Superman is generally regarded as not only a powerful but also a kind and heroic character from the DC universe. But what happens if he is mentally broken? This is what the Injustice universe deals with, triggered solely by the Joker.
What kind of universe is this? The origin of the Injustice universe lies in the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us, developed by NetherRealm, the studio behind Mortal Kombat. The game showcases an alternate universe where Superman has become a villain.
He built a dictatorship that seeks to eradicate every crime from the world with an iron fist. He employs not only violence but also partnerships with well-known villains. It was none other than the Joker who caused Superman to become this way.
In the new Superman film, the hero shows his heroic side:
The Joker needed only one day
What did the Joker do? The origin of Superman on Earth 49 is quite well known. As a baby, he was sent to Earth by his parents just before Krypton was destroyed. There, he was raised by the Kents and eventually became the hero Superman.
He married Lois Lane and was active as Superman for 12 years. The Justice League and his relationship with his best friend Batman also mirror the known universe. One day, when Superman found out that his wife was pregnant, she was kidnapped by the Joker, and