Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1069Supermanis recognized far and wide for his heroism, both within the DC Universe and beyond it. However, without a certain defining attribute, the Man of Steel could become a villain in the blink of an eye, as seen in some alternate worlds. DC has revealed the one quality Superman exhibits that ultimately keeps him on the side of good, differentiating him from his darker counterparts.
Action Comics#1069 features the third and final chapter of theSuperman and the Challenge from the Starsstory by Gail Simone, Eddy Barrows, Danny Miki, Jonas Trindade, Rex Lokus, and Dave Sharpe in which an alien race called the Gorathiansput Superman to the test with difficult challenges. Here, he faces his greatest trial yet as he battles an enemy named Hux-Ur. After exposing Hux-Ur forcheating with Kryptonite, Superman knocks him out of bounds. Superman then helps his opponent to his feet after their match in a display of true sportsmanship.
The narration explains that even Superman isn’t immune to “the need to win,” but one key difference sets Superman apart from people like Hux-Ur:“It’s just that Superman knows when to stop.“This trait is what prevents Superman from stooping to the level of the enemies he faces, and without it, he wouldn’t be a hero anymore.
Superman Takes a Dark Turn When He Goes Too Far
Injustice’s Superman Shows How Clark Kent Can Lose Control
On the rare occasions when Superman goes too far instead of holding back, things take a dark turn for the Man of Steel. An example of this can be found inInjustice: Gods Among Usby Tom Taylor, Jheremy Raapack, Mike S. Miller, Bruno Redondo, and more. This story takes place in a universe where Superman becomes a cruel dictator after the Joker uses a fear toxin to trick him into killing Lois Lane. That moment causes something to snap inside of Superman, andhe proceeds to murder the Joker without hesitation.From here on out, he’s a far cry from the Superman readers recognize.
How Superman Became Earth’s Most Beloved Hero - DC Reveals the Fight That Defined the Man of Steel to Humanity
A preview for the upcoming issue of DC’s “Action Comics” promises to reveal a lore-defining moment in the early history of the Man of Steel.
Superman normally restrains himself in the heat of battle, butInjustice’s Superman has abandoned that restraint as he fights to maintain his tyrannical rule. His brutal beatings of other heroes,such as Green Arrow, are a betrayal of what he’s meant to stand for. This is a Superman who no longer knows when to stop, proving thatthis quality separates him and other evil variants like him from the real Superman.Superman possesses Kryptonian powersthat he could easily use to slaughter anyone who crosses him, and that he makes the conscious choice to hold back is his most heroic attribute.
Superman’s Restraint in Battle Makes Him a Hero
Without That, Superman Is No Better Than a Villain
Unlike the Superman of theInjusticeuniverse,the Superman of DC’s main continuity keeps his powers under control rather than letting go. He fights on the side of good, never crossing a line and losing sight of what he represents.The “S” symbol emblazoned on Superman’s chestisn’t merely for show, after all; it’s an image that inspires hope in the hearts of all who gaze upon it. Thus, Superman has to ensure that he always exemplifies that hope by adhering to his core values. Superman’s classic motto sums up this idea succinctly: “Truth, Justice, and the American Way.”
In 2021, DC Comics updated Superman’s slogan to be"Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow”, making the message more universal.
Asthe embodiment of truth and justice, Superman has to fight in an honest and just manner to avoid losing the foundation of who he is. Even when enemies push him to the edge, Superman doesn’t let the thrill of battle blind him to what matters the way other versions of him might. Sportsmanship is embedded in the DNA of what makes Superman work, as seen in this latest story when he refuses to fight dirty to win like Hux-Ur.Superman’s ability to stop himself from going too far is why he remains the greatest hero in the DC Universe.
Action Comics#1069is available now from DC Comics.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
