The Strongest Versions Of Superman

Being one of the oldest superheroes to exist, Superman has become an icon throughout Western culture. Even outside the DC Universe, Superman is considered one of the strongest superheroes ever created. Using his abilities of flight, super strength, and heat vision, the Kryptonian has defeated numerous villains, and even Gods.

However, the term “hero” doesn’t always hold for Kal-El. Over the years, Superman has seen many iterations, including both good and evil versions. Some of these versions easily overpower the DC golden boy. So, here are the most powerful versions of Superman, courtesy of the DC Multiverse.

Updated on January 7, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam: With James Gunn’s Superman slated for a mid-2025 release, fans of the Man of Steel are likely excited to see just how the acclaimed director plans on portraying the iconic superhero in yet another attempt of DC Comics to revive its movie universe. As Superman arrives with even more superheroes in a single film, fans might be wondering just how this version of Kal-El will act in a world where there are more superheroes just like him. Fans interested in getting to know how Superman acted across different universes include must-explore versions of him where he became the equivalent of a zombie, an energy being who took his identity, his appearance taken by a god-like being, and Superman’s most powerful iteration.

13

Kal-El (DCeased)

The Unhinged Man Of Steel

• First Appearance: DCeased #1

When Cyborg had accidentally released the Anti-Life Virus on Earth, the events of DCeased would have Superman be the Earth’s last stand against a rampaging Flash. While Superman would use his super-speed to catch the Fastest Man Alive, not only is he forced to kill his former friend to stop his onslaught but he would unfortunately contract the very virus they were all avoiding.

Although DCeased’s Kal-El would be eventually cured to face Anti-Life Darkseid in the War of the Undead Gods, Kal-El’s Anti-Life version is one of the most dangerous being the DC Multiverse has ever encountered yet. Unlike other zombie concepts, the DC’s Anti-Living simply aspire to spread Anti-Life through infection or killing others – all while keeping their powers and intelligence intact. As DCeased’s Kal-El, Superman replaced Flash as a rampaging villain, having been fully infected before his sacrificial suicide. When Superman decides to engulf the Sun to use its powers against Earth’s other heroes – including the Green Lanterns and his own son Jon Kent – even the survivors decide to abandon Earth as they knew they couldn’t stop Superman.

12

The Eradicator

An Ancient Kryptonian Weapon

• First Appearance: Action Comics Annual #2

The being that would be known as the Eradicator was originally a Kryptonian weapon created by Kal-El’s distant ancestor, Kem-L, in the hopes of isolating Krypton’s culture from alien influence. After receiving ownership of the Eradicator in Warworld, Superman would initially have a complicated relationship with the device as Superman often had to stop Eradicator from schemes that would make Earth resemble Krypton in a mutltiude of ways.

The Eradicator will become a more significant part of the Superman mythos when it took upon Superman’s mantle on his death at the hands of Doomsday while also putting Clark Kent’s body in the Fortress of Solitude’s Healing Matrix for recovery. Although possessing almost the same powers as Superman, the Eradicator trumps its master due to its true nature as an energy projection. Through its current form, the Eradicator can manipulate energy in different ways such as telepathy. Being originally a technological device, the Eradicator also possesses the ability of interface with technology and control them.

11

The World Forger

An Ancient Being In Superman’s Form

• First Appearance: Dark Nights: Metal #4 (2018)

During the events of Dark Nights: Metal, the desperate Justice League will awaken to find themselves in a near-perfect Multiverse that they will eventually aspire to maintain. Leading the charge is an older Superman, whose white and gold suit too grand for Clark Kent’s often humble appearance. When the League discovers this deception, the World Forger makes his presence known – he is Alpheus, the first-born of Perpetua, and the one who imprisoned his mother when she became too hungry for power. It was the World Forger that technically created the bat-dragon Barbatos to “kill” unstable Multiverses had the latter not killed Alpheus.

While technically short-lived, the World Forger indeed served the role of Superman in this temporary Multiverse. And what powers Superman had here were greatly augmented by the “true” prowess of the World Forger. Apart from the fact that his Monitor physiology will weaken him in the Lower Planes and he needs to physically strike his hammer to create, the World Forger is among the most powerful beings of the Multiverse. Such is the World Forger’s reality alteration that he controls anything imaginable and unimaginable with the Dimensional Superstructure, and he can conjure a “Crisis Anvil” to recreate entirely new Multiverses with his hammer.

