TL;DR
Superman is having a major "glow up" in 2026. We’re moving away from the "sad, gritty Superman" era and heading into a more hopeful, vibrant phase led by James Gunn’s upcoming movie. For parents, this means a flood of new content, including the rise of Jon Kent (Superman’s Gen Z son) and some of the best entry-level graphic novels we've seen in years.
Quick Links for the Superman Starter Pack:
- Best for ages 6-9: Superman Adventures
- Best for ages 10-14: Superman Smashes the Klan
- Best modern show: My Adventures with Superman
- The 2025 Movie: Superman (2025)
If your kid’s only exposure to Superman is a skin in Fortnite or seeing him look miserable in older movies, things are about to change. For a while, DC tried to make Superman "edgy" to compete with Batman, which mostly just resulted in movies that were too dark for younger kids and too boring for older ones.
In 2026, James Gunn (the guy behind Guardians of the Galaxy) is releasing Superman (2025). The vibe shift is real: expect primary colors, a dog with a cape (Krypto the Super-Dog), and a focus on kindness over "smashing buildings." It’s a return to the "Big Blue School Scout" energy, which is a massive win for parents looking for media that isn't just cynical or "brain rot" adjacent.
There’s a good chance your middle-schooler knows more about Jon Kent than Clark Kent. Jon is Clark and Lois Lane’s son, and he’s been the star of the comics for the last few years.
In Superman: Son of Kal-El, Jon takes over the mantle while his dad is off-planet. He’s a Superman for the current generation—he worries about climate change, he’s an activist, and he’s openly bisexual. For some parents, this was a "headline" moment, but for the kids reading it, it was just a natural evolution of a character who stands for everyone.
Jon Kent is a great "in" for kids who find the traditional Superman a little too "Ohio" (aka cringey or outdated). He deals with modern pressures and the anxiety of living up to a famous parent—something a lot of kids actually relate to, even if their dad can't fly.
Ask our chatbot about the best Jon Kent stories for your child's age
Ages 10+ This is arguably the best Superman story written in the last decade. Based on a 1940s radio play, it follows a Chinese-American family moving to Metropolis and facing racism. Superman has to deal with his own "alien-ness" while helping them. It’s smart, it’s beautifully illustrated by Gurihiru, and it tackles heavy themes without being a "lecture."
Ages 7+ If you want a show that feels like a modern anime but stars Clark Kent, this is it. It’s fast-paced, funny, and focuses on the friendship/romance between Clark, Lois, and Jimmy Olsen. It’s the perfect antidote to the "gritty" superhero fatigue.
Ages 12+ If your teen wants to know the "real" backstory without reading comics from the 1930s, this is the definitive modern retelling. It covers the move from Smallville to Metropolis and his first encounters with Lex Luthor.
Ages 5+ For the younger crowd, this movie is a great way to introduce the Superman mythos through the eyes of his dog, Krypto. It’s light, funny, and safe for a family movie night.
Superman comics are generally "safer" than many other superhero titles, but the "New Era" means there's a lot of back-catalog stuff to navigate. Here’s how to filter it:
- The "Injustice" Trap: You might see a game or comic called Injustice: Gods Among Us. In this universe, Superman becomes a murderous dictator. Kids love the game because the combat is fun, but the comics are extremely violent and dark. It’s the opposite of the "hopeful" Superman.
- Modern Mainstream Comics: Most monthly DC comics (the ones you buy at a shop) are rated "T for Teen." They can occasionally get a bit "comic book violent"—lots of punching and some blood, but rarely anything "R-rated."
- Graphic Novels vs. Single Issues: For younger kids, stick to the "DC Graphic Novels for Kids" and "DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults" lines. They are standalone stories designed for specific age brackets.
Learn more about the difference between DC Kids and DC YA graphic novels
The Entrepreneurship of the "Lois Lane" Side
One of the coolest things about Superman comics right now is the focus on journalism. In an era of fake news and AI-generated content, stories featuring Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen at the Daily Planet are actually great jumping-off points for talking about media literacy. They show that "truth" is something you have to work for, not just something you find on a TikTok feed.
The "Overpowered" Problem
Kids often complain that Superman is "too strong" and therefore "boring." This is a great conversation starter about what makes a person interesting. Is it their power, or the choices they make with that power? Superman is basically a god who chooses to be a nice guy from Kansas. In a world where "main character energy" is often about being the loudest or most dominant, Superman’s restraint is a pretty radical concept.
If your kid is starting to get into Superman, use these prompts to move beyond just "who would win in a fight?":
- On Responsibility: "Superman could literally rule the world if he wanted to. Why do you think he chooses to have a regular job and follow the law?"
- On Jon Kent: "Jon Kent focuses a lot on things like the environment. Do you think a superhero should get involved in politics, or just fight monsters?"
- On Identity: "Clark Kent has to hide who he is to fit in. Have you ever felt like you had to act differently at school than you do at home?"
Superman is no longer just your grandfather’s superhero. Between the 2025 movie and the modern Jon Kent stories, the character is being reinvented for a generation that values empathy, social responsibility, and mental health.
If you’re looking for a way to transition your kid from "brain rot" YouTube shorts to long-form storytelling, a high-quality graphic novel like Superman Smashes the Klan is a perfect bridge. It’s visually stimulating, culturally relevant, and actually has something to say.
- Check the community data: See what percentage of other parents in your school district are allowing My Adventures with Superman.
- Visit a local comic shop: Let your kid pick out one "trade paperback" (a collected book) rather than individual issues.
- Watch the trailer: Keep an eye out for the Superman (2025) trailer to see if the tone fits your family's vibes.
Check out our full guide on the best superhero comics for every age