#ComicBytes: Which DC characters defeated Superman?
Superman, born Kal-El, is one of the strongest characters in DC universe. Born on the planet of Krypton, he lives on earth under the name of Clark Kent. Superman has immense physical strength, and powers like flight, speed, X-ray vision and freezing breath. Nonetheless, the man of steel has lost quite a few fights. Read about the five characters who defeated Superman.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
In 1978 comic, 'Superman vs Muhammad Ali', alien forces invaded the earth and tricked Superman and Ali into fighting each other. Notably, their tinkering left Superman without his godly powers. Faced against the renowned boxer, often hailed as 'the black Superman', he held his ground for some time. However, Ali used his speed, experience, and prized fists to knock out the man of steel.
Death stalks Superman through timelines
In the 'Kingdom Come' comics, William, a Kansas nuclear disaster survivor, was granted the powers of an ancient god, Gog. Gog had all of Superman's strengths and the additional edge of healing himself. Swearing vengeance on Superman for not being all-perfect (high expectations much?), Gog slammed Superman, repeatedly, until he died. Not satisfied yet, Gog traveled through time and killed Superman in every timeline.
Even heroes have a right to bleed
All comic fans know that Lex Luthor is Superman's archnemesis. Incredibly intelligent, Lex uses his wealth and power to hatch evil plans. In 1939 comic, 'Superman #149', Lex lured Superman to his lab, having earlier won his trust by curing cancer. However, Lex trapped Superman and gave him enough Kryptonite to kill him. For the unaware, Kryptonite, an alien mineral, is Superman's only weakness.
Did he bleed? Yes, he did
The 'Dawn of Justice' Batman-Superman fight drew inspiration from Frank Miller's 'The Dark Knight Returns'. Batman donned his power armored bat suit and fought Superman, a government stooge, ordered to control Batman. The fight was intense, but Batman enlisted Green Arrow's help to shoot Superman with a Kryptonite-tipped arrow. Battle-weary, Superman collapsed, and unlike the movie, he didn't utter 'Martha' to save himself.
No world for defeated Gods
After defeating Superman, Batman utters my favorite and most chilling lines in comics, "I want you to remember, Clark...in all the years to come...in your most private moments...I want you to remember...my hand...at your throat...I want...you to remember...the one man who beat you".
The day the earth stood still
DC movie lovers will recognize Doomsday from the 'Dawn of Justice' movie. In an issue, Doomsday went on a rampage and Superman entered a prolonged battle. Doomsday was exhausted while Superman was bloodied and bruised. The two put all their energy into a final collision. Superman rendered Doomsday comatose, but Doomsday managed to kill Superman. The issue is aptly named, 'The Death of Superman'.
