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Superman
It is a remarkable dichotomy. In many ways, Clark is the most human of us all. Then... he shoots fire from the skies and it is difficult not to think of him as a god. And how fortunate we all are that it does not occur to him.
~ Batman
Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us. And on my soul I swear: until my dream where dignity, honor, and justice becomes the reality we all share, I'll never stop fighting. Ever.
~ Superman
...No matter how dark it seems. There's always a way.
~ Superman

Superman is a fictional superhero, who first appeared in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and first appeared in the comic book Action Comics #1 (cover-dated June 1938 and published April 18, 1938). Superman has been adapted to a number of other forms of media which includes radio serials, novels, movies, television shows, video games and theatre.

Superman was born on the planet Krypton and was given the name Kal-El at birth. As an infant, his parents Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van sent him to Earth in a small spaceship moments before Krypton was destroyed in a natural cataclysm. His ship landed in the American countryside, near the fictional town of Smallville. He was found and adopted by farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent, who named him Clark Kent. Clark developed various superhuman abilities, such as incredible strength and impervious skin. His adoptive parents advised him to use his abilities for the benefit of humanity, and he decided to fight crime as a vigilante. To protect his privacy, he changes into a colorful costume and uses the alias "Superman" when fighting crime. Clark Kent resides in the fictional American city of Metropolis, where he works as a journalist for the Daily Planet. Superman's supporting characters include his love interest and fellow journalist Lois Lane, Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen and editor-in-chief Perry White. His classic foe is Lex Luthor, who is either a mad scientist or a ruthless businessman, depending on the story where Luthor appears.

Although Superman was not the first superhero character in history of entertainment, he popularized the superhero archetype and established its conventions. Superheroes are usually judged by how closely they resemble the standard set by Superman. He was the best-selling superhero character in American comic books up until the 1980s.

Gallery[]

Images[]

Videos[]

Powers and Abilities[]

Powers[]

I feel like I live in a world made of cardboard, always taking constant care not to break something, to break someone. Never allowing myself to lose control even for a moment, or someone could die. But you can take it, can't you, big man? What we have here is a rare opportunity for me to cut loose and show you just how powerful I really am.
~ Superman describing how powerful he is
  • Kryptonian Physiology: Under the effects of a "yellow" sun, Superman possesses the same potential powers as an average Kryptonian. These include:
    • Solar Energy Absorption: Under optimal conditions, this is the main source of Superman's super powers as they are contingent upon exposure to solar radiation from a yellow sun star system. His biological make up includes a number of organs which lack analogues in humans and whose functions are unknown. It is believed that between one or more of these and his bio-cellular matrix, "yellow" solar energy is stored for later use. This allows for the use of these powers to fade when yellow solar radiation is not available instead of immediate failure.
    • Heat Vision: Superman can, as a conscious act, fire beams of intense heat at a target by looking at it. He can vary the heat and area affected.
    • Super-Hearing: Superman's hearing is sensitive enough to hear any sound at any volume or pitch. With skill and concentration, he can block out ambient sounds to focus on a specific source or frequency.
    • Enhanced Vision: Superman's vision processes the entire electromagnetic spectrum as well as allowing vast control over selective perception and focus. This umbrella ability includes the following:
      • Electromagnetic Spectrum Vision: Superman can see well into most of the electromagnetic spectrum. He can see and identify radio and television signals as well as all other broadcast or transmitted frequencies. Using this ability, he can avoid detection by radar or satellite monitoring methods. This also allows him to see the aura generated by living thing.
      • Telescopic Vision: This is the ability to see something at a great distance, without violating the laws of physics. Though limited, the exact extent of the ability is undetermined. In function, it is similar to the zoom lens on a camera.
      • X-Ray Vision: This is the ability to see through any volume of matter except lead. Supermans can see things behind a solid, opaque object as if it were not there. He can focus this ability to "peel back" layers of an object, allowing hidden image or inner workings to be observed. The exact type of energy perceived—such as x-rays, cosmic rays, or some other energy invisible to normal humans—is unclear. This ability perceives an ambient energy source though, it does not involve the eye projecting a concentrated, possibly toxic, beam to be reflected back from objects.
      • Microscopic Vision: This is the ability to see extremely small objects and images down to the atomic level.
      • Infrared Vision: Superman can see with better acuity in darkness, and to a degree in total darkness.
    • Flight: Superman is able to manipulate graviton particles to defy the forces of gravity and achieve flight. This ranges from hovering to moving in any posture, in any direction.
    • Invulnerability: Due to the interaction of his dense molecular structure and supercharged bio-electric aura, Superman is nigh-invulnerable to extreme energy forces. In addition, his extends this protection against toxins and diseases.
      • Enhanced Immunity
    • Superhuman Stamina: Superman is able to maintain continuous strenuous physical action for an indefinite period of time. This based on his body converting yellow solar radiation directly to energy, but is limited by physiological and psychological needs to eat, drink, and sleep.
    • Superhuman Strength: Superman's strength is augmented by yellow solar radiation interacting with the greater than human density, resilience and biological efficiency of his musculature. His strength is more an act of conscious will on energy fields than actual physical strength. It is this act of conscious will that enables him to perform physical feats that are beyond the mere application force, such as moving a mountain top without said rock crumbling under its own mass.
    • Superhuman Speed: Superman is able to move at incredible speed by sheer force of will. This extends to his perceptions and allows for feats such as catching bullets in mid flight as well as covering vast distances in little or no time. This also confers:
      • Superhuman Agility
      • Superhuman Reflexes
    • Super-Breath: Superman is able to create hurricane force winds by exhaling air from his lungs. He can chill the air as it leaves his lungs to freeze targets. He can also reverse the process to pull large volumes of air or vapor into his lungs.
    • Longevity: Superman can live longer than regular humans, remaining at his prime as long as he was under the exposure of the "yellow" sun.
    • Mimicry: Through a combination of super hearing and precise muscle control, Superman can imitate another person's voice.

