superman

Superman is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, he first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938 and is widely regarded as the archetypal superhero and a defining figure of popular culture.

Origin and identity: Born Kal-El on the planet Krypton, he is sent to Earth as a baby by his parents Jor-El and Lara. He lands in Smallville, Kansas, where he is raised as Clark Kent by Jonathan and Martha Kent and later adopts the superhero persona Superman, working as a reporter for the Daily Planet in Metropolis.

Powers and vulnerabilities: Under Earth's yellow sun, Superman gains abilities such as superhuman strength, speed, invulnerability, flight, heat vision, X-ray vision, super hearing, and freeze breath. His powers are typically countered by kryptonite or by red solar radiation, which drains his abilities; magic can also affect him in some continuities.

Role and impact: A central member of the Justice League, Superman has appeared in numerous comics, animated series, radio serials, and live-action films. He has become a cultural icon and a symbol of hope and resilience, with portrayals by actors such as Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill, and adaptations across television and other media.

Legacy and continuities: Over decades, Superman has undergone multiple reinterpretations and reboots, spanning the Golden and Silver Ages to modern DC continuity. Notable storylines include Crisis on Infinite Earths and The Death of Superman, which have shaped the character’s development in subsequent years.