Superman’s demise in the Justice League movie was a direct result of his battle against Doomsday, a genetically engineered monster of Kryptonian origin, in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, his “death” in Justice League stems from the lingering effects of that fight and the actions surrounding his resurrection.
The Doomsday Threat and Kryptonite Poisoning
Superman’s fight with Doomsday in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was a brutal and harrowing encounter. Doomsday, a creature specifically designed to kill Kryptonians, proved to be more than a match for even the Man of Steel. While Superman ultimately prevailed, he did so at a significant cost: fatal exposure to Kryptonite, Doomsday being created from General Zod’s corpse and thus radiating Kryptonian energy.
This exposure weakened Superman considerably. The Kryptonite radiation not only weakened him physically, but it also disrupted his cellular structure, leaving him vulnerable to the effects of his subsequent “death” even after Doomsday was defeated. While Superman ultimately overcame Doomsday by impaling him with a Kryptonite spear, he too was impaled in the process.
The Unstable Resurrection and Mother Box Power
In Justice League, the remaining members of the team – Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, and The Flash – decide that resurrecting Superman is their best chance to defeat Steppenwolf and his Parademons. They employ the power of the Mother Boxes, ancient alien technology of immense power, to revive him.
However, the resurrection process is far from perfect. The Mother Boxes’ energy is unpredictable and potent, and the effects on Superman are amplified by the fact that his body was still recovering from the Kryptonite poisoning. This creates a distorted version of Superman, initially lacking his memories and driven purely by instinct. He is essentially reborn, but as an unbridled force, unsure of friend from foe. This makes him, temporarily, a threat to the League itself.
The Clash and the Recovery of Self
The resurrected Superman confronts the Justice League, initially perceiving them as threats. He attacks, showcasing his raw power and demonstrating the unstable state he is in. This fight is crucial for two reasons.
Regaining Memories
The intense conflict with his former allies, particularly Lois Lane’s arrival, ultimately allows Superman to begin regaining his memories and control over his powers. He starts to recognize the faces of his friends and the gravity of the situation, slowly transitioning from a mindless weapon back to the hero they needed.
Embracing His Role
The fight with the League served to “reboot” him in a way. He realizes the threat Steppenwolf poses to the planet and understands the need for a team to stand against such dangers. This re-solidifies his commitment to protecting Earth and its people, cementing his role as a member of the Justice League and the ultimate defense against universal threats.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Superman’s Fate
Q1: Was Superman truly dead after Batman v Superman?
While his heart stopped beating and he was buried, it’s important to understand that Superman’s Kryptonian physiology makes him extremely resilient. The solar radiation his body absorbs grants him powers that far exceed human capabilities, including a heightened capacity for healing and regeneration. Therefore, “dead” for Superman is a more complicated state than for a human being. He was in a state of suspended animation, critically injured and requiring extraordinary measures to revive.
Q2: Why was Superman so angry and confused after being resurrected?
The Mother Boxes’ power, coupled with the lingering effects of Kryptonite poisoning and the trauma of his death, scrambled his memories and disrupted his mental state. He was essentially reborn with a fragmented understanding of his past life, leading to confusion and a volatile emotional state. The process was unnatural and unstable, resulting in a Superman driven by instinct rather than intellect.
Q3: Did Lois Lane play a key role in Superman’s return to normal?
Absolutely. Lois Lane’s presence acted as an anchor, a familiar face in a sea of chaos. Her love and connection to Clark Kent triggered his memories and helped him regain control over his emotions and powers. This crucial moment demonstrated the profound impact Lois has on Superman’s identity and sense of purpose.
Q4: How did Superman’s resurrection affect his powers?
Initially, his powers seemed enhanced, but also less controlled. The Mother Boxes amplified his abilities, but his lack of mental clarity made it difficult for him to harness them effectively. Once he regained his memories, he was able to utilize his powers with greater precision and control, arguably stronger than before his “death.”
Q5: Why didn’t the Kryptonite weaken him immediately upon resurrection?
The Mother Boxes’ power seemed to temporarily counteract the effects of Kryptonite. His initial aggression and enhanced strength indicate a surge of energy that masked, or at least temporarily overrode, the negative effects of the radiation. However, prolonged exposure to Kryptonite would undoubtedly have weakened him again.
Q6: Did Superman know he was being resurrected?
No. The resurrection process was initiated without his conscious knowledge or consent. He had no awareness of the events leading up to his rebirth, nor of the Justice League’s plan. He essentially awoke as a blank slate, with only fragmented memories and instincts guiding him.
Q7: Was it ethical for the Justice League to resurrect Superman against his will?
This is a complex ethical question. The League believed that resurrecting Superman was their only hope of defeating Steppenwolf and saving the world. However, they did so without his consent and without fully understanding the potential consequences. This raises questions about the morality of sacrificing individual autonomy for the greater good.
Q8: What would have happened if Superman had stayed dead?
Without Superman, the Justice League would have likely been defeated by Steppenwolf. His raw power and strategic thinking were crucial in turning the tide of the battle and ultimately driving Steppenwolf back. The Earth would have been transformed into another Apokoliptian outpost, enslaved by Darkseid.
Q9: Why didn’t they use a Green Lantern to defeat Steppenwolf instead of resurrecting Superman?
At that point in the DCEU timeline, the existence and location of Green Lanterns were not yet firmly established. While the audience may know of the Green Lantern Corps, the Justice League themselves didn’t have access to this resource or know how to summon them. They chose the path they believed was most readily available and offered the best chance of success.
Q10: Did Batman regret his actions in Batman v Superman after seeing Superman’s resurrection?
Batman certainly displayed a significant shift in his perspective after Superman’s “death” and resurrection. He felt a deep sense of responsibility for his actions and actively sought to rectify his past mistakes by forming the Justice League. The experience humbled him and motivated him to become a better hero. He was shown to grieve Superman’s passing, and it drove him to assemble the Justice League and revive him.
Q11: Is Superman truly invincible after being resurrected?
No. While his resurrection likely amplified his powers and resilience, he is still vulnerable to Kryptonite and other powerful threats. The Mother Boxes’ power may have provided a temporary boost, but it didn’t fundamentally alter his Kryptonian physiology or eliminate his weaknesses.
Q12: How does Superman’s death and resurrection affect his future character arc in the DCEU?
Superman’s death and resurrection storyline underscores his selflessness and his willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of humanity. It solidifies his role as a symbol of hope and inspires others to fight for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It also highlights the importance of teamwork and the power of redemption. It also sets the stage for him to become an even stronger and more resolute hero, understanding the value of life and the responsibility that comes with his extraordinary abilities. The experiences likely deepened his understanding of his powers and the fragile nature of existence.