6 Most Terrifying Versions of Superman from Comics: Brutal, USSR Superhero, God

Images that frighten more than villains.

While audiences debate the glossy, most polished version of Superman from James Gunn's new film, let's take a step back and remember that sometimes beneath the hero's cape lies not just valor, but darkness.

DC Comics has plenty of Superman variations where he doesn't save humanity — he punishes it. Here are six (plus one bonus) of the darkest, most brutal, and morally complex versions of the Man of Steel.

Brutaal from "Earth 2 (Vol. 1) #14"

A Superman duplicate created by Darkseid, completely stripped of morality. This is Apokolips' warlord, with Omega Force instead of conscience. He destroys cities, eliminates heroes — Brutaal represents what Superman would be if he'd been raised in hell.

A superhero in a red and black costume with glowing red eyes — Brutaal

I'm particularly drawn to Brutaal. This isn't just "evil Superman" — it's a genuine nightmare wearing a hero's face.

"Red Son" from "Superman: Red Son"

What if baby Superman's rocket had crashed in the USSR? Here he's the embodiment of Soviet ideology, controlling citizens' minds.

Superman comic book covers where the superhero stands on a pedestal shaped like a hammer and sickle — Red Son

The author of this superhero version, Mark Millar, told "Supermanthroughtheages":

Red Son is based on a thought that came to me when I was reading Superman #300 at the age of six. It was a story where Superman's rocket landed in neutral waters between the USA and USSR, and both sides were scrambling to get the child. Since I was a child growing up in the shadow of the Cold War, the thought of what would happen if the Soviets got to the child first literally captured my mind.

Mark Millar

Epic, ominous, and incredibly atmospheric. This Superman battles dissident Batman and works with Wonder Woman, who falls head over heels for him.

All-Star Superman from "All-Star Superman"

After being irradiated by solar radiation, Superman becomes nearly godlike, but also doomed to die.

A superhero in a blue and red costume flies toward the sun — All-Star Superman

This is a philosophical, tragic version of the hero that explores the boundaries of humanity and immortality. He forgives enemies, writes a "will" to the world, and departs — as a legend.

Superman from "Injustice: Gods Among Us"

After Lois Lane and their child die, Superman completely loses his mind. He kills the Joker, takes over the world, and builds a totalitarian empire with the Justice League as his iron fist.

A superhero in a blue-red costume sits on a stone throne with a malevolent expression on his face — Superman from "Injustice"

One of the most terrifying versions of the hero — a ruthless dictator with a "peace at any cost" ideology.

Superboy-Prime from "DC Comics Presents #87"

On the outside — a teenager in a hero's costume. Inside — a manipulative psychopath with godlike powers.

A superhero in a blue-red costume with a glowing red eye stands against a yellow background — Superboy-Prime

He kills heroes, breaks reality, and considers himself the only "true" Superman. One of the most dangerous villains in all of DC.

Superman Prime from "DC One Million"

This Superman spent 15,000 years in the Sun's core and became a being almost beyond space and time.

A superhero in a golden costume with flames on the shoulders — Superman Prime

He creates new worlds, changes reality, and watches over the Universe like a god. According to Marvel-dc.fandom, this version of Clark Kent studied various skills across the universe for over 50,000 years.

Bonus: Evil Superman from "Superman III" (1983)

The first cinematic transformation of Superman into a villain.

Actor Christopher Reeve in the blue and red Superman costume glares menacingly to the side — Evil Superman

Due to synthetic kryptonite, the hero splits into an aggressive "bad guy" and good-natured Clark Kent.

Superman here drinks whiskey, causes trouble, and acts like a morally corrupted god. Sure, it's a bit naive and cartoonish, but at the time — genuinely frightening. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com took a detailed look at the new version of Superman from James Gunn's film. How did the superhero turn out in the latest version?