Superman (Character)

Real name: Kal-El (birth name), Clark Kent

First appearance: Action Comics #1 (June, 1938)

Powers: Flight, Heat Vision, Freezing breath, X-Ray Vision, Super Human Strength

Affiliation: Justice League of America, Legion of Super-Heroes

Love interests: Lois Lane, Lana Lang

Enemies: Lex Luthor, Doomsday, Bizarro, General Zod

Did you know: The ‘S’ on Superman’s chest is a Coat of Arms as well as a Symbol for Hope.

Origin story: Kal-El was born on the planet Krypton. He wouldn’t assume the name Clark Kent or Superman until after he arrived on Earth. Just as his home planet, Krypton was about to explode due to old age, Kal-El’s parents put him in a pod and sent him away. Soon after landing, he was discovered by passing motorists who gave him to an orphanage. As he aged and because he was from a different planet, he developed great strength, speed, and abilities. As it turns out, the motorists were the Kent’s who actually decided to adopt him themselves. After his adopted family learned of the things he could do, they warned him that others might fear his abilities, but he should use them for the benefit of mankind. 10 years after his creation, his origin would be expanded upon. It was now explained that the gravitational force of Krypton was much stronger than that of Earth’s and because of this, anyone born on Krypton, could defy the gravity of Earth. It was also revealed that Superman acquires his powers from Earth’s Yellow Sun. On his own planet, Krypton, he and his people would not have special powers, as the Kyrpton’s Sun is Red. Eventually, Martha died and Jonathon became gravely ill. On his deathbed, Jonathon advised Clark to keep his identity hidden but continue to keep humanity safe. Clark then decided that the best way to keep his “ear to the ground” would be to become a reporter for the Daily Planet. He adopted his trademark glasses and pretended to be timid so that nobody would suspect that he was Superman.