Being one of the oldest superheroes to exist,Supermanhas 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 arethe most powerful versions of Superman,courtesy of the DC Multiverse.
Updated on June 04, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With James Gunn’sSupermanslated 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.
13Kal-El (DCeased)
The Unhinged Man Of Steel
When Cyborg had accidentally released the Anti-Life Virus on Earth,the events ofDCeasedwould 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.
AlthoughDCeased’s Kal-Elwould be eventually cured to face Anti-Life Darkseid in theWar 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.
12The Eradicator
An Ancient Kryptonian Weapon
The being that would be known as theEradicatorwas 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.
11The World Forger
An Ancient Being In Superman’s Form
Duringthe events ofDark 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, theWorld Forgermakes 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.
10Silver Age Superman
History’s First Definitive Superman
It’s thanks to theFlash 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 currentSilver Age Supermanbecame Earth-One’s (and DC Comics’ more official) Kal-El.
This distinction is important, as whileCrisis 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.
9Brutaal
A Clone Of Kal-El Created By Darkseid
Introduced in the Earth-2 Storyline,Brutaalis a perfect example of what would happenif 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.
8Calvin Ellis
The Man Of Steel Is Elected To The White House
Calvin Ellisis 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 theJustice 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.
7Red Son Superman
What If Kal-El Crash-Landed In The Soviet Union?
Similar tothe 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 Supermanwas 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.
6Injustice Superman
What Happens When Superman Loses His Morality?
Part of the popularInjustice Comics, this Superman was unhinged. This version of the Kryptonian belongs to Earth-22, more popularly known asthe 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.
5Kingdom Come Superman
Supes Comes Out Of Retirement Stronger Than Ever
Similar to Injustice Superman, this version of Kal-El goes through the death of Lois Lane. In theKingdom Comeminiseries, 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, theKingdom Come Supermanis 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.
4Super-Boy Prime
What If Superman Were A Reality-Warper?
While his name may be misleading,Super-Boy Primeis one of themost 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 theInfinite CrisisTimeline, 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.
