10 Best Evil Versions of Superman

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Superman truly launched the superhero genre, establishing the classic image, exciting action, and heroic spirit we now associate with these characters. He was an immediate success and paved the way for the massive popularity of superheroes today. Even now, he remains the most recognizable and quintessential superhero, embodying everything that makes the genre compelling. Like any influential figure, Superman’s concept has been reimagined and challenged over time. His initial appeal stemmed from the idea of immense power used for good, defying expectations of cynicism. However, that hasn’t stopped countless stories from exploring darker versions of the character, featuring evil Supermen.

It’s funny how copying Superman started as a joke, but became so common that it’s now become interesting again. Honestly, most evil versions of Superman are pretty predictable and dull. A hero who can’t be beaten isn’t very exciting because there’s no suspense. However, not all evil Supermen are failures. The best ones offer fresh perspectives on what it means to be human and explore the idea of heroism itself. Today, we’ll be looking at ten of the most compelling evil Supermen and discussing what makes them stand out from the rest. Let’s dive in!

10) Red Son

Calling the Superman of Red Son simply ‘evil’ doesn’t quite fit. He’s a far more complex character. In this alternate reality, Superman’s rocket landed in the Soviet Union, and he was raised to be a symbol of Stalinist ideals and Soviet power. Despite this upbringing, he remains fundamentally a good person who wants to help others. The key difference is that, unlike the Superman raised by the Kents, this version was taught to value control over compassion.

As a huge Superman fan, I was really intrigued by Red Son, but it wasn’t what I expected. It’s not about a purely evil Superman trying to rule the world; it’s a much more complex story about what makes us who we are – are we defined by our upbringing or our inherent nature? This Superman does take over the world, and he’s definitely willing to kill to maintain peace, but he genuinely believes he’s helping everyone. It’s a really dark take, showing how even good intentions can lead to terrible outcomes. Ultimately, he sees the error of his ways and tries to make amends. What I loved most is that it lives in all those messy grey areas – he’s not a clear-cut villain, but he definitely does some villainous things. It’s a really uncomfortable, thought-provoking story, and it handles those difficult questions brilliantly.

9) Homelander

Homelander is a standout villain among those inspired by Superman. He takes the idea of an evil Superman to the absolute extreme, and it’s fascinating to watch. He’s a childish, self-centered character who fluctuates between frightening and pitiful. While often shocking and unpleasant, he’s so over-the-top that he becomes darkly humorous. He doesn’t offer much insight into Superman or humanity, but if you want a purely evil version of the character, Homelander is it.

8) Kid Miracleman

Kid Miracleman is essentially a take on the Superman story, but filtered through several layers of inspiration. He’s a villain mirroring Miracleman, who himself was Marvel’s version of Captain Marvel (originally from Fawcett Comics, and a similar character to Superman). You could even compare him to Black Adam, but getting into all that detail isn’t necessary. What makes Kid Miracleman compelling is that he’s a child with immense power, a lot of emotional baggage, and no limits on what he can do. It’s the story of an already troubled kid whose difficult past makes his negative tendencies much, much worse. The contrast between the frightened Johnny Bates and the terrifying Kid Miracleman alone makes the story worth reading.

7) Injustice Superman

The Injustice series is largely responsible for the rise in popularity of evil Superman stories starting in the 2010s, and it brought the idea to a wider audience. The games depict a Superman driven to his limits, becoming a ruthless dictator who controls the Earth. While the event that triggers this change is incredibly intense, the series mainly focuses on creating villainous versions of the Justice League for the heroes to battle – and it does that very well. The character development for these heroes-turned-villains isn’t always consistent, but the most compelling part of this Superman is how he clashes with the heroes who know the real him. He’s a twisted reflection of their friend, and they completely reject him, making it incredibly satisfying to watch him lose.

6) Hyperion

Hyperion first appeared in Marvel’s Avengers comic in 1963 as a villain mirroring Superman, part of a group called the Squadron Sinister that parodied the Justice League. Initially, he was a simple bad guy, but the character has become far more complex over time. Now, there are many different versions of Hyperion – some are purely evil, others are well-meaning but flawed leaders, some are genuine heroes, and still others are incredibly powerful cosmic beings. Each version allows Marvel to examine what it means to have superhuman abilities and how unlimited power can affect a person’s mind.

5) Bizarro

Bizarro is the first evil version of Superman, created as a flawed copy of the hero. He’s Superman’s opposite in every way, fully embracing the role of a villain. He intentionally says the opposite of what he means and even has reversed powers – instead of heat vision, he has freezing vision, and breathes fire. While he might seem like a simple, one-off joke villain, Bizarro is surprisingly complex. He desperately wants to fit in and even built his own world, a square planet populated by his family and friends. Bizarro has been both a foe and a friend to Superman, but he’s always entertaining. He’s the most memorable evil counterpart to Superman and continues to appear in stories.

4) Ultraman

Ultraman is essentially the evil counterpart to Superman, originating from an alternate Earth where good and evil are reversed. He possesses all of Superman’s powers but uses them for villainous purposes. What sets Ultraman apart is his frequent conflict with the original Superman; their battles represent a clash of ideologies as much as a physical fight. While not a complex character, Ultraman doesn’t need to be – he’s designed as a dark reflection of what Superman could become if he fell to a different path. Unlike other evil versions of Superman, Ultraman’s power comes directly from being a foil to the original, creating inherent conflict and drama simply by existing as his opposite.

3) Omni-Man

Omni-Man quickly became a fan favorite, first in the Invincible comic book series and then with the hugely popular TV show. He’s a new take on the Superman story, originating from a powerful galactic empire built on domination. What makes him different from other evil versions of Superman is his complex development; he evolves from a simple villain into a deeply troubled man who recognizes his errors and strives to become better. His story is about finding redemption and becoming a hero, even when facing impossible odds, and shows how family and love can transform anyone, even those who seem beyond saving. Omni-Man is a truly compelling character, and we’ll be seeing much more of his story in future seasons.

2) Plutonian

The Plutonian was designed to be the ultimate hero, but a difficult childhood left him deeply damaged. He dedicated himself to heroism, not out of genuine altruism, but to satisfy his own ego and desperate need for everyone’s approval. When he realized this was impossible, he transformed into a terrifying and unprecedentedly violent monster. The Plutonian is fundamentally broken, lacking any real understanding of heroism or even basic humanity due to a lack of nurturing. While this doesn’t excuse his actions, it makes him a compelling and tragic figure to analyze.

1) Superboy-Prime

Superboy-Prime is arguably one of DC Comics’ most compelling characters of the last decade. As a villain, he’s incredibly effective. He represents the over-the-top power levels common in older comics, capable of feats like punching through time or even altering reality with a blow. He’s a frustrating, attention-seeking character who breaks the fourth wall, and brilliantly satirizes the most annoying aspects of comic book fans. At his best, Superboy-Prime was both a serious threat and a darkly humorous figure, a combination few villains achieve.

Superboy-Prime wasn’t always a villain, and he didn’t remain one. He eventually found redemption through his passion for comics, a story that embodies the hope and dedication that draws so many fans to new issues each week. Even after becoming a hero, he maintained his unique, bold personality, channeling the qualities that made him a compelling villain into becoming an even more impressive hero. Whenever Superboy-Prime appears, it’s always exciting, promising a memorable and iconic moment.

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2026-02-22 23:13