Superman vs. Lobo: The 10 Most BRUTAL Fights EVER!

The final offspring from a distant planet, endowed with immense strength and authority, is a common origin tale for one of DC Comics’ most esteemed characters – none other than our beloved superhero. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that Superman and Lobo have engaged in a legendary rivalry spanning over the years, a clash reminiscent of when an unyielding force collides with an immovable object. In 2025, Superman (David Corenswet) may face off against his adversary in the film titled after him, directed by James Gunn, while Lobo (Jason Momoa) will make an appearance in the upcoming movie “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Since 1938, Superman has been a regular feature in Action Comics #1, but it was only in 1983’s Omega Men #3 that Lobo made his debut, created by writer Roger Slifer and artist Keith Giffen. Despite this difference in their first appearances, Superman and Lobo have frequently crossed paths throughout various storylines. Lobo serves as a grim reflection of Superman’s power, while their contrasting personalities often lead to intense confrontations between these invincible friends-turned-foes.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #6 (2017)

In the DC Rebirth period, a significant event unfolded as Joshua Williamson penned an epic crossover featuring both the Justice League and Suicide Squad. Lobo, a prominent character, was drafted into this operation, but not willingly – Amanda Waller had planted an explosive device in his skull that detonated if he acted against orders. Batman eventually decided to set Lobo free by activating the bomb. Unfortunately, just when it seemed like Lobo might have some respite, the Justice League’s key members fell under Eclipso’s control.

In this action-packed scenario, Batman commands Lobo to engage Superman in an intense battle, skillfully choreographed by Howard Porter. Meanwhile, other heroes work diligently to prevent the League from inflicting excessive damage. Following this grand adventure, Lobo was extended a membership offer for the newly revamped Justice League of America. It’s worth noting that Lobo previously fought Superman under the influence of Eclipso back in 1992 during the Adventures of Superman Annual #4, part of the event called Eclipso: The Darkness Within. This modern-day fight between Lobo and Superman, reminiscent of that earlier tale, has earned a place among the top brawls.

Superman #14 (2024)

Lobo, in his mind, was the sole survivor from his planet Czarnia, as he had killed most of its inhabitants. However, it turned out that an alien being called Brainiac had once reduced a city from Lobo’s homeworld to pocket size. This revelation forms the basis for a grand storyline by writers Joshua Williamson and artists Rafa Sandoval. In this epic tale, Brainiac employs a group of mercenaries known as Bad Blood in a conflict against Superman and others.

In this scenario, The Bad Blood is spearheaded by Lobo’s childhood idol, General Chacal. This fact lends significant importance to the events as Superman joins the fight. At first, Lobo appears eager to oppose the group, but he betrays Superman when he decides he would be more suited to lead The Bad Blood himself. After a series of blows, Superman manages to persuade Lobo that if he were to take over as leader, he would still have to serve Brainiac, which contradicts Lobo’s personal beliefs.

Lobo #4 (2015)

In a surprising turn of events, even I, Lobo, found myself reinvented, much like the broader DC Universe. Gone were the days of being the gritty heavy metal bounty hunter. Instead, I was more of a glittery vampire-like figure, which left fans in a state of bewilderment, dubbing me “Twilight Lobo.”

However, the essence of my edginess still lingered, though it had been softened to an almost unrecognizable degree. This incarnation didn’t endure for long before another retcon during the DC Rebirth era brought about a change yet again. Yet, despite these shifts, I managed to cross paths with Superman on several occasions.

The duo initially clashed in Batman/Superman issue 17 penned by Greg Pak and illustrated by Ardian Syaf. Here, Superman cautioned Lobo not to return to Earth again, following which he hurled Lobo into space. In Lobo issue 4, written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Reilly Brown, the interstellar bounty hunter admits they didn’t start off on friendly terms. Lobo was in pursuit of a planet-killer called Snake Omega. Although Superman and Lobo worked together in that storyline, Superman sent Lobo into space for the second time in Batman/Superman issue 29, which marked the end of “Twilight Lobo.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020)

The Tomorrowverse was a collection of interconnected animated films, and the initial movie in this lineup was 2020’s “Superman: Man of Tomorrow”, helmed by Chris Palmer. In this story, an unseasoned Superman makes his public debut, only to be faced off against the relentless cosmic bounty hunter Lobo immediately. Their action-packed clash showcased Warner Bros. Animation’s innovative animation techniques. This confrontation ultimately triggers a catastrophic incident at S.T.A.R. Labs, resulting in Rudy Jones’ transformation into the villainous Parasite.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share an exciting moment from the recent animated film. Just when it seemed like Superman was in dire straits, faced with Lobo’s lethal kryptonite ring, enter Martian Manhunter, our hero’s knight in shining armor.

Intriguingly, despite Lobo being contained within S.T.A.R. Labs, Lex Luthor seized the opportunity to collaborate with him, purchasing the lab to harness his destructive powers against the Parasite. The Parasite, having absorbed Superman’s abilities and vulnerabilities, proved to be a formidable foe. In a heroic sacrifice, Lobo struck the Parasite with his kryptonite ring.

After an intense battle, Lobo miraculously regenerated and offered Clark Kent a fascinating revelation: there might be other Kryptonians scattered across the cosmos. This thrilling animated movie provides an exceptional introduction to Lobo, establishing him as a force to reckon with, even challenging Superman’s supremacy.

