Ranking Every Superman Supporting Character By Importance

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As a devoted fan, I’ve always held Superman close to my heart, a testament to his enduring status as one of comics’ most cherished superheroes, dating back almost 8 decades from his debut in Action Comics #1. Yet, it’s not the epic battles against villains or the planet-saving feats that truly set Superman apart. What makes him extraordinary is his profound bond with the people of Earth – the humans who embraced this extraterrestrial and welcomed him into their midst as one of their own.

These connections began when he was a child in Smallville, and they grew even stronger when he moved to Metropolis to pursue a career as a journalist dedicated to uncovering truth and upholding justice in ways that were truly remarkable. Some of these characters became his family, while others felt like kin, all contributing to the expansive Superman family tapestry.

In James Gunn’s upcoming portrayal of Superman on the big screen, fans can expect some of his most cherished sidekicks to join him. These range from childhood sweethearts and lifelong friends to a wife, son, and beyond. Compared to any other superhero, Superman’s supporting characters play a pivotal role in preserving his rich legacy.

10) Lana Lang

Lana Lang, a character from Clark Kent’s childhood, didn’t make her first appearance until 1950 in ‘Superboy’ Vol. 1 #10. However, she gained significant prominence when John Byrne rebooted the Superman story following ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ in ‘The Man of Steel’ #1 (1986). Lana was one of the few people who knew that Clark Kent was actually Superman, but eventually married Pete Ross after realizing Superman didn’t return her feelings as deeply as she felt for him. In the New 52, Lana transformed into a superhero herself, adopting the identity of Superwoman.

9) Pete Ross

First introduced in Superboy Vol. 1 #86 (1961), Pete Ross initially formed a strong friendship with young Clark Kent. As the story unfolded in the Silver Age, Pete turned into an adversary of Superman when the Man of Steel couldn’t save his son from an alien race, as per a prophecy suggesting that the boy would be their savior. Post the “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” Pete wed Lana Lang and rose to become Vice President under President Lex Luthor. However, in the New 52 continuity, Pete returned to his role as Clark’s childhood buddy, didn’t marry Lana, and had a son once more.

8) Supergirl

Supergirl is an intriguing character who often appears alongside Superman, as she’s undergone numerous transformations throughout the years. In different post-Crisis events, she doesn’t always remain the same person. The primary Supergirl in Superman comics is Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin. She held this role during the Silver Age, and experienced one of the saddest moments in Crisis on Infinite Earths when she passed away; her death is depicted on a famous cover where Superman is shown weeping over her body. After Crisis, Kara Zor-El was erased from existence, but she eventually reappeared years later (in 2004). During that time, there was another Supergirl, but she was a clone. Currently, the Supergirl we know is once again Kara Zor-El, and her powers are similar to those of her cousin, making her an important ally and member of some of Earth’s strongest teams.

7) Perry White

One interesting aspect of Superman is that he’s not only a powerful superhero battling villains and guarding the city, but also a dedicated reporter who strives to disseminate truth and justice among the public using his journalistic abilities. This unique role was made possible by Perry White, the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet. Perry White first appeared in Superman #7 back in 1940 and reappeared in Superman #57 during the Silver Age in 1949. He is a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner in journalism. In the post-Crisis era, White was once a childhood friend of Lex Luthor and went on to employ both Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Today, Perry White is no longer a journalist but has moved on to become the Mayor of Metropolis.

6) Jay Nakamura

Among Superman’s supporting characters, Jay Nakamura has a relatively brief history. He was first introduced in issue #2 of “Superman: Son of Kal-El” in 2021. Jon Kent, another significant character in the Superman universe, often takes on the role of Superman when his father is away from Earth for extended periods. Jay, who possesses superhuman abilities due to post-human experimentation (he can pass through solid objects), plays a crucial role here. Much like Lois Lane, one of his inspirations, Jay is an investigative journalist dedicated to uncovering the truth. What sets him apart is that he is in a romantic relationship with Jon Kent.

5) Krypto

Krypto, a canine companion from the DC Universe, has a history of making appearances and then disappearing for extended periods. Notably, he’s Superman’s Kryptonian dog. Making his debut in Adventure Comics #210 (1955) during the Silver Age, Krypto arrived after Clark Kent, having traveled in a separate rocket. Following the events of Crisis, Krypto reappeared in Adventures of Superman #435 (1987), retaining his Silver Age origin story. In this timeline, he became Conner Kent’s pet until Superboy met his end. A revised version of Krypto appeared in Action Comics Vol. 2 #3 (2012). Here, he was sent into the Phantom Zone on Krypton and later reunited with Superman when he too was transported there. With James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film featuring Krypto prominently, we can anticipate his role in DC Comics to grow more significant.

4) Jimmy Olsen

Over a significant period, Jimmy Olsen stood out among Superman’s most indispensable companions. At times, he even surpassed Lois Lane in importance, as shown by his solo comic book series titled “Superman’s Pal.” He first appeared in 1938 and made his Silver Age debut in 1954. In the Silver Age, Jimmy took on a crucial role, working alongside various heroes, occasionally acquiring powers himself, and serving as a vital secondary character in DC Comics’ Silver Age. Following the “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” Jimmy transitioned from being a sidekick to becoming more of a trusted friend to Superman, using his signal watch to summon aid when required. In the New 52 era, he continues to be a reporter and photographer, and is currently in a relationship with the Silver Banshee.

3) Jon Kent

In comics, Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s son, initially introduced in “Convergence: Superman” #2 (published in 2015), started manifesting powers similar to his father’s post-marriage. Over the years, he developed a strong bond with Damian Wayne, Batman’s son, embarking on numerous adventures together. However, DC later decided to accelerate Jon Kent’s growth, causing him to be absent for approximately three weeks on Earth but equivalent to six years in his timeline, making him 17 instead of the original 11-year-old. Since then, Jon has taken on a role reminiscent of Superman rather than Superboy and even assumed the sole Superman mantle when his father was away from Earth.

2) Ma and Pa Kent

In the world of DC Comics, Jonathan and Martha Kent have experienced life and death at different points in their history. The deaths of Jonathan and Martha in 1981 were deeply moving moments in Superman’s comic book adventures, emphasizing the profound impact they had on their adopted son. After the event known as “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” both characters returned to life (with Jonathan Kent nearly meeting his end again during the “Death of Superman” storyline). Post-“Crisis on Infinite Earths,” Martha continued to live, and together they have provided guidance and protection for Clark when he needed it, as well as keeping an eye on Conner Kent. Currently in DC Comics continuity, Ma and Pa Kent are still alive and continue to be the primary influences that shaped Superman into the hero we know today.

1) Lois Lane

In the world of Superman, it’s indisputable that Lois Lane occupies the central role. Making her first appearance in Action Comics #1 alongside Superman, she then debuted in the Silver Age of comics in Adventure Comics #128 (1948). From there, Lois Lane has been an integral part of both Superman and Clark Kent’s narrative until the reboot post-Crisis on Infinite Earths. After this reboot, Lois Lane married Clark Kent and continued their journey together. Even during the New 52 era, which attempted to dissolve their marriage (and even hinted at Superman dating Wonder Woman), they ultimately reunited. Following Rebirth, they welcomed a son named Jon, solidifying their place as one of comics’ most beloved couples.

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2025-07-13 17:41