Monday, December 4, 2023

Character Analysis: Finalized Superman

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Background

Superman’s backstory has varied “slightly” over the years, but generally has the same basic outline regardless of era or time period.


Superman’s birth name is Kal-el and he hails from the planet Krypton. During Kal-el’s infancy, the planet Krypton was hurtling towards imminent implosion due to an unstable core. Kal-el’s father Jor-el tried to get Krypton’s elite to take action to save the planet, but was ultimately ignored. As a result Jor-el and his wife Lara sent Kal away from Krypton before its destruction in an experimental space pod. This pod later landed on the planet Earth, where Kal was discovered and adopted by an Earth couple named John and Martha Kent. Kal was renamed Clark Kent by this Earth family.


Due to Clark’s kryptonian biology he could absorb solar radiation from Earth’s sun, giving him enhanced strength, speed, agility and powers far beyond that of mortal men. Clark eventually decided to use these powers to become a superhero by the name of Superman(or sometimes  Superboy in continuities where he first becomes a hero in his teenage years).


In some continuities Clark’s Earth parents die before he reaches adulthood and in others they’re recurring characters well into his 30s. Regardless, Clark typically travels the world, then takes up an identity as a journalist for the major news corporation called the Daily Planet.


 He eventually falls in love with a news reporter named Lois Lane and they get married after years of “will they won't they” shenanigans. Currently Clark and Lois have one biological son named John Kent, as well as two adopted Kryptonian children rescued from Warworld.


There are 5 “main incarnations” of Superman. The Golden age Superman who was the focus of stories from the 1930s-1950s. The Silver age Superman who was the focus of stories between the 1950s-1980s. The Post-Crisis Superman who was the main Superman between the 1980s-2010s. New 52 Superman who was the main Superman between 2010-2015. Then the Rebirth Superman who’s the current Superman from 2015 till now. 


For the sake of simplicity this character sheet is largely going to split and combine these versions of Superman into two groups. “Pre-Crisis Superman” and “Modern Superman”.


Canonically, Post-Crisis Superman and N52 Superman merged their timelines together, and now exist as the singular Rebirth Superman who's the focus of most modern stories. This is the Superman most people expect to be given the most focus in a fight, so I’m going to focus on that version most extensively.


Alternatively, Silver age Superman and Golden age Superman both have similar powers/stats and existed concurrently in the same era. Their era is also the era of Superman most notable for having wackier hijinks, so it makes sense to keep it labeled in its own sections.


Note: It’s worth noting that technically Silver age Superman and Post-Crises Superman are also the same person, just with their history and memories altered by the events of COIE. Additionally, following the events of Dark Knights Metal, much of DC’s Pre-Crises history was reinstated as soft-cannon into a single timeline, so in all honesty the dividing line between all these versions of Superman is very fuzzy right now. 


Note: Calc doc has more info on how versions of Superman relate to each other


Superman’s personality

Superman thinks of himself as a human first and a kryptonian second. He was raised on Earth, and it was his parents who made him into a good man. He has a hidden fear of annihilation due to his alien origin, and has a long history of internal warring over his heritage.


Arsenal

Superman Suit

Superman’s main suit is traditionally constructed by his mom using the remains of his baby spacecraft and blankets. Due to it being made of Kryptonian materials it's super tough.

https://readcomiconline.to/Comic/Superman-2011/Issue-38?id=16448#20 


Phantom Zone Projector

The Phantom Zone Projector is a device that can send opponents to the Phantom Zone. This zone is a timeless void where the victim does not age or get afflicted by hunger/disease.


Robot Doubles

Superman has robo doubles of himself. They can typically replicate all of his powers.


Pre-Crisis versions

The Pre-Crisis Superman also extensively utilized robotic doubles. These could replicate powers more common to that era of Superman, like time travel. His best robots were as strong as he was.


Pre-Crisis Specific Arsenal

Cape

Superman’s cape in Pre-crisis could stretch to city sized lengths. 