Superman: The Man of Steel #30 (1994)

Following a significant event, Superman finds no respite as Lobo, a formidable foe, arrives on Earth with the intention of confronting the Man of Steel to settle an old score. Lobo had heard that Superman had died and been resurrected, which fuels his desire to prove himself the ultimate survivor. It’s fortunate for Superman that Lobo remains unaware of characters like Resurrection Man (Jason Todd), Barry Allen, Hal Jordan, and many others who have also experienced resurrection in the world of comic books.

In the heat of battle, Superman discovers an ominous alien spacecraft hovering overhead. He brutally knocks out Lobo and flings him into the stratosphere. Upon entering the spaceship, they find it packed with old adversaries that Lobo had supposedly killed. The Main Man is enraged by this sudden resurrection of so many individuals. Together, Superman and he engage these foes in a violent confrontation. Superman’s aggressive approach catches Lobo off guard until he comprehends they are dealing with robots instead of living beings. Lobo expresses gratitude for Superman’s uninhibited support and decides against seeking his death, at least not this time.

Superman: American Alien #7 (2015)

American Alien,” a comic written by Max Landis with illustrations by Jock, reimagines Superman’s early years and features a new encounter between Superman and Lobo. This confrontation turns into an intense street fight in Metropolis that is broadcast live worldwide. The detailed fight scene, spread over several action-packed pages, demonstrates the formidable skills of both combatants.

In this rephrased version:

Lobo learns that Superman means business. Eventually, Superman defeats Lobo using a traffic post and brutally beats him onto the city pavement. Even as Lobo boasts about his ability to heal quickly and mocks Superman for being a simple-minded Kryptonian, Clark counters by stating that he hails not from Krypton, but Kansas, and then strikes Lobo and sends him hurtling into outer space – something of a regular occurrence.

Superman vs. Lobo #1 (2021)

In a bizarre turn of events, when an enormous tardigrade rampages on Earth, destroying Lobo’s extravagant cocktail in the process, the Main Man valiantly vanquishes the beast single-handedly. However, just as Superman arrives to save the day at the last moment, the media shower him with endless accolades. This leaves Lobo feeling unappreciated and underrecognized for his heroics, so he launches a humorous public relations campaign aiming to discredit Superman in an unusual DC Black Label collaboration penned by Tim Seeley and Sarah Beattie, with art by Mirka Andolfo.

Clark Kent finds out that the internet has suddenly turned against Superman as key opinion leaders and trends advocate for an “anti-hero” campaign. Lobo repurposed some robots he found to act as his pliable spokespersons, while Lobo himself establishes a platform to publicize his involvement in online cancellation culture – a surprising tactic in Lobo’s ongoing conflict with Superman.

Superman: The Animated Series, “The Main Man – Part 1”

Shortly following Superman’s public appearance, Lobo (voiced by Brad Garrett) was hired by the Perserver to apprehend Superman as a zoo exhibit specimen. Upon reaching Earth, Lobo inquired from the police about Superman’s whereabouts, knowing that he often emerges during distress, prompting Lobo to create some chaos himself. Consequently, an intense and devastating confrontation unfolded between the two over the Metropolis skyline.

When Lobo is driven out of the battle and forced into space, Superman gets ensnared by the Trickster’s plot. Yet, Lobo is deceived by the Deceiver, leading him and Superman to team up briefly in order to evade. This two-episode arc was penned by Paul Dini and helmed by Dan Riba, veterans of quirky escapades involving characters such as Harley Quinn from Batman: The Animated Series. They were ideally suited to present a more civilized version of Lobo for television viewers.

DC 1st: Superman/Lobo #1 (2002)

In the DC 1st series, moments depicting the initial encounters between characters such as Superman and Lobo were rewritten. This particular issue was penned by Keith Giffen, Lobo’s co-creator, adding an additional layer of credibility. The artwork was done by Cliff Rathburn. In this storyline, an extraterrestrial faction known as the Hegemony hires Lobo to vanquish Superman and subdue Earth, allowing them to harvest its water. Upon arrival, Lobo is eager for a confrontation, metaphorically speaking, thirsty for a fight.

At a wild rave party, Lobo launches an assault with Jimmy Olsen present in the crowd. When Superman shows up, Lobo attempts to strangle him using his famous chain, but Superman manages to toss Lobo into a lake instead. The Hegemony witnesses this brawl and decides to oppose Lobo. This act of treachery leads Lobo and Superman to negotiate a ceasefire, aiming to permanently disarm the Hegemony and restore Earth’s water supply.

Adventures of Superman #464 (1987)

In a state of inebriation, Lobo recruits Bibbo Bibbowski to accompany him to the Fortress of Solitude and capture on video Lobo overpowering Superman as evidence of his superior strength. When Lobo proposes a confrontation, Superman predicts that Lobo would be unable to land blows swiftly enough, so Lobo retaliates by kicking Superman in the face. The combat unfolds across various chambers, culminating in the revelation of a concealed Kryptonite capsule, which forces Superman to don armor made of Kryptonian material to defend himself.

The battle concludes when Lobo launches missiles from his motorbike in space. Assuming Superman was deceased, he went back to the tavern to drink some more. Upon reexamining the video footage, however, Lobo realizes that Bibbo had the camera flipped around. The wit of a renowned author/artist like Dan Jurgens is evident in such a clever punchline, setting a promising tone for the Superman vs. Lobo rivalry.

2025-05-18 06:55