The Best DC Heroes Who Are Like Superman

Key Takeaways

Various characters in the DC universe draw inspiration from Superman, incorporating both similarities and unique traits.
Apollo, Krypto, Steel, Kon-El, Icon, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Shazam, Supergirl, and Jon Kent are examples.
These characters, while sharing some powers or characteristics with Superman, bring their own diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the superhero genre.

As a seasoned observer of the world’s mightiest heroes, I must say that each one has their unique charm and strength. However, when it comes to the Man of Steel’s kin and contemporaries, they truly stand out.

Superman, commonly regarded as the epitome of superheroes, made his debut in Action Comics #1 way back in 1938. His influence on the comic book world has been profound; it’s hard to imagine how the genre would have evolved without him. Superman revolutionized the idea of superheroes by popularizing the use of a distinctive costume and cape, which came to symbolize his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and a brighter future for all.

Ever since his debut, Superman’s surge in fame has left a significant impact on numerous superheroes within the DC universe. Numerous characters showcase powers, outfits, and origin stories that mirror those of Superman, yet they also possess unique characteristics that set them apart from Superman, often referred to as the Man of Steel.

10. Apollo

Another Solar-Powered Superhero From A Darker Universe

First Appearance: Stormwatch #4 (Vol. 2)
Created By: Warren Ellis, Bryan Hitch

In another comic book universe, known as Wildstorm, lies a world that offers a darker, satirical take on the mainstream DC Universe. This realm presents its own version of the Justice League, which goes by the name The Authority. Among this team, Apollo stands out as the character equivalent to Superman. He sports a white and gold suit with a cape, much like his counterpart, boasts superhuman strength, heat vision, the ability to fly, and carries a prominent emblem on his chest.

Beyond sharing comparable powers, they all draw strength from Apollo’s unique passive ability to absorb solar energy. Unlike Superman, Apollo distinguishes himself in several aspects. In the The Authority comics, Apollo symbolizes the LGBTQIA+ community, as he is married to Midnighter, a fellow team member. Moreover, Apollo demonstrates a readiness to take lives in his quest for justice that differs from Superman’s approach.

9. Krypto

The Best Pet A Kryptonian Could Ever Ask For

First Appearance: Adventure Comics #210
Created By: Otto Binder, Curt Swan

Superman, just like any other person, yearns for the companionship of a pet. He found that in none other than Krypto. Over time, Krypto has been portrayed differently: as a dog from the same planet as Superman who escaped in his own spaceship, as a dog from an alternate universe, or as an Earth dog with superpowers due to genetic modification. However it’s depicted, Krypto remains one of Superman’s most trusted allies and faithful friends.

In numerous adaptations, Krypto is endowed with all the powers of Superman and displays equal courage, ready to defend the innocent at any cost, thus earning him the title “Krypto the Superdog” due to his numerous acts of kindness. Notably, he dons a cape that originates from the El family and sports a collar reminiscent of Superman’s belt.

8. Steel

He Carried The Symbol Of Hope After Superman Died

First Appearance: The Adventures of Superman #500
Created By: Louise Simonson, Jon Bogdanove

John Henry Irons took inspiration from Superman not just symbolically but literally too. He was an ingenious engineer at AmerTek Industries who held Superman in high regard, and when Doomsday killed the Metropolis hero in the “The Death Of Superman” storyline, Irons crafted a powerful suit of armor to transform into a hero known as Steel, continuing on from where Superman had left off.

Similar to Superman, this character embodies the same moral principles and sports an S-like emblem on his chest, along with a red cape. He’s a fusion of Iron Man’s intelligence and technology with Thor’s superhuman abilities, giving him an almost ideal mix of both characters, enhanced by his powerful sledgehammer.

7. Kon-El

The Metaphorical Love Child Of Superman And Lex Luthor

First Appearance: The Adventures of Superman #500
Created By: Karl Kesel, Tom Grummett

Kon-El, or Conner Kent as he’s also called, is the result of combining Superman and Lex Luthor’s genetic material to create a clone. Unlike Superman, Conner’s powers are not as potent because human DNA was mixed in, but he possesses an extraordinary ability – tactile telekinesis. This means he can move or manipulate anything he physically touches. However, this unique power also makes him susceptible to certain types of attacks.

Conner possesses several traits similar to Clark, yet due to being a genetic experiment, he exhibits a sharper edge compared to his counterpart. Ultimately, Conner is a noble individual, garnering affection from fans everywhere as Superboy, where he combats wrongdoing as part of the Teen Titans and Young Justice groups.

