 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #236 – 25/11 – (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #244 – 25/11 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #26 – 03/12 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Superman #119 – 15/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #237 – 29/12 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #245 – 29/12 – Clark Kent 

1958 – Silver Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy and purple text feature Lois Lane. Those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, green text feature Krypto The Superdog, red text feature Supergirl, dark blue text for Bizarro and fuchsia text feature Jor-El.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Action Comics #238 – 03/01 – (Jimmy Olsen
  • Superboy #63 – 05/01 – Clark Kent – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #1 -12/01 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #27 – 14/01 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #93 – 19/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #246 – 30/01 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #120 – 04/02 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Superboy #64 – 18/02 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #28 – 25/02 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #239 – 27/02 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #247 – 27/02 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #121 – 13/03 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #2 – 18/03 – (Superman)
  • World’s Finest Comics #94 – 25/03
  • Adventure Comics #248 – 27/03 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #240 – 27/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superboy #65 – 08/04 – Clark Kent
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #29 – 17/04 – (Superman, Krypto The Superdog)
  • Action Comics #241 – 29/04 – (Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #249 – 29/04 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #122 – 06/05 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #3 – 20/05 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • World’s Finest Comics #95 – 22/05
  • Superboy #66 – 27/05 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #242 – 29/05 – (Lois Lane
  • Adventure Comics #250 – 29/05 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #30 – 05/06 – (Superman)
  • Superman #123 – 17/06 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Supergirl – Not Kara, Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #243 – 01/07 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #251 – 01/07 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #124 – 09/07 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superboy #67 – 10/07 – Clark Kent – (Jor-El, Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #31 – 15/07 – (Superman)
  • World’s Finest Comics #96 – 17/07
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #4 – 17/07 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #252 – 31/07 – Clark Kent 
  • Action Comics #244 – 31/07 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superboy #68 – 21/08 – Clark Kent – (Bizarro)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #32 – 21/08 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #97 – 26/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #245 – 28/08 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #253 – 28/08 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #125 – 09/09 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #5 – 16/09 – (Superman)
  • Adventure Comics #254 – 30/09 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Super-Dog)
  • Action Comics #246 – 30/09 – (Jor-El)
  • Superboy #69 – 02/10 – Clark Kent
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #33 – 07/10 – (Superman)
  • World’s Finest Comics #98 – 16/10
  • Action Comics #247 – 30/10 – (Jor-El cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #255 – 30/10 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman #126 – 06/11 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #6 – 13/11 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superboy #70 – 20/11 – Clark Kent 
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #34 – 20/11 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #248 – 26/11 – (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #256 – 26/11 – Clark Kent 
  • World’s Finest Comics #99 – 04/12
  • Superman #127 – 18/12 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #7 – 24/12 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Action Comics #249 – 30/12 – (Jimmy Olsen)
  • Adventure Comics #257 – 30/12 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog

1958 – Silver Age

Key: Text highlighted in white feature Superman, blue text feature Superboy and purple text feature Lois Lane. Those highlighted with orange text feature Jimmy Olsen, green text feature Krypto The Superdog, red text feature Supergirl, dark blue text for Bizarro, fuchsia text for Jor-El and yellow text for Streaky The Supercat.

The text within in brackets are other characters within the Superman Family that are featured in that particular issue. These will also be colour coded as per the above key for ease.

