Summary
Supermanis the most powerful hero in theDC Universe. He has unparalleled strength, lightning-fast speed, and a slew of abilities capable of destroying anything in his path. These alien attributes make him a god among men. Fans know that from watching the movies and TV shows, but these creative works simply scratch the surface.
The Man of Steel accomplishes countless other impressive feats in the comics.These acts are often awe-inspiring in scale. If he wanted, Superman could easily hold the planet in the palm of his hand. What’s more impressive is that he has the judgment not to act on such dark impulses. Power corrupts, but this DC hero refutes that notion with a wholesome grin while performing feats of unbelievable strength.
5Moved Planets
Overcoming Gravity Just Takes A Bit Of Muscle
Everyone knows Superman is strong, but that’s an still understatement. A number of storylines have seen the Herculean hero showcase that strength to insane degrees. InSuperman #220, he moved the Earth out of a projectile’s path. InOur Worlds at War, he lifted the much-larger Warworld and tossed it back to the beginning of time. InSuperboy #140, he chained several planets together and dragged them to a new galaxy. The sight was as spectacular as it was comical.
The building blocks of the universe are little more than Lego figures for Supes. In these instances, he dealt with not just the weight of the planets themselves, but the gravitational pull binding them in place. That pull can withstand forces greater than anything imaginable. However, Superman rendered them null and void with pure elbow grease. With such muscular might, he could rearrange the cosmos as he sees fit.
It’s even more unbelievable given the planets came out unscathed. The process would forever alter the natural processes making up their climates and the life forms therein. Through sheer foresight (or contrived writing), Superman manages to move them while avoiding those catastrophic consequences.Next to that, even the biggest bodybuilder would feel small.
4Transcended Time & Space
Superman Flies So Fast That He Breaks Reality
Another staple of Superman is that he’s “faster than a speeding bullet,” but that’s, once again, an understatement. InDC Comics Presents #29, the Man of Steel was searching for Supergirl. His quest took him through the far reaches of space. He flew at such a high speed that he broke the “bonds of infinity.” The action was so significant that the primordial powers that be - the Spectre and the Presence - showed up to stop him. That intervention should tell readers all they need to know.
Actual deities had to warn Superman away from certain acts.Such a warning is an ominous reminder of his potential. The extent of his gifts is truly limitless, and exercising those gifts could tear the very fabric of the universe. Next to that, using the same tactic to turn back time in the 1978 film doesn’t seem so absurd.
3Fixed The Sun
Solar Power Gives Supes His Strength, So He Returns The Favor
The Man of Steel derives his power from Earth’s yellow sun.All-Star Supermansaw him fly too close to said sun and absorb a surplus of solar power, which amplified his physical and mental capabilities, letting him accomplish feats previously thought impossible. Many of those feats could easily go on this list. Ironically, though, the most impressive one stems from a major downside.
The excess rays were too much for Superman’s cells, so he only had a year before he became pure energy. As tragic as that thought was, it soon turned out to be a boon. Lex Luthor had recruited an interstellar being named Solaris, who corrupted the sun. Superman then flew up and used his newfound energy to repair the damaged star.
The deed was of biblical proportions. On one hand, it’s the ultimate sacrifice, showing the hero’s dedication to saving the world. On the other, it’s the type of abstract, mythical feat reserved for the gods. Even these acts are within Superman’s grasp, at least when he’s supercharged.
2Came Back To Life
Even Death Can’t Keep This Hero Down
Among the biggest events in comics wasThe Death of Superman. The tale began with a brutal battle against a mindless monster named Doomsday, andThe Man of Steel gave his life to stop the beast. The scenario was unthinkable, but not as much as what happened next.
Superman eventually returned from the dead. Apparently, his body only went into a dormant state. The Eradicator - a robot reprogrammed by Superman’s own machines - stole his body and took it to the Fortress of Solitude. It then went into a rejuvenation matrix, which restored the hero to working order (with a snazzy black outfit).
Fans already knew that Superman doesn’t operate by normal biology. However, resurrection takes that idea to a whole new level. It opens the door to all kinds of questions regarding his mortality (or lack thereof). Unfortunately, it also undermines any suspense in his future fights. One wonders if anything can truly kill him.
1Talked People Down From Suicide
Superman Also Saves Lives By Giving Hope To The Hopeless
This act didn’t have the spectacle of Superman’s other deeds, butit’s no less important. In several comics, the Man of Steel has encountered people prepared to take their own lives. The most famous example was inAll-Star Superman. These sad souls' usual methods involved jumping off a building or shooting themselves. With his great speed, Superman could easily catch or incapacitate them, but that wouldn’t solve the problem.
Instead, he talked them down. One of his defining attributes is hope. It’s inspiring to watch him act on that outlook, but it’s even more so when he imparts it onto others. The hero makes people believe the best of themselves, even at their lowest points. That’s his greatest power, and it helps him save lives in more ways than one.
