He may be one of the most beloved heroes in the DC Universe, but that doesn’t mean that Superman isn’t a stranger to controversy. In his time as the premier superhero of Earth, the Man of Steel has made a few choices that have had even his biggest defenders scratching their heads.
Every hero who has been around as long as Clark has is bound to have a few unbelievable moments in their history. And the following ten events are some of the most notable times that Superman went too far for even his most ardent defenders.
10 Becoming a Brutal Vigilante
Superman may be Clark Kent’s secret identity, but it’s not the only one he’s ever had. During John Byrne’s time with the character, Superman went through some traumatic experiences, such as killing his nemesis, General Zod, as well as an intense fight with Brainiac. The stress of his battles began putting Clark in a fugue state which resulted in him adopting the guise of Gangbuster. Unlike his other heroic persona, Gangbuster rarely pulled his punches and showed no qualms ing brutal, street-level tactics. Fortunately, Clark snapped out of it, but it was a scary time seeing Clark so ruthless.
9 Ditching Lois Lane For Wonder Woman
A lot of changes came with the New 52, and one of the most shocking to fans of the Big Blue Boy Scout was him getting romantically involved with Wonder Woman. With Superman’s marriage no longer being canon, Clark developed a relationship with his Justice League cohort, officially making two of DC’s biggest powerhouses an item. While they dated for a sizable part of the post-Flashpoint continuity, the two’s relationship was eventually retconned with the arrival of the Rebirth era. But for some fans, it’s still shocking to see Superman smooching anyone other than Lois Lane.
8 Treating Jimmy Olsen Poorly
They may be close allies, but Jimmy Olsen has found out that being Superman’s pal isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. During the Silver Age, Olsen was often portrayed as someone who ignored his buddy’s advice and went his own way. However, Superman would always be there ready to ‘teach’ Jimmy a lesson for not following Clark’s word. In Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #41, Clark gave Jimmy a hallucination that made Olsen believe he had grown four additional arms after not following Superman’s advice. Despite his affinity for Jimmy, Superman was never shy about messing with him during the Silver Age.
7 Almost Making an Adult Movie with Big Barda
In one uncomfortable adventure, a villain nearly forced Superman and Big Barda to make a porno movie together. In Action Comics #593 a villain named Sleez has taken control of the minds of both heroes and loans them to an adult movie director to make one of the most infamous dirty pictures of all time. However, Superman fights back against Sleez’s control, giving Mister Miracle just enough time to come in and help the two get control of their bodies back. Granted, Superman had no autonomy over his actions, but it’s still a sight to see him roped into the adult film world.
6 Splitting into Two Selves
Superman may only be one person, but he briefly became two during his ‘Superman Blue’ era. After absorbing a massive amount of electrical energy, Clark began needing to wear a containment suit to stabilize his new powers. However, Cyborg Superman and Toyman led the hero into a trap that resulted in the hero splitting into two: Superman Blue, the calm, rational one and Superman Red, the boisterous, violent one. The split had a dramatic effect on his life, even causing problems with Lois once it was clear the two didn’t want to reunite. But thankfully the two halves merged to reform the Superman fans know and love.
5 Nearly Killing Mongul
No one is above their anger getting to them, even Superman. In the lauded story “For the Man Who Has Everything” in Superman Annual #11, Superman is ensnared in a false reality thanks to Mongul and his Black Mercy. The sinister plant shows Clark a vision of a life he could have lived had Krypton not been destroyed. But upon being ripped from the dream, Clark is furious and unleashes everything he can on the alien warlord. Thankfully, Robin helps trap Mongul in the Black Mercy, because if he didn’t, Clark may very well have seriously maimed his nemesis.
4 Sending Supergirl to an Orphanage
Fans may like to think of Clark as a family man, but Superman’s original idea for helping Supergirl acclimate to Earth may cast doubts on that. When Kara Zor-El originally arrived on Earth in Action Comics #252, Superman was thrilled at the prospect of having a living flesh and blood relative. However, he thought it best to keep Kara at arm’s length to protect both of their identities. Instead of taking her in or leaving her with the Kents, Superman had Supergirl live in the Midvale Orphanage. It may have kept both their secrets, but it puts Clark in a pretty bad light.
3 Giving Up His Citizenship
Superman may have fought for “Truth, justice, and the American way” for years, but even the Man of Steel itted that that was becoming an untimely notion. In Action Comics #900, the hero meets with a military official over Clark’s recent actions in a protest in the Middle East. Despite Clark only showing up to show solidarity, the hero is accused of acting on the authority of the U.S. President. Superman recognizes the gravity of situation and mentions he’s officially renouncing his U.S. citizenship. While it makes sense for Superman to do so, seeing him make such a drastic change was a shock for longtime fans.
2 Fighting the Elite
It’s a known fact that Superman is holding back power that could easily fell any foe. But readers got to see just how cruel Clark could potentially be when he faced off against the Elite and its leader, Manchester Black. After being challenged by the up-and-coming heroes, Superman and the Elite fight on Jupiter’s moon where the Kryptonian lays into the team seemingly killing its before giving the psychic Manchester Black a lobotomy. Of course, it’s all just a trick to prove that Superman doesn’t like going over that line. But the exhibition shows just how terrifying Superman could be if he tried.
1 Allowing Jon to Leave with Jor-El
When by the New Gods.
No one ever said that Clark Kent was perfect. As these ten moments show, even someone like Superman is bound to have a few controversial events in their history.