10

Silver Age Superman

History’s First Definitive Superman

• First Appearance: More Fun Comics #101 (January 1945)

It’s thanks to the Flash of Two Worlds (The Flash #123, 1961) that DC Comics used the idea of a “multiverse” to solve its problem of having “different” versions of the same character, debuting with the Flash being Jay Garrick (Golden Age) in Earth-Two and Barry Allen (Silver Age) in Earth-One. This extends to Superman, who at the time had an uninterrupted – and contradictory – run as a member of both Earth-One’s Justice League and Earth-Two’s Justice Society of America. While the original Golden Age Superman had become Earth-Two’s Kal-L, the current Silver Age Superman became Earth-One’s (and DC Comics’ more official) Kal-El.

This distinction is important, as while Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985-86) will pave the way for a retcon with a more “modern” New Earth Superman, it was a much-needed reboot due to just how vast Silver Age Superman’s powerset has become. Whereas wartime Golden Age Superman had more grounded powers, Silver Age Superman had the power of science fiction on his side. Such was his superhuman strength that he could contend with threats such as Darkseid and even carry entire planets, whereas his super speed can accelerate him to lightspeed and even travel through time. Moreover, his vision can reach interstellar and atomic levels on top of genius-level intellect, super ventriloquism, and super hypnotism, among others.

9

Brutaal

A Clone Of Kal-El Created By Darkseid

• First Appearance: Earth 2 (Vol. 1) #14

Introduced in the Earth-2 Storyline, Brutaal is a perfect example of what would happen if Superman were corrupted by the dark forces. Created by Darkseid after the death of the original Superman, Brutaal is a menacing being. Combining the powers of Superman with the Omega Force, this clone of the Kryptonian is capable of mass destruction.

Besides the fact that he can disintegrate his enemies with the Omega Force, he is also the leader of Apokolips’ army. On top of that, this version of Superman lacks any sense of morality or compassion. Anyone standing in his way is bound to feel his wrath. In a battle against Green Lantern and Atom, Brutaal defeats them both simultaneously without breaking a sweat.

8

Calvin Ellis

The Man Of Steel Is Elected To The White House

• First Appearance: Final Crisis #7

Calvin Ellis is an interesting take on the original Superman. While in terms of powers, he’s quite similar to the original version, one thing about this version is especially unique. Instead of being a reporter, Calvin Ellis was the President of the United States. So, while being the leader of the Justice League, he also leads America.

Belonging to the DC Multiverse, Calvin Ellis comes from Earth-23. Born on the island of Vathlo on Krypton, he acquires all the original powers of Superman. However, due to his leadership skills and indomitable will, Calvin Ellis succeeded in doing the impossible. As Superdoomsday, a character who had defeated multiple Kryptonians, invaded Earth-23, Calvin Ellis went into battle with him and came out victorious.

7

Red Son Superman

What If Kal-El Crash-Landed In The Soviet Union?

• First Appearance: Superman: The Red Son

Similar to the original Superman, this version was born on Krypton and sent to Earth in a spaceship. However, there’s just one key difference between the two. The ship of this Superman landed in the Soviet Union instead of the United States. Therefore, instead of being raised on a farm, Red Son Superman was raised under a strict communist regime.

Serving as a symbol of might for the Soviet Party, this version of Superman is incredibly powerful. Due to his training, he has a strict sense of duty and serves with loyalty. Since the ideals of this Superman contrast sharply with those of the American heroes, things get a little ugly. Red Son Superman has easily battled an entire army of Green Lanterns, Amazonians, and Wonder Woman herself.

6

Injustice Superman

What Happens When Superman Loses His Morality?

• First Appearance: Injustice: Gods Among Us #1

Part of the popular Injustice Comics, this Superman was unhinged. This version of the Kryptonian belongs to Earth-22, more popularly known as the Injustice Earth. In it, Kal-El is tricked by the Joker into killing his wife and unborn child. That starts the journey of the golden boy of DC resorting to drastic measures.

