7 WTF Moments In Classic Superman Comics We Still Can’t Get Over

Even someone as seemingly perfect as Superman isn’t without his flaws. While he’s generally seen as a flawless hero, with nearly a century of stories under his belt, there are moments in his history that are a little questionable. These moments don’t ruin his character, but they’re enough to make even his biggest fans raise an eyebrow.

I’m a massive Superman fan, and I’m usually quick to defend him. However, even I have to acknowledge some strange events in his past – like his relationship with Wonder Woman or the time he sent Supergirl to an orphanage. These moments, for better or worse, actually happened, and it’s time we take a look at some of the most unbelievable parts of Superman’s story. Here are 7 of the most baffling moments in his history.

7. Superman and Wonder Woman Becoming a Power Couple

I’m honestly baffled by that storyline. The New 52 changes were pretty drastic, and getting rid of Superman and Lois Lane’s relationship to pair him with Wonder Woman felt really strange. Even though it wasn’t technically the Superman we all knew, replacing such a classic comic book romance with a relationship that didn’t quite work seemed unnecessary. I’m fine with Clark and Diana being friends, but as a couple? Definitely not a good idea.

6. Lois Lane’s Makeover

This comic book issue is incredibly strange, but the cover definitely grabs your attention. In Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane #106, Lois decides to investigate the experiences of Black Americans by temporarily becoming one herself. Superman uses a special machine to change her skin color. While the story seems to have been motivated by a desire to address racial issues, it’s still a pretty shocking concept, and you’d expect Superman to suggest a different approach.

5. Superman Gives Up His Citizenship

For decades, Superman has been a symbol of truth, justice, and the American way. However, as the world became more globalized, Clark Kent felt limited by his connection to just the United States and announced in Action Comics #900 that he was giving up his U.S. citizenship. While a logical step for him, this major decision was quickly overshadowed by the ‘New 52’ comic book reboot, essentially making it irrelevant. Still, it was surprising to see Superman take such a step.

4. Superman Executing General Zod

Okay, so everyone talks about that controversial moment in Man of Steel where Superman snaps Zod’s neck, right? Well, as a long-time comic book fan, let me tell you, that wasn’t even the most shocking time he’s taken a life. Back in Superman #22, it gets really dark. These Kryptonian criminals – Zod and a couple of others – had wiped out billions of people in this contained universe, and Superman, seeing no other option, essentially executed them with kryptonite radiation. It was brutal, and honestly, a really tough scene to read, even for someone like me who’s seen a lot of superhero action. Nobody wants to see Superman kill, and this definitely pushed the boundaries of what felt right.

3. Superman Sending Supergirl to the Orphanage

Although Supergirl and Superman are close allies now, their first meeting wasn’t welcoming. In Action Comics #252, Superman gave Kara a new identity and placed her in the Midvale Orphanage until the Danvers family adopted her. This backstory was largely forgotten for years, but the recent Supergirl TV series reintroduced it, meaning Superman’s initial treatment of his cousin is still being addressed.

2. Superman and Big Barda’s Smut Film

This is not a joke. Back in the 1990s, a storyline in Action Comics #592 featured Superman and Big Barda almost appearing in a pornographic film. They were under the mind control of a villain called Sleez, who planned to fund his attempt to defeat Darkseid with the movie’s profits. While they only shared a few kisses, it’s a strange and regrettable moment in comic book history that many would prefer to forget.

1. Superman Letting Jon Kent Leave

This storyline remains incredibly controversial among Superman fans. In Man of Steel #6, Superman’s father, Jor-El, unexpectedly took their son, Jon, into space to educate him about his Kryptonian roots. Despite Superman and Lois’s objections, they ultimately agreed. This decision led to Jon being rapidly aged up, a change that continues to frustrate many readers. Knowing what happens to Jon later makes this moment particularly difficult for fans, especially considering how much Superman later regrets not firmly opposing Jor-El’s actions.

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2025-12-09 02:12