Within a very short time, Clark Kent and Superman had established themselves in the great city of Metropolis, the one as a prizewinning investigative journalist and bestselling author, the other as a protector of the innocent and enemy of criminals.

Clark Kent made many friends in his job as a reporter for the Daily Planet newspaper--gruff editor Perry White, cub reporter/photographer Jimmy Olsen, gossip columnist Catherine Grant, and even rival reporter Lois Lane, to name a few.

Superman, meanwhile, had made his share of friends as well. Captain Maggie Sawyer of the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit came to rely on Superman when some of the more horrific criminals, such as the violent Bloodsport, unleashed themselves upon the city. Inventor Emil Hamilton became a friend, although at first Hamilton's efforts proved more harm than help to the Man of Steel. Even local tough guy Bibbo Bibbowski took to calling Superman his "fav'rit."

Superman also regularly worked with many other members of the superhero community. Green Lantern, the Flash, Doctor Will Magnus and his Metal Men, Wonder Woman, J'Onn J'Onzz (the Martian Manhunter), even the mysterious Batman from Gotham City... all found themselves, from time to time, crossing paths (and, occasionally, swords) with the Last Son of Krypton.

But, for as many friends as Superman had, he had an equally astonishing number of enemies. First among these was Lex Luthor. He was soon followed by villains such as Metallo, Darkseid, Brainiac, the Fearsome Five, Intergang, and many others.

(For a comprehensive listing of Superman's allies, click here.)

(To learn more about Superman's enemies, click here.)

Superman's early career exposed him to a wide range of enemies: foreign, domestic, and even intergalactic. He battled such earthbound villains as Bloodsport, dealt with youth crime and violence in Metropolis, travelled to the far corners of the galaxy with Hawkman and Green Lantern, and even visited Apokolips, home of the deadly despot Darkseid. Superman became directly involved with the military dictator of Qurac, and dealt with the 5th-dimensional imp, Mr. Mxyzptlk. And of course, like an ever present shadow, was the menace of Lex Luthor, who consistently tried to make life difficult for the Man of Steel.

Then came an adventure which changed the course of Superman's life forever. To find out what it was, click here.