When it comes to comic book superheroes, no one embodies the definition of one like Superman. Ever since his first appearance in 1938, the character has inspired and influenced many other characters. While the character is still very much recognizable despite being around for so long, he has evolved and changed with the times. Eventually becoming the character fans are familiar with today, which is similar but distinctive to how he was initially created.
As a result, newer fans and readers might not just how much the character has changed over the years. These are just some of the ways the man of steel has changed and some ways that the character has remained the same.
10 Changed: Powers
Superman has had a plethora of unique powers over the years. Some standard powers have stuck around for the longest time. The ones that have been there from the start are super-strength, speed, and incredible leaps. However, over time, he was eventually able to get distinct powers that he used to fight evil like heat vision and flight.
Despite this, there have been moments where Superman achieves superpowers that are borderline ridiculous. This includes the miniature Superman or shooting out rainbows from his hands. Although currently, the character has maintained an important main set of powers with few deviations.
9 Same: Powerful Character
Superman has always been designed as an incredibly powerful character. Although he might seem to be somewhat like a god, he can be beaten—but his real attributes lie in his heart and soul. That being said, his impactful superhuman abilities also results in plenty of fluctuation in Superman's strength. However, regardless of which era the character is a part of, Superman being shown to be consistently one of the most powerful only cements him as DC's finest.
8 Changed: Costume
Despite how recognizable the classic Superman costume is, it was inevitable that the suit would get a new spin every now and then. Some were drastic like his time as the Electric Superman. Other times they are more straightforward like a new armored design from the New 52. Nonetheless, these changes seem to be only temporary as it eventually goes back to the classic design. However, even as far as the Golden Age, the Superman design has been modified at least a few times.
7 Same: General Color Scheme
While the costume's design might have changed, there is one thing about Superman that has stood the test of time no matter how many modifications—the general color scheme of his costume. From the red cape, the blue spandex, and the shining Superman shield. All of these makes him one of the most recognizable characters in not just comic books but in the whole world of fiction. No matter what changes Superman goes through, he always keeps this color scheme.
6 Changed: Personality
One of the most fascinating changes in Superman is his personality. As a result of comic books constantly changing and evolving to meet with the demands of a growing fanbase throughout the decades, Superman himself has changed in terms of personality. At the beginning, he was a staunch defender against the corrupt, while uring the Silver Age he was defined by odd selfishness. Yet by the modern era, he has solidified himself as a caring and strong superhero who cares deeply about Earth and its citizens.
5 Same: Symbol Of Hope
Since the beginning, Superman has always been a symbol of hope for humanity. A being who is able to see the good in others as well as showing that everyone can improve to become better. A lot of this had to do with his heritage and how the S represented hope in later iterations.
Regardless of the situation, he has shown this element of hope whenever he saves someone's life and in the message he gives out to others.
4 Changed: Relationship With Earth
When it comes to his relationship with the Earth, it isn't the actual connection itself with the planet itself. But rather it is the character's choice of firmly considering Earth as his true home as he connects firmly with humanity in the form of his parents and loved ones. Yet, this is a relatively new element to the character. During the Silver Age, he would always talk about how great Krypton could possibly be and how this was where he wanted to be. But since the John Byrne run, that has since changed arguably for the better.
3 Same: His Yearning For Connection
Because Superman is a character that originally came from the planet Krypton, he has always felt a yearning and understanding for his heritage. Although he accepted Earth as his home, he always wished to understand what Krypton culture was like during his early days and understand more about his past. Especially since he was one of the last of his kind. However, there have been things that have been able to fill these voids like his cousin and the city of Kandor.
2 Changed: Having A Family
This is one of the biggest developments for the Superman character. Originally when he first came out in comics, he was always alone. With the only side characters being the people that Clark Kent has interacted with on a daily basis.
However, once the Silver Age started rolling around and moved into the late Golden Age, the Superman character started getting new characters joining his side. People like his cousin, his clone, and more recently his own son. His family has expanded significantly over the years so he is no longer a loner.
1 Same: Lois Lane
Lois Lane is the woman that Superman goes back home to. The dedicated
reporter has been with the Man Of Steel since the very beginning. Many of the things that define Superman as a hero also had some influence from her.
For decades now, the married couple has been through thick and thin over a variety of scenarios. But their love transcended all of them to the point of now having their own superhero family. Having it be anyone else would honestly make Superman not feel the same anymore.