DC Shocks Fans by Retconning Superman’s Villain and Justice League Member in Major Way

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In superhero comics, it’s not uncommon to rewrite or adjust the background and development of characters, although some key aspects stay consistent. For example, Batman is always portrayed as a costumed vigilante who battles crime and instills fear in his adversaries. He can be depicted as either a solitary figure or a family leader of crime-fighters, but both versions are valid. However, less well-known characters often have their character development or past altered to fit a specific story. This appears to be the case with “Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All #1“, where the recent history of a former villain turned Justice League member is rewritten.

Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All #1 – Alien Invasion Threatens Earth

In this issue, written by Dan Jurgens and illustrated by Bruno Redondo, we find ourselves in a story where Earth is under attack by extraterrestrial forces. Unfortunately, Superman finds himself incapacitated as he’s confronted with manipulated images of his past, intended to control him mentally. As the Justice League battles to defend our planet, Superman remains subdued.

In the end, it is revealed that the invasion was orchestrated by none other than Maxima, a former villain who once ruled an intergalactic empire called Almerac. As a warrior queen, Maxima aimed to find a worthy consort for her throne, as the Almeracians believed in enhancing their warriors through cross-species breeding.

After learning tales of Superman freeing Warworld, Maxima decided to capture his affection, even though he showed no interest in her. Eventually, she joined the Justice League to catch the Man of Steel’s eye and demonstrate her value. However, she discovered kindness and empathy – traits often viewed as weakness on her home planet Almerac. In 2001’s Superman: Our Worlds At War, it was reported that she sacrificed herself to save Earth, though no trace of her body was ever found.

What was changed about the Superman villain Maxima?

In 2015’s Supergirl #36, Maxima made her return to the New 52 timeline. Similar to Kara Zor-El, this version of Maxima attended Crucible Academy, an educational institution for extraordinary young beings from across the galaxies. Unlike her fellow Daxamites, however, this Maxima showed resistance towards the customs of her people, specifically those involving the search for a suitable mate for reproduction.

Towards the close of Maxima’s initial narrative, she acknowledged developing feelings for Kara, which she referred to as a crush. Furthermore, she showed indifference towards the men of her realm. In contrast to the original character, this updated version acknowledged that Supergirl was not reciprocating those romantic feelings towards her.

2017’s Superwoman #14 saw the introduction of another Maxima, emerging after the DC Rebirth overhaul. This particular Maxima was said to be a soldier serving under the new Maxima’s mother. She decided to desert her post with the intention of reclaiming the title that bears her name.

In her own words, this version of Maxima presented herself as the true Maxima and aimed to bring down Supergirl. She bore a striking resemblance to the original Maxima in both looks and demeanor, but showed no signs of any connection or concern for Superman.

New Maxima is a throwback to the original Maxima

In Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All #1, it’s unmistakable that the Maxima portrayed is none other than the original character. This becomes apparent when Lois Lane recognizes her voice before she goes public, and even Batman mentions Maxima’s past with the Justice League.

The Animated Series and Smallville. However, it feels unusual to reintroduce the original Maxima who had romantic feelings for Superman over twenty years after her heroic sacrifice.

Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2025-07-09 23:39