Marvel Confirms It's Holding Back a Secret, Superman-Tier Hero For Future Release

Published Oct 25, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT Shaun Corley has been with ScreenRant for over 5 years, and is currently the Coordinator for PR and Outreach for the Comics Team. Warning: contains spoilers for Avengers: Armageddon #5! Marvel confirms it is holding back a Superman-level powerhouse for a future release. Over the years, Marvel has shined a light on a number of Superman analogs and pastiches, some of them good and some of them evil. Yet, in true Marvel fashion, these Supermen had some quirks about them, such as the Sentry’s struggles with his darker self. While the Sentry may be Marvel’s most prominent Superman pastiche, he is far from the first. Hyperion, the leader of the Squadron Supreme, is the first “Marvel Superman.” Everything about Hyperion’s backstory is a parallel with Superman’s, such as an alien origin and working as a reporter in their civilian life. Gladiator, of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, is another Superman-class hero, as is Blue Marvel. Other heroes in the Marvel Universe may have Superman-level strength, but are not direct equivalents. Currently, the Marvel Universe is in a state of upheaval. In the wake of One World Under Doom, General Thaddeus Ross, the Red Hulk, has launched an all-out assault against the enemies of America. Ross sees the Avengers, The Fantastic Four and others as threats to be eliminated. In the new Avengers Armageddon series, Ross’ schemes kick into full gear, and in the series’ climax, fans learn that an extremely powerful hero, who could go toe to toe with Superman, may be hiding in plain sight. Miracleman Has Returned To The Marvel Universe Avengers: Armageddon #5 was written by Chip Zdarsky and drawn by Delio Diaz, Frank Alpizar and Ario Anindito. In a previous issue, David Colton, who was once Captain America, was granted the powers of Miracleman thanks to a mysterious device hailing from somewhere in the multiverse. The newly supercharged Colton tries to get Wolverine to kill him, but the mutant refuses. Tony Stark and Reed Richards run an analysis of the box that gave Colton his powers, and conclude that another person, with similar abilities, is living on Earth. The issue ends on an ominous note. Intrigued by Colton’s powers, Tony conducts further analysis, fascinated at what might happen if the heroes continue down their current path. He sees a vision of a sword-wielding Mephisto holding Spider-Man’s corpse. Tony is shocked, but tells Reed he sees “the key to everything.” The issue leaves it vague what Tony meant by this statement. Miracleman was created by Mick Anglo as a replacement for Captain Marvel/Shazam when the character's British publisher lost the rights. Notice how similar in origin and concept Miracleman and Shazam are? Avengers: Armageddon introduces Miracleman to the Marvel Universe at long last. A staple of the British comics’ scene of the 1950s, Miracleman would go on to have quite the history. The character was revived by Alan Moore in the early 1980s, in a revisionist take that presaged later works by the writer, such as Watchmen. The character languished in legal limbo for decades, until Marvel bought the rights way back in the late 2000s. Marvel teased Miracleman’s return off and on since, but nothing materialized until Avengers: Armageddon and David Colton. If David Colton Is Miracleman, Where Is Mike Moran? Why Did Moran Not Show Himself In The Marvel Universe Earlier? By giving David Colton the powers of Miracleman, it might seem Marvel is relegating Mike Moran, the previous incarnation, to obscurity, but the tease at the end of Avengers: Armageddon #5 seems to imply that he will show up at some point. If Moran really does return, then it sets up a potential conflict with Colton. A fight between these two could easily level Earth, and the chaos could even spread to other worlds, and even the multiverse. The issue hinted that Miracleman is hiding somewhere on the planet, raising questions over how long he has been here, and why he has yet to announce his presence. The issue then becomes how to incorporate Moran into the Marvel Universe, particularly when Colton has the powers. The issue hinted that Miracleman is hiding somewhere on the planet, raising questions over how long he has been here, and why he has yet to announce his presence. These questions will play out in the months and years ahead. In the meantime, Colton has joined the newest incarnation of the Avengers. If Marc Moran is indeed lurking somewhere on Earth-616, then the Marvel Universe has another Superman-level hero. It is possible that Moran will jump into the fray somehow. Colton has proven to be mentally unstable, and it is possible Miracleman’s powers could tip him even further over the edge. This could force Moran to finally show his face, and set up one of the most explosive conflicts in Marvel history. Avengers: Armageddon #5 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!