Superman: Birthright: The Deluxe Edition

by Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu (Artist), Gerry Alanguilan (Inker)

What makes a farm boy from Kansas decide to become a costumed superhero who divides his time between investigating the truth and fighting for justice? That's the question that acclaimed writer Mark Waid and inimitable illustrator Leinil Francis Yu pose in this thrilling retelling of the Man of Steel's origin that explores Clark Kent's humble beginnings and his Kryptonian heritage. This deluxe edition collects the entire

Birthright 12-issue miniseries and features a brand-new afterword by Waid!

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Comic Book, Science Fiction

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2022

About the author

Mark Waid is an American comic book writer widely known for shaping modern superhero storytelling through influential runs on major characters at both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Raised in Alabama, he developed an early fascination with comic books, particularly classic stories featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes, whose imaginative scope and sense of legacy would later inform his own writing. He first entered the comics industry during the mid 1980s as an editor and writer for the fan magazine Amazing Heroes, before publishing his first professional comic story in Action Comics. Soon afterward he joined DC Comics as an editor, contributing to numerous titles and helping shape projects across the company. After leaving editorial work to focus on writing, Waid gained widespread recognition with his long run on The Flash, where he expanded the mythology of the character and co-created the youthful speedster Impulse. His reputation grew further with the celebrated graphic novel Kingdom Come, created with artist Alex Ross, which imagined a future DC Universe shaped by generational conflict among superheroes. Over the years he has written many prominent series, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and Superman: Birthright, bringing a balance of optimism, character depth, and respect for comic book history to each project. Waid has also collaborated with notable artists and writers on major ensemble titles such as Justice League and Avengers, while contributing ideas that helped clarify complex continuity within shared superhero universes. Beyond mainstream superhero work, he has supported creator owned projects and experimental publishing models, including the acclaimed series Irredeemable and Incorruptible, which explored moral ambiguity within the superhero genre. He later took on editorial leadership roles at Boom Studios, guiding creative direction while continuing to write extensively. In subsequent years he expanded his involvement in publishing and digital storytelling, helping launch online comics initiatives and advocating for new distribution methods for creators. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Eisner and Harvey honors, reflecting both critical acclaim and enduring popularity among readers. Throughout his career Waid has remained a passionate student of comic book history, drawing on decades of storytelling tradition while continually encouraging innovation within the medium. His influence extends across generations of readers and creators, and his stories continue to shape the evolving language of superhero comics around the world today through enduring characters imaginative narratives and thoughtful reinventions of familiar myths within popular culture and modern graphic storytelling traditions.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a really good time with this, glad I finally got around to getting and reading this!

So this is the second post crisis origin story of superman but the first one I’ve read. I really liked how this was told and also liked how Lex Luther was done here. You get to see Krypton and his upbringing as well as how he decides he wants to become Superman and the challenges he faces at the start.

Overall a very good read, will be good to check out the other origin stories.

[Kıvılcım · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't show up nowadays and be a super-friend, we are a skeptical lot. Government... Advertising... God help me, the media... These things manipulate us 24/7, and worse, we know it. We claim to fight it, but most of us don't have the energy to struggle every moment of every day. Wear us down enough, and the lesson we eventually take to heart is that it's easier and safer to be cynical than it is to trust someone.

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more compelling Superman comic. I think the new Superman movie is much more following on this storyline, I could only guess since there's Lex Luther in the trailer. I was also expecting Supergirl nad Krypto to have a cameo, but they're not, still okay, tho!

Character design wise, I believe this one is much more appealing to me. I really enjoyed the artwork here, especially with the facial expressions, which are much clearer.

We also get to see more Kryptonian history, which were amazing, in my opinion. I was always intrigued by their characters and hope I could find more comics that showed them more.

Another thing is Lex Luthor, I am really glad to see more depth into his character and not just the automatic crazy ass character as what the Superman vs. Batman movie presented.

Overall, this comic is a really great read. I would recommend this more to the All-Star Superman, in my opinion.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had an absolute blast with this. This origin story really nails the reason why Superman is so great. He shows humanity all of its best traits while not asking for anything in return. Lex is so well done in this and the backstory is great. Yu's art is on point. I have always found his faces to be a little off at times but man does he absolutely nail action pieces and backgrounds. This is a great read and one I would recommend to a newcomer to comics and verterans alike.

