Human beings, humans, or man are the predominant lifeform on Earth.
History
Humans are widespread in every continent except Antarctica, with a total population of 8.2 billion as of 2025.
Humans are a race that evolved on the planet Earth. They are generally considered an odd and intelligent species. Although humans have began to play a prominent role in galactic affairs they are speculated to become much more powerful due to the metagene. The New Gods have long been fascinated with humans. Darkseid of Apokolips believes that humans have the Anti-Life Equation stored within their minds, while Highfather Izaya of New Genesis knows a prophecy that says Earth would see the rise of the Fifth World, and humans would play a vital part. The Guardian Ganthet claims that Earth is the most emotionally diverse and rich planet in the universe, most likely due to the humans.
Sub-Species
Metahumans
What could be considered a subspecies of Humans are Metahumans, a term coined by the alien Dominators, and used to describe any human being with what are commonly described as "superpowers". The prefix "meta-" simply means "beyond", describing persons and abilities beyond human limits.
There are roughly 1.3 million metahumans on Earth, 99.5% of which are considered "nuisance-level" (such as kids who can bend spoons with their mind and the old lady "who keeps hitting at Powerball"). The other 0.5% (6500) are what Checkmate and the O.M.A.C.s consider alpha and beta level threats. For example, Superman and Wonder Woman were categorized as alpha level, while Metamorpho was considered a beta.[3]
At some point in Earth's ancient past, the White Martians visited the planet and performed genetic experiments on terrestrial animals and primitive humans. These experiments led the White Martians to discover the metagene in human beings that would grant humans metahuman powers. Due to their experiments, they actually altered the destiny of the human race. Whereas before evolution would have eventually made mankind into a race of superhumans similar to the Daxamites and Kryptonians, or the Martians themselves, now only a select few humans would be able to develop metahuman powers.
Homo Magi
A term to describe a sub-race of magic-using humans in the DC Universe. According to Doctor Mist [4], the Homo magi evolved in a parallel but separate line, alongside Homo sapiens. Homo magi and Metahumans account for most of the superhuman abilities in the DC Universe.
Atlanteans
Atlantean is the term generally applied to the collective groups of citizens who reside in the undersea continent known as Atlantis. Smaller, more distinctive subspecies such as the Tuatha De Danann refer to themselves simply by their tribe name, and do not typically refer to themselves as Atlanteans.
Miscellaneous
Type of Government:
Various (dictatorship, democracy, monarchy)
Level of Technology:
Various (from primitive to highly advanced)
Cultural Traits:
Various (from highly compassionate and intelligent to extremely belligerent and illogical)
Representatives:
See Also
- Appearances of Humans
- Race Gallery: Humans