Justice League Reveals Ultimate Contingency Plan Against Superman: Can They Contain Clark Kent?

Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1079

The Justice League has always grappled with the daunting prospect of what to do if Superman were to turn against them. Recent developments, however, reveal that the team has unlocked a potent solution, thanks to the capabilities of an often-overlooked hero. This new weapon could prove essential in a scenario where Superman’s loyalties come into question.

In Action Comics #1079, crafted by Mark Waid with artists Michael Shelfer and Matt Herms, the structure of the Justice League’s defense is tested when Superman is incapacitated. With the Phantom Zone’s Kryptonian criminals unleashed upon Earth, Batman proposes an innovative tactic: synthesizing Kryptonite through Firestorm’s unique transmutation abilities. The effort culminates in the astonishing creation of Kryptonite gauntlets, arming the League’s heroes in their fight against the Kryptonian menace.

Firestorm creates Kryptonian gauntlets that the Justice League's heroes wield

These groundbreaking Kryptonite gauntlets provide the Justice League with the tactical edge they need. United in purpose, each member is now equipped to take on Superman, should the need ever arise.

The Justice League Develops a Reliable Strategy to Confront Superman

Firestorm’s Contribution Solidifies the League’s Plan

Martian Manhunter, Star Sapphire, and Shazam battle Kryptonians while wearing Kryptonite gauntlets

As the chaos unfolds with evil Kryptonians wreaking havoc, the Justice League recognizes the necessity for a substantial supply of Kryptonite—their primary tool against Superman’s formidable power. Enter Firestorm, whose nuclear abilities make him uniquely suited to transmute elements, including the all-important Kryptonite. With this innovation, Firestorm crafts Kryptonite gauntlets that empower the Justice League, allowing them to confront the rampaging Kryptonians head-on by exploiting their inherent vulnerabilities.

Doctor Light Enhances the Justice League’s Strategy

Strengthening Control Over Superman’s Powers

Doctor Light uses her light manipulation powers to trap Kryptonians in a red-sun prison

In addition to the threat posed by Kryptonite, Superman also has significant vulnerabilities related to red sunlight. Under a yellow sun, Superman gains access to his vast powers. Conversely, exposure to red sunlight nullifies these powers, rendering him as vulnerable as any human. To fully neutralize Superman’s threat, a strategy involving red sunlight becomes essential. Luckily, the Justice League has in their ranks Doctor Light, who possesses the keen ability to manipulate light itself.

In a prior context from Action Comics #1074, Superman experiences firsthand the debilitating effects of red sunlight during a time-travel excursion back to Krypton. This vulnerability is aptly utilized when Doctor Light is summoned by the Justice League to corral the incapacitated Kryptonians. Using her abilities, she constructs a prison composed of red sunlight, effectively robbing the Kryptonians of their superpowers and ensuring their secure confinement. This method highlights how, should the need arise, Doctor Light could create a similar red-sun cage for Superman.

The Justice League’s Latest Strategy Is the Most Comprehensive Yet

A Look at Past Measures Against Superman in DC Comics

Historically, the Justice League has devised numerous contingency plans to deal with Superman, yet none have reached the complexity of this latest tactic. Often, Batman has been the mastermind behind such strategies, meticulously preparing for all conceivable threats—a hallmark of his character. Given that Kryptonite remains Superman’s chief weakness, Batman ensures he has the element readily available, even deploying elaborate solutions like a Kryptonite tank. The league has also utilized clever tactics, such as employing the Atom to utilize his size-changing abilities to introduce Kryptonite into Superman’s bloodstream.

Is Superman Capable of Overcoming the Justice League’s Plans? It Could Happen

Superman Has a History of Overcoming His Weaknesses

With diversely potent strategies—including Kryptonite from Firestorm and red sunlight manipulation from Doctor Light—the Justice League appears well-prepared. However, past narratives have demonstrated Superman’s remarkable resilience in overcoming his weaknesses. For instance, in Legion of Super-Heroes #293, Brainiac 5 develops micro-circuitry that enables Superman to retain his powers under red sunlight—rendering the Justice League’s strategies potentially ineffective under the right circumstances.

This historical precedent highlights a significant strategic oversight by the Justice League: Superman possesses the ability to outmaneuver traditional counters to his powers. Should Doctor Light ensnare him, Superman might leverage past inventions to break free. While the Justice League exhibits a proactive stance, the possibility of Superman emerging victorious in a confrontation remains viable if he has adequate preparation and time.

In summary, Action Comics #1079 offers an engaging narrative that showcases the Justice League’s latest attempts to deal with the inherent risks posed by Superman, emphasizing the ongoing tension between trust and caution within the superhero community.

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