Defenders And Destroyers Of Hope
When you're Earth's greatest protector, the stakes of friendship and rivalry reach cosmic levels. Superman's legacy isn't just forged by his triumphs but also by the powerful figures standing beside him or in his way. Some have lifted him, while others have nearly broken him. As you read on, we show you 10 characters whose loyalty stands out and 10 who pose threats that make them unforgettable. Let's start with his allies.
Krypto The Superdog | Krypto & Streaky Save The Day! | @dckids by DC Kids
1. Lois Lane
Lois knows Superman’s true identity and has kept it secret, proving her deep trustworthiness. She has risked her life numerous times to expose corruption and injustice in Metropolis. Once, she temporarily acquired Kryptonian powers and fought crime as "Superwoman."
Superman: The Movie - Lois Lane Interviews Superman | Super Scenes | DC by DC
2. Jimmy Olsen
Besides being Superman's best friend in the human world, Jimmy has been a consistent ally since the Golden Age. Using wit, courage, and quick thinking, he has saved Superman’s life on several occasions. He often uses his signal watch to summon Superman in emergencies.
Jimmy Olsen in Superman by Chief Scheider
3. Supergirl
Superman’s biological cousin, Kara Zor-El, is one of the few remaining Kryptonians. Fighting alongside Superman in many key battles, sometimes, she even surpassed him in power. Her spaceship was delayed in transit, and that’s why she’s physically younger despite being older chronologically.
4. Krypto The Superdog
Krypto shares all of Superman’s powers and often assists in battles with supervillains. Despite his canine appearance, he’s capable of complex thought. He has flown solo missions and saved Superman from deadly situations. Krypto once led the “Legion of Super-Pets.”
BEST of Krypto The Superdog! | #KidsCartoons | @dckids by DC Kids
5. Steel (John Henry Irons)
After Superman’s death, Steel took up his mantle, building a mechanized suit to continue the fight for justice. A brilliant engineer, he designed his iconic hammer and armor to protect Metropolis. His niece Natasha Irons also became a hero, which extended his legacy.
Superman & Lois 1x12 "Steel vs. Superman" Fight Scene (HD) by TV Promos
6. Jor-El
Here is the Kryptonian scientist who saved his son Kal-El by sending him to Earth before Krypton’s destruction. His foresight ensured Superman’s survival and humanity’s greatest protector. In modern stories, his consciousness survives via a hologram or AI in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude.
Jor-El and Son | Man of Steel by Flashback FM
7. Booster Gold
Booster Gold has assisted Superman in multiple temporal crises and universe-altering events. Even though he is often seen as self-promoting, he has proven his loyalty through real sacrifice. Gold is from the 25th century and uses future tech to fight crime in the present.
Top 5 Booster Gold Moments | Justice League Action | @dckids by DC Kids
8. Mister Miracle
Raised on Apokolips and a master escapist, Mister Miracle earned Superman’s respect through their shared battles against Darkseid and his pursuit of freedom. He has teamed up with Superman to fight universal threats and tyrannical gods. His ability to escape any trap borders on the supernatural.
The great quotes of: Mister Miracle by Friendly96
9. Kelex
This is Superman’s loyal robotic assistant, who manages the Fortress of Solitude. Kelex was originally built on Krypton and reactivated on Earth to serve Kal-El. Despite being a machine, it displays dry humor and fierce loyalty. Some stories show it hijacked or corrupted.
Zor-EL Upgraded Kelex into Oscar || Supergirl S06E08 "Welcome Back, Kara" Scene by HeroVerse Network
10. Jonathan Kent
Jonathan Kent raised Clark with strong Midwestern values that shaped his moral compass. He consistently encouraged Clark to use his powers for good while staying grounded in humility. In several storylines, Jonathan died early, adding emotional depth to Superman’s origin.
Superboy (Jonathan Kent) Powers and Fight Scenes - Superman & Lois Season 3 and 4 by Rafael Ridolph
Having allies is just one side of the story. Superman also has his fair share of nemeses. Here are 10 of the greatest.
1. Mongul
Mongul has enslaved entire planets and ruled Warworld, a deadly gladiatorial arena where Superman was once forced to fight. Using brutal strength and cruel tactics, he overpowered Superman. Once, he used the Black Mercy parasite to trap Superman in a dream world where Krypton never exploded.
Superman Vs Mongul by HashiraMaki
2. Parasite
Upon contact, Parasite can absorb Superman’s powers, memories, and even appearance. With every life force he consumes, he becomes physically stronger, posing a recurring threat. His origin often stems from an accidental exposure to radioactive waste, and in some arcs, he’s shown remorse.
Justice League vs. the Parasite by Princess Darkseid
3. Ultraman
Superman’s twisted doppelgänger, Ultraman, is from a parallel universe where he leads the villainous Crime Syndicate. Unlike Superman, he is empowered by Kryptonite and weakened by sunlight. He personifies everything Superman opposes, like tyranny and selfishness, and he has conquered Earth-3.
SUPERMAN (2025) – TRAILER - David Corenswet - James Gunn by TeaserCon
4. Metallo
With a cyborg body powered by Kryptonite, Metallo is a direct physical threat to Superman. Originally a man named John Corben, he was rebuilt with advanced cybernetics after a near-death experience. His Kryptonite core emits lethal radiation that weakens Superman rapidly.
Supergirl - Metallo ( John Corben/ Frederick Schmidt) Scene by Film All Favorite Scenes
5. Toyman
Toyman uses weaponized toys and robotic creations to commit crimes and attack Superman. To him, Superman is the ultimate authority figure to rebel against. In some continuities, he’s portrayed as a childlike genius with a dark streak. He once created a deadly Superman-themed amusement park to trap him.
Toy Man's Surprise for Superman! | Superman: The Animated Series | @dckids by DC Kids
6. The Eradicator
Originally a Kryptonian AI designed to preserve Kryptonian culture, the Eradicator sought to overwrite Superman's human side. It clashed violently with Superman in an effort to restore Krypton’s legacy. The Eradicator once assumed a physical form and declared himself the “true” Kryptonian protector.
The Eradicator Powers and Fight Scenes - DCAMU by Rafael Ridolph
7. Silver Banshee
Silver Banshee can emit a sonic scream that can bypass Superman’s invulnerability. Her power is magical in nature, exploiting one of Superman’s key weaknesses. Rooted in Gaelic lore, her abilities stem from a cursed bloodline. At times, she allied with Superman when greater threats emerged.
Silver Banshee - All Scenes Powers | Supergirl by Explore Wh!te
8. Livewire
Livewire gained her powers from a freak accident. She debuted in Superman: The Animated Series before joining the comic canon, and she can manipulate electricity and disable Superman’s biological electrical fields. Her powers disrupt Superman’s nervous system, which makes her especially dangerous.
Livewire - Scenes | Superman: TAS by Lady TV Scenes
9. Doomsday
In 1992’s The Death of Superman storyline, Doomsday famously killed Superman. He is genetically engineered to resurrect and adapt after every defeat, so he is nearly unstoppable. Doomsday was created through a brutal process of forced evolution on Krypton, and he doesn’t feel pain or remorse.
Doomsday (Bizarro) Powers and Fight Scenes - Superman & Lois by Rafael Ridolph
10. Darkseid
Darkseid seeks to enslave all sentient beings using the Anti-Life Equation. Besides defeating Superman in combat, he has even enslaved him mentally in various timelines. His Omega Beams can disintegrate, teleport, or imprison targets with terrifying precision. Ruler of Apokolips, Darkseid commands legions of deadly warriors.
All Darkseid Scenes | Zack Snyder's Justice League by Pulse Movies
