Ranking 10 Darkest Versions of Superman in DC Comics

There have been several alternate versions of Superman that have explored darker, more sinister aspects of the Man of Steel. These versions of Superman have often pushed the boundaries of what fans expect from the character, presenting a more complex and nuanced portrayal of the hero. In this article, we will delving into those evil versions of superman and ranking 10 darkest versions of Superman in DC Comics. We will be exploring their origins, motivations, and impact on the Superman story.

10. Red Son Superman

In the alternate reality of Red Son, Superman is raised by Soviet parents after his rocket lands in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas. Unlike the traditional Superman who upholds American values such as freedom, democracy, and justice, Red Son Superman is raised with Soviet values, including socialism, collectivism, and obedience to the state.

As he grows up, he becomes a symbol of the Soviet Union’s might and power, using his powers to help advance communism throughout the world. However, as he gains more power, he also becomes more corrupt and tyrannical, willing to use force and violence to maintain his authority.

9. Ultraman

Ultraman is the dark and twisted version of Superman from Earth-3, a parallel world where villains are the heroes and heroes are the villains. As a member of the Crime Syndicate of America, Ultraman uses his powers to terrorize and control the people of his world, serving as a ruthless and sadistic ruler.

Like Superman, Ultraman possesses incredible strength, speed, and invulnerability, but he uses his powers for selfish and destructive purposes. He is willing to kill and destroy anyone who stands in his way, and he has no qualms about using his powers to manipulate and dominate others.

8. The Superman (Harvey Dent, Tangent Comics)

The Tangent Comics universe is an alternate version of the DC Universe that features alternate versions of familiar characters. In this reality, Harvey Dent, the villain Two-Face from the Batman Comics, is exposed to an alien energy that grants him superpowers and transforms him into The Superman.

Unlike the traditional Superman, who upholds a strict moral code and uses his powers to protect the innocent, The Superman of the Tangent Comics universe is a violent and ruthless vigilante. He sees the world in black and white terms, and he is willing to kill anyone he deems to be a threat to justice, including both criminals and law enforcement officials.

7. Eradicator Superman

The Eradicator is an advanced Kryptonian device that was created to protect the planet and its people from harm. However, it was later reprogrammed to eradicate all other cultures except Krypton’s. It first appeared in “Action Comics Annual” #2 (1989). When Krypton was destroyed, the Eradicator survived and was sent to Earth, where it remained dormant for many years.

Thousands of years later, the Eradicator was given to Superman while on Warworld and began its work again on Earth. It created the Fortress of Solitude and attempted to manipulate Superman into becoming the ideal Kryptonian. When it failed, the Eradicator created a new body for itself based on Superman.

In this version of Superman, the Eradicator’s programming has taken over his personality, causing him to become ruthless and willing to use deadly force to achieve his goals. He sees himself as a protector of Kryptonian heritage and is willing to sacrifice anything, including innocent lives, to preserve it.

6. Ubermensch

In the Elseworlds tale “JSA: The Liberty Files,” the Justice Society of America are secret government operatives during World War II. The Bat (Batman), the Clock (Hourman), and the Owl (Doctor Mid-Nite) investigate a secret German weapon called Ubermensch, which Hitler’s forces plan to use to lead a German attack in Egypt.

In reality, Ubermensch is revealed to be the Martian Manhunter, an alien with enhanced speed, strength, and the power of flight, making him a fitting Superman. He also possesses telekinetic powers and the ability to absorb the thoughts of those he touches. Hitler only allows contact with him, infecting Ubermensch with his own twisted worldview, leading him to almost allow Hitler to conquer the world. However, the Bat touches Ubermensch, giving him a new perspective and leading him to turn against the Nazi cause.

5. Overman

Overman is the alternate universe version of Superman from Earth-10, a reality where the Nazis won World War II and established a fascist regime. In this dark and twisted world, Overman is a loyal follower of the Nazi party and is willing to commit atrocities in their name.

Overman’s willingness to use extreme measures to enforce Nazi ideology, including torture and murder, makes him a disturbingly evil version of the character. He has been known to work with other Nazi villains, including the Reichsmarksmen and the SS, to further their agenda of world domination.

4. Black Zero

In the storyline Superman: Last Son, Black Zero is a Kryptonian criminal who was banished to the Phantom Zone for his crimes. However, he is accidentally released from the Zone and arrives on Earth.

Black Zero uses Project Cadmus to kill off most of his world’s superheroes and recreates them as clones of the originals. However, his ambitions extend beyond his own world, and he travels through Hypertime, a cross between the timestream and the multiverse, to fight for clone rights in other realities.

3. Dark Side Superman

In the alternate universe of Earth-2, Superman is raised by Darkseid and becomes a loyal servant of the evil ruler. This version of Superman possesses all of Darkseid’s powers, including his Omega Beams, and is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his power.

Dark Side Superman is a fearsome and formidable villain who is not bound by any moral code or sense of justice. He is completely loyal to Darkseid and carries out his master’s wishes without question. Dark Side Superman is a powerful and complex character who embodies the worst aspects of both Superman and Darkseid.

2. Cyborg Superman

Hank Henshaw, also known as the Cyborg Superman, was a former astronaut who was exposed to cosmic radiation during a mission gone awry. He and his crew were believed to have died, but Henshaw’s consciousness was able to survive by transferring itself into various machines, eventually leading to his transformation into the Cyborg Superman.

In the “Death of Superman” storyline, Henshaw saw the destruction caused by the fight between Superman and Doomsday and decided to use Superman’s corpse to create a cyborg version of the hero. However, the process was not entirely successful, and Cyborg Superman’s appearance and powers were somewhat altered from Superman’s.

As Cyborg Superman, Henshaw sought revenge on those he believed responsible for Superman’s death, including the Justice League and the government agency Project Cadmus. He also became involved in a plot to destroy Coast City, the home of Green Lantern Hal Jordan.

1. Superdoom

The “Superman: Doomed” storyline was a crossover event that took place across several Superman titles in 2014. In the story, Superman is infected with a virus called the Doomsday virus, which gradually transforms him into a powerful and destructive creature known as Superdoom.

In the end, Superman is ultimately cured of the Doomsday virus, but not before Superdoom causes massive destruction and loss of life. The storyline was notable for its dark and intense depiction of Superman as a villainous and destructive force, challenging readers’ perceptions of the iconic hero.

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