Can You Spot The Difference?
Superman defined the hero template in 1938, and let's face it—some characters that have come along since then have been really "inspired" by his homework so to speak. With their powers and abilities practically Xeroxed and costumes that scream, "I'm totally not copying," here are 20 heroes that could easily be labeled Superman Light. Who knows, they could be one of your favorites.
Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma on Wikimedia
1. Captain Marvel/Shazam
DC's lawsuit against Captain Marvel (later Shazam) in the '40s wasn't a "friendly rivalry". This hero was so Superman that it might as well have come with a disclaimer. They have similar powers, similar taste in attire, and plotlines that could have been scripted by Superman's intern.
Captain Marvel's True Power by JDLX
2. Hyperion
Marvel just threw all subtlety out the window with Hyperion. A dead world survivor with super strength, heat vision, and frost breath. It sounds familiar, right? Just add some philosophical angst and boom—there's your cosmic Superman knockoff. Nice try, Marvel.
HYPERION IS TIRED OF HOLDING BACK AND SHOWS HIS TRUE STRENGTH! by Animation Recapped
3. Gladiator
Kallark's power set is basically Superman's with a fancier name. After giving him flying, strength, and heat vision, Marvel said, "Let's take the Last Son of Krypton, throw in a bit of space opera, and voilà—superhero identity crisis complete". Let's not miss "Kallark" and “Klark Kent”.
MARVEL X-MEN '97 GLADIATOR FULL FIGHT SCENE by Marvel-Maven
4. The Sentry
Marvel's Sentry wanted to be Superman and the Hulk but with a much darker, sadder backstory. He's the hero with the power of a billion exploding suns, but unfortunately, his sanity doesn't come with the same level of protection.
SUPERMAN vs. SENTRY - Full Animation by Foltest Animations
5. Apollo
The Authority is what you'd get if Superman had an identity crisis and joined a much edgier team. He has solar-powered abilities, he can fly, and he has super strength, too. What makes him different, though? He's darker. So basically, he's Superman with an attitude.
Authority Comic Comparison & Review by Organicpricedbooks
6. Supreme
Image Comics took a bold approach with Supreme. They have the same powers, the same costume, and the same Clark Kent vibe. Even Alan Moore couldn't resist pointing out the obvious copying by making it the plot twist. It’s like they’re saying, "If you can’t beat Superman, just embrace it".
7. Blue Marvel
Yes, Blue Marvel is a hero who looks a lot like Superman, but he brings some much-needed flavor to the game. With the energy manipulation, at least Marvel added a bit of flair with Blue Marvel. Still, the powers are basically the same.
8. Homelander
Homelander is like Superman's evil twin, but with more evil and less truth, justice, and a darker interpretation of the American way. He's got the powers and even the same patriotic look. Just toss in a twisted corporate sponsorship, and you've got a Superman wannabe who will make your skin crawl.
9. Mon-El
Mon-El might as well be Superman’s backup plan. Identical powers, identical cape, and a storyline that feels eerily familiar—this DC hero has even got the whole “alien from another planet” gig. The only difference is that he spends a little more time in a coma.
10. Marvel Boy
Marvel Boy was trying to avoid Superman comparisons until he literally got the same powers. His abilities, strength, flight, and energy blasts are pretty obvious once again. So, how many more similarties do you need before we just call him Superman's cousin?
MARVEL BOY Action Figure Review | Marvel Legends | Jacobs Toys | Marvel Comics by Jacobs Toys
11. The Plutonian
If Superman went rogue, this is who you'd get. The Plutonian has the same powers but with a seriously twisted personality. With a massive ego and no one to keep him in check, he’s definitely not a hero you'd want to face on a bad day.
Unofficial Lego The Plutonian DC Supervillain Custom Minifigure by POGO PG1833 BY EZED Combat
12. Omni-Man
Omni-Man is like the dad of every Superman copycat. He has an alien heritage, too. But he also has a mustache. Let's just take Superman's backstory and make it more violent. This is what the creators of Omni-Man thought. Definitely "Superman with a twist".
Omni-Man Destroys the Flaxan Planet | Invincible | Prime Video by Prime Video
13. Sentinel
Sentinel is another superhero who's got Superman's powers without the Kryptonian backstory. Super strength, flight, energy projection. This time, Marvel just took Superman's playbook and filled in the gaps with some new tech and fancy armor.
14. The Ray
His cosmic powers come from pure light instead of Krypton. So, Ray has the same powers but a different source and a glowing aura, which makes things somewhat interesting. To make his suit a bit different, they've mixed gold in there to match his light-based powers.
FREEDOM FIGHTERS: THE RAY Comic-Con Trailer SEASON 1 (2017) DC Superhero Series by Series Trailer MP
15. Captain Atom
He’s Superman with a backstory full of nuclear chaos instead of an alien planet. Captain Atom is wrapped up in a government experiment gone wrong. When you strip all that away, you’re left with a guy who can do almost everything Superman can—but with a radioactive suit and glowing vibe.
Captain Atom (DCAU) Powers and Fight Scenes - Justice League Unlimited by Rafael Ridolph
16. Justice
Justice is a hero who might look like the idealized version of Superman with all the same strength and powers. But he's also that guy who thinks he's more righteous than anyone else. Think of him as Superman but with a lot more showmanship and a bit of a superiority complex.
Marvel Legends NEW WARRIORS JUSTICE Avengers The Void BAF Wave Comic Figure Review by MCUcollector24
17. Sun God
Marvel's Sun God is similar to Superman in terms of powers and looks but with a solar-powered twist. Instead of Krypton, his abilities come from the sun. So, you have the same hero package here with a little more sunburned and cosmic stance.
Marvel Legends Style Sun-Man Custom - Rulers of the Sun - Masterverse Review by Collector Express
18. Power Girl
Power Girl has the same powers, but hey, she's got her spin on the whole Kryptonian thing—literally and figuratively. Think of her as Superman's cooler, sassier sister who's stronger, faster, and doesn't mind wearing that costume. But hey, we'll let that slide.
19. Majestic
Jim Lee created Majestic for WildStorm, the same company behind the Authority. Majestic is strong, he can fly, and he has heat vision. The only difference is he's an intergalactic warrior who is a little more aggressive in his battles.
20. Wonder Man
Simon Williams is also among Superman's cosmic cousins. Sure, he's got a different origin story and a slightly more tragic backstory (because it's Marvel, of course), but deep down, Wonder Man is just a Man of Steel wannabe with a bit of extra flair.
Wonder Man action scenes from the cartoons Compilation(1999-2012) by Awesome Random Vidz (TORCHD)
