Metropolis Is Becoming More Dangerous Than Gotham | Screen Rant
This article contains spoilers for Action Comics #1024.
Superman's Metropolis is officially becoming even more dangerous than Batman's Gotham City. Let's face it, a criminal would have to be insane to try operating out of Metropolis. Superman's super-hearing and super-vision means he's always on the alert, and he can cross the city faster than a speeding bullet when he realizes he's needed. When the Man of Steel turns up, any mugger or bank-robber is done for unless they happen to have a Kryptonite bullet handy.
Brian Bendis and John Romita, Jr.'s Action Comics run has revealed Metropolis is far from a crime-free zone, though. Criminals have adapted to Superman's presence, just as they have to Batman's in Gotham. They've established what's called an "Invisible Mafia," who for years have been operating in secret, going to extreme lengths to ensure they avoid Superman's attention. That strategy has finally failed, but unfortunately for the Man of Steel the Invisible Mafia have allied with the Red Cloud, a villain who has the ability to choke even Superman. Metropolis is now having its first taste of a crime war between its resident superhero and the Invisible Mafia.
This week's Action Comics #1024 confirms that anybody is at risk, with the Red Cloud deciding to strike out at a mayoral candidate named Melody Moore. Melody is a fire chief who helped Superman investigate a series of arsons across the city, and she was one of the first people he confided his secret identity to. She's served as something of an inspiration to the Man of Steel, reminding him that some human beings really are dedicated to doing good. But her friendship with Superman makes her a target to the Red Cloud - with fatal results, as Superman learns when he arrives on the scene too late to save her life. A grief-stricken Superman soars into the sky, where he is comforted by Supergirl.
Superman and the Invisible Mafia have now entered into a pattern that will be familiar to anybody who's been following the Batman books; the conflict is escalating, with each going to greater lengths to take the other out, and with the villains not caring who gets hurt. It's hard to imagine a more high-profile target than an actual mayoral candidate, suggesting nobody in Metropolis should be considered safe right now.
The Invisible Mafia has a problem, however. While the Red Cloud is able to hold her own against Superman, the Man of Steel is gathering his allies to his side; Supergirl, two different versions of Superboy, and Brainiac 5 from the Legion of Super Heroes. This escalation is most unwise, because Superman can draw on resources far beyond the Red Cloud and the Invisible Mafia. Right now, Metropolis actually looks even more unsafe than Gotham City, but Superman is sure to ensure matters are put right pretty quickly.