Calvin Ellis, the Superman of Earth-23, is widely recognized as the most prominent African American incarnation of Superman within the DC Multiverse.
Calvin Ellis: The Superman of Earth-23
Calvin Ellis made his debut in Final Crisis #7, a pivotal comic book event crafted by acclaimed writer Grant Morrison and artist Doug Mahnke. This version of Superman quickly became the most well-known among all Black Superman incarnations due to his significant role and unique characteristics.
Key Aspects of Calvin Ellis
Calvin Ellis is not just a superhero; he holds a powerful dual identity:
- Superman of Earth-23: Like the classic Superman, he possesses extraordinary abilities, including flight, super strength, heat vision, and invulnerability, using them to protect his world.
- President of the United States: Uniquely, Calvin Ellis also serves as the President of the United States on his home reality, Earth-23, blending his superheroics with political leadership. This dual role adds a distinctive layer to his character, making him a symbol of both power and responsibility.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Calvin Ellis |
| Alias | Superman (of Earth-23) |
| First Appearance | Final Crisis #7 |
| Creators | Grant Morrison (writer) & Doug Mahnke (artist) |
| Significance | Most well-known African American incarnation of Superman; his story notably features a convergence of Supermen from across the Multiverse standing together against the cosmic threat of Darkseid, highlighting his importance in the broader DC narrative. |
| Unique Role | Serves as both the superhero Superman and the President of the United States on Earth-23. |
His introduction was part of a grand narrative where various Supermen from different realities converged in a monumental stand against the formidable cosmic villain, Darkseid. This event cemented Calvin Ellis's place as a significant figure in the vast tapestry of the DC Multiverse.
While the DC Multiverse features other Black Kryptonians or Super-powered individuals who have taken on a Superman-like mantle (such as Val-Zod of Earth-2), Calvin Ellis is the definitive answer to "the African American Superman" due to his prominence and the cultural impact of his character.
