How many evil Superman are there- and why? Have we become so obsessed with showing the caped crusader in a negative light. Let us discuss here.
-Robin Bhuyan
For over a decade, pop culture has been obsessed with one twisted idea: What if Superman turned evil? We’ve seen it again and again—heroes with Superman’s powers becoming tyrants, killers, or monsters. Somewhere along the way, the symbol of hope became a symbol of fear.
We didn’t just stop getting good Supermen—we started getting terrifying ones. From Injustice Superman and Brightburn, to Homelander, Omni-Man, and KTJL Superman, the list keeps growing. Even Snyder’s Superman, though not evil, was steeped in gloom and doubt—setting the stage for this darker trend.
That’s why James Gunn’s 2025 Superman feels like a cure. It brings back the idea that power can be kind, and strength doesn’t need to be cruel.
So let’s break it down:
How many evil Superman are there—and how did we get here?
List of Evil Superman in the last 10-12 years:
Snyder’s Superman: The Beginning of the Shift
Snyder’s Superman wasn’t evil, but he certainly wasn’t the kind and hopeful hero we remember. Instead of inspiration, he was distant, brooding, and feared. His battles caused widespread destruction, and in Justice League, he briefly turned rogue. This morally grey take opened the door for more radical reimagining. While not a villain himself, Snyder’s Superman helped normalize the idea of Superman as a potential threat—setting the stage for true evil to follow.
Injustice Superman: The Tyrant of Grief
Injustice Superman is the face of corrupted heroism. After the Joker tricks him into killing Lois Lane and the entire city of Metropolis, he snaps—executing the Joker and beginning to rule Earth with an iron fist. This Superman believes he’s saving the world from criminals through fear. Though the game features a classic Superman from another universe who saves the day, that version has long been forgotten. It’s Injustice Superman who left a lasting mark and became a prototype for future evil Superman-like characters.
Brightburn: Superman as a Horror Film
What if Superman landed on Earth—but was evil from the start? That’s the premise of Brightburn, a 2019 horror reimagining. Here, the child from Krypton turns into a violent sociopath, hurting or even killing anyone who challenges him. There’s no moral struggle or internal conflict—just raw, alien menace. Brightburn strips away the human side of Superman entirely and delivers the most terrifying version yet. It’s Superman in form, but a monster in spirit.
So how many evil Superman are there? Continue reading to find out.
Homelander: Propaganda Meets Psychopathy
Homelander from The Boys is arguably the most popular evil Superman-like character today. He’s not just a threat—he’s a walking satire of American patriotism and corporate-controlled heroism. Behind the charming smile lies a manipulative narcissist with mommy issues and godlike powers. Homelander isn’t just evil—he’s terrifying because he knows how to fake goodness. And unlike other villains, he has the media and a huge number of “patriots” on his side.
Still wondering how many evil Superman are there? Continue reading.
Omni-Man: Father, Fighter, Conqueror
Omni-Man from Invincible offers a more emotionally complex evil Superman. He starts as a loving father but is revealed to be an agent of a galactic empire bent on conquest. His cold logic clashes with human emotion, and his brutal betrayal leaves a lasting impact on audiences. Omni-Man embodies the danger of Superman without humanity. Like Homelander, he helped cement the trend of powerful men pretending to be saviors—until the mask slips.
KTJL Superman: A Low Point for Gaming
In Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Superman is a mind-controlled killer who slaughters civilians since he is under control of Brainiac. Although here he is shown to be brainwashed and mind-controlled, rather than “evil”, we can consider him the most disrespectful portrayal of The Man of Steel. There’s no nuance, no redemption arc—just pure violence. What’s worse is how he is easily defeated by four common villains far weaker than him. For fans hoping for a hopeful Superman by the end of the game, this was the final slap. Unlike Snyder’s Superman or Injustice Superman, KTJL Superman doesn’t even have a tragic motive. He’s just a tool of chaos—and gamers hated it. Majority of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Reviews are negative to mixed. Many feel that it ruined the legacy of the Arkham Franchise.
Why the 2025 Superman film feels fresh
Whether you are a diehard DC fan or not, anyone would be tired of seeing Superman again and again in a negative shade. Anyone would ask the question – Just how many evil Superman are there? Therefore, after over a decade of darkness, James Gunn’s Superman (2025) arrives like a breath of fresh air—a bold return to the character’s core values. This isn’t another superhuman with a god complex. It’s not satire, horror, or moral ambiguity. It’s Superman as he was always meant to be: kind, compassionate, and truly heroic.
In a world oversaturated with super powered tyrants, Gunn’s Supherman feels like a reset button—a reminder of the hero who always taught us that immense power doesn’t have to corrupt. That strength can coexist with empathy. That hope still matters.
