Heroes Who Are Friends With DC Superman

Over the many years since he debuted in Action Comics #1, Superman has had a menagerie of supervillains, ranging from human criminals to beings from other dimensions. However, being the symbol of hope and optimism, he has made a number of friends as well, including his fellow crime-fighting heroes.

Superman has formed friendships with a variety of heroes in Metropolis and his colleagues in the Justice League. They are always ready to support him in battle one minute and then share a meal with him the next. This dynamic highlights not only his greatness as a hero but also his humanity beneath the uniform.

8

Bizarro

Even Villains Have Become Superman’s Friends

• Real Name: Bizarro Superman
• First Appearance: Superboy #68
• Creators: Tom Grummett, Karl Kesel

Superman tries to reform many of his villains if he can and one of the few examples of this was with Bizarro. Bizarro often begins as a villain, but thanks to the tender heart of Clark, the doppelgänger ends up becoming more of an anti-hero and being taken care of like a little adopted brother by the Man of Steel.

Bizarro is never truly evil, he is as much of a victim of his origins depending on the incarnation. Whether he is a deformed clone of Superman or a denizen of Bizarro World, he is just cursed to be Clark’s twisted opposite. As a result, Clark views Bizarro as a tragic figure and tries to give the creature a better life, even if it isn’t always successful.

7

Nightwing

Superman Is The Closest Thing To A Cool Uncle For Dick

• Real Name: Richard “Dick” Grayson
• First Appearance: Detective Comics #38
• Creators: (As Robin) Bill Finger, Bob Kane, (As Nightwing) Marv Wolfman; George Pérez

Given how close Nightwing and Batman are as adopted son and father, it’s only natural that Superman befriends him too. Even when Dick Grayson was the first Robin, Clark always treated him with respect and affection akin to an uncle, while Bruce was more of a strict but caring father figure. That continues to be the case with Dick as an adult protecting Blüdhaven as Nightwing.

Superman and Nightwing share many similar personality traits. Both heroes are committed to truth and justice and possess a positive outlook on life, which is somewhat ironic considering that Dick Grayson was raised by the emotionally reserved Batman. They both have a genuine passion for their roles as superheroes, often finding enjoyment in outsmarting and embarrassing the criminals they face. However, they also know when to step up and be effective leaders for their teams.

6

Martian Manhunter

J’onn And Clark Are Both The Last Of Their People

• Real Name: J’onn J’onzz
• First Appearance: Detective Comics #225
• Creators: Joseph Samachson, Joe Certa

Being the Last Son Of Krypton has allowed Superman to bond with J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter. J’onn is the last surviving member of the Martian race, resulting in him immigrating to Earth, but unlike Clark, J’onn landed on Earth as an adult. Clark has helped J’onn adjust to the world of Earth and gives him friendship, which includes showing J’onn the magic of Oreo cookies.

The Martian Manhunter not only shares a similar origin as Superman, but he features many of the same abilities. Clark is also kind enough to befriend J’onn because of his immense powers, including shapeshifting and psychic abilities. He could have gone down a dark path, but Superman shows him the good in humanity, even if Clark isn’t human.

5

The Flash

Friendly Rivalry Became The Root Of A Strong Friendship

• Real Name: Barry Allen
• First Appearance: Showcase #4
• Creators: Robert Kanigher, Carmine Infantino

The Flash has a bit of a friendly rivalry with Clark, specifically the Barry Allen version of the character. Both he and Superman are some of the fastest beings on planet Earth, which has led to multiple races between them, as well as effective cooperation as powerful members of the Justice League.

There are not as many Superman and Flash adventures, but whenever they are together, especially with the Justice League, they prove to be an enjoyable duo. Barry Allen is a comedic relief, but he’s also the heart and soul of the team, with most of his teammates loving him, even when he’s being an annoying chatterbox.

4

Steel

Was Superman’s Friend Even Before He Was A Superhero

• Real Name: John Henry Irons
• First Appearance: The Adventures of Superman #500
• Creators: Jerry Ordway, Tom Grummett, Doug Hazlewood

John Henry Irons was an admirer and friend of Superman, being a technological expert at AmerTek. However, after Superman was killed by Doomsday, he used his skills to create an advanced suit of armor to become Steel. After his resurrection, Superman kept John at his side as both an ally and a friend in the protection of Metropolis and Earth.

Over the years, Steel has since become an official member of the Super-Family, alongside the likes of Supergirl and Krypto. He even built another Fortress Of Solitude and remained a loyal member of the Justice League before his retirement, allowing his daughter Natasha to carry on as the new Steel.

3

Wonder Woman

Diana Has Been A Friend, Lover, And Fellow Leader

• Real Name: Princess Diana Of Themyscira
• First Appearance: Sensation Comics #1
• Creators: William Moulton Marston, H. G. Peter

Wonder Woman and Superman are both fighters of injustice while also living as outsiders from their homeworld, similar to Martian Manhunter. They even feature the same color schemes in their costumes and similar power sets which, combined with their good hearts, have allowed them to bond as friends over the years.

In some comics and adaptations, Superman and Wonder Woman develop a relationship beyond friendship. However, due to the division among fans, DC rarely let Diana and Clark remain lovers. That doesn’t keep the two from remaining strong friends who would die for one another as members of the Justice League.

2

Krypto

Clark Can Always Counts On His Superdog

• Real Name: Krypto
• First Appearance: Adventure Comics #210
• Creators: Otto Binder, Curt Swan

Dogs are considered man’s best friend and Krypto is Superman’s best friend. Whether he is a dog from Krypton or a genetically altered dog from Earth, Krypton remains at the side of Clark, Conner, Jon, and anyone else in the Kent and El family, fighting alongside them as a hero or just being there for them when they need a cuddle buddy.

It helps that Krypto is, typically, bestowed the same abilities as his El family companions. They allow him to be just as much of a superhero, and he has been there for Clark during the best and worst of times. Krypto even took on powerful villains such as Mongul and came out on top, just to protect Metropolis while Clark was busy with another villain.

1

Batman

Bruce And Clark Are DC’s Greatest Brothers In Arms

• Real Name: Bruce Wayne
• First Appearance: Detective Comics #27
• Creators: Bill Finger, Bob Kane

Sometimes opposites attract and that is the case when it comes to Superman and Batman. Batman is the broody vigilante who fights from the shadows using gadgets and brutality, while Superman is a beacon of hope and optimism who flies down from the skies to fight aliens and interdimensional beings.

Despite having fought in some stories, DC has portrayed Batman as Superman’s closest equivalent to a brother. They work together as partners in the Justice League, and Superman is one of the few people Batman trusts with his true identity. The families of Bruce and Clark have even spent holidays together, showing that their friendship is both wholesome and comedic.