The Best Members of the Superman Family, Ranked

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Superman is considered the first true superhero, and while Batman helped popularize the idea of superhero teams, Superman was the original. He quickly gained a large and memorable supporting cast, becoming a central figure in the DC Universe. Although it took some time, a recognizable ‘Superman family’ of heroes eventually formed, and they’ve become increasingly important in DC Comics’ history. These powerful heroes act as a key defense for the multiverse, enhancing the legacy of the iconic Superman symbol.

The Superman family includes a number of incredible characters, all of whom have contributed to its rich history. Though not the biggest family in comics, it’s packed with memorable heroes – and these are some of the very best, those who’ve truly become legendary.

10) Kenan Kong

Kenana Kong first appeared in New Super-Man, where he was initially presented as China’s greatest hero and the leader of its Justice League. But he chose to embrace the Superman legacy fully and joined the wider Superman family. While he hasn’t always been a central figure (check out New Super-Man and the 2024 Action Comics story “Phantoms,” where he teams up with Conner Kent), he’s a surprisingly compelling character who deserves more recognition.

9) Natasha Irons/Steel II

Natasha Irons, the niece of the hero Steel (John Henry Irons), inherited his brilliant mind. She started by assisting her uncle with his technology, and eventually built her own powerful suit of armor, becoming Steel II. This makes her incredibly powerful, rivaling even members of the Superman family. Considered one of the DC Universe’s greatest intellects, Natasha has immense potential as a character, but often doesn’t receive the spotlight she deserves. Like many talented heroes, she’s a valuable and exciting member of the ‘Super-family’ with a lot to offer.

8) Steel

The storyline “The Death of Superman” significantly impacted the Superman mythos, introducing key new characters like John Henry Irons. After being rescued by Superman, the brilliant inventor built a powerful armored suit to become a hero himself, protecting his community. Since then, he’s become a trusted ally of Superman, a member of the Justice League, and a leading tech expert in the comic book world. Steel has remained a fan favorite for years, and continues to be a vital part of the Superman family, both as the head of Steelworks – where he develops technology to improve the world – and as a hero fighting alongside the Man of Steel.

7) Conner Kent

Conner Kent, also born from the events of “Death of Superman,” is arguably the most well-known of the characters created during that time. As Superboy, he starred in his own comic series, was a founding member of the Young Justice team, and played a key role in revitalizing the Teen Titans. He’s experienced death and resurrection, endured a difficult reimagining during the New 52 era, and has now regained his place as a fan favorite within the Superman family. What makes Conner particularly compelling is his unique origin – he’s a clone of both Superman and Lex Luthor. This gives him interesting stories and a distinct set of powers compared to other Kryptonians. He’s always been the standout hero of the Super-family, possessing a powerful and edgy personality that sets him apart.

6) Jon Kent

Jon Kent has been a fantastic addition to the Superman mythos. First appearing during the controversial ‘Convergence’ event, he finally gave fans what they’d longed for: seeing Superman as a father. It was enjoyable watching Jon grow up, especially in the popular ‘SuperSons’ series with Damian Wayne. While some fans initially disliked the decision to age him up, he’s since taken on the mantle of Superman, come out as bisexual, and continues to be a key character in the Superman comics. He’s quickly becoming an icon, and remains popular with readers even when they disagree with the direction DC has taken his story.

5) Jimmy Olsen

Jimmy Olsen is a surprisingly important character who doesn’t get enough credit. He was Superman’s original sidekick and the first to star in his own comic book series. Over the years, he’s gained almost every superpower imaginable and been involved in incredible adventures, far beyond his days starting out at The Daily Planet. While he isn’t always fighting crime as a superhero, he consistently helps keep Metropolis safe. He’s also known for having fantastic relationships – his current one with Silver Banshee is a great example – and always adds something special to any story he’s in. Many fans particularly loved his portrayal in the 2025 Superman movie, which perfectly captured what makes him such a cool and enduring character.

4) Power Girl

As a critic, I’ve always found Power Girl fascinating. She’s essentially the Supergirl from another Earth, one that survived a massive cosmic event. What sets her apart is that she spent years deliberately forging her own path, working alongside heroes in the Justice League and Justice Society, and trying to establish an identity outside of Superman’s shadow. For a long time, you could argue she wasn’t really a member of the ‘Super-family’ at all, more like a distant relative. But recent revelations about her origins have brought her much closer to Superman and the others. Ultimately, she’s a strong, independent woman constantly searching for a sense of belonging, ironically within the family she’s always been a part of – and that’s what makes her such a compelling character.

3) Supergirl

Supergirl started as Superman’s sidekick and has since become a popular hero in her own right. She was a defining character of the quirky Silver Age of comics, but her story also marked the end of that era with her death in the Crisis on Infinite Earths event. After a revival in the mid-2000s, she’s starred in her own comics and is featured in a critically acclaimed story, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is being adapted into a movie. Supergirl remains a fan favorite within the Superman universe and is poised to regain the level of popularity she enjoyed before 1985.

2) Lois Lane

Lois Lane is one of the most beloved characters in comic books and has always been central to Superman’s story. For a long time, she was known as Superman’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, with their relationship spanning decades. Now, she’s married to Superman and plays an even bigger role in his adventures, becoming his most important ally. While she doesn’t always have superpowers, Lois is essential to Superman’s life and is often the most engaging character in any comic she appears in. Her popularity with fans proves what a fantastic character she truly is.

1) Superman

Superman truly set the standard for all superheroes. As the very first, you could say all other heroes are connected to him, though only a select few are worthy of his symbol. He’s a legendary figure – the ultimate role model for any hero. In the DC Universe, he’s among the most powerful beings, and no one has saved the world as often. While incredibly strong, what really makes Superman special isn’t his powers, but what he stands for: hope and a willingness to fight for everyone, even those who oppose him. He embodies the best of humanity, believing in the good within us all.

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2026-02-11 18:11