Calvin Ellis, the Earth-23 version of Superman, was introduced by Grant Morrison during 2008's Final Crisis event. Not only was he their version of the Man of Steel he was also President of the United States.
Since his first appearance, he has shown up in the New 52 version of Action Comics, Morrison's Multiversity maxi-series, and, most recently, in the pages of Infinite Frontier. His growing popularity has provided the impetus to have Calvin premiere as the next live-action movie Superman. However, is President Ellis better than the Superman everyone knows -- Clark Kent?
10 Calvin Is President Of The United States
This is the biggest difference between Calvin and Clark, and it should not be discounted. Despite the opportunities Clark has had on Earth-0, he has never run for government office. It's only taken place in Elseworlds stories. In other locations, like the Injustice universe, Clark has simply taken over the world.
Calvin Ellis decided to take on this responsibility. It's something more daunting than battling Lex Luthor. Destroying his diabolical creations is one thing. Ensuring 350 million people are fed and sheltered is another. It's a level of power Clark isn't ready or willing to handle.
9 He's A Comprehensive Leader
Comic book readers tend to compare Clark's leadership abilities with those of Marvel's Captain America. However, they aren't the same. Most of Earth-616's heroes, and some of its villains, revere Cap. Those in the world of DC Comics tend to criticize his seemingly limitless power.
Yes, Calvin Ellis has his share of critics. After all, he's President of the United States. Still, he retains the respect of Steve Rogers. Furthermore, he can handle the leadership of more than one team. In addition to being the point person for Earth-23's Justice League, he's also the main person for the Multiverse team known as Justice Incarnate.
8 Calvin Is A Citizen Of The Multiverse
Calvin was somewhat familiar with the Multiverse in Final Crisis and his initial New 52 debut. However, it wasn't until his spotlight in Multiversity that he became a true citizen. In a short period he journeyed to Earths he didn't realize existed and met dozens of new heroes. He was the one who gathered these superpowered beings together to prevent the Multiverse from collapsing.
Now, Calvin has taken on the role of exploring the Omniverse, created after the events of Dark Nights: Death Metal. His intuition is to resolve some of its mysteries. On the other hand, Clark is willing to let other heroes deal with this new experience while he handles issues closer to home.
7 He Has The Ability To Multitask
Before he decided to let the world know he was Clark Kent, Superman had a hard time multitasking. This was certainly the case when he unexpectedly ended up on a mission through space. Though his Superman Robots were available to tackle the tough situations, he lacked a Clark Kent Robot to make his deadlines at the Daily Planet.
Calvin doesn't seem to have this issue. Sure, he might be out of the Oval Office for a time. Yet, he relies on digital and human replacements to help out. Plus, Calvin seems to have a better idea of time management when dealing with threats. For example, he can battle Luthor and be back in time for a senior staff meeting.
6 Calvin Is More Technologically Oriented
Clark really isn't a scientist. Though he has a general sense of things thanks to various visions -- telescopic, microscopic, and x-ray, for instance -- he's not at the technological levels of Ted Kord or the Fantastic Four's Reed Richards. His inherent skills are based on the art of investigation.
The Kalel of Earth-23 was born and raised on Krypton in the science capital of Vathlo Island. To that point, his versions of Jorel and Lara were probably more technologically oriented, and that filtered down to Calvin. It's the reason why he can figure out complicated machinery. On top of that, he has the help of that universe's Brainiac to add further information.
5 He's Not Tied Down Romantically
Over the last eight decades Superman has been around he has had a major problem. It's not kryptonite. Rather, it has been his infatuation with Lois Lane. It has caused him to stop in mid-battle to save her from one precarious event or another. In Superman: The Movie, Clark turned back time to save Lois. Several deadly villains have escaped due to his gallantry.
This isn't the case with Calvin. He doesn't have any romantic interests to stop him. Well, at least none that have been revealed. Instead, he battles villains on Earth and beyond with a different focus.
4 Calvin Stands Up For Himself
Due to their different upbringings on Earth, Calvin and Clark walked different sides of justice when growing up. Clark was raised in the rural area of Smallville. Though he was told to defend himself against bullies, John and Martha Kent told him not to reveal his powers.
Calvin was raised by a poor but loving couple in the city, so how he grew up was different. It's why his adopted parents told Calvin to always stand up for himself and what mattered. In turn, he decided to go into politics to do the same for others.
3 He Interferes In International Situations
Clark is more than willing to destroy ships and armies that invade Earth from other planets. He's not as secure doing this against forces on his own planet. He definitely helps where needed but won't dismantle entire foreign governments.
Calvin doesn't have such qualms. He'll destroy a corrupt government's infrastructure without regard from even his Justice League compatriots. Then, once they're at the point they need to start from scratch, Calvin invites their leaders to join the rest of the world. It's a perverse form of diplomacy.
2 Calvin Is More Sure Of Who He Is
Clark hasn't been sure of himself since the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths. He's doubted his powers, his responsibilities, and his place on Earth. He relinquished his American citizenship and did a walkabout across the U.S. to become whole once again.
This isn't the case with Calvin. Frankly, he can't be unsure of himself. If so, then his presidency would be a failure. He needs to be sure of his decisions and his own responsibilities. It's the only way to maintain control and not fall apart playing the roles of a world leader and rescuer.
1 He Hasn't Died
Technically, this isn't fair to Clark. He (temporarily) died battling Doomsday so others, including his friends, could live. Failure could've meant utter destruction for Metropolis and the world.
Nevertheless, it seems Calvin Ellis would have found another way to defeat Doomsday. With his technical know-how, he might have detected the villain's travel through space and stopped it before reaching Earth. After defeating Doomsday while in space, Calvin could have returned to the White House in time for a State Dinner.