Perhaps the most iconic superhero ever created, this character defines the genre. Debuting in 1938, he is Kal-El, the last survivor of the doomed planet Krypton, who was raised on Earth as Clark Kent. By day, he’s a mild-mannered reporter, but as Superman, he fights for truth and justice.
The character has been portrayed countless times, becoming a cultural touchstone. While many actors have donned the famous cape, Christopher Reeve’s portrayal is often considered the classic standard, with Henry Cavill recently bringing a modern intensity to the role.
