Superman’s Darkest Moment Proves Why He’s the World’s Greatest Hero

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Superman represents hope within the DC Universe and is considered the first true superhero, establishing the model for all those who followed. Originally appearing as a champion for those in need, he consistently fights to protect the innocent and save lives. His heroic example even inspired the Legion of Super-Heroes centuries in the future. Superman is fundamentally central to DC’s entire multiverse; the structure of reality itself revolves around his hope and heroism, meaning events impacting his life can ripple throughout the universe. He’s the emotional core of DC, which is precisely what makes the Absolute Universe such a threat.

Unlike most universes where Superman’s heroism takes center stage, this one is heavily influenced by Darkseid’s villainy. While it initially favored Superman, Darkseid corrupted it, making Superman a major obstacle to his plans. Darkseid relentlessly targeted Superman, inflicting immense suffering in an attempt to crush his will. Despite everything, Superman persevered, and issue #14 of Absolute Superman pushed him to his lowest point, setting the stage for an incredible comeback.

A Boy Without a Home or Name

Kal-El’s life has been filled with hardship from the start. Growing up on Krypton, he suffered under a rigid social hierarchy and witnessed the planet’s destruction as its leaders prioritized their own survival. As the only person to escape, he spent a year lost in space before finding refuge with the Kents on Earth. Sadly, that peace was short-lived, disrupted by similar injustices he’d seen before. For years, he wandered, refusing to be defined by a name, while observing humanity’s self-destructive tendencies.

I’ll never forget the final showdown against the Lazarus Corporation in Absolute Superman #14. It was devastating. After weeks of protecting Smallville from those endless Peacemakers, Brainiac did the unthinkable – he hijacked Sol and turned their safe haven into a deadly trap. And then… Sol sacrificed himself to save everyone. Superman was left completely alone, the last of his kind. Ra’s al Ghul beat him down, even cutting him with a Kryptonite sword, and demanded Superman either kill him or become his heir. Honestly, it felt like Superman almost wanted to give up, to finally rest and maybe see his family again. But even broken and bleeding, he just kept fighting, kept getting back on his feet. It was incredible, and heartbreaking, to witness.

During the battle, Peacemaker briefly held Superman, which enraged Ra’s al Ghul, who attacked, believing Superman had harmed his son. Ra’s attempted to kill Superman, but Superman protected him. After a grueling fight, Superman defeated Ra’s. The villain then insisted Superman end his life as a final act of justice, and Superman delivered it – not by killing him, but by flying Ra’s to Pakistan and leaving him to be judged by the people whose families he had harmed. Even at his lowest point, Superman found a way to achieve justice without resorting to violence, offering a glimmer of hope.

Heroes Find Better Ways

Superman easily could have killed Ra’s al Ghul, or at least allowed Ra’s to harm his followers. However, he consistently chose to save everyone, even when it meant enduring more attacks and suffering. He remained committed to his principles, even when he doubted their value. Superman managed to resolve the situation without resorting to violence or compromising his beliefs. Despite feeling immense anger, he understood that stopping Ra’s wasn’t about revenge, but about correcting his actions and protecting others.

As a film fan, what always gets me about Superman isn’t his powers, it’s what he stands for. He always championed the underdog, the people nobody else bothered to see or care about – and to me, that’s the core of being a true hero. He genuinely believed every single life had value, even the lives of those who’d done terrible things. He’d save his enemies, and honestly, what could be a stronger display of goodness than doing the right thing even when it’s incredibly difficult? Even when things are at their absolute worst for him – like that brutal, heartbreaking timeline where he lost everything – he still manages to hold onto hope. He becomes a beacon, proving you can overcome any darkness. Darkseid can throw everything he has at Superman, but he’ll always represent hope, and that’s why he’ll always be Earth’s greatest hero.

Absolute Superman #14 is on sale now!

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2025-12-26 23:12