5 Superman Rip-Offs Who Became Beloved Characters In Their Own Right

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Superman essentially launched the entire world of comic book superheroes, meaning many who followed borrowed heavily from his original design. Over time, certain elements have become strongly associated with being ‘Superman-inspired.’ These iconic features have been adapted and changed by countless writers and artists – sometimes for DC Comics, but more often for other companies. We all recognize these characters – they’re the ones who instantly feel like ‘this universe’s version of Superman.’

Superman is an iconic character with a rich history, and many others owe their existence to creators exploring ideas they couldn’t with him. These characters often serve as reflections on Superman and his role in comic books. Here are five examples of heroes inspired by Superman, each representing a different facet of the Man of Steel’s enduring appeal and varying in popularity.

5) Hyperion

Hyperion wasn’t intended as a Superman clone, but as a rival team meant to lose. Marvel created Hyperion and the Squadron Supreme (sometimes the Squadron Sinister) specifically to be defeated by the Avengers, proving Marvel’s heroes were superior to DC’s Justice League. Surprisingly, readers actually enjoyed these characters, and Hyperion evolved into a hero very similar to Superman. The 1985 series Squadron Supreme explored this, portraying him as a well-intentioned but controlling leader – a concept that became a recurring theme. Later, the early 2000s Supreme Power reimagined him as a powerful alien manipulated by the government to be the perfect hero for maintaining the status quo. Exiles showed a completely different side – a ruthless, villainous Hyperion who caused widespread destruction. Even more recently, Jonathan Hickman’s acclaimed Avengers run and other stories have presented him as a conflicted Superman-like figure. Over the years, Hyperion has been almost every variation of Superman imaginable, and that’s what makes him such a compelling character.

4) Captain Marvel/Shazam

Looking back, Captain Marvel, or Shazam, isn’t simply a copy of Superman. While Superman is an alien with a hidden identity, Shazam is a boy magically transformed into a superhero. Interestingly, Shazam actually started as a Superman imitation, with the Billy Batson story added to appeal more to young boys. He even became more popular than Superman for a time! However, DC Comics sued Fawcett Publications, the original publisher, ultimately gaining ownership of the Shazam universe. DC revived the character during the Bronze Age, and he’s remained a popular part of the DC Universe ever since. It’s worth noting that characters like Miracleman are considered copies of Shazam, making them second-generation imitations of Superman.

3) The Sentry

Some people might not be fans, but someone loves The Sentry, and he’s a fascinating take on the Superman archetype. He debuted in 2000 as part of a clever marketing campaign – Marvel announced a comic based on a forgotten Stan Lee creation that didn’t actually exist. The story introduced Robert Reynolds, a man with incredible power – equivalent to a million exploding suns – but also serious mental health struggles. It turned out he was once The Sentry, a hugely powerful hero who had been a central figure in the superhero world. Marvel created The Sentry as their version of Superman, but with a significant twist: debilitating mental illness. This manifested as ‘The Void,’ a dangerous alter ego so powerful that the world collectively forgot about The Sentry. Since then, he’s become one of Marvel’s strongest characters, a complex figure who walks the line between hero and villain. Despite his potential, Marvel hasn’t fully embraced him. The Sentry is a great character, and I hope he eventually gets the attention he deserves.

2) Homelander

Homelander, inspired by Superman, is intentionally his opposite. He’s a spoiled, monstrous figure who was never told ‘no,’ and consequently does whatever he pleases. The public was misled into believing a false image of him, leading to widespread adoration. Instead of inspiring hope, he rules through fear. Thanks to the show The Boys and Antony Starr’s performance, Homelander has become a hugely popular take on the ‘evil Superman’ trope, though not the first – he’s arguably the most disturbing.

1) Omni-Man

Omni-Man brilliantly flips the classic Superman story on its head. He initially appears to follow the Superman blueprint exactly, but instead of being a force for good, he’s secretly working to conquer Earth for another empire. This twist is clever, but what’s truly compelling is how living as a hero and experiencing humanity actually frees him from his original mission, ultimately allowing him to become the hero he only pretended to be. In many ways, Omni-Man is a tribute to Superman, highlighting that Superman’s actions and character are equally important, and that love has the power to triumph over darkness, creating a truly admirable hero.

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2025-11-25 21:13