6. Icon

An Alien Raised Among Humans For Over A Century

First Appearance: Icon #1
Created By: Dwayne McDuffie, M. D. Bright

In contrast to Superman, Icon originates from another planet and made his way to Earth in 1893. Instead of landing as an adult superhero, he was adopted by humans and assumed human form over time. Throughout the centuries, he faced numerous hardships, including being the son of a slave, yet he stood as a symbol of justice, battling for righteousness amidst humanity’s flaws in an imperfect world.

Icon bears resemblance to Superman in various aspects, such as his long cloak and extraordinary strength. However, labeling Icon as just a duplicate of Superman is an oversimplification. Icon boasts distinct qualities, notably his alliance with Rocket, a young woman who significantly contributes to Icon’s transformation into the hero while simultaneously guiding the nearly-immortal alien on the values of idealism and fostering a more accepting worldview.

5. Martian Manhunter

The Last Son Of Mars Who Made An Exodus To Earth

First Appearance: Detective Comics #225
Created By: Joseph Samachson, Joe Certa

In many hero stories, a tragic event often serves as the impetus for their crime-fighting pursuits, with Martian Manhunter being one such example. J’onn J’onzz is the lone Martian survivor, much like Superman was once the solitary Kryptonian survivor. Unlike Superman who arrived on Earth as an infant, J’onn reached our planet as an adult, having lost his family and offspring before migrating here due to a tragic set of circumstances.

At first, Martian Manhunter was depicted as having abilities much like Superman’s: he could fly, emit powerful breath, and appeared incredibly strong. As a cherished part of the Justice League, authors have since expanded his character by granting him shape-shifting powers, the ability to manipulate his solidity to pass through matter, and an emphasis on telepathic skills.

4. Wonder Woman

Created For Female Empowerment As Their Version Of Superman

First Appearance: All Star Comics #8
Created By: William Moulton Marston, H. G. Peter

Superman and Wonder Woman are often compared due to their matching color schemes, immense physical power, and flight capabilities. Despite their affection for interacting with humans, there are times when they feel incongruous, a feeling they’ve shared and understood throughout their 80-year comic book history.

Diana Prince, much like Superman, left a substantial mark on the realm of fiction by pioneering the idea of female superheroes, offering inspiration to countless girls and young women yearning for representation. In contrast, Wonder Woman stands out uniquely, stemming from her mythical Amazonian heritage, shields impenetrable to bullets, the Truth Lasso, and other distinctive traits that set her apart.

3. Shazam

Once Was More Popular Than Superman In The 1940s

First Appearance: Whiz Comics #2
Created By: C.C. Beck, Bill Parker

At one point, Shazam, who was previously known as Captain Marvel, gained more popularity than Superman due to their striking similarities. Initially, he was designed to serve as Superman’s counterpart in Fawcett Comics, with a very similar appearance and a classic heroic demeanor. When the character joined the DC universe, they acknowledged his admiration for Superman.

Billy Batson is a young character who turns into a powerful adult superhero when he utters the name “Shazam.” His extraordinary talent is rooted in the legends of Greek and Roman mythology. In his heroic form, he’s capable of flying, emitting energy as electricity rather than heat vision, and it has been confirmed that he’s stronger than Superman physically.

2. Supergirl

Superman’s Cousin Is Said To Be Even Stronger Than Him

First Appearance: Action Comics #252
Created By: Otto Binder, Al Plastino

Over time, Supergirl has become widely recognized, not just for her ties with Superman or shared costume design, but also due to distinctive traits that make her unique. Kara Zor-El is Superman’s elder cousin who, like him, hails from the destroyed planet Krypton. However, her spacecraft veered off course, resulting in a deep sleep and her eventual arrival on Earth as a grown woman.

Just like other Kryptonian characters such as Krypto and Superboy, Supergirl shares the same powers as Superman due to their common Kryptonian heritage. Notably, exposure to solar energy gives Supergirl a greater strength advantage over Superman, especially considering she is younger. However, she occasionally faces challenges in controlling her power, leading to instances where she outmatches her cousin’s strength.

1. Jon Kent

Lois And Clark Raised A Hero Of Tomorrow’s Generation

First Appearance: Convergence: Superman #2
Created By: Dan Jurgens

As the son of Superman and Lois Lane, I’ve inherited my father’s boundless curiosity and my mother’s resilience. This unique blend has shaped me into a new-age hero ready to take on any challenge. Stepping into the shoes of Superboy was just the beginning; when it was time for my father to pass on the mantle, I proudly accepted the role of Superman. With a sense of pride and responsibility, I stand tall as the protector of Metropolis and all of Earth.

As a young lad, Jon’s Kryptonian powers often went out of balance, causing him to lose self-control. Transforming into Superman, he exhibits the same powers as his father, with additional Kryptonian abilities like the ability to control solar energy freely, accelerate himself or others for various purposes. He consistently upholds his role as a superhero, earning the admiration of his parents and playing a crucial part in comic book lore.

2024-12-01 20:57