Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1082
Supermanis known to keep his temper under control in difficult situations, always choosing mercy over ruthlessness. However, one villain’s sudden emergence has pushed Superman further than any other and sent him into a blind, brutal rage. Even the people of Metropolis can’t wrap their heads around Superman’s dark transformation, as DC’s symbol of hope nearly abandons his positive reputation altogether.
Action Comics#1082 by John Ridley, Inaki Miranda, Ceci de la Cruz, and Dave Sharpe opens with an earthquake taking Metropolis by storm and endangering its citizens. Thankfully, Superman swoops in and saves the day, but the civilians' fears aren’t eased by the Man of Steel’s presence when they notice the anger in his eyes.
Superman’s uncharacteristic rage sends him speeding through Metropolis in pursuit of the earthquake’s perpetrator, who turns out to beMajor Disaster. This former villain once abandoned his criminal ways due to Superman’s influence, buthis backslide into evil has brought out a dangerous side of Superman that threatens his no-kill rule.
Superman Abandons Mercy When Major Disaster Makes a Villainous Return
Major Disaster’s Destructive Comeback Sends Superman Into a Rage
Superman may not operate under an explicitno-kill rulethe way Batman does, but he does abide by his morals, which dictate that he must grant mercy to his opponents. From Lex Luthor to Darkseid, no matter who Superman contends with, he tries to exhaust every other option before even considering murder.However, when he sees that Major Disaster’s destruction has left a casualty in its wake, Superman doesn’t hesitate to charge at the villain with his heat vision at the ready.Metropolis' citizens are stunned by this shift, pointing out that Superman wouldn’t normally use hisheat visionat full-strength against a foe.
DC Comics Wants You to Know Absolute Superman’s Greatest Power Has Nothing to Do With Fighting
Superman is known to have a number of incredible Kryptonian powers, but the best skill at his disposal is one that doesn’t involve fists at all.
The concerns expressed by Metropolis' populace about Superman aren’t unfounded, and Clark himself is similarly appalled by the result of his anger. He admits to Lois that there has been"only one other time in my life I’ve wanted to use my heat vision so badly". Superman always strives to see the best in others so that they can be guided onto a better path. He has even helpedLex Luthor seek redemptionin Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell’sSuperman, yetMajor Disaster has now pushed him to a breaking point in a way that even his most diabolical foes haven’t.
Superman’s Battle with Major Disaster Calls His Hopeful Image Into Question
“Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow” Is No Longer Possible for Superman
As explained by Clark in a conversation with Lois,the reason Major Disaster brings out this disturbing cruelty within Superman is that he represents the futility of his mission.Superman’s motto of “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow” encapsulates his primary objective of instilling hope within people, but he has failed to accomplish this goal via Major Disaster. If he can’t convert someone like Paul Booker, whose history as aJustice League heroproves he has the potential to better himself, then his aspirations may not be feasible in the long run. This revelation calls Superman’s entire purpose into question.
Superman’s iconic slogan was changed from the original “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” in 2021 at DC Fandome.
Superman had believed that reaching out to Major Disaster could help him see the light long-term, but Booker has made it clear that not everyone is capable of achieving the “better tomorrow” he promises them. When Lois brings up the fact thatSuperman is a symbol of hope, Clark responds grimly,“Hope takes work. Enough work that sometimes…I feel like it’s not worth the effort.“Not only has Major Disaster’s villainous turn caused Superman to betray his merciful stance, but it has also made him doubt the very concept he’s constructed his identity around.Without hope for humanity’s improvement, Superman has nothing left to fight for.
Superman Atones for His Outburst by Hanging Up His Cape - For Now
Major Disaster Pushes Superman Too Far, So Clark Kent Steps In
Following his clash with Major Disaster, Superman is left in a bleak state, though he doesn’t succumb to his dark impulses for long. Instead, Lois convinces him to take to the streets as Clark Kent to investigate the truth behind Major Disaster’s attack. After all, Clark doesn’t need to wear his costume to enact change, and hisjournalism can be a powerin its own right when fighting yields negative results.Supermanhas let his frustration cloud his better judgment by taking his anger out on Major Disaster, but he’s determined to make things right by learning his enemy’s side of the story.
Action Comics#1082is 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.
