Superman’s death in Justice League was a complex, multi-layered event. He was initially resurrected by the Justice League using the Mother Box technology, but his true “death” occurred prior to this resurrection, during his battle with Doomsday in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
The Initial Sacrifice: A Doomsday Scenario
The true demise of Superman as we knew him happened in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This battle, orchestrated by Lex Luthor, pitted Superman against Doomsday, a Kryptonian monster specifically engineered to kill him.
The Anatomy of a Kryptonian Death
Doomsday, a biological weapon created from General Zod’s DNA, proved to be Superman’s physical equal, and arguably, superior in brute force. The fight was brutal and destructive, pushing Superman to his limits. Ultimately, Doomsday was vulnerable to Kryptonite, and Superman, with a Kryptonite spear, managed to pierce the monster’s heart. However, in doing so, Doomsday’s bony protrusion simultaneously pierced Superman’s own heart, leading to a mutual kill. This sacrifice was a key moment, symbolizing Superman’s unwavering commitment to protecting humanity, even at the cost of his own life. His “death” was not just a physical cessation, but also a symbolic loss of hope for many.
The Aftermath: Mourning the Man of Steel
Following Superman’s death, the world mourned the loss of its greatest protector. Batman, feeling responsible for contributing to the escalation of events, was spurred to form the Justice League, believing that a greater threat was looming and requiring a united front. Superman’s death served as a catalyst for the League’s formation, highlighting the vulnerability of Earth and the need for superhuman defense. This emotional impact fueled the events of Justice League.
Resurrection: A Risky Gambit
In Justice League, the team, desperate to defeat Steppenwolf, made the controversial decision to resurrect Superman using the power of the Mother Boxes. This decision was fraught with ethical and practical concerns, as they had no guarantee of how Superman would return.
The Mother Boxes: Power and Peril
The Mother Boxes, ancient alien technology, were capable of manipulating matter and energy. The Justice League believed that their combined power could restore Superman, but they underestimated the unpredictable nature of the technology and the potential for unforeseen consequences. Reviving a being as powerful as Superman using such an unstable energy source carried immense risks.
The Reborn Superman: Confusion and Conflict
As predicted, the resurrected Superman was not the same. He was initially disoriented and hostile, attacking the Justice League. This “brainwashing” or altered state was likely a result of the incomplete resurrection process and the influence of the Mother Box energies. Superman had to regain his memories and his sense of identity before he could rejoin the fight against Steppenwolf. This inner conflict added a layer of complexity to his return.
Regaining His Humanity: The Lois Lane Factor
Ultimately, it was Lois Lane who was able to reach Superman and help him regain his memories and humanity. Her presence served as a powerful anchor to his previous life and his commitment to protecting Earth. This demonstrates the enduring importance of Lois Lane’s role in Superman’s life, even after his death and resurrection.
The Final Battle: A Symbol of Hope Restored
With his memories restored, Superman joined the Justice League in the final battle against Steppenwolf. His presence proved to be the turning point, as he was able to overpower Steppenwolf and ultimately defeat him. Superman’s return not only saved the world but also restored hope to humanity, solidifying his role as a symbol of truth, justice, and the American way.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Superman’s Demise and Return
Here are some frequently asked questions about Superman’s death and resurrection in the DC Extended Universe:
1. How long was Superman “dead” between Batman v Superman and Justice League?
Superman was “dead” for a relatively short period. Batman v Superman and Justice League are sequential films, with only a few months passing between the two.
2. Was Kryptonite the only way to kill Superman?
In the DCEU, Kryptonite is the most effective known method to weaken and kill Superman. Doomsday’s Kryptonian origins and the Kryptonite spear were crucial in Superman’s initial demise. However, beings with power rivaling or exceeding Superman’s could potentially harm him.
3. Why was Superman so much stronger after his resurrection?
While there’s no definitive in-universe explanation, the resurrection process involving the Mother Boxes may have amplified his powers. It’s also possible that his near-death experience unlocked latent potential. Additionally, Superman absorbs solar energy, and he was buried underground, unable to replenish his energy reserves. His revival allowed him to fully recharge.
4. Why didn’t Superman know who Lois Lane was immediately after resurrection?
The resurrection process was imperfect, and Superman’s mind was fragmented. The Mother Boxes likely had an effect on his memories. It took Lois Lane’s presence to trigger his memories and help him regain his sense of identity.
5. Did Batman know Superman would be resurrected?
Batman hoped that Superman could be resurrected but had no guarantee. His plan was a risky gamble based on limited knowledge of the Mother Boxes. He was willing to take the risk because he believed Superman was the only one who could truly stop Steppenwolf.
6. Why didn’t the Justice League try to resurrect Superman earlier?
The Justice League initially hesitated to resurrect Superman due to the ethical implications and the unpredictable nature of the Mother Box technology. They were also preoccupied with dealing with the immediate threat of Steppenwolf and securing the Mother Boxes. The decision to resurrect Superman was a desperate measure taken when their initial efforts failed.
7. What would have happened if Lois Lane hadn’t intervened to calm Superman down?
If Lois Lane hadn’t intervened, Superman’s rampage might have continued, potentially causing significant damage and casualties. It’s possible that the League would have been forced to subdue him, further damaging their already fragile alliance.
8. Did Lex Luthor know about Doomsday’s ability to kill Superman?
Lex Luthor’s actions strongly suggest he anticipated, and even hoped for, Doomsday’s victory. He created Doomsday specifically to defeat Superman, indicating he understood the monster’s capabilities.
9. Was Superman truly “brainwashed” after his resurrection, or was he simply disoriented?
While “brainwashed” is a strong term, Superman was certainly disoriented and confused after his resurrection. The Mother Boxes likely had a disruptive effect on his cognitive functions, making him vulnerable and easily agitated.
10. How did Superman know to go to the Kent farm after being resurrected?
Even with fragmented memories, Superman’s subconscious likely led him back to the Kent farm, a place deeply connected to his identity and sense of belonging. It was a place of comfort and familiarity that he instinctively sought out.
11. Did Superman retain any memories of his death after being resurrected?
The movie doesn’t explicitly state whether Superman retained memories of his death. However, the trauma of being stabbed through the heart likely left a lasting impact on him, even if he didn’t consciously recall the experience.
12. Will Superman ever die permanently in the DCEU?
The nature of superhero comics and films suggests that no death is truly permanent. While Superman has died and been resurrected, future storylines could explore other potential demises and resurrections, depending on the direction the DCEU takes. The cyclical nature of comic book narratives makes it unlikely that any character’s death is truly final.