Truth be told Superman’s old-school heroism does clash somewhere with today’s ironic and morally gray superhero landscape, which the audiences very much prefer. Characters like Homelander and Omni-Man both being Superman rip-offs challenge traditional hero ideals with their complex and sometimes sinister personas.
However, there is one more who might just be the superior of them all. Marvel’s Hyperion steps into this discussion as a modern twist on the classic hero archetype. Here is why he is a better copy of Superman than Homelander and Omni-Man.
Who is Hyperion?
Marvel’s answer to Superman, Hyperion, debuted as part of the Squadron Sinister, a team resembling an “evil Justice League,” created to playfully jab at DC heroes. Originally conceived in 1969 as a villainous mirror of Superman.
Initially resembling more of an evil parody than a fully realized character, Hyperion’s early iterations drew inspiration from DC’s Ultraman as well as from Superman.
However, Marvel’s approach to these characters evolved over the decades. They began to explore more nuanced and heroic storylines, especially through series like Squadron Supreme, where Hyperion and his teammates were reimagined with deeper motivations and ethical dilemmas. This evolution allowed Hyperion to transcend his initial role as a mere sales booster, transforming into a complex figure within Marvel’s comic book universe.
Why Marvel’s Hyperion Outshines Homelander and Omni-Man as a Superman Rip-Off
What makes Hyperion a standout homage to the Man of Steel? To answer this question one has to start from the beginning. His story begins much like Superman’s, an extraterrestrial gifted with immense strength, flight, and heat vision. Just to give a rough idea of the power he holds, there’s even a version of Hyperion who once single-handedly held two universes apart.
Moreover, while Omni-Man and Homelander are undoubtedly complex characters in their own right, Hyperion’s story stands out distinctly. Despite killing Hulk, Firestar, Magik, and the Exiles team, Hyperion, like Superman, consistently also showed strong virtue and dedication to safeguarding humanity. This starkly distinguishes him from the morally ambiguous personas of Homelander and Omni-Man, who frequently navigate the blurred lines between heroism and villainy.
Additionally, Hyperion within Marvel’s universe is actually considered a bit of a hero. His stories delve deeply into themes of duty and the greater good, echoing the profound narrative depth associated with the Last Son of Krypton. In essence, Hyperion isn’t just a powerhouse, he’s a nuanced symbol of traditional heroism with his own twist and is easily the best!
