In this tumultuous time of worldwide quarantine and social distancing, it may be encouraging to remember a time in DC Comics where even Superman struggled with self-isolation. That's right, even superheroes need to keep their distance from time to time for the sake of others and their own personal health and safety. For a few issues of Superman/Batman back in the early 2000s, Batman forced Superman into quarantine for two weeks, and Superman would rather be doing anything else instead of being alone and unable to go out and do his usual routine. Sound familiar?
Why did Superman have to be in secluded in the first place? Why, kryptonite of course. In Jeff Loeb's run of Batman/Superman which began in 2003, Superman and Batman manage to stop an asteroid made of kryptonite from impacting the surface of the Earth by punching it apart. (oddly enough, they used a giant mech robot resembling an odd hybridization of themselves created by Toyman to do so). However, the fragments of the asteroid rained down upon all across the globe, creating quite a large problem for the Man of Steel. Furthermore, the fragments weren't just the standard lethal green variety. The asteroid also carried other colors of kryptonite which could have had unknown effects on Superman. As such, Batman forces Superman into a quarantine above the Earth in the Justice League's Watchtower. However, Batman soon learns that telling Superman to stay put is something he'll do, but won't be happy about it. At all.
While Batman calls upon the Justice League, Teen Titans, the JSA and more heroes to search and collect all the kryptonite fragments, Superman is confined to the Watchtower for two weeks in self-isolation. Superman, restless with his forced inaction, continually calls Batman to ask if he can leave. Batman refuses, as the two weeks haven't been up and the fragments haven't yet all been found. Superman continues to press, feeling as though there should be something he can do to help or be of use.
Unfortunately, fans should be able to relate. Many people's routines have been upended, what with public and business closures all over the world. Confined to homes, and several in self-isolation, many could be feeling as restless as Clark Kent, wishing to do more, to go out, and to continue with normalcy. It's important to remember that the quarantine is in place for everyone's health and safety as well as for each individual. Batman doesn't want to just keep Superman safe from the kryptonite, he also wants to keep others safe from whatever the kryptonite might do to Superman, potentially endangering the general public as well. The same policy should be thought of in terms of this very real virus. Stay safe, stay healthy. Not just for you, but for everyone else as well.