The Man of Steel has been the apex of the DC Universe, his morals and beliefs defining who he is as a man and as a hero. Throughout DC Comics, various villains have pushed Superman to go farther than ever before. While villains like Lex Luthor, Doomsday, and Darkseid have remained fan favorites, there are others who don't get as much attention.
Some forgotten villains were massive foes who were defeated without hope for return or they seemingly only appeared here and there to remind fans of their existence. With that being said, there are a few enemies ready to return to battle Superman once more, presenting new dilemmas for the Last Son of Krypton to face.
10 Kryptonite Man Contains Dangerous Potential
Long time readers know that Superman's greatest weakness comes from kryptonite, the meteorite remains of Krypton. So it's no surprise that villains would use this weapon to level the playing field. Several of them would expose themselves fully to the rock's radiation, becoming a living poison against Superman. However, every incarnation of Kryptonite Man has since either died, disappeared, or hasn't returned.
For a foe literally made of the one substance that can take out the Man of Tomorrow, this would make for more interesting battles. Plus, with the discovery of other various types of kryptonite, fans would love to see how the Kryptonite Man could use them to his advantage, either by absorbing the rocks' effect inside him or having the power to transform one type of kryptonite into another.
9 Morgan Edge Is More Than A Businessman
Foes like Luthor and Professor Hamilton showed readers that not all monsters need to have superpowers or come from unknown places to be dangerous, relying on brains and cunning. Business mogul Morgan Edge was originally part of this lineup. At one point, his ruthlessness led him to control the crime organization Intergang. He would also finance his own team of villains chosen to hunt Superman.
While changed as part of New 52, Edge's suave and strategic mind shouldn't just leave him forgotten. Bringing Edge back can give fans a more realistic villain to challenge the Man of Steel. Since Edge's new origins have turned him into a media mogul, the villain new has additional weapons to make things worse for Clark and his friends.
8 Silver Banshee Is A Magical Monster
When it comes to magic, Superman has faced many rogues with ties to the dark arts. One tragic figure that has come across his way was the deadly Silver Banshee. Wanting revenge, her journey would have her go up against both the Man of Steel and Supergirl on many occasions. With her various sound based attacks, like her famous sonic shriek, Silver Banshee has held her own against the Kryptonians.
While she appeared in New 52, the more villainous Banshee is just screaming for a return to form. With more villains gaining sympathetic origins in recent years, Banshee's already complex background could make her shine. Plus, Banshee's powers already make her a powerhouse who won't go down without a fight.
7 Bloodsport Is Slowly Coming Back
During the 70s, when protests concerning the Vietnam War were high, DC created a polarizing villain to go up against Superman. Bloodsport, after losing his brother to the war, would be manipulated by Luthor to take down Superman. The military trained operative was retired after the decade ended, but this doesn't mean he can't return.
Thanks to his appearance in The Suicide Squad, fans have a renewed desire to know more about the soldier. With an updated history and a host of new weapons, Bloodsport could rise the ranks of being a real adversary against the Man of Steel. He could even lead his own group of bounty hunters to take Superman down.
6 Intergang Comprises More Than Simple Thugs
DC Comics is known for having various evil organizations throughout the globe. For Superman, he often deals with the nationwide crime syndicate known as the Intergang. Led by gangster Bruno Mannheim, the group has many agents and thugs working under their umbrella, from normal criminals to super powered assassins. Despite being labeled a global threat, Intergang doesn't appear as often as they should.
The Intergang shouldn't be called a dangerous player, yet not be taken seriously. With past incarnations having ties to Apokolips and several members becoming some of DC's biggest players, the Intergang should make their presence known not in just Metropolis, but across the cosmos.
5 Toyman Has To Stop Playing Around
Just because Superman goes up against the worst of the worst doesn't mean they all can look menacing. Case in point, inventor Winslow Schott is a professional criminal with a fixation on toys. The fiend has remained a thorn in Superman's side, but not on the same level as the likes of Luthor or Metallo. However, Schott isn't any less dangerous.
Winslow Schott's proficiency in robotics is second to none, his comical weapons boasting deadly consequences. With the likes of other gimmick styled villains like the Riddler growing more bold with their schemes, Toyman can emerge as more significant player. His past of assassination and mob connections would allow for more character depth and reveal why Toyman has lasted as long as he has.
4 Jax-Ur Needs To Challenge Superman's Limits
The Man of Tomorrow has battled enemies from throughout the galaxy, including Kryptonians. Jax-Ur was a former Kryptonian scientist with little remorse for life who was trapped in the Phantom Zone. Besides his own intellect, Ur also possessed the powers of Superman when exposed to the sun.
Jax-Ur's return could force the Last Son of Krypton to choose between his life as both human and alien. The villain's military training, combined with his acquired powers, can make this foe a viable threat, especially if Jax-Ur teamed up with the likes of Zod and Faora.
3 Ultra Humanite Is Both Cold And Calculating
The creation of Superman changed comics forever, introducing fans to the world of DC. The first superhuman foe to go up against Clark and lead the charge for other villains was the Ultra Humanite. The scientist's intellect was unparalleled, that was, until other popular rogues took his spot.
It's disappointing that DC tends to forget ne of the key figures who helped Superman become the man he is today. Besides his intelligence and telepathic powers, Ultra Humanite boasts the body of a massive albino gorilla, matching smarts with strength. The superhuman simian can still run circles around Superman, and he shouldn't be underestimated.
2 Manchester Black Opposes Superman Physically And Morally
Manchester Black is a vicious vigilante who possesses telepathic and telekinetic abilities. He used these to lead his own group of self-righteous anti-heroes who prefer using violence to stop crimes. This always pits him against Superman, whose morals force the two to come to blows.
While still appearing in the series, Manchester Black hasn't made the same impact as when he first debuted. It's a shame because both his ideology and his power set make him an interesting antagonist who opposes the iconic boy scout and his battle for truth and justice.
1 Imperiex Is A Forgotten Powerhouse
Introduced in the 00s, Imperiex is among DC's strongest menaces, a cosmic being with almost limitless power at his disposal. The embodiment of entropy, he possesses the powers of a literal Big Bang contained by his indestructible armor. Imperiex is so feared that even long time foes like Mongul tremble at this living force of nature.
Yet, Imperiex has barely appeared since before New 52, his legacy slowly being forgotten. A being who forced Superman to team up with his greatest adversaries shouldn't be sidelined. Not only would the powerful destroyer make for a space level threat, but a one that could lead to an event series, forcing various heroes and villains to join forces against him and his army.