Herman The Heroic

HERMAN THE HEROIC

Real Name: Herman Hoskins

Class: Parallel Earth (Earth-2) human

Occupation: Would-be superhero

Group Affiliation: None

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: Metropolis, Earth-2

First Appearance: Superman I #20 (January-February, 1943)

Powers: Herman possessed peak human strength, and was a capable hand-to-hand combatant. His courage and over eagerness often made him careless.

History: (Superman I #20) - Herman Hoskins was a huge fan of Superman who decided to emulate his hero by becoming the costumed adventurer Herman The Heroic. He made his public debut with a publicity stunt, jumping off the Chandler Suspension Bridge. Superman had to save him from breaking his neck, and told him that although he applauded Herman’s commitment to making the world a better place he’d soon be dead if he wasn’t more careful. Herman’s next stunt was a performance at the Cosmos Circus where he was to wrestle a tiger. Superman was suspicious, but circus publicity man Sam Kennedy assured him the tiger was old and toothless, and Herman wouldn’t be hurt. Kennedy was the costumed criminal the Leopard, and was using Herman as a dupe. He replaced the tiger with a fierce one, putting Herman’s life in danger and distracting Superman long enough that he could rob a bank with his big cats. Herman stumbled upon Leopard’s real identity, and he and Superman made short work of the villain. Superman was pleased with Herman for finally proving his mettle.

Due to the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Herman's existence was erased from DC continuity.

Comments: Created by Jerry Siegel & John Sikela.