You know you’ve made it when your name is synonymous with power. Like every great hero, he has a dozen copies. He’s been copied more times than a floppy disk in the ’90s, and we never get tired of him. From his beautiful cape to his red underwear on the outside, we love everything about him.
The big blue boy scout is Superman himself.
As iconic as Superman is in the realm of comic books, it’s not surprising that his influence extends far beyond Metropolis. Throughout the history of comic books, numerous superheroes have emerged, each bearing striking similarities to the Man of Steel himself. From super strength to capes and a sense of moral duty, these characters often pay homage to the original superhero in one way or another. Here, we explore the top 10 superheroes who are unmistakably influenced by Superman.
Supergirl
Let’s start with an obvious one. Supergirl, also known as Kara Zor-El, is Superman’s cousin from the planet Krypton. Like her cousin, she possesses superhuman strength, flight, and heat vision. Debuting in 1959, Supergirl has become a beloved character in her own right while undeniably echoing Superman’s powers and origin story.
Power Girl
Another Kryptonian cousin, Power Girl hails from an alternate universe and shares many of Superman’s abilities. Created in 1976 she’s known for her strength invulnerability and flight. Although her costume and personality differentiate her from Superman her powers and heritage are clear nods to the Last Son of Krypton.
Captain Marvel (Shazam)
Originally known as Captain Marvel before legal disputes forced a name change Shazam is a character whose powers directly mirror those of Superman Bestowed with the abilities of six mythological figures by speaking the word “Shazam,” Billy Batson transforms into an adult superhero with super strength, speed, and flight.
Hyperion
Marvel Comics’ answer to Superman Hyperion is a member of the Squadron Supreme a team inspired by DC’s Justice League. With abilities akin to Superman’s including flight super strength and heat vision Hyperion is a clear homage to the Man of Steel while offering his own unique backstory and personality.
Sentry
Another Marvel character drawing inspiration from Superman is Sentry. With powers such as super strength, speed, and energy projection, Sentry is often regarded as one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe His iconic blue and gold costume and dedication to protecting the innocent parallel Superman’s own commitment to justice.
Icon
Created by Dwayne McDuffie and Denys Cowan for Milestone Comics Icon is a character with powers and abilities similar to Superman’s Crash-landing on Earth as an alien infant he possesses superhuman strength flight and invulnerability Icon’s commitment to fighting for justice and truth echoes Superman’s own moral code.
Apollo
In Warren Ellis’s “The Authority” series Apollo emerges as a superhero whose powers mimic those of Superman Possessing super strength flight and heat vision Apollo fights alongside his partner Midnighter to protect the world from various threats While his origin differs from Superman’s his powers are undeniably reminiscent of the Man of Steel
Gladiator
Hailing from Marvel Comics’ Shi’ar Empire Gladiator is a powerhouse superhero whose abilities mirror Superman’s With super strength flight and heat vision Gladiator serves as the leader of the Imperial Guard defending his empire against intergalactic threats His red costume makes him look like just another dude who thinks that “red ones go fasta” but damn does it work
Majestic
This character was created by Jim Lee for Wildstorm Comics. Majestic has powers on par with Superman’s. A warrior stranded on Earth from Kherubim, he can fly and is super strong just like the Man of Steel. Along with that he also shares his invulnerability. The selflessness he embodies when it comes to protecting the world from alien threats matches up with Superman’s dedication to the same cause.
Mr. Majestic
Don’t confuse him with regular old Majestic since they are two different characters in the Wildstorm universe inspired by Superman. He has similar powers as his counterparts such as but not limited to flight, super strength, and heat vision.
Superman may be one of a kind in terms of being a superhero, but his influence goes beyond what he does alone in DC comics. Characters like Supergirl and Shazam are good examples of this reach stretching across plenty of different storylines inspiring those who put pen to paper to create the next generation of heroes. — Brad Kern
