The Man of Steel is the mightiest hero in the DC Universe, but the true strength of Superman goes beyond moving mountains. This was showcased in a fight with a new villain who copied Superman’s power, but not his strength.
The battle opened Action Comics #1058 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Rafa Sandoval, and Matt Herms. Weakened by a device that siphoned his powers, Clark Kent was attacked by an imposter Superman. Growing weaker by the second, Clark gambled that his doppelganger did not understand the full scope of his newfound powers. This allowed Clark to set a trap, and turn the tables on his attacker.
The key to victory laid in how Superman is so powerful, he has to hold back when facing unknown threats. This gave him a fine degree of control over his powers that the copycat did not possess naturally, As such, the doppelganger became overwhelmed when he tried to use his super hearing.
This pain led into the second part of Clark’s plan. Beyond distracting the imposter, it also caused him to lose control of his heat vision. This was, Clark reflected, the most volatile of his powers after his super hearing. Beyond further distracting the fake Superman, the heat vision also depleted his energy reserves. Within seconds, he was unable to see or hear Clark Kent coming to end the fight with one ordinary punch.
This fight showcased how Superman’s true strength lies not in the power he displays, but the power he restrains. The damage Superman could do on purpose is not half as frightening as the devastation he might unleash if he did not put so much effort into holding back. This showcases the true strength of Superman as a character, as well as the strength of his character.
Action Comics #1058 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
