Warning: Contains potential spoilers for Superman #18!For decades, fans have speculated about Superman’s Immortality. Although DC has explored the theme, they have been somewhat conflicted about whether Clark Kent will actually live forever. However, in a recent Absolute power Bond-in issue, a surprising yet authoritative supervillain finally confirms that Superman is, in fact, immortal.
Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell’s Superman #18 continues Clarke and Zatanna’s quest to find and explore the Dark Roads, a crucial step in helping the recently depowered heroes of the DC Universe gain an advantage against Amanda Waller in the ongoing war for the future of metahumans.
Before they can begin their journey, however, they need a map that is in the hands of the demon Nerun. This sets the stage for a negotiation, during which Neron reveals Two interesting truths about Superman: He has the purest soul in the DCU and is destined to live forever.
“You’ll Never Die”: DC Supervillain confirms that Superman is immortal
Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell confirm that Clark Kent is immortal in Superman #18
The subject of Superman’s soul arises during the duo’s negotiation with Nero for the map of Mordu, which will help Zatanna and Clarke find and navigate the elusive Dark Roads—mystical pathways hidden in shadows that will leave DC s heroes to travel undetected by Waller. Neron clarifies there will be a price for the map, but when he hints at a steep price, Superman quickly dismisses the idea of trading their souls. However, the demon reassures Clark that it’s not his soul he’s after, as that would be a deal Nero probably couldn’t pick up on since Superman is “Never will die.”
Clark reminds Nero that he has, in fact, died – referring to his fatal battle with Doomsday. But Neron opposed, – And of course you are sitting here. alive and well,” Make a valid point. As the ruler of Hell since Lucifer’s departure and a collector of souls, Nero holds one of the highest levels of authority on matters of life and death, giving weight to his assertion about Superman’s immortality. His comment about Clark being “alive and well” Despite the die also has an implied subtext: Even if Superman is killed, the universe won’t let him stay dead. His existence is a universal constant, a necessity.
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Therefore, the scene with Nero not only confirms that Superman is physically immortal, but also hints at the possibility of a greater force in the DC Universe that ensures the survival of the Man of Steel. The exchange may even be subtle, DC’s meta-commentary, hinting that Superman will always live on – both in the universe and in the hearts of fans. Although this is speculative, it is intriguing to explore the layers of Williamson’s writing and consider the deeper subtext beyond the simple affirmation of Superman’s immortality.
Superman’s immortality was also resolved in Action comics #1000 (2018)
Tom King’s from tomorrow Short story explores Clark Kent’s last day on earth
Superman #18 isn’t the only recent comic to suggest the Man of Steel’s immortality. In Tom King and Clay Mann’s short story from tomorrow of Action comics #1000 (2018), the duo explore Superman’s last day on Earth, where the Kryptonian, after visiting the planet for five billion years, returns one last time for Earth’s natural destruction. Clark, who is five billion years old in the story, strongly implies his immortality. However, the confirmation in Superman #18 holds more weight due to its direct connection to a major ongoing story in the main continuity and its more recent placement in the timeline.
The demon Nerun confirms that Superman has one of these “rice” Souls in the DC Universe
“Your soul is one of the purest I’ve ever seen, Superman.” – Neuron in Superman #18 (2024)
in Superman #18, Nero confirms Clark’s immortality and reveals that the Man of Steel has the purest soul he has ever encountered. Given that Neuron is an ancient being, this serves as a strong indication that Superman possesses the purest soul in the entire DC Universe. While it’s no surprise that Superman’s heart is as pure as his ideals, it may come as a shock that he outranks even Nightwing, who is often depicted as incorruptible. After all, Superman has been shown to be vulnerable to corruption in many Other worlds Stories.
As most DC fans know, Earth-Prime, the main continuity, is part of a vast multiverse consisting of alternate versions of Earth. These variations are often explored in DCs Other worlds imprint, where many alternate Earths have evil versions of Superman. Examples include DC vs Vampires (Earth-43), Justice Lords (Earth-50), Red sun (Earth-30), and Incorrect (Earth-49), among others. The stories show that Superman can indeed be corrupted under certain circumstancesWhich makes it a little surprising that he is considered the right heart in the DCU. However, since this is the main continuity, many fans will agree that Clark Kent more than deserves the title.
Superman risks losing his ‘purest soul’ title after striking a deal with the devil
Nero Names His Price: Superman must surrender his greatest ideal
In the same breath that Nero declares that Superman has the purest soul, the demon subtly hints at his intention to corrupt it. His price for the map of Mordu? He wants Superman to lie. Neron explains that Clark embodies everything good in the world, almost true incarnate. By asking Superman to betray himself and his ideals with a lie, Neron seeks to capture his soul. The DC preview cuts off here, leaving fans to wonder what exactly Neron wants Clark to lie about.
Although the specifics remain unclear, this interaction raises many red flags. Nero’s primary goal seems to be to corrupt Superman’s soul. His motives are still a mystery – perhaps it’s pure narcissism, a desire to claim bragging rights, or part of a more sinister scheme. Normally, fans wouldn’t worry about Superman making a deal with a demon, but the stakes are in Absolute power are so high that he may have no choice. This moment could mark the beginning of the corruption of the Man of Steel from the main continuity.
A corrupt, immortal Superman is a terrifying prospect
Could DC’s mainstream continuity be getting an evil version of the Man of Steel?
The possibility of corrupt Superman, combined with the confirmation of his immortality, presents a terrifying prospect: Clark could become an unstoppable, unending force of evil. As one of the most powerful beings in the DC Universe, an evil Superman would represent an almost unbeatable threat. This is particularly troubling because it would impact mainstream continuity, making it a significant concern for DC as a whole, unlike the isolated evil versions of Superman. Other worlds.
While this scenario is terrifying and intriguing, it is unlikely that DC will fully embrace an evil Superman in main continuity, especially with the upcoming ALL IN initiative, which will introduce the Absolute Universe alongside the main DC Universe. It wouldn’t make sense for Superman to turn completely evil when fans know that next month DC will launch a new chapter with Clark leading the new Justice League in a brand new title. Given this, it seems unlikely that Man of Steel will be completely corrupted by Nero. Nevertheless, fans are left wondering what will become of Superman After his deal with the demon.
Superman #18 Available September 18, 2024, from DC Comics!