The DC Universe is still trying to find its footing. James Gunn and Co. are taking the road less traveled by focusing on quality over anything. If a writer or director has a good idea, they can pitch it to the powers that be, and the ball will get rolling from there. This approach is how projects like Clayface come to be, but the whole universe can’t be built by obscure characters. Familiar faces have to do their fair share of the heavy lifting, including Superman, who headlines the DCU’s first movie. David Corenswet’s hero doesn’t have an easy go of it in his first go-around, though, being pitted against his arch-enemy, Lex Luthor.
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Luthor gives the Man of Steel a run for his money, nearly destroying Metropolis and starting a major conflict in Jarhanpur. Unfortunately, a billionaire with a few fancy toys can’t beat a Kryptonian in the strength department. Well, here are four DC characters actually stronger than Superman in the DCU.
4) Ultraman
Superman coasts for a few years in the DCU before coming up against the Hammer of Boravia, aka Ultraman. Luthor was able to clone the Man of Steel, but the new being doesn’t have the heart his doppleganger does. Ultraman destroys everything in his path and nearly knocks Superman out cold. The only reason the titular hero is able to escape is that Krypto shows up and blinds LuthorCorp, leaving Ultraman without his eyes and ears. However, there’s a good chance that Clark Kent creates an even worse monster by throwing Ultraman into the black hole.
3) Supergirl
The end of Superman reveals that Krypto isn’t Superman’s dog but his cousin’s. Kara Zor-El is partying during the events of the movie while her relative is fighting for his life, and it’s not like she wouldn’t have made a difference. Supergirl’s quick interaction with Krypto in the Fortress of Solitude proves that she can take a beating. Since she likely picks fights with any alien who looks at her funny, she probably has a better grasp of her abilities than Superman.
2) Metamorpho
When Superman turns himself in after Luthor, he probably thinks he’ll answer a few questions and walk right out the door. The villain has other plans, though, using Metamorpho to hold the Man of Steel in place by creating Kryptonite. There are very few limitations on Rex Mason’s powers, as he can do everything from creating a rocket engine to turning his arm into a giant mallet. He doesn’t need any of that to beat Superman, though, as the green rock in his back pocket is more than enough.
1) Eric Frankenstein
Gunn hides some pretty powerful characters in the DCU’s first animated project, Creature Commandos. But the strongest villain in the show isn’t part of the titular team, with Eric Frankenstein spending every episode hunting down The Bride. Whenever it’s time to throw down, though, Frankenstein is ready to go, using his superhuman strength and durability to win. Superman would struggle to take down the monster, given that it’s essentially immortal.
Superman is available on VOD.
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