The superpowered Kryptonian known as Superman is one of DC Comics' most integral characters and, arguably, the most well-known superhero in popular culture. Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The leader of the Justice League, also known as Clark Kent, made his comic book debut in Action Comics #1, published in 1938.
The Man of Steel's adventures have been adapted for various media outlets and he remains one of the most iconic characters in comic book history. Superman isn't the sole star of his universe, however. The Last Son of Krypton is supported by a roster of dynamic characters who have also become iconic figures in the modern mainstream.
10 Lois Lane
Lois Lane is Superman's most well-known love interest and has featured in countless incarnations of the Man of Steel's adventures. Lois is a spirited reporter who works alongside Clark Kent at the Daily Planet. She made her first comic book appearance in 1938's Action Comics #1.
Lois was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and was partly inspired by model Joanne Carter and journalist Nellie Bly. She was portrayed as a savvy reporter who stood toe to toe with Superman throughout the Golden Age of Comics and remains one of the most iconic female characters in comic books.
9 Perry White
Perry White is another iconic Superman character who works at the Daily Planet. He was introduced in 1940's Superman #7 and is well-known for his position as editor-in-chief at Clark Kent's place of work.
Perry is a stark difference to Peter Parker's ill-tempered employer and editor at the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson. Superman's boss is more calm and fair, maintaining a reputable position as a journalist with integrity.
8 Jimmy Olsen
Jimmy Olsen also works at the Daily Planet in the Superman comics. His character is a photojournalist who shares a supportive relationship with his boss and colleagues. Jimmy looks up to Clark, Lois, and Perry and is close friends with the Man of Steel.
Jimmy first appeared in the comic books in Superman No.13, published in 1941. His character has been adapted several times for various media adaptations, including 2016's Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. His character was portrayed by actor Michael Cassidy.
7 Martha Kent
Martha Kent is the adopted mother of Superman, who raised the infant Kryptonian with her husband, Johnathan, in the sleepy town of Smallville. Martha is one of the most important people in Clark's life and one of the integral figures in the journey of Superman.
Martha made her first appearance in the comics in 1939's Superman #1. Her and Johnathan adopted a young Kal-El after discovering the rocket that brought him to earth. Clark derives his human title from Martha's maiden name.
6 Johnathan Kent
Johnathan Kent is Superman's adopted father. He made his first appearance alongside his wife, Martha, in Superman #1. Johnathan is an important parental figure in Clark's life. Whereas Jor-El represents his Kryptonian heritage, Johnathan is Clark's link to his humanity.
Johnathan and Martha encourage compassionate morals and ethics within Clark and support him when he begins to display superpowers. They are integral in the story of Superman as they urged him to use his powers to help people.
5 Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is one of Superman's primary antagonists and many fans regard his character as the Man of Steel's archnemesis. Lex was initially introduced in Action Comics No.23, published in 1940. His character was established by Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
Lex was initially depicted as a crazed scientist before his character evolved into the wealthy and ruthless businessman he is most well-known for. Superman's arch-rival has also been adapted several times in film and television, including Michael Rosenbaum's incarnation in The WB's Smallville.
4 Lana Lang
Lana Lang is another Superman character who featured in Smallville, where she was portrayed by Kristen Kreuk. She is another well-known love interest of Superman's and is regarded as the first love of Clark Kent.
Lana first appeared in Superboy #10, published in 1950. She was Clark's romantic partner during his teenage years. In various comic book continuities, Lana maintains a distant friendship with her childhood crush.
3 Jor-El
Jor-El is the biological father of Superman, who sent his son to earth during the destruction of their home planet, Krypton. Jor-El first appeared in a newspaper strip alongside his son in 1939. He was a staple figure in the early Superman comics that depicted the origin story of the Man of Steel.
Jor-El was a leading scientist who foresaw the destruction of Krypton. Unable to convince his peers of the impending danger, he sealed his son, Kal-El, in a rocket and sent him to earth as the sole survivor of his home planet. Jor-El and his wife Lara, Superman's biological mother, perished in the explosion.
2 Supergirl
Several characters have donned the Supergirl mantle throughout the history of DC Comics. However, the character's most famous incarnation is her depiction as Kara Zor-El, Superman's biological cousin. Kara also escapes the explosion of Krypton and arrives on earth to fight crime alongside the Man of Steel.
Supergirl made her first comic book appearance in 1959's Action Comics #252. Her character was killed during 1985's Crisis On Infinite Earths due to an editorial issue. Various characters donned the Supergirl cape until Kara's return in 2004's Superman/Batman #8.
1 Krypto The Superdog
Krypto is the canine companion of the Man of Steel. Superman's dog was initially introduced in the comics in Adventure Comics #210, published in 1955. The superpowered pooch was created by Otto Binder and Curt Swan and has featured in several incarnations with the Last Son of Krypton.
Krypto was introduced as the pet dog of Kal-El, who Jor-El sent to earth first as a test subject. Krypto's rocket strayed from its course but eventually landed on earth, where he was reunited with a teenaged Clark Kent. Krypto's character has also been adapted for the small screen and starred in a children's animated show titled Krypto The Superdog.