The 7 Greatest Versions of Superman

Superman has been one of our most recognizable pop culture figures for over 80 years, and he’s showing absolutely no sign of slowing down (okay, maybe there was one giant, glaring sign). But that doesn’t make make this any less of a good time to reflect on some of the greatest iterations of the beloved Man of Steel. Here are the eight greatest versions of Superman.

Christopher Reeve

Still considered the quintessential Superman, Christopher Reeve’s soothing take on Superman was both definitive for the character and for cinema.

The Fleischer Brothers

The Fleischer Brothers’ warm rotoscoped version of the hero was simple, but gave us great and far reaching adventures. It remains one of the best versions of the character.

George Reeves

George Reeves played a warm and fatherly Superman who charmed and entertained audiences throughout the 1950s on TV’s Adventures of Superman.

Superman: The Animated Series

In a sense, the Bruce Timm-designed Superman of Superman: The Animated Series is the definitive animated version of Superman. This character also went on to star in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.

All-Star Superman

Grant Morrison’s version of Superman as a kind figure of warmth in an often weird world became one of the most iconic portrayal of the superhero when “All Star Superman” came out with its first issue in 2004.

Calvin Ellis

Calvin Ellis is an African American Superman based on Barack Obama who played a role in Grant Morrison’s “Final Crisis”. He’s one of Grant Morrison’s greatest creations, and since his debut, has been popping up in many universe-hopping stories in the DC Universe.

Siegel and Shuster’s Superman

The first Superman, as portrayed by his creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, set the pace for not just Superman, but all superheroes. An absolute classic.

Which versions of Superman do you like best? Let me know on Twitter at @AlexFirer!