Entertainment

The superhero genre was forever changed with the introduction of Superman, a character that embodies truth, justice and the hope of humanity. Over the decades, many creators have drawn inspiration from Superman’s iconic status, resulting in a plethora of characters that mimic his powers and aesthetics. While some of these characters serve as loving tributes, many of them are twisted parodies that critique the very ideals Superman represents. Rather than being champions of justice, these darker counterparts have grow symbols of corruption and tyranny, using their immense powers for nefarious purposes.

The rise of the “Evil Superman” trope has gained significant traction in recent years, showcasing characters that personify the darker aspects of power and morality. Publishers such as Marvel, Image, and BOOM! Studios have introduced a range of terrifying counterparts that explore what happens when a Superman-like figure turns rogue. Below, we explore seven of the most malevolent Superman copies, ranked by their level of depravity.

7. Alpha One

From Image Comics’ series The Mighty, Alpha One presents himself as a benevolent superhero while secretly harboring a sinister agenda. After advocating for the genocide of his own kind to establish a “perfect” world, he was exiled and found his way to Earth. Under the guise of a hero, Alpha One engaged in horrific experiments on civilians, aiming to create a new race of superhumans. His actions led to countless deaths and mutilations, showcasing the depths of his depravity.

6. Homelander

Homelander, from The Boys, is arguably the most notorious evil Superman in contemporary media. Raised in a lab as part of a corporate experiment by Vought, he possesses extraordinary powers, including super strength and heat vision. However, his psychopathic tendencies manifest in brutal ways; he is responsible for numerous atrocities, including mass murder and the destruction of innocent lives for his own amusement. His character serves as a chilling reminder of what happens when power goes unchecked.

5. Supershock

From the Powers series by Image Comics, Supershock initially served as a protector of humanity. However, his god-complex led him to question his role and eventually snap. With the ability to warp reality, Supershock turned his powers against his former allies and innocent civilians, leaving death and destruction in his wake. One of his most sadistic acts involved torturing a woman by taking her to space to suffocate her, only to resurrect her and repeat the process.

4. Void

In Marvel Comics, the Void is the dark alter ego of the Sentry, representing the ultimate embodiment of villainy. Where the Sentry stands for heroism, the Void exists solely to spread chaos and destruction. With powers that rival the Man of Steel, the Void has caused immense suffering, including the annihilation of entire cities. His penchant for torture and sadism makes him one of the most dangerous villains in the Marvel universe.

3. Plutonian

From BOOM! Studios’ series Irredeemable, Plutonian begins as an altruistic hero but eventually succumbs to madness. After hearing constant criticism from the public, he transforms into a monster, unleashing his wrath on humanity. Plutonian’s actions result in the deaths of millions, as he destroys cities and torments those he once considered friends, showcasing the catastrophic consequences of unchecked power.

2. Hero

In the dystopian storyline “Ten-Seconders” from the anthology series 2000 AD, Hero emerges as a tyrant among alien super-beings known as the Gods. Initially perceived as a savior, Hero reveals his true nature by decimating much of the Earth’s population and establishing an oppressive regime. His reign of terror includes the brutal assassination of the president and the annihilation of entire states, driven by boredom and an insatiable thirst for power.

1. King Hyperion

Hyperion is a name associated with several Superman-like characters in the Marvel Multiverse, but the version from Earth-4023 is particularly malevolent. This King Hyperion systematically eliminates every superhero and countless civilians during his conquest of Earth. His actions are so devastating that humanity resorts to a nuclear holocaust in a desperate attempt to stop him, ultimately failing. After escaping to other universes, he continues his rampage, leaving a trail of destruction and death, making him one of the most dangerous Superman knockoffs to date.

The exploration of these evil counterparts reflects a deeper commentary on the nature of power and morality in superhero narratives. As audiences crave more complex characters, these twisted versions of Superman serve to challenge traditional notions of heroism. The “Evil Superman” trope will likely continue to evolve, prompting creators to delve into the moral ambiguities that reach with extraordinary abilities. What do you think of these characters? Join the conversation in the comments below!