Batman to Doomsday: Superman’s Top 5 Battles in DC Media

Superman is one of the most powerful beings in the entire universe. Not only because he’s Kryptonian, but because of his brave heart and dedication to justice. There are few beings in the galaxy that can rival his resolve and his moral compass. As a result, when Superman finally decides to fight, fans know they’re in for a treat.

Without further ado, here are Superman’s top five battles. As a note, we’ll be crossing between DC Comics, movies, and animated series. Naturally, there’s lots to cover!

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Superman vs. Doomsday

Undoubtedly, one of the greatest battles in all of comics was Superman vs. Doomsday. After all, Doomsday was literally the first character in the comics who was powerful enough to defeat the Man of Steel! Doomsday was created by mad scientists who wanted to construct a creature built to survive. So, were he to be killed, he would evolve to become immune to that particular method of dying.

In time, Doomsday became immune to nearly everything. Neither laser vision nor frost breath, not even earth-shattering punches, could slow Doomsday. With this advantage, he grew strong enough to kill Superman. It sent shock waves throughout all of DC Comics. Of course, like most super hero comics, no one stays dead forever. Clark Kent would come back ready to face down Doomsday once again!

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Superman vs. Batman

Next, we’ll explore the battle that Superman fans first got in Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. It is perhaps one of the most famous comic book stories of all time. Even to this day, it’s still a topic of massive debate. The fight to end all fights: Batman versus Superman! Well, naturally, you have to add in extra caveats. Does Batman have prep time? Is Superman holding back?

Truly, all of these questions and more were answered in the story. Yes, Batman has a chance to win. And really, it makes perfect sense for him to have enough Kryptonite to cause problems! But still, Superman will always be stronger. If he’s not holding back, there’s not much Batman can do. In a way, they both won and lost the fight.

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Superman vs. Darkseid

The Justice League Animated Series featured one of the greatest animated super hero fights of all time. Not only is it one of the greatest fight scenes of all time, it’s got some of the best Superman quotes too! “I feel like I live in a world of cardboard…” Darkseid chose the wrong planet to fight against. And, more than that, he chose the wrong hero to underestimate.

Normally, Superman holds fast to his pacifist ideals since few can withstand the full might of his power. But in facing Darkseid, he tells the villain, “What we have here is a rare opportunity for me to cut loose and show you just how powerful I really am.” Superman winds up and lands a reality-warping punch. The show depicts his power through sound waves that ripple out and alter every line and everything around him. Meanwhile, Superman keeps punching like it was nothing. And for fans, it was everything.

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Superman vs. Brainiac

Next up, we have Superman vs. Brainiac. Admittedly, this is really an ongoing battle. Superman and Brainiac have fought across time and space. When all is said and done, Brainiac is one of Superman’s greatest villains. However, their greatest battle might have been a part of the Injustice 2 video game story.

In the first Injustice game, Superman uses his power to take over the world. He decides that the only way to have a peaceful planet is to destroy anyone who would oppose his will. Naturally, that doesn’t sit well with quite a few of the world’s heroes. That said, when Brainiac arrives in Injustice 2, the warring factions put aside their differences for a final showdown like none ever before.

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Superman vs. The Flash

Finally, it might be nice to end on a lighter note. Sure, Superman has fought against countless villains and heroes alike. However, one of his most iconic battles of all time was actually a charity event. Over the years, Superman and The Flash have battled head to head in an annual race for a good cause.

Every time, they come neck and neck. It’s so close because their powers of speed are, on a superficial level, evenly matched — and that’s why it’s also so exciting for fans to watch from around the globe! And yet, when it really comes down to it, all those events were for charity. When The Flash puts in even the slightest bit of effort, channeling the true power of the Speed Force, he leaves Superman in the dust. It’s a good thing they’re friends!

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What are your predictions for the future of DC films? Do you think Superman will fight any of these battles in James Gunn’s upcoming film Superman: Legacy?

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