Superman’s Worst Enemies Just Teamed Up to Destroy Him

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In 2025, Superman returns to claim his throne as the leading figure in the DC superhero community, surpassing Batman’s long-held reign. The general public is reintroduced to Superman through the captivating comic book series, “Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All” #1. This storyline centers around an enigmatic alien invasion, where Superman is captured, leaving the superhero community in disarray. As the invasion progresses, it becomes clear that Maxima and Cyborg Superman, characters with a rich history connected to Superman, are orchestrating this attack.

As a movie reviewer looking back on the iconic tale, I can confidently say that “Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All” #1 is nothing short of exceptional. This captivating journey through the annals of Superman’s history, penned by the talented Dan Jurgens and masterfully illustrated by Bruno Redondo, is a must-read for any fan of the Man of Steel.

Jurgens skillfully weaves in characters from Superman’s post-“Crisis” past, making for an engaging and entertaining storyline. Maxima and Cyborg Superman, two characters with a rich history intertwined with Superman and Jurgens himself, take center stage, showcasing their importance in the grand tapestry of Superman’s legacy. This is a tale that truly celebrates the essence of what it means to be a hero for all.

Maxima and Cyborg Superman Have Very Different Histories with Superman

Originally conceived by Roger Stern and George Perez, Maxima made her debut in Action Comics issue #645. Hailing from the planet Almerac, she sought a partner equally powerful as herself, scouring the cosmos before encountering Superman. Typically, she attempted to win his affection through physical confrontations. However, when these efforts proved unsuccessful, she chose an alternative route and integrated herself into Earth’s superhero society.

Subsequently, Maxima became a valued member of the Justice League, utilizing her super strength, invulnerability, and telekinetic abilities to combat evil. During the battle against Doomsday, she grieved alongside other superheroes over Superman’s demise. Afterward, she joined the Extreme Justice team, developing feelings for Captain Atom and Amazing Man. Eventually, Maxima returned to Almerac but reappeared on Earth as a member of the Superman Revenge Squad once she learned that Superman had married Lois Lane. From then on, she remained an adversary for Superman until her ultimate demise at the hands of Brainiac 13’s Warworld.

The character known as Cyborg Superman is significantly more famous than Maxima. Originally, Hank Henshaw was a scientist who embarked on a space voyage with his girlfriend and two other companions. While they were exposed to cosmic radiation, unlike a certain group of adventurers, they did not acquire superpowers. Tragically, everyone but Hank perished, and he vowed revenge against Superman who had attempted to rescue them while in space. Despite failing to use his ability to transfer his consciousness into machinery for revenge, Henshaw survived.

Following “The Death of Superman,” Henshaw utilized Superman’s DNA and Kryptonian technology to construct a new body for himself, transforming into the Cyborg Superman. He managed to deceive almost everyone by pretending to be the resurrected Superman reborn through technology. However, his attack on the Eradicator and destruction of Coast City exposed his true identity. Superman subsequently defeated him, but since then, the Cyborg Superman has continued to seek revenge against Superman. Eventually, he became suicidal and discovered that it was nearly impossible for him to die. In the past, he joined the Sinestro Corps and fought against Superman and the Super-family in 2023.

Hank Henshaw, who later became known as Cyborg Superman, is more popular than Maxima. Initially a scientist, Henshaw went to space with his girlfriend and two friends. They were exposed to cosmic radiation but didn’t gain powers like some famous adventurers. Sadly, everyone except Henshaw died, and he swore revenge against Superman who tried to save them in space. He failed at using his mind-transfer ability for revenge, but Henshaw survived.

After Superman died, Henshaw used Superman’s DNA and Kryptonian technology to create a new body for himself as the Cyborg Superman. He tricked many people by pretending to be the resurrected Superman made through technology. However, his attack on the Eradicator and destruction of Coast City revealed his identity. Superman eventually defeated him, but Cyborg Superman has continued seeking revenge against Superman. He became suicidal and learned he couldn’t die easily. In the past, he joined a group called the Sinestro Corps and fought against Superman and the Super-family in 2023.

Cyborg Superman and Maxima Make a World-Shaking Team

Maxima and Cyborg Superman are two individuals harboring animosity towards Superman for distinct reasons. Maxima held romantic feelings for Superman that he didn’t reciprocate. She attempted to win his love by demonstrating heroism, but this effort ultimately resulted in failure. Afterwards, she sought out other powerful partners without success and eventually departed Earth. Although Maxima wasn’t particularly popular, she was frequently featured in Superman and Justice League comics from the ’90s, leaving an impression on many readers from that era. The Cyborg Superman has consistently harbored hatred for Superman and joined forces with Maxima as it provided an opportunity to destroy his arch-nemesis.

The strategy they devised was quite sound; they managed to apprehend Superman and imprison him with telepathic abilities to prevent him from assisting the heroes in thwarting the invasion. However, Superman is Superman. He found a way to escape and turned the battle around on them, demonstrating to Maxima and Cyborg Superman that no matter how intricate their schemes may be, Superman ultimately emerges victorious.

Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All #1 is on sale now.

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2025-07-19 20:11