Warning: Contains potential spoilers for Superman #18!
like Superman And Zatanna Continuing to navigate the dark roads, they encounter the evil version of the fan favorite SUPERBAT – the combined form of Superman and Batman. While this new villain is noteworthy on its own, it also heralds the onset of something monumental—an event poised to reshape the fabric of the universe.
The evil version of Superman and Batman’s combined form is just the beginning of a continuity-defining multiversal battle.
In Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell’s Superman #18, the Man of Steel teams up with DC’s favorite magician as they navigate the Dark Roads—mystical pathways hidden in the shadows that facilitate travel across Earth and the Multiverse. While traversing the roads, the duo is unexpectedly attacked by a new enemy with whom Superman has some familiarity, despite never having met him before.
Clarke explains to Zatanna that years ago, he and Batman were able to merge their forms, and it turns out that their new enemy is a version of the Superbat form. The evil Superbat soon reveals himself as KONFUSION, hired from Earth-3, The domain of the notorious crime syndicate.
KONFUSION: Earth-3’s version of Superman and Batman’s combined form debuts
The identity of the evil version of Superbat remains a mystery
Fans will recall that the original SuperBat first emerged in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #4 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora. In this story, Clark and Bruce merge into a single entity after using Green Lantern’s power ring. The fusion of the power of the ring with the mystical energies of their battle creates a formidable hero capable of confronting the mind-controlled members of the Justice League. The transformation also introduces a striking new costume that combines elements of both iconic heroes, with a unique symbol that merges the Superman and Batman emblems, along with a red helmet decorated with the Dark Knight’s bat ears.
Confusion’s design echoes this structure but introduces a different caste symbol and a vibrant color scheme of purple, green, black and gold, complemented by neon green graffiti covering his mask and suit. While He confirmed that he is neither Owlman nor Ultraman – Batman and Superman’s Earth-3 counterparts– His true identity remains a mystery. His color scheme closely resembles that of the Joker; However, the Earth-3 version, known as the Jokester, stands for good rather than evil. This raises intriguing questions about the nature of this new villain, heightening anticipation for the revelation of Confucion’s true identity.
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Where did confusion come from and what is its purpose in Absolute power?
Amanda Waller is building her own multiversal army
in Absolute power #3, Barry Allen discovers a transmatter machine in Waller’s possession, along with the multiverse map he was charting. This leads him to conclude that Waller is building her own multiversal army. The revelation, along with Confucion’s admission that he is acting on Waller’s orders, clarifies his origins – he is undoubtedly one of the many she has recruited for her war against Earth-Prime’s heroes. Thus, the evil version of Superman And Batman Combined Form is just the beginning of a continuity-defining multiversal battle that is poised to shake the DCU to its core.
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Superman #18 Available now from DC Comics!