Sword of Superman

The Sword of Superman is an ancient weapon forged from primordial matter from the beginning of the universe.  It’s a magical blade that boosts Superman’s power and can act independently of his control. 


Misc Inventions

Pre-Crisis Superman often invented various machines and weapons entirely on his own.

Abilities

Kryptonian physiology

Superman has a variety of powers due to his Kryptonian origin. His cells absorb yellow solar energy and his musculoskeletal system was built to withstand the much higher gravity of Krypton. His molecules and atoms are also much more dense than most normal lifeforms. This gives him Super Strength, durability, reactions, etc while on Earth or other similar atmospheres.


Solar Energy Absorption


Gravity/dense molecular structure


Superman’s solar energy can take days to dissipate, even if Superman is in complete darkness. 


Blue Solar Radiation Absorption

Under the rays of a blue sun Superman’s powers are further enhanced. He can also temporarily grant his abilities to others.


Electrical Absorption

Superman can absorb electrical energy as a source of power.


Genesis Stone Absorption

Superman can also absorb energy from Genesis, a powerful mineral made from the crystallized remains of a god's blood. 


Cosmic Energy Absorption

Superman can absorb cosmic energy


Survivability

Superman’s body is 100 percent energy efficient. He does not need oxygen, food or sleep. He’s also long-lived, bordering on biologically immortal.


Regeneration

Superman’s body can repair itself almost instantly as long as it has exposure to enough sunlight. This includes cuts, broken bones, genetic mutations, loss of muscle mass and impalement.

https://readcomiconline.to/Comic/Superman-Emperor-Joker-2016/Full?id=67570#239 

https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Superman-Wonder-Woman/Issue-7?id=33035#7 https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Superman-Wonder-Woman/Issue-7?id=33035#11 


Anti-Bodies/Internal Organs

Superman’s internal organs and antibodies are enhanced, allowing them to fight off internal parasites or diseases. 


Sun-Dipping

In times of crisis Superman can move closer to the sun or even enter it to dramatically increase his power many times over.


Bioelectric Aura

Superman’s body creates a bioelectric aura that protects anything within 1 inch of his skin. This prevents his clothing from being damaged in battles.


Flight

Superman can defy gravity and fly. It’s implied that he may be bending space/time to do this. Superman can also seemingly extend his bioelectric aura out to prevent objects from breaking apart while he carries them while flying.


Super Intelligence

Superman has super intelligence. He has a photographic memory and is easily able to learn things in seconds or minutes that would take years for a normal human to accomplish.


Multilingualism

Superman knows various human languages.


Super Smell

Superman has a sense of super smell. He can even smell things on Earth from space.


Super Hearing

Superman has super hearing. He can hear things on Earth from deep space, and can hear higher ranges of frequencies like radio, wi-fi and hypersonic frequencies.  His hearing is precise enough that he can hear molecules bonding.


Sensing

Superman’s super hearing can be used to track opponents via their heartbeat and pulse. This works even if the enemy is invisible.


Super Vision

Superman can see almost all spectrums of light and sound.  His vision overall is also enhanced.


X-Ray Vision

Superman can see through all solid objects besides lead with x-ray vision.


Telescopic

Superman can see things far away using telescopic vision. The farthest he can see is to the edge of the universe.


Microscopic

Superman can hyperfocus his eyes to see small objects. He can see subatomic particles.


Life Energy/Aura

Superman can see the aura/soul of living things


Ultraviolet vision

Superman can ultraviolet spectrums


Infrared 

Superman can see the infrared spectrum, allowing him to track objects via heat.


Radio

Superman can see radio impulses.


4D

Superman can see and comprehend 4th dimensional structures. This power develops spontaneously as the situation requires.


Heat Vision

Superman can expel excess solar energy from his eyes in the form of a laser. 


Molecular Effects

Heat vision works on a molecular level, allowing it to agitate/obliterate molecules. It can also bypass intangibility. It can also affect his surroundings to nullify certain kinds of absorption or teleportation.


