Arrowverse Finally Addresses An Old Superman Power Level Problem
Superman & Lois has found a fix for an old problem with Superman stories, which relates to his power level and how it compares to other characters, particularly his fellow Kryptonians. Typically, the Man of Steel is depicted as a character whose physical capabilities put him several levels above everyone else, with only a tiny number of exceptions. However, there are often more exceptions than there should be.
The biggest problem with nearly all Superman stories that involve Kal-El meeting other Kryptonians is that they take away the larger-the-life feel of the superhero and the idea he’s an unbeatable force in the DC Universe. It’s easy for Superman to seem less impressive when there are other characters who can do all the same things he can. Superman II, Man of Steel, and Smallville all shared this issue by giving him Kryptonian opponents that served as equals. The situation was arguably worse with the Arrowverse, considering its Superman was overshadowed by Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) whenever they shared the screen.
Not only has Superman & Lois reversed course, but it’s also addressed this problem in a way that works. It seemed like the show was risking the same mistakes with its season 1 story, which saw Morgan Edge (Adam Rayner) create an army of evil Kryptonians. The interesting thing is that none of Edge’s minions is a physical match for Superman, possibly because they aren’t natural Kryptonians or their bodies haven’t been exposed to the yellow sun for as long. Either way, it’s clear that even though they possess his powers, they’re outclassed by him. Despite being of the same race, the villains fear Superman and have mostly avoided confrontations. General Sam Lane’s previous comment about Superman being the most powerful being on the planet is quickly proving true.
It would have been easy for the Arrowverse to follow the same path as other Superman stories with Edge’s Kryptonian plan, but fortunately, the series is implementing the perfect solution. Clark has handled some of them, such as the one who took over Kyle (Erik Valdez), with ease. Edge sent a swarm of his super-powered Kryptonian soldiers after Clark, but in the face of all their numbers, Superman still prevailed. By using his solar flare power from DC Comics, Superman succeeded in freeing them of the Kryptonian spirits that inhabited them.
Even in a show apparently populated with Kryptonian villains, the Man of Steel is every bit the force to be reckoned with that viewers expect him to be. Superman & Lois isn’t holding back with its portrayal of the hero and his powers. Edge, who has turned out to be a natural-born Kryptonian and the secret half-brother of Kal-El, may yet be the only one around with any hope of challenging him on a physical level.