After 44 Years, Superman Redeems The Worst Moment In The Man Of Steel’s Movie History

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I’m really impressed with how the Absolute Universe builds on the Superman concept in surprising ways. Having grown up with Superman – I’ve seen him in countless comics, shows, and movies – I consider myself a big fan. That’s why there’s a particular scene that always strikes me as odd, and I know many other Superman fans feel the same way.

If you’ve seen the movie Superman II (though the original Richard Donner cut is better, many would argue), you might remember the fight scene in the Fortress of Solitude where Superman battles General Zod, Ursa, and Non. During the fight, Superman famously pulls a cellophane ‘S’ shield from his chest and throws it, briefly trapping his enemies before it vanishes. It’s a strange moment that fans still joke about. However, a recent issue of Absolute Superman revisited this concept with a much more impressive and impactful result.

Forget Cellophane, Absolute Superman’s Shield Turns Into a Giant Sword

The epic showdown in Smallville continues in Absolute Superman #14, written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Rafa Sandoval. Superman has been wounded by Ra’s al Ghul using a kryptonite sword. Ra’s demands Superman surrender and serve him, but Superman refuses. Desperate to break Superman’s will, Ra’s orders Brainiac to harm Superman’s friends. However, a remnant of the programming from Sol—a former companion—within Brainiac’s systems intervenes, sacrificing itself to save Lois, Jimmy, and Lana. Fueled by grief and rage over the loss of a friend, Superman fights Ra’s with incredible strength.

The battle rages, filled with fire and smoke, but Ra’s al Ghul is satisfied to see Superman finally fighting with real determination. When Superman is captured by Ra’s’ soldiers, it enrages Ra’s, leading him to attack Peacemaker. Surprisingly, Superman defends Peacemaker, further infuriating Ra’s because he refuses to be broken. Frustrated by Superman’s resistance, Ra’s orders his forces to attack the people of Smallville. This forces Superman to give in; he agrees to submit to Ra’s if he promises to spare the citizens of Smallville.

Ra’s asks Superman to abandon his past, and Superman agrees, even removing the iconic ‘S’ shield from his suit, which crumbles into dust. However, Superman realizes Ra’s still intends to destroy Smallville. He explains that while his family’s crest once symbolized shame on his home planet, they always wore it with pride. Using his powers, Superman reshapes the broken pieces of a sword into a massive blade, matching the power and scale of Ra’s al Ghul’s kryptonite weapon.

Superman’s Symbol isn’t a Joke, It’s a Connection to His Past

What always struck me about the cellophane ‘S’ in Superman II was that it felt like a last-minute addition. It might have been a nod to the more lighthearted elements of older Superman comics, but it didn’t seem to receive much care in its design. This was a significant oversight, because Superman’s shield isn’t simply a way to recognize him; it represents his connection to his heritage, community, and, most importantly, his family.

In the Absolute Universe, Superman’s shield—usually a symbol of hope—represents the labor guild of Krypton, but it still holds personal meaning for Clark. It reminds him of those who sacrificed so much for him. When Superman turns the shield into a sword, it’s a visually stunning moment, but more importantly, it highlights that his true strength isn’t his alien biology. It’s the values and experiences that shaped him into the hero who would risk everything to fight injustice and protect others.

This scene is a significant improvement because a sword is simply more impressive than Superman’s usual shield (even though the shield has its own appeal). The truly powerful Superman realizes the shield isn’t just a superficial detail; it represents a deep connection to the world he lost. Instead of awkwardly trying to use it as a weapon, he transforms it into something meaningful, allowing him to fight for the values his family held dear. That kind of strength and symbolism will always be more compelling than a simple shield gimmick.

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2025-12-24 21:42