Jor-El, a Kryptonian scientist and Council Member, rescues his son Kal-El from the dying planet by launching the baby to Earth.

Young Clark Kent discovers his true identity; and, as an adult, presents himself to Metropolis as Superman.

Brainiac, once Krypton's all-knowing planetary computer, comes to Earth as part of his information-gathering trek across the galaxy. But, as Superman discovers, Brainiac's intent after gathering the world's knowledge is to destroy the Earth.