It turns out, Batman was right to develop so many different ways to kill Superman. Although paranoid that the Justice League could turn evil someday, the Dark Knight’s backup plan against the Man of Steel has been vindicated.
The continuation of the DC Animated Universe as originally pioneered by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, among others, has come in the form of comics. Set after the finale of Justice League Unlimited, Justice League Infinity takes fans back to the definitive version of the DC Universe. Expanding on the early 2000s iteration of the team, readers can now see the origins of Overman who first appeared in Superman: The Animated Series. The evil version of Superman shows off what he’s capable of in Justice League Infinity #2, written by J.M. DeMatteis and James Tucker with art by Ethen Beavers.
When Lois Lane shoots Overman with a Kryptonite gun, it doesn’t phase him in the slightest. As he falls down, Overman laughs maniacally, only stunned by the hit. Similar to when Bloodsport blasted Ultraman with a Kryptonite gun, instead of getting the better of him, he unintentionally maximized his power. It’s ironic that Superman’s signature weakness is an amplifier for his evil counterpart. However, this is vindication for Batman’s strategic plan to fight a twisted Superman, as he has several alternate ways to take on the Kryptonian aside from meteor rock. For instance, Bruce has used his version of the Hulkbuster mech suit which incorporates the energy of a red sun in its gloves to weaken Superman.
It’s not new information that Batman plans three steps ahead for every potential situation. Arguably, that’s the Caped Crusader’s greatest contribution he brings to the table of the Justice League. Even if they might be offended by his paranoia that they could turn on him, it has earned Batman the ability to face down Overman or Ultraman. As fans know, there is an unfortunate infinite supply of evil Supermen in the multiverse who Batman could probably stand a chance against in a fight. Although Bruce wasn’t right to be concerned about the mildly mannered Clark Kent giving into the dark side, he was right to be prepared. Not every Kryptonian with powers from a yellow sun is going to be a super friend.
However, Batman’s strength doesn’t detour from Lois Lane’s bold takedown of Overman. Even though it’s a temporary stun, it takes a lot from her to singlehandedly try to kill the man who looks identical to her love, Superman. On the other side of their encounter, it emphasizes the sinister nature of the alternate world’s Kryptonian as he nearly kills Lois. Batman might be the only person in the DC Animated Universe who could go up against the demented tyrant.