CGC Celebrates the Solar Eclipse by Shining Light on Solar-powered Heroes

The sun will go dark for much of North America on April 8, 2024, but you can rest easy — it’s not the work of an evil supervillain out to destroy the galaxy.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, obscuring the sun either partially or entirely from view. This astronomical phenomenon can create an awe-inspiring spectacle as the moon casts a shadow on the Earth, plunging areas within its path into temporary darkness.

Many superheroes and villains have gained their powers through contact with the sun or some connection to solar energy. Here, we shine a light on just a few of them!

5. Doctor Solar: Man of the Atom

Click image to enlarge.

Doctor Solar: Man of the Atom burst onto the scene in 1962, emerging from the creative minds of writer Paul S. Newman and artist Matt Murphy, under the Gold Key Comics banner. Debuting in his eponymous comic book series, Dr. Phil Solar gained incredible powers after a laboratory accident exposed him to a deadly dose of radiation. Transformed into Doctor Solar, he possessed near-omnipotent abilities, including energy manipulation and flight, making him a formidable force for justice and defender of humanity. With his striking yellow costume and solar-powered abilities, Doctor Solar quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase and became a staple of the Golden Age of Comics. Later, Doctor Solar found a home at Dynamite Entertainment, where he was incorporated into their shared universe alongside other classic characters.

4. Ajax the Sun Man

Click image to enlarge.

Ajax the Sun Man is a lesser known but intriguing comic book hero, originating from the pages of DC Comics. Possessing a captivating origin story, Ajax gains his powers from an otherworldly source: a mystical connection to the sun itself. Infused with solar energy during a cosmic event, Ajax becomes a living conduit of the sun's power, granting him a diverse array of abilities reminiscent of the sun's mighty influence. With the ability to generate intense heat blasts, fly at incredible speeds and even manipulate solar radiation, Ajax stands as a formidable defender of justice. However, much like other solar-powered heroes, Ajax's strength wanes in environments lacking exposure to sunlight, adding a layer of vulnerability to his character and emphasizing his reliance on the sun's energy to uphold his heroic mantle.

3. Sunspot

Click image to enlarge.

Sunspot, also known as Roberto Da Costa, is a prominent Marvel Comics hero whose abilities stem from his unique control over solar energy. With the power to absorb and manipulate sunlight, Sunspot transforms solar radiation into incredible strength and agility, making him a formidable force in combat. Harnessing this solar power, he can fly at tremendous speeds, generate intense blasts of energy, and even enhance his physical attributes to superhuman levels. Sunspot's mastery over solar energy not only grants him immense power but also serves as a symbol of his unwavering determination to protect the world from various threats, cementing his status as a vital member of the superhero community.

2. Apollo

Click image to enlarge.

Apollo, a prominent figure in DC Comics, harnesses the might of the sun itself as his primary source of power. As a god-like being, Apollo's abilities are vast and awe-inspiring, fueled by the radiant energy of Earth's star. With his solar-powered physiology, Apollo possesses superhuman strength, speed, durability and the ability to project intense beams of solar energy from his eyes. Additionally, his connection to the sun grants him accelerated healing and the power of flight, allowing him to soar through the skies with unmatched grace and agility. Apollo's mastery over solar energy not only makes him a formidable force in battle but also serves as a symbol of hope and light, embodying the very essence of solar power and its potential for both destruction and salvation.

1. Superman

Click image to enlarge.

Superman, the iconic superhero from DC Comics, derives his incredible powers from Earth's yellow sun, as the radiation emitted by the yellow sun is absorbed by Superman's Kryptonian physiology, granting him superhuman strength, speed, flight, heat vision and invulnerability. Red sun exposure like that of his home planet, however, diminishes and eventually eliminates his powers, rendering him as vulnerable as an ordinary human. This dynamic not only creates a compelling vulnerability for Superman but also serves as a cornerstone of his character, highlighting the importance of his connection to Earth's sun and the peril he faces when confronted with environments lacking its yellow solar energy.

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. The newest division of CGC, CGC Home Video, provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of home media.