Precision

Superman’s heat vision is precise enough to lobotomize opponents, bounce off satellites and destroy microscopic viruses without damaging healthy tissue.


Temperature 

The temperature of Superman’s heat vision is immeasurable by current science and can match absolute Zero.


Widening

Superman can widen the arc of his heat vision. He’s once used it on the entire Earth at once.


Affecting space/time

Superman’s heat vision can seal tears in space/time.


Superflare

Superman can release solar radiation around his body in an omnidirectional explosive wave. Doing this depowers him for a max of 24 hours. Training has made its usage come with less severe power drain however.


Super Breath

Superman can inhale/super compress air in his lungs, then release it as a powerful gust.


Ice Breath

Superman can super cool his breath to freeze objects, opponents, or fire ice projectiles.


Super Shouting

Superman can create powerful shockwaves with his voice. He can also induce vertigo in an opponent via whistling.


Super Invulnerability

Due to the combination of solar radiation, molecular structure, and other factors, Superman is invulnerable to most forms of harm.


Elemental

Superman can survive high temperatures and electricity.


Sensory

Superman has resistance to having his sensory systems manipulated.


Accidic

Superman is immune to most forms of acid.


Toxins/Poisons 

Superman is immune to toxins, and toxic gas. He’s even immune to Joker venom.


Life/Energy Draining 

Superman has a resistance to life/energy draining abilities.


Power Nullification

Superman can resist having his powers nullified


Mental Manipulation

Superman has natural mental blocks and strong willpower that makes him resistant to most mental attacks. He also has additional mental blocks from Manhunter and the Mother Box.


Possession

Superman has resisted possession


Telekinetic

Superman has broken out of telekinesis and paralysis.


Death Inducement

Superman overcame the personification of his own death attempting to force him to die. He can also survive around N52 Doomsday, who kills anything near his vicinity automatically.


Molecular

Superman can survive attacks that affect objects on an atomic, molecular or subatomic level.


Transmutation

Superman has resisted transmutation and de-evolution rays. 


Soul-based

Superman can resist attacks directly on his soul. His soul being Kryptonian also makes resistance to forms of sealing useful for normal humans.


Temporal

Superman can break out of temporal suspension and overpower fields that manipulate time.

  • Superman frees himself from chronal suspension. 

https://readcomiconline.to/Comic/Superman-1939/Issue-663?id=89343#10 


Existence Erasure

Superman can survive multiple kinds of existence erasure


Electricity Generation

Superman can generate electricity by rubbing his hands together at high speeds. This electricity can even repair tears in reality.


Kryptonian Martial arts

Superman knows two Kryptonian martial arts. Toquasm Rao and Vo. Rao focuses on physical movements and attacks. Vo focuses on mental techniques and control https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Adventures-of-Superman-1987/Issue-581?id=29648#2 


Roa

Energy purification

Rao can be used to purify the user's body and spirit.


Astral projection

Rao can also be used to astral project a users soul


Vo


Energy Sensing

Vo can be used to sense energy


Theta State

The theta state is a sense of heightened consciousness where the user can fight without producing conventional brainwaves. It can also allow the user to fight an opponent on a psychic plane.


Illusions/Mental Control

With Vo/theta Superman can fight an opponent on a mental level, as well as distract them with illusions.


Vibration Abilities

Superman can vibrate the molecules of his body to produce various effects.


Intangibility

Superman can vibrate his molecules to phase through objects.


Invisibility

Superman can vibrate his body to render himself invisible.


Infinite Mass Punch

Superman can vibrate his body at near light speed to increase his weight exponentially. This allows him to land attacks with increased force.


Anti-Magic Scream

Superman can produce a scream that matches and counters the vibrations of the quantum strings that make up an opponent. Allowing him to wipe them from existence.


Willpower

Superman has supernatural willpower. This allows him to increase the power of green lanterns in his vicinity, and even potentially overtake control of their rings. Superman’s willpower is also so great it affects space/time and can alter predetermined events.


