It’s not a bird, a plane or even Superman: it’s our favorite books about superheroes that go beyond action scenes and explosions.
Let’s face it, we all love superheroes. Action scenes, epic powers and, of course, capes and spandex. But it’s the often relatable struggles these characters experience that keeps us hooked. And beyond the big screen—where we’re limited to what we see the superhero do—it’s superhero books that take us backstage into the mind of these powerful beings (even more so than graphic novels and comics… which we still love).
Here are ten books about superheroes that go beyond the capes and spandex, and they’re perfect for adults who want something a little more… well, super.
1. Soon I Will Be Invincible
by Austin Grossman
This one’s a fun ride. Imagine a supervillain with a god complex (that’s probably not difficult) but who’s also incredibly self-aware. This novel gives you the perspective of Dr. Impossible, a criminal mastermind who’s been defeated countless times but refuses to quit.
This book’s clever, funny and surprisingly deep. Especially when you start feeling a little sorry for the guy. If you’ve ever rooted for a villain while watching a superhero movie, this one’s for you.
2. Vicious
by V.E. Schwab
Vicious is all about best friends gaining superpowers and then becoming sworn enemies. It’s a wild ride that blurs the line between hero and villain.
I love that Schwab creates an atmosphere where you start questioning everyone’s motives and who the real “bad guy” is. I finished this one in a weekend because, well, it’s impossible to put down. And for such a beautiful book cover design, I felt it deserved a spot on my shelf.
3. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
by Michael Chabon
This Pulitzer Prize-winner might not have flying heroes or caped crusaders, but it’s a love letter to the Golden Age of comic books. It follows two cousins who create a superhero during WWII. But endearingly, the real hero here might just be their friendship.
As someone who’s been through countless friendships that feel like they deserve their own comic series, this book hit me hard. It’s a slower read but so worth it.
4. All Those Explosions Were Someone Else’s Fault
by James Alan Gardner
Sometimes you just want a superhero story with a little bit of absurdity, and James Alan Gardner delivers in this seriously entertaining tale. When a group of students accidentally gains superpowers, the result is as chaotic as you’d expect.
It’s light-hearted and funny, making it a perfect escape if you’re not in the mood for something super intense.
5. Renegades
by Marissa Meyer
Marissa Meyer knows how to keep you hooked. In Renegades, we’re thrown into a world where superheroes and villains run everything. The twist? Our protagonist, Nova, hates the heroes and is out for revenge.
I found myself rooting for both sides, which made the story all the more tense. Fans of morally gray characters will love this book.
6. Heroine Complex
by Sarah Kuhn
Heroine Complex is part action, part office comedy, and it’s ridiculously fun. Evie Tanaka just wants to stay behind the scenes, managing her superhero boss’s life (yes, she’s a superhero’s personal assistant), but things take a wild turn when she has to step into the hero role herself.
Always a good sign, I remember laughing out loud more than once while reading.
7. Steelheart
by Brandon Sanderson
If you like your superheroes with a little dystopian twist, Sanderson’s Steelheart is a must-read. In this world, those with superpowers, called Epics, aren’t heroes—they’re tyrants. The story focuses on a group of rebels fighting back against these powerful foes.
The action scenes are epic and the plot twists will keep you guessing. Sanderson is a master world-builder—he’s the reason I got into fiction writing—and this one is no exception.
8. The Boys (Graphic Novel)
by Garth Ennis
Okay, I know I said we weren’t going to talk comics here, but The Boys is so intense it belongs on this list. If you’ve seen the TV series, you already know how brutal and dark this story is.
It takes every superhero trope and flips it on its head, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The Boys had me questioning if I’d ever want superpowers after all.
9. The Cape
by Joe Hill
Here’s a short, but powerful, one. Joe Hill’s The Cape is based on a short story by his father, Stephen King, so you know it’s going to be a little twisted. What would happen if a person with a dark past and even darker desires suddenly had superpowers? The Cape explores this in a way that’s chilling and, honestly, makes you think about the consequences of winning with unchecked power.
It’s dark, it’s weird and it’s absolutely worth reading.
10. Watchmen (Novelization)
by Alan Moore
You might’ve seen the movie, but if you haven’t read the original Watchmen, you’re missing out. It’s not your typical superhero story—it’s gritty, political and full of moral ambiguity.
This one isn’t about flashy powers or good versus evil, it’s about the very human side of superheroes, with all the flaws and baggage that come with it.
Holy Toledo, Batman! That’s a quite the list if I don’t mind saying so. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep dive into the psyche of a villain or a light-hearted story about a hero trying to figure it all out, these books about superheroes will keep you entertained. Onwards and upwards, my friends.
Love science fiction, too? Check out these fascinating books with a scientist protagonist.