Superman #1 launches a new era from Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell
Superman #1 by Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell arrives as part of Dawn of DC, with Lex Luthor behind bars and Supercorp on the scene.
On 21 February 2023, the Man of Steel got a fresh start on the comics shelf. Superman #1, written by Joshua Williamson and drawn by Jamal Campbell, kicked off a new ongoing series as part of DC’s Dawn of DC relaunch.
What we know
The oversized first issue sets up an intriguing status quo. Superman is back in Metropolis, Lex Luthor is locked away, and Clark Kent is settling back into everyday life when old enemies and new ones come calling. Lex’s former company has been rebuilt as Supercorp to support Superman, and Lex has left him a secret project. DC’s own coverage flagged the surprise of the Man of Steel and Lex working together, and the run also made Lois Lane editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet.
Williamson came to the book straight from the event series Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, and Campbell was known for his vivid work on Naomi. The idea running through the issue is that a hero is defined by the villains he faces.
Why it matters
The series became one of the anchors of Superman’s comics in the years that followed, reaching its 25th issue in 2025. If you’re looking for a modern place to start, see our Superman comics reading order, and for the bald genius himself, our Lex Luthor guide.
From the archive: written in November 2026 from the original reporting linked below.
Questions
Who writes Superman (2023)?
Joshua Williamson, with Jamal Campbell drawing the opening issues.
Is Superman #1 (2023) a good starting point?
Yes. It was designed as a jumping-on point, with a fresh status quo for Clark, Lois and Lex.
Original reporting
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