Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1069Superman is recognized far and wide for his bravery, both in the DC Universe and beyond. However, without a certain defining attribute, the Man of Steel can become a villain in the blink of an eye, as seen in several 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 the Superman and the challenge of the stars Story by Gail Simone, Eddy Barrows, Danny Miki, Jonas Trindade, Rex Lokus and Dave Sharpe in which an alien race called the Gorathians put Superman to the test with difficult challenges. Here, he faces his greatest trial yet as he battles an enemy named Hooks-Ur. After exposing Hux-Ur for cheating 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 story explains that even Superman is not 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
Incorrects 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 in Incorrect: Gods Among Us By Tom Taylor, Jheremy Raapack, Mike S. Miller, Bruno Redondo, and more. The story takes place in a universe where Superman becomes a ruthless dictator after the Joker uses a fear toxin to trick him into killing Lois Lane. That moment causes something to snap inside Superman, and He proceeds to kill the Joker without hesitation. From here on out, he’s a far cry from the Superman readers recognize.
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Superman normally restrained himself in the heat of battle, however IncorrectSuperman has abandoned his restraints as he fights to maintain his tyrannical rule. His brutal beatings of other heroes, such as Green Arrow, are a betrayal of what he is meant to stand for. This is a Superman who no longer knows when to stop, proving that This quality separates him and other evil variants like him from the real Superman. Superman possesses Kryptonian powers that he can easily use to slaughter anyone who crosses him, and that he makes the conscious choice to hold back is his greatest heroism.
Superman’s restraint in battle makes him a hero
Without that, Superman is no better than a villain
Unlike the Superman of the Incorrect universe, DC’s main Superman continuity keeps his powers under control rather than letting them 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 chest isn’t just for show, after all; It is a picture that inspires hope in the hearts of all who look at it. Thus, Superman must 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.“
As the embodiment of truth and justice, Superman must 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’s important like other versions of him might. Sportsmanship is embedded in the DNA of what makes Superman work, as seen in the last story when he wants to fight rough to win as Hooks-Ur. SupermanHis ability to stop himself from going too far is why he remains the greatest hero in the DC Universe.
Action comics #1069 is available now from DC Comics.