Superman's many faces and suits

Press Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Henry Cavill became a top trending topic on Twitter after the first image of the actor in the Superman suit was released today. Cavill will be in Zach Snyder's "Man of Steel," due for release in 2013. Many iterations and actors have donned the cape and become the Superhero. What's Trending takes a look back at all the men and costumes that made Superman the legend he is today.

Superman's first apperance

Superman first appeared in "Action Comics #1." From the beginning, he was showing off his feats of strength and agility.

The first film Superman

Press Image courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Kirk Alyn played the first on-screen Superman in the 1948 film serial "Superman." He reprised his role in 1950 in "Atom Man Vs. Superman."

It's a bird, it's a plane

"Superman and the Mole Men" press image courtesy of Warner Home Video

It's Superman on TV! George Reeves played Superman in the 1950s television show "Adventures of Superman," and also starred in two movies "Superman and the Mole Men" (also known as "Superman and the Strange People") and "Stamp Day for Superman."

Flying to the rescue

Press Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Most people's first clear memory of Superman was the version played by Christopher Reeve. He played the title character in "Superman: The Movie," "Superman II," "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut," "Superman III," and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace."

Musical Superman

Many people have forgotten about the ABC musical Superman special, which aired in 1975. David Wilson played the part, and also sang as the Man of Steel in the 1966 Broadway musical, "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman!"

Superman's adventures

Press Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Dean Cain played a Generation X version of Superman in the 1990s series "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman."

Superman's beginnings

Smallville-Season-9-promo-Tom-Welling-as-Clark-Kent.jpg — "Smallville" season 9 promo

Although you don't get to see Superman in all his glory until the final episode, Tom Welling did a compelling portrayal of Clark Kent as he was growing up.

Superman Returns

Brandon Routh looked every part the Man of Steel in "Superman Returns." It was supposed to be the fifth movie that would conclude the series starring Christopher Reeve, but it pretty much starts up at the end of the "Superman II" action.

Superman for kids

Still from "Superman: The Animated Series"

Kids these days know Superman from "Superman: The Animated Series."

Nicolas Cage almost played Superman for Tim Burton, but both eventually dropped out of the project. We think this picture of Cage in the Superman suit has something to do with it.

Superman today

Though he's died (and come back) several times in the comics, Superman is still going strong in the DC Universe.