1) Zen the icon probably has to go. I am opening it at work and it looks like at some gay porn website.
2)A darker Superman could work, but really I wouldn't want it. I also don't want some goofy happy go lucky Superman.
I understand The Dark Knight broke all types of records, but in all honesty Batman is one of the most popular, if not, the most popular comic book character and The Joker is probably the most well known villain. The tone was just icing on the cake.
Spiderman series and Iron Man both did well without becoming dark so maybe find a tone that suits the character.
And for heaven's sake... anyone but Lex.
Superman has a great collection of rogue's. Not just Lex.
Brainiac, Darkseid, Doomsday, Livewire, Parasite, Bizarro, Metallo, Intergang.