Counteracting Magic

Superman’s will has sometimes counteracted the effects of magic spells.


White Sun Enhancements

After exposure to a white sun, Superman permanently gained new powers. 


Pseudo-Teleport

Superman can teleport/warp through space.


Enhanced Bio-Electric Aura

Superman’s bioelectric aura can now be used to form constructs or generate energy fields that disrupt technology.


Time Travel

Kryptonians have recently regained the ability to fly fast enough to break the time barrier. They can also track time travelers by scanning for sub atomic particles called tachyons.


Pre-Crisis Centric Interpretations

Pre-Crises Superman likewise made extensive use of time travel. They were able to travel to the past or future, alternate dimensions and even higher dimensions like the 5th dimension. This was done either though moving so fast they broke the time barrier or by vibrating to alternate universe frequencies.



Pre-Crisis specific abilities

Super Hypnosis

Superman has several hypnotism techniques. Most commonly he can hypnotize people via eye contact. Less commonly he can move various household objects in unique ways to induce a trance. Once hypnotized Superman can either force the target to follow his commands or alter their memories. 


Super-Ventriloquism

Superman can also “throw” his voice with ventriloquist techniques.


Super Muscular Control

Superman has super control over his muscles, allowing him to mold his body into various other humanoid shapes.


Pre-Crisis Specific Invulnerability


Pre-crisis Chronal Immunities

Feats

Strength


Golden Age


Silver Age


Post-Crisis


N52/Rebirth/Infinite Frontier


Speed


Golden Age


Silver Age


Post-Crisis

  • Superman catches up to the reality-blitzing missiles 

https://readcomiconline.to/Comic/Final-Crisis-Superman-Beyond/Issue-2?id=74549#25 


N52/Rebirth/Infinite Frontier

https://i.imgur.com/dNtDAWu.jpg

It’s stated Superman’s reflexes match his speed https://i.imgur.com/oAZbTVk.jpg #Speed

Batman theorizes Superman’s movement operates on a planck timescale https://i.imgur.com/oAZbTVk.jpg 


Endurance

Golden Age


Silver Age


Post-Crisis

Scaling

Martial Arts Training


Pre-Crisis

Experience

General recurring villains: Lex Luthor, Metallo, Parasite, Livewire, Brainiac, Toyman, Eradicator, Cyborg Superman, Vandal Savage, Mongul, Darksied, Doomsday, Ultraman, Manchester Black, Atomic Skull, Lobo


General recurring Hero vs Hero fights: Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Shazam


General recurring teams: Justice League, Justice Society, All-Star Squadron, Legion of Superheroes


Golden age


Silver age


Post-crises


N52/Rebirth/Infinite Frontier Superman

Weaknesses 

Kryptonite

Superman is weakened by Kryptoite, irradiated pieces of his home planet. Prolonged exposure can kill him. Standard Kryptonite is green.


Other varieties

Kryptonite also comes in various other colors, with varying effects.


Contingencies/Resistance

Superman has fought with significant kryptonite based damage. Including sword wounds, having his blood turned into kryptonite, etc. He’s also occasionally worn radiation proof suits.


Red Solar Radiation

Superman gradually loses his power when under the influence of a red sun(or orange/green).


Contingencies/Resistances

It does take time for Superman to lose his powers even under a red sun. He’s had enough yellow solar power reserves to move a planet while under red sun influence and in one case even survive flying through a red sun while fighting.


Magic 

Superman is “vulnerable to magic”. It bypasses his bioelectric aura allowing it to deal more damage to him, and his own blows tend to be less effective against entities protected by magical bolstering.


Resistances/Contingencies

Superman can resist some spells depending on the type of magic used and can even break some spells via his willpower. Likewise he’s not “weak” to magic the same way he’s weak to kryptonite. He can survive massive attacks bolstered by magical energy, given they were not enhanced to have specific attributes to bypass his durability.

 
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