Superman: Birthright

A new softcover edition collecting the 12-issue miniseries that features the entire modern-day retelling of Superman by writer Mark Waid and artists Leinil Francis Yu and Gerry Alanguilan. Plus, an introduction by Smallville television producers Al Gough and Miles Millar and a sketchbook section!

BIRTHRIGHT updates the Man of Steel's origin, breathing new life into the classic story of the super-powered son of a doomed planet destined to grow up to become the world's greatest protector, Superman! This series marked Mark Waid's return to DC Comics and Leinil Yu's DCU debut!

Superman has 9,262 ratings and 349 reviews. Sean said: I think it’s safe to say that Mark Waid loves Superman like I love my children. And, I REALLY love...

We here at Comic Vine alternate who will write "Why You Should Read" and this week, it's up to me to recommend a topnotch story. Seeing as Man of Steel comes out this week, I felt it was my duty to pick a story arc worthy of Superman's greatness. There are some truly superb choices out there, but for me, 'Birthright' is one of the best. It's a must read story if you love Superman. It's a must read story if you want to learn about Superman. And, last but certainly not least, it's a must read story if you just want to read a terrific tale. It's gripping, beautiful and a brilliant revamp of the legendary character's origin story.

Superman: Birthright is a 12-issue limited series published by DC Comics, lasting from September, 2003 to September, 2004. Written by Mark Waid and drawn by Lenil Francis Yu, Birthright brought Superman and his origins into the 21st Century. Originally intended to be an alternate continuity, until the events of Infinite Crisis, it was actually retconned into Superman's canon origin, replacing John Byrne's The Man of Steel miniseries. Waid described the project as being an "Ultimate" take on the the Superman mythos. He wanted anyone, be it long-time fans or newcomers, to be able to pick the comic up and enjoy the story. Waid also placed emphasis on making Superman much more relatable and avoiding him being seen as "dull."

Superman: Birthright presented a modernized revamping of Superman's origin and early history. It was first presented in the 12-issue Superman: Birthright limited series. Mark Waid was assigned the task with the purpose being to streamline the comic origin making it similar to both the movies (with Superman Returns then on the horizon) as well as Smallville, which had proven very popular. The following summary is from the 12-issue series.

Superman: Birthright is a twelve-issue comic book limited series published by DC Comics in 2003 and 2004, written by Mark Waid and drawn by Leinil Francis Yu.[1] Originally, this series was meant to be a non-canon version of Superman, showcasing his origin and updating him for the 21st century. Soon after, it was decided to make the series canon, and thus it replaced John Byrne's The Man of Steel series as Superman's canonical origin story.[2] This editorial position lasted until the 2005–2006 Infinite Crisis crossover event, and the release of the new origin story; Superman: Secret Origin in 2009.