Abilities[]

  • Expert Combatant: During combat situations, Superman makes use of an improvised fighting style that relies on overwhelming force and speed. He was capable of adapting to and fighting on par with a computer base cyber ninja, resulting in defeating it in battle. He admits that he was trained by the first Batman thus defeating Jax-Ur in a intense battle, and even held his own for a while against Jax-Ur's minions after he was wore out; all when he was powerless.
  • Genius Level Intellect: Superman possesses incredible intelligence and computational abilities. During Clark's youth, Lana Lang referred to him as a "boy genius.
  • Indomitable Will: Superman has shown to have a powerful spirit, free of corruption and temptation. Having been raised by a kindly Kansas farmer and his wife, he was taught to protect life and help others. He is very optimistic and never gives up, even when things look bad.
  • Journalism: Clark is one of the top reporters on the Daily Planet, rivaled only by Lois Lane.
  • Leadership: Superman has proven many times over his ability to command respect and inspire others with his charisma, ardor, and idealism. He often serves as the primus inter pares of the Justice League.

Weaknesses[]

  • Kryptonian Physiology: Under the effects of a "yellow" sun, Superman possesses the same potential weaknesses as an average Kryptonian. These include:
    • Vulnerability to Kryptonite
    • Vulnerability to Magic
    • Vulnerability to Red Sun Radiation

Actors and Voice Actors[]

Canon Media[]

Live-Action[]

  • Ray Middleton (1940)
    • 1939 New York World's Fair
  • Mayo Kaan (circa 1940)
    • Fleischer Studios model for the original Superman short
  • Karol Krauser (1941)
    • Fleischer Studios promotional model for the Superman shorts
  • Kirk Alyn (1948–1950)
    • Superman
    • Atom Man vs. Superman
  • George Reeves (1951–1958)
    • Superman and the Mole Men
    • Adventures of Superman
    • Stamp Day for Superman
  • Johnny Rockwell (1961)
    • The Adventures of Superboy
  • Bob Holiday (1966–1968)
    • It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman (Broadway musical)
  • David Wilson (1975)
    • It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman (TV special)
  • Christopher Reeve (1978–1987)
    • Superman
    • Superman II
      • The Richard Donner Cut
    • Superman III
    • Superman IV: The Quest For Peace
  • John Haymes Newton (1988–1989)
    • Superboy
  • Gerard Christopher (1989–1992)
    • Superboy
  • Ron Ely (1991)
    • Superboy
  • Dean Cain (1993–1997)
    • Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
  • Tom Welling (2001–2011, 2019)
    • Smallville
    • Crisis on Infinite Earths
  • Brandon Routh (2006, 2019)
    • Superman Returns
    • Crisis on Infinite Earths
  • Matt Bomer (2009)
    • Toyota Prius commercial
  • Henry Cavill (2013–2022)
    • Man of Steel
    • Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
    • Justice League
      • Zack Snyder's Justice League
    • Shazam!
    • Black Adam
  • Tyler Hoechlin (2016–2024)
    • Supergirl
    • Elseworlds
    • Crisis on Infinite Earths
    • Superman & Lois
  • David Corenswet (2025-Present)
    • Superman (2025)

Voice Actors[]

