Superman is widely regarded as the strongest hero in the DC Universe. Certainly he’s one of the most powerful and virtually immortal beyond a few specific weaknesses. However, an ally best known from the DCEU just helped the Man of Steel become even stronger and killed two members of the Green Lantern Corps in the process.
The battle came in DC K.O. #3, by Scott Snyder and Javier Fernández. The latest chapter of the series detailing a cosmic tournament for the power of Darkseid changed things up for its third round. This time, the surviving challengers, including Superman, had to choose an ally to fight by their side in a two-on-two duel.
What heroes died in battle with Superman?
(Image Source: DC / Javier Fernández)
Superman’s challenger was the Green Lantern Guy Gardner, who chose fellow Green Lantern Hal Jordan as his second. The Man of Steel chose Billy Batson, a.k.a. Shazam. At first, this seemed to be a fairly even match, with both pairs of heroes having similar power sets.
However, Clark Kent had a reason for partnering with Billy Batson beyond a shared idealism and a comparable level of power. He didn’t even choose Billy because the power of Shazam was magic, which is one of Superman’s few weaknesses. Indeed, he chose Billy because of one of the few things Billy can do that Superman cannot; share his power with other people.
(Image Source: DC / Javier Fernández)
While he hoped to win alongside his hero, Billy didn’t hesitate once he was mortally wounded. He said the magic word “Shazam” and summoned his magic lightning, aiming it toward Superman. The magically empowered Man of Steel soon make quick work of the two Green Lanterns, though he took little joy in his victory.
DC K.O. #3 is now available at comic shops everywhere.