Suppaman, also known as Sourman in some adaptations, hails from Planet Okakaumeboshi. He attended preschool there with Bubibinman, earning the nickname "Supercrybaby" for his cowardice. Later, in grade school, his enormous appetite led to the names "Suppa-Mouth" and "Suppa-chan the Piggy."

As an adult residing in Penguin Village, he adopts the secret identity Kenta Kuraaku, a reporter whose name parodies Clark Kent in reverse. To become Suppaman, he enters a phone booth to change clothes and eats a pickled sour plum (umeboshi), triggering his transformation. The Japanese hiragana "す" (su) on his chest signifies "sour," reflecting his name's origin from the Japanese word "suppai" and the English "man." Despite posing as a champion of justice, he possesses no actual superpowers, morality, or concern for others' safety. His sole motivations are vanity and public recognition as a hero.

He simulates flight by lying belly-down on a skateboard and rolling through streets. His methods are violent and reckless; he frequently launches grenades at those who annoy him or seem ungrateful. Documented actions include placing a cockroach in a villager's drink, stealing a child's skateboard, and taking hostages—a baby and insects—during a bank robbery. His inherent cowardice surfaces against genuine threats, leading him to betray allies or submit to stronger figures. For example, he betrayed his Planetary Defense Academy during the battle against Dr. Mashirito, switching sides only for his chosen faction to win.

His interactions underscore his ineffectiveness and flawed nature. In one encounter, he attempted to impress Arale Norimaki and Gatchan, managing to defeat Arale in rock-paper-scissors. His personal life includes humiliation, like his girlfriend leaving him for someone with a superior car. Later, after Obotchaman displaces his house, he permanently lives in a tent.

Beyond the main series, Suppaman appears as an antagonist in the spin-off "Tomato, Girl Detective" and in the "Dragon Ball" series. In "Dragon Ball," he encounters General Blue, attempting intimidation before becoming subservient upon witnessing Blue's strength. He also makes cameo appearances during the World Martial Arts Tournament. His video game roles include "Dr. Slump Arale Part III: Ncha! Bycha," "Super Dragon Ball Z," and "Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle," typically in comedic or non-combat scenarios.

His character design and traits form a deliberate parody of Superman, emphasizing incompetence and moral ambiguity over heroism.