Superman is DC's greatest icon and one of the most popular and important fictional characters of the last hundred years. He's served as the ultimate role model for the DC Multiverse, inspiring everyone he's come across with his sheer goodness. While it isn't always easy being Superman, he never stops being the greatest hero because that's just who he is.
Over the years, many heroes have made their play for Superman's top spot, but none of them have succeeded. That doesn't mean it's impossible, though, as there are plenty of DC heroes who could supplant him as DC's top guy, and it would make perfect sense.
10 Batman Is Already Most Of The Way There
There are few heroes who are more iconic than Superman, but Batman is close. If one looks at DC's publishing schedule any given month, they'll see that Batman has way more books coming out than Superman because Batman sells. In fact, the name DC comes from Detective Comics, a book Batman popularized.
Batman faces down some of the most dangerous villains in Gotham and while he doesn't have Superman's amazing powers, fans love the character. Batman and Superman have always been co-leads in the DC Universe, so Batman taking Superman's place wouldn't be unforeseeable. It's basically already begun.
9 Wonder Woman Stands For All Of The Same Things Superman Does
Batman is too dark and dour and isn't really anyone for people to look up to. Wonder Woman is the exact opposite of that. Much like Superman, she's a paragon of virtue and truth and has the power and skill to step into Superman's top spot with ease.
Wonder Woman is one of the most important Justice League members and while she has a lot in common with Superman, she's also willing to go to lengths he isn't. This helps her fit in a world where more heroes are expected to be both virtuous but also always ready to end threats in the most efficient manner.
8 Jon Kent Is Already On His Way To Replacing His Father As Superman
Superman is an icon and his visuals—the S shield, the costume, the flowing red cape—are all ingrained in the public psyche. It's almost impossible to imagine a world without Superman. That doesn't mean it is impossible to imagine a world without Clark Kent. Superman can be more than Clark and that's where Jon Kent comes in.
The son of Lois and Clark, Jon has already begun calling himself Superman and was shown in the Future State comics taking his father's place in the Justice League. Superman is something that never goes away, so shifting Jon into the mantle makes a lot of sense, as he's basically perfect for the role.
7 Black Adam Is Poised To Take The World By Storm
Black Adam has long flirted with heroism, beginning his ascent to the spotlight as a member of the JSA. He's been a big deal in the DC Universe even when he went back to being a villain as leader of the nation of Kahndaq. He's been put back on the road to heroism, joining the Justice League, and has the power to take Superman's place.
Black Adam has a hidden weapon and that's Dwayne Johnson. The beloved actor is portraying the character, which will garner Adam millions of new fans who want to see him everywhere. His redemption story in comics, combined with Johnson's star power, put him in a great place to take over for Superman.
6 Alan Scott Has Long Been The Justice Society's Superman
Superman has been around for a long time and it would help for anyone that is going to replace him to have a similar amount of history behind him. While there are many members of the JSA that have a lot of history, none of them have the power of Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern. Scott has long been the heroic exemplar of the JSA and the members of the team have considered him their Superman for a long time.
Alan Scott has everything he needs to replace Superman: a heroic legacy, great costume and iconography, and amazing power. While he doesn't have the name recognition, that shouldn't stop DC from pushing him.
5 Cyborg Could Easily Be The Main Man
Cyborg's New 52 push stalled because DC did not know what to do with the character at all. They put him on the big stage of the Justice League and then just made him the tech and transportation guy, ignoring so much of what fans loved about him during his time as a Teen Titan. Cyborg has a massive media cache outside of comics and is very well known; there's no reason for him not to be DC's biggest star.
Cyborg's story of overcoming his disabilities to become a hero is inspiring to many. He's a powerful hero, with his New 52 upgrades being the only good thing that came out of that time for him. Cyborg could easily be positioned as a new multimedia icon to take over for Superman.
4 Wally West Is The Ultimate Blue Collar Superhero
DC has been trying to push Barry Allen and while it's had some success, they've basically made him into Wally West. Wally West is the ultimate Flash to a lot of fans and that's because he's relatable. Fans have watched him grow up over the years, graduating into the Flash and becoming a greater and greater hero. He's been through some tribulations since his return but he's finally back on the right track.
Wally has always been a funny, earnest hero who loves his family and does his best to do the right thing. Wally has the power to take over for Superman, an iconic look, and a great attitude that makes him an amazing hero that readers can relate to.
3 Mister Terrific Is The Ultimate Self-Made Man
While his name is a relic of the Golden Age, there's nothing archaic about Mister Terrific. Michael Holt is one of the smartest people on the planet, a gold medal Olympic decathlete, and a self-made man. He might not have Superman's powers but he has two of the ultimate powers: brains and billions of dollars. Even Batman respects Mister Terrific.
Mister Terrific could easily be positioned as a replacement for Superman. He's a great hero and leader, one who can inspire because he's human; anyone can be Mister Terrific if they work hard enough and devote themselves to good. His T logo is on par with the S shield and he's ready for his close-up.
2 Nightwing Is Better Than Batman
Nightwing has been around almost as long as Superman and has grown immensely over the years, becoming a linchpin of the DC Universe. The first Robin, Dick Grayson, is Batman's greatest success. He's stepped out of his mentor's shadow, becoming his own man and making a legend for himself. He's even taken Batman's place and proved that he can work on the big stage as well as anyone.
Nightwing has the name recognition and the cultural cache, as many grew up with the adventures of Dick Grayson. He's also just super likable and entertaining, a wonderful character that has stood the test of time. Even Superman would be okay with Nightwing replacing him.
1 Calvin Ellis Is The Superior Superman
DC will never let the Superman iconography completely disappear so maybe the best thing to do is to put another Superman forward. That's where Calvin Ellis comes in. The Superman of Earth-23, creators Grant Morrison and Gene Ha patterned Ellis after Barack Obama. This Superman is not only the leader of his world's Justice League but also president of the United States.
Now also leader of Justice Incarnate, the Multiversal Justice League, Calvin Ellis is the perfect hero to take over Clark Kent's place as the face of the company. He has the power, the S, and is an inspiring hero that generations can look up to.