[Néstor Vargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I finally stumbled upon this gem! I couldn’t put it down, reading it all in one sitting. The pace is perfect, and the story is absolutely captivating. Waid has a brilliant understanding of Superman, and Yu’s artwork is simply stunning. This book is an absolute must-read if you want to understand the complex dynamics between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. It’ll give you a deep dive into why Lex isn’t just Clark’s arch-nemesis, but why he chose to become that very person.

[Shane Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to see an immigrant and a symbol of everything good in this world take on an evil billionaire who wants to manipulate humanity. This obviously isn't parallel with anything happening in the world right now at all.

[Kevin Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely superb reworking of the early years of Superman becoming Clark Kent, this brings in all of the familiar elements with a nice twist to everything that still manages to stay well within the established characterisations and tone of this enduring hero.

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good! Basically exactly what you are expecting picking up a superman comic. 4.5 stars

[Gyan Chansrichawla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superman: Birthright may very well be Mark Waid’s best work… and I’m a massive, MASSIVE fan of his. It is my favorite iteration of Superman’s origin in any media and puts just enough of a different spin on it to stand out. I love the focus on Superman’s Krytonian heritage and human upbringing in particular. The BEST portrayals of Ma & Pa Kent are right here in this book. Waid balances a story with HUGE stakes, a Superman struggling to find his place in the world and a new backstory for Lex Luthor wonderfully.

[Uz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The DEFINITIVE Superman story.

When Mark Waid took on Superman in the early 2000’s, he tasked himself with modernising the Superhero to modern times. As such, Superman: Birthright isn’t just a “retelling” of Superman’s origin, it is a complete reinvention. A modernisation. In this story, it delves deeper into Clark’s humanity than ever before with any other comic. He’s more flawed, nuanced, relatable and humorous than before. This modernisation of the Superman origin aimed to make a Superman more grounded, just a dude who you can go out and watch movies with. Only, this “dude” just happens to have superpowers. This comic greatly explores Superman’s immigrant nature with him reconciling his biological family’s history and abilities, whilst simultaneously accepting the humanity that he grew up with all his life.

This is a Superman Origin story. As a result of being an early-year story for Clark, this comic focuses more on the isolated and lonely nature of his existence. The more he discovers about his “real” family, and his powers, the more lonely and “alienated” he becomes. It’s up to him to use his upbringing to embrace humanity, despite how humanity feels about him and despite how they “alienate” him.

Amazing read. My favourite Superman Origin story (there is a lot of superman origin stories btw lol).

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was originally leaning towards 3 stars. After that final issue? Bumped up to 4 easily. The art was hit or miss in my opinion, but there were some incredible pages. Multiple bangers that made up for other parts I wasn’t a fan of.
This is regarded as one of the greatest Superman comics. And while I understand why, it’s actually not my favorite. Again, the art. But also, Clark Kent deserved better. My favorite aspect of Superman is Clark and how human he actually is, despite being an alien. I love when people like Clark for himself, like when he’s dorky or overly sweet. Every character in this story treating Clark like a loser or someone who doesn’t matter just made me kind of sad.
One thing that bugged me pretty early on was that Clark was the disguise and Superman was himself. I hate when writers do that to superheroes (except Batman). Superman should either be the disguise, or a mix between hero and dorky Clark.
I honestly give it a pass just because of the afterword by Mark Waid. I’d give anything to have a conversation with that man. He clearly loves Superman and so do I.

[Langston Lardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book right after finishing secret origins by Geoff and at first I thought for sure I was going to give this book the same rating or even slightly below as I really enjoyed secret origins and its simplicity and the of course great artwork (minus those child faces), but after finishing Birthright I gotta say I did enjoy this more. The artwork is of course beautiful, it’s very distinctive from secret origins, but in a way that grows on you just as much. We also get a much deeper dive into the Lex and Clark relationship as well as the concept of heritage and that we are the choices we make. The heart and emotions are at a 10/10 by the end of this book, it truly felt like a journey in Clark’s life and I’d be lying if I said the ending didn’t pull at my heart strings as well as the ending statements by Mark himself in the back of the book. A great origin tale for the man of steel and one I’d recommend to any Superman fan out there.

[brian d rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book from the communities surrounding Superman 25’ the basic premise, although the origin had b en gone through at least once a generation in the comics. Was why Superman chose to do what he did. Witnessing justice in an African community and the murder
Of an influential figure starts Clark on the premise of being the reporter he’s meant to be. I like that the early days had an international scale, it’s not realistic or story motivating to just give Clark/Superman the backgrounds of Smallville and Metropolis. It makes sense that his influential interactions would happen on an jnternational scale. I knew Yu’s artwork primarily from his
Work with Wolverine and I’ve always considered him an heir to Mike Mignolas graphic style. All in all not my favorite Superman story but 100% worth the read.