  • Bud Collyer (1940–49, 1966–69)
    • Superman (1940s cartoons)
    • The Adventures of Superman
    • The New Adventures of Superman
  • Allen Swift (1965)
    • Soaky commercial
  • Bob Hastings (1966–1969)
    • The New Adventures of Superman (in The Adventures of Superboy segments)
  • Lennie Weinrib (1970, 1972)
    • Sesame Street
    • The Brady Kids
  • Gary Owens (1971)
    • Kenner Talking Show Projector record
  • Danny Dark (1973–1986)
    • Super Friends (1973)
    • The All-New Super Friends Hour
    • Challenge of the Super Friends
    • The World's Greatest Super Friends
    • Super Friends (1980)
    • Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show
    • The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians
  • Steve Hudson (1980)
    • Never Say Yes to a Cigarette anti-smoking commercials
  • Beau Weaver (1988–1989)
    • Superman
  • Maurice LaMarche (1992)
    • Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation
  • Eric Goldberg (1996)
    • Superior Duck
  • Tim Daly (1996–2000, 2002, 2006, 2009–12)
    • Superman: The Animated Series
    • The Batman/Superman Movie
    • Superman: Shadow of Apokolips
    • Superman: Brainiac Attacks
    • Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
    • Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
    • Justice League: Doom
  • Christopher McDonald (2000)
    • Batman Beyond
  • George Newbern (2001–08, 2010, 2012–13, 2017-19)
    • Justice League
    • Static Shock
    • Justice League Unlimited
    • The Batman
    • Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam
    • Superman vs. The Elite
    • Injustice: Gods Among Us
    • Injustice 2
    • Justice League vs. the Fatal Five
    • DC Universe Online (starting from 2016)
  • Jeff Kramer (2002)
    • Superman: The Man of Steel (video game)
  • Michael Daingerfield (2005)
    • Krypto the Superdog
  • Crispin Freeman (2006)
    • Justice League Heroes
  • Yuri Lowenthal (2006–2008)
    • Legion of Super Heroes
  • Brandon Routh (2006)
    • Superman Returns
  • Adam Baldwin (2007, 2011)
    • Superman: Doomsday
    • DC Universe Online
  • Kyle MacLachlan (2008)
    • Justice League: The New Frontier
  • Christopher Corey Smith (2008)
    • Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
  • Joseph May (2009)
    • Batman: Black and White
  • David Lodge (2009)
    • Superman: Red Son
  • Mark Harmon (2010)
    • Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
  • Nolan North (2010–present)
    • Young Justice
    • Lego DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered
    • Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League
    • Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom
    • Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Gotham City Breakout
    • Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash
    • Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis
    • Lego DC: Shazam!: Magic and Monsters
  • David Kaye (2010)
    • DC Super Friends
  • James Denton (2011)
    • All-Star Superman
  • Roger Rose (2011)
    • Batman: The Brave and the Bold
  • Breckin Meyer (2012–2015)
    • Robot Chicken DC Comics Special
    • Robot Chicken DC Comics Special 2: Villains in Paradise
    • Robot Chicken DC Comics Special III: Magical Friendship
  • Blair Underwood (2012)
    • Superman of Tokyo
  • Jeff Bennett (2012)
    • Superman of Tokyo
  • Keith Ferguson (2012)
    • Super Best Friends Forever
  • Travis Willingham (2012, 2014–2015, 2018)
    • Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
    • Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
    • Lego Dimensions
    • Lego DC Super-Villains
  • Mark Valley (2013)
    • Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
  • Matt Bomer (2013)
    • Superman: Unbound
  • Sam Daly (2013)
    • Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
  • Channing Tatum (2014–2019)
    • The Lego Movie
    • The Lego Batman Movie
    • The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
  • Peter Jessop (2014)
    • JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time
  • Alan Tudyk (2014)
    • Justice League: War
  • Jerry O'Connell (2015–2020)
    • Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
    • Justice League vs. Teen Titans
    • Justice League Dark
    • The Death of Superman
    • Reign of the Supermen
    • Batman: Hush
    • Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
  • Benjamin Bratt (2015)
    • Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles
    • Justice League: Gods and Monsters
  • Matthew Mercer (2015)
    • DC Super Friends
  • Jason J. Lewis (2016–2018)
    • Justice League Action
  • Kenichi Suzumura (2017)
    • DC Super Heroes vs. Eagle Talon
  • Nicolas Cage (2018)
    • Teen Titans Go! to the Movies
  • Max Mittelman (2019)
    • DC Super Hero Girls
  • Jason Isaacs (2020)
    • Superman: Red Son
  • Darren Criss (2020-present)
    • Superman: Man of Tomorrow
    • Justice Society: World War II
  • Justin Hartley (2021)
    • Injustice
  • John Krasinski (2022)
    • DC League of Super-Pets

Fanon Media[]

Live-Action[]

  • TBD

Voice Actors[]

Idea Wiki Appearances[]

Iago PUC's ideas[]

MarvelDCandFantasyFanBoy12's ideas[]

BaltoKirigaya's ideas[]

Moon Silvight's ideas[]

  • TBD

Joint ideas[]

Characters based on Superman[]

External links[]

DC Comics media