  • Superboy #71 – 06/01 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #35 – 06/01 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #100 – 15/01
  • Action Comics #250 – 21/01 – (Lois Lane)
  • Adventure Comics #258 – 29/01 – Clark Kent
  • Superman #128 – 05/02 – (Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #8 – 12/02 – (Superman)
  • Superboy #72 – 19/02 – Clark Kent – (Jor-El Cameo)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #36 – 19/02 – (Superman, Lois Lane, Jor-El)
  • Action Comics #251 – 26/02 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #259 – 26/02 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • World’s Finest Comics #101 – 03/03 – (Lois Lane)
  • Superman #129 – 19/03 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #9 – 24/03 – (Jimmy Olsen, Superman)
  • Action Comics #252 – 31/03 – (Lois Lane, Supergirl – Linda Lee, Jimmy Olsen Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #260 – 31/03 – Clark Kent
  • Superboy #73 – 07/04 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #37 – 07/04 – (Superman, Lois Lane, Superboy – Clark Kent)
  • World’s Finest Comics #102 – 16/04
  • Action Comics #253 – 30/04 – (Jimmy Olsen, Supergirl – Linda Lee)
  • Adventure Comics #261 – 30/04 – Clark Kent – (Lois Lane, Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman #130 – 07/05 – (Supergirl Cameo, Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #10 – 14/05 – (Superman)
  • Superboy #74 – 21/05 – Clark Kent (Jor-El, Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #38 – 21/05 – (Lois Lane, Superman) 
  • Action Comics #254 – 28/05 – (Bizarro, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Supergirl – Linda Lee)
  • Adventure Comics #262 – 28/05 – Clark Kent (Krypto The Superdog)
  • World’s Finest Comics #103 – 04/06
  • Superman #131 – 18/06 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #11 – 25/06 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Action Comics #255 – 30/06 – (Bizarro, Lois Lane, Supergirl – Linda Lee)
  • Adventure Comics #263 – 30/06 – Clark Kent 
  • Superboy #75 – 02/07 – Clark Kent, (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #39 – 02/07 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • World’s Finest Comics #104 – 16/07
  • Action Comics #256 – 30/07 – (Lois Lane, Supergirl – Linda Lee)
  • Adventure Comics #264 – 30/07 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman #132 – 06/08 – (Jor-El, Krypto The Superdog, Lois Lane)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #12 – 11/08 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #40 – 13/08 – (Superman, Lois Lane, Supergirl – Linda Lee)
  • Superboy #76 – 20/08 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Batman #127 – 25/08 – Cameo
  • Action Comics #257 – 27/08 – (Lois Lane, Supergirl – Linda Lee)
  • Adventure Comics #265 – 27/08 – Clark Kent – (Superman)
  • World’s Finest Comics #105 – 01/09
  • Superman #133 – 17/09 – (Lois Lane
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #13 – 22/09 – (Superman, Jimmy Olsen)
  • Action Comics #258 – 29/09 – (Supergirl – Linda Lee, Lois Lane, Krypto The Superdog)
  • Adventure Comics #266 – 29/09 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #41 – 06/10 – (Superman, Lois Lane
  • Superboy #77 – 08/10 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • World’s Finest Comics #106 – 20/10
  • Action Comics #259 – 29/10 – (Superboy – Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Supergirl – Linda Lee)
  • Adventure Comics #267 – 29/10 – Clark Kent – (Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman #134 – 05/11 – (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Jor-El, Supergirl – Linda Lee, Krypto The Superdog)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #14 – 12/11 – (Superman, Jor-El Cameo, Supergirl – Linda Lee)
  • Superboy #78 – 19/11 – Clark Kent – (Jor-El)
  • Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #42 – 19/11 – (Superman, Lois Lane)
  • Action Comics #260 – 25/11 – (Lois Lane, Supergirl -Linda Lee)
  • Adventure Comics #268 – 25/11 – Clark Kent (Krypto The Superdog)
  • World’s Finest Comics #107 – 03/12
  • Superman #135 – 17/12 – (Superboy – Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Superbaby)
  • Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #15 – 24/12 – (Superman, Jor-El Cameo)
  • The Brave & The Bold #28 – 29/12 – Cameo
  • Action Comics #261 – 31/12 – (Supergirl – Linda Lee, Streaky The Supercat, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen Cameo, Jor-El Cameo)
  • Adventure Comics #269 – 31/12 – Clark Kent (Krypto The Superdog)

19 thoughts on “The Ultimate Superman Reading Order

  1. Hey hey, I have really enjoyed your content on Superman, and your reading order you have here on your site is totally awesome. I was trying find a good golden age list and that’s how I ran across your site. If it might help I have found a couple sites that have a good list of post crisis if it might help in your research, also I found a good reddit post that lays out the “triangle years” in order by each book in a google doc. I’ll post here for you. Keep collecting and keep the awesome content coming.

    http://www.comicsbackissues.com/comic-book-reading-order/complete-superman-reading-order-post-crisis/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/superman/comments/kei9b0/all_superman_triangle_number_comics_in_reading/

  2. How long does it take you to research and compile each year’s order on average? I’ve started picking through the comics with friends in the last month using this as reference, so we’re in no danger of catching up, but I’m curious how frequently additions come around.

    1. Thanks for reading! It’s hard to say really, but I work on it most evenings! I expect the next year to be posted in around a week. This years research has taken longer, I had a baby in between this and the previous year hence the severe delay, but I think that will be a one off! I’d like to estimate 2-3 months per year following that.

  3. Really thankful for something like this.

    Just a note, I believe you omitted New York’s World fair comics #1, its around Action Comics #12 time period

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