[Luis Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le di un vistazo a este cómic de Mark Waid y Leinil Yu. Explora los orígenes del personaje y sus interacciones con su elenco secundario. Sobre todo la amistad entre Lex y Clark en Smallville. Contiene ideas que después retomaría en The Last Days of Lex Luthor.
Tiene un inicio y un final muy chido, pero a veces se clava en cosas para justificar tramas y puede volverse un poco pesada. El dibujo de Yu, entrega momentos como esta portada que me parece de un gusto exquisito, incluso aunque no me encante para #Superman.
Estoy seguro que hay momentos que se tomaron para Man Of Steel y el kaiju de la nueva película seguro que tiene su origen aquí.
La recomiendo si te gustó Last days of lex luthor o si quieres saber más sobre el inicio de la relación entre Lex y Clark.

[Stephen Coyle]

I decided last month that I wanted to learn more about the Man of Steel before the James Gunn movie comes out this Summer. So this is the first in a bunch of Superman graphic novels I plan to read in the next few months.

This was really good shit! I wanted to start with an origin story and I'm really glad someone recommended Birthright. You can tell Mark Waid poured his heart into this one and it's a beautiful love-letter to the character and everything he stands for.

"You watch what happens the next time someone tries to co-opt that symbol. People know now, it stands for courage. It stands for hope. It stands for Superman."

[Chris Tower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book (a paper coy not the kindle edition named here) for subscribing to DC Universe.

I happen to love Mark Waid's writing, and I did not know what a HUGE Superman fan he is. I wish I still lived in Kalamazoo for times like this to ask another HUGE Superman fan I know who works at Fanfare Comics what he thinks of this series.

I thought it was a very strong re-do of the Superman origin and early years and since I have been noodling a review of Frank Miller's Superman: Year One for many years, maybe the thing that gets me to write that blog entry is comparing it to this book. I know I like it better.

[inky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Superman comic and I am floored by how good it is! An amazing origin to the character that explains who he is and why you should care.

I had a big superhero phase when I was a kid but I never connected with Superman. I wish I had read this comic back then. He is written as an incredibly complex and lovable character here that I finally understand the hype.

Also really appreciate how much of this is an origin for Lex Luthor. He’s tragic and illicits sympathy, but he’s still a formidable antagonist for you to root against.

[Federico Salvetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tre stelle ma una stella extra perché rispetto al film sembra Shakespeare.
Una bella opera su un supereroe che non amo,che comunque scricchiola ogni tanto, ma scritto e sviluppato bene con il focus sugli aspetti giusti e che arriva a un finale degno sull'aspetto più importante di tutta la faccenda che è l'identità e la realizzazione di sé aldilà di ogni pregiudizio.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3,75
Början var så bra men tycker slutet va lite rushed. Vill ha mer liksom. Kan inte ge den 4. Hadde nog lite för höga förväntningar också. Gillade liksom att den va lite annorlunda från original historien, gjorde det mer spännande och tyckte biten där man får se hur Clark blir utfryst på the daily planet va så sorgligt samt Lex backstory.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think im a pro at comics after reading only one but this was a good start & kind of solidified what i already knew of superman also the art was super pretty 😊

already on my way to go look at other comics (specifically all 4 seasons because i heard that was another great bridge) cus i needddd to see more of lois lane immediately

[Liam Mycroft · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a re-writing of The Origin story of this iconic character for today's world, if felt seemless in its development. Its always difficult with a story entrenched in minds over decades, but we'll done to the writers.

[Bone2Pick · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3 stars~

[Aidan Wels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Superman story that completely captures who the Man of Steel is at his core.

[Sadiel Giron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. Loved the Leinil Francis Yu art. Probably my favorite origin story.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

A re-imagining of the origin story. Updated for current times. Not bad. I liked it.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried.

[Nuh]

a decent read i guess. but to be fair i’m only ever interested in superman if he’s onscreen, and i’m preparing for the upcoming david corenswet movie

[Minki Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

+ Fun build up and climax of Superman vs Luthor
- Slow first two issues feels unnecessary. Uneven art

[Francesca Tedesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You watch what happens the next time someone tries to co-opt that symbol. People know now it stands for courage. It stands for hope. It stands for Superman."

(4,5/5)