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.

Superman is often considered the ultimate superhero, having first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. His impact on the comic book genre has been immense; without him, it would not be what it is today. Superman transformed the concept of superheroes by popularizing the costume and cape, symbolizing the fight for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.

Since his first appearance, Superman’s rise in popularity has influenced many superheroes across the DC multiverse. Several characters exhibit abilities, costumes, and backstories that bear resemblance to those of Superman, while also incorporating distinctive traits that differentiate them from 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

Apollo originates from the Wildstorm universe, a darker world that satires the main DC universe, even featuring its own Justice League in the form of The Authority. Apollo is the Superman analog, featuring a similar but white and gold costume with a cape, super strength, heat vision, flight, and a large symbol on his chest.

On top of all the similar powers, they all come from Apollo’s passive ability to absorb solar radiation to make him stronger. Apollo differs from Superman in several ways. He represents the LGBTQIA+ community in The Authority comics, as he is married to Midnighter, a fellow member of the team. Additionally, Apollo is more willing to take lives in his pursuit of justice.

9 Krypto

The Best Pet A Kryptonian Could Ever Ask For

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

Even Superman deserves a pet, and he found one in Krypto. Over the years, Krypto has been depicted in several ways: as a dog from Krypton who escaped in his own shuttle, as a dog from an alternate reality, or as a genetically altered Earth dog with superpowers. Regardless of the version, Krypto is always one of Superman’s greatest allies and a loyal companion.

In many versions, Krypto features every power that Superman has and is just as brave, willing to protect the innocent even if it means sacrificing himself, earning him the nickname of Krypto the Superdog for all his good deeds. Krypto even wears a cape that belongs to the El family and a golden collar similar to 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 was inspired by Superman both figuratively and literally. He was a genius engineer from AmerTek Industries who admired Superman, so when Doomsday killed the Metropolis Marvel in The Death Of Superman storyline, Irons created a superpowered suit of armor to become a hero named Steel, continuing where Superman left off.

Steel shares the same moral values as Superman and wears a similar S-shaped crest on his chest, complete with a red cape. He combines these elements with super strength, the ability to fly, and his signature massive sledgehammer, making him a nearly perfect blend of Iron Man and Thor.

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, also known as Conner Kent, is what happens when Superman and Lex Luthor’s DNA are used to create a clone. Even though Conner is a clone, his powers are less effective than Clark’s due to his human DNA spliced in, but he does have a unique ability of tactile telekinesis, allowing him to manipulate anything he physically touches, which makes him vulnerable to certain attacks.

Conner shares many of Clark’s qualities as a person, but being a genetic experiment has resulted in him having more of an edge than his counterpart. In the end, Conner is a good man, earning him a beloved fanbase as Superboy as he fights evil as part of the Teen Titans and Young Justice.

6 Icon

An Alien Raised Among Humans For Over A Century

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

Both Superman and Icon are from alien worlds. However, the main difference is that Icon arrived on Earth in 1893 and took on a human form after being adopted. He lived through centuries of hardships, witnessing the worst that humanity had to offer, being the adopted son of a slave, but he still came out as a beacon of justice who fights for the good in an imperfect world.

Icon shares several characteristics with Superman, from his long-flowing cape to his superhuman strength. While some fans may label Icon as a mere copy of Superman, this characterization is not entirely accurate. Icon also possesses unique traits, particularly his partnership with Rocket, a young woman who plays a pivotal role in helping him become Icon while also teaching the nearly-immortal alien about idealism and embracing a more open-minded perspective.

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

Tragedy plays a part in many heroes’ lives, acting as a catalyst for their crime-fighting careers and Martian Manhunter is an example of that. J’onn J’onzz is the last living member of the Green Martians. This is similar to Superman initially being the sole survivor of Krypton; however, J’onn came to Earth as an adult after losing his loved ones and children.

Initially, Martian Manhunter was introduced as being quite similar to Superman in terms of his skill set: he could fly, produce super breath, and had seemingly unlimited strength. Over the years, as a beloved member of the Justice League, writers have enhanced J’onn by giving him shapeshifting abilities, the power to control his tangibility to phase through matter, and a strong emphasis on telepathy.

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

Wonder Woman and Superman are frequently compared to each other because of the red, yellow, and blue colors of their suits, their super strength, and their ability to fly. Although they enjoy being among humans, they sometimes feel out of place, a sentiment they have bonded over during their over 80 years of history in the comics.

Diana Prince, like Superman, significantly impacted the world of fiction by innovating the concept of female superheroes, inspiring girls and young women who needed representation. Wonder Woman stands out significantly, however, due to her mystical origins as an Amazon, her bulletproof bracers, the Lasso of Truth, and other unique attributes.

3 Shazam

Once Was More Popular Than Superman In The 1940s

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

There was a time when Shazam, originally named Captain Marvel, was so similar to Superman that he surpassed the Man of Steel in popularity. Originally, he was created to be Superman’s equivalent in Fawcett Comics, featuring an uncannily similar design and a classic heroic personality. DC respected this when the character was merged into their universe, confirming him to be a Superman fanboy.

Billy Batson is a boy who can transform into an adult superhero by saying the name “Shazam.” This unique ability grants him powers derived from Greek and Roman legends. In his superhero form, he can fly, project energy as electricity instead of using heat vision, and is confirmed to be physically stronger than Superman.

2 Supergirl

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

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

Supergirl has gained popularity over the years, not only due to her connection with Superman and costume similarities but also because of the unique elements that help her stand out. Kara Zor-El is Superman’s older cousin who also survived the destruction of Krypton. However, her shuttle drifted off course, leaving her in suspended animation and arriving on Earth still as a young woman.

Like other Kryptonian heroes such as Krypto and Superboy, Supergirl possesses all the same abilities as Superman. Supergirl’s exposure to yellow sun energy makes her stronger than Superman, especially at her age. However, she sometimes struggles with her control, which has led to instances where she surpasses 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

The son of Superman and Lois Lane, Jon Kent has his father’s sense of wonder with his mother’s tenacity, mixing to create a hero of the new generation. He has taken on the mantle of Superboy, but when he became a young man, the role of Superman was passed onto him, which he carried with pride and great care as he protected Metropolis and all of Earth.

When Jon was a boy, his Kryptonian powers would become unstable, thus making him lose control. As Superman, he displays all the same powers as his father and even features new Kryptonian abilities, such as being able to manipulate solar energy at will, boosting himself or for other uses. He makes his parents proud as a superhero and has become a pivotal hero in the comics.