Superman Earth One #2

Superman strides through a wall of fire on Shane Davis's striking cover for this 2014 DC original graphic novel — the dark, modernized costume and billowing red cape projecting quiet, unstoppable determination rather than flashy heroics. J. Michael Straczynski and Shane Davis (with inks by Sandra Hope and colors by Barbara Ciardo) continue their grounded, contemporary reimagining of the Man of Steel, and the praise quoted right on the cover from USA Today and The New York Times speaks to how warmly this fresh take on Clark Kent's early years was received. At $14.99, it's an accessible, handsomely produced volume that earns its place on any Superman fan's shelf.