Firstly, he kills the Joker in retaliation, breaking his code and letting go of his morality. Afterward, using his plethora of powers, he sets up a dictator rule on Earth, and kills anyone who dares to stand against him. Even when the Justice League tries to oppose his regime, he battles many of his former allies. On top of that, this version of Superman ends up killing Shazam. Going off the rails, this variant of Kal-El was truly menacing.

5

Kingdom Come Superman

Supes Comes Out Of Retirement Stronger Than Ever

• First Appearance: Kingdom Come

Similar to Injustice Superman, this version of Kal-El goes through the death of Lois Lane. In the Kingdom Come miniseries, Superman is depicted as a retired Superhero. However, when he comes back into action due to the chaos ensuing on Earth, he’s stronger than ever. Due to his old age, this version of Superman has absorbed a lot of solar radiation and has enhanced physical attributes.

On top of his increased strength, the Kingdom Come Superman is no longer vulnerable to Kryptonite. In a climactic battle with a mind-controlled Shazam, Superman easily holds his own and comes out victorious. In the same storyline, this version of Superman withstands a nuclear warhead that kills other meta-humans. So, while this universe has many other heroes and vigilantes, Superman proves he’s the strongest of them all.

4

Super-Boy Prime

What If Superman Were A Reality-Warper?

• First Appearance: DC Comics Presents #87

While his name may be misleading, Super-Boy Prime is one of the most dangerous characters in all of DC. This version of Superman is a dark reflection of the original superhero. Corrupted by his twisted ideals, Super-Boy Prime believes he’s the only true Superman. This embarks his descent into villainy as he becomes a supercharged evil entity.

With more potent powers compared to the original Superman, Super-Boy Prime is nothing less than a God. That is quite literal, as this version of Kal-El can warp reality. In the Infinite Crisis Timeline, this wicked character defeated numerous versions of Superman single-handedly. On top of that, he has killed many major heroes, including both The Flash and Green Lantern. By combining his corrupted morals and super abilities, this version of Superman is dangerously terrifying.

3

All-Star Superman

Supes Is Dosed With Solar Energy So Potent That It Starts Killing Him

• First Appearance: All-Star Superman #1

After being exposed to a lethal dose of solar radiation, all the attributes of this Superman are amplified. However, with the solar radiation slowly killing his cells inside, this version of Kal-El has a limited lifespan. Besides the fact that he’s dying, All-Star Superman is one of the most physically strong characters to ever exist in the DC Multiverse.

Infamous for being able to lift millions of tons with ease, this Superman is a beast. This super-human strength is demonstrated as he has an arm wrestling contest with both Hercules and Atlas, defeating both. Other than his strength, his speed is greatly amplified as well. All-Star Superman can travel faster than the speed of light. With all his attributes intensified, this version of Superman is one of the strongest iterations of the DC hero.

2

Superman Prime

What If Superman Went And Lived In The Sun?

• First Appearance: DC One Million (Vol. 1) #4

Introduced during the DC One Million Crossover, this version of Superman broke every limit imaginable. After spending 15,000 years living in the Sun, this Superman acquired God-like abilities. Combining his strength, speed, and a body able to withstand attacks from cosmic entities, this version of the Kryptonian became limitless.

However, increased attributes were just the beginning. Superman Prime gained cosmic powers and was able to warp reality. If he wills it, he can put a dent in the very fabric of space and time. With this power, he creates a new Krypton by manipulating reality. Drawing power from space and time itself, this variant of Superman is the pinnacle of strength.

1

Cosmic Armor Superman

A Robotic Superman Created By The Monitors

• First Appearance: Final Crisis: Superman Beyond #2

Introduced in the final chapters of Grant Morrison’s Final Crisis Storyline, Cosmic Armor Superman is hands down the strongest Superman to ever exist. Popularly known as The Thought Robot, this is not a traditional version of Superman. Created by the Monitors to defend the Multiverse against the ultimate evils, the Thought Robot is a cosmic entity.

This version of Superman exists in the Monitor Sphere, which is the highest level of existence. Aware of all realities, it can adapt to any kind of threat and is virtually unbeatable. On top of that, it has unlimited stamina and can outlast attacks on the multiversal scale. While this version of Superman only appeared for a brief period, it sits in the limitless space above all other DC heroes and villains.