Superman

Table of Contents

Introduction & Top Questions
The Man of Steel in the Golden Age
Superman in the Silver Age
The modern era

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

Learn about the evolution of the definition of a hero from ancient Greeks to modern times

Quizzes

USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood

Pop Culture Quiz

The Gold Rush (1925) Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp eating his meal made from his boot in a scene from the silent film. Silent movie comedy written, directed and produced by Charlie Chaplin

Character Analysis

Illustration of Vulcan salute hand gesture popularized by the character Mr. Spock on the original Star Trek television series often accompanied by the words live long and prosper.

Character Profile

Publicity still of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dr. Victor Fries/Mr. Freeze in the 1997 film Batman & Robin, directed by Joel Schumacher.

Marvel or DC?

Publicity still of the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) and one of the Flying Monkeys (Winged Monkeys) from the motion picture film "The Wizard of Oz" (1939); directed by Victor Fleming (there were a number of uncredited directors). (cinema, movies)

Iconic Pop Culture Villains Quiz

Superman

fictional character

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External Websites

Live About - The Evolution of the Superman Symbol
The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction - Superman
CBR.com - Livewire: How the Superman: The Animated Series Villain Shocked the DC Universe

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Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Superman - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

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Table Of Contents

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External Websites

Live About - The Evolution of the Superman Symbol
The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction - Superman
CBR.com - Livewire: How the Superman: The Animated Series Villain Shocked the DC Universe

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Superman - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Also known as: Clark Kent

Written by

Michael Eury

Editor of BACK ISSUE magazine and an advisor to The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. Versions of his contributions to The Superhero Book: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Comic-Book...

Michael Eury,

Peter Sanderson

Comics critic and historian. Author of Marvel Universe and X-Men: The Ultimate Guide. Versions of his contributions to The Superhero Book: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Comic-Book...

Peter SandersonSee All

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 11, 2024 • Article History

Recent News

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Who is Superman?

Superman is an American superhero created for DC Comics by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. Superman first appeared in 1938, in Action Comics no. 1.

What is Superman’s real name?

The name given to Superman at birth by his biological parents, Jor-El and Lara, on the planet Krypton is Kal-El. The name given to Superman by his adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, when he arrives in Smallville on Earth is Clark Kent, which continues to be the name of his alter ego.

Where was Superman born?

Superman was born on the doomed planet Krypton to scientists Jor-El and Lara. He was given the Kryptonian name Kal-El at birth.

Who does Superman love?

Superman’s canonical love interest in DC Comics is Lois Lane, who is a coworker of his alter ego, Clark Kent, at the Daily Planet.

How is Superman able to fly?

According to the comics, Superman can fly because of a combination of powers he derives from Earth’s “yellow” Sun and from his extraterrestrial biology. On his birth planet, Krypton, gravity was much stronger than it is on Earth, so Kryptonians developed a physique that could resist its pull. When he’s on Earth, Superman’s physique can defy the planet’s weaker pull easily, and that ability, enhanced by solar energy, allows him to fly.

Superman, American comic strip superhero created for DC Comics by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. Superman first appeared in Action Comics, no. 1 (June 1938).