Superman, nicknamed The Man of Steel, is a fictional character and superhero who first appeared in Action Comics #1 in June of 1938 and eventually became one of the most popular and well-known comic book icons of all time.

The character Superman, who was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for National Comics (today DC Comics), subsequently appeared in various radio serials, television programs, and films. Superman was born Kal-El on the planet Krypton. He was sent to Earth in a rocket by his scientist father Jor-El moments before Krypton exploded, landing on Earth outside the town of Smallville, where he was discovered and adopted by the amiable Jonathan and Martha Kent. As he grew, he discovered that he possessed superhuman powers. When not fighting the forces of evil as Superman, he lives disguised as Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered reporter" for the Daily Planet. Clark Kent's usual love interest is fellow reporter Lois Lane. In current comics continuity, Clark Kent and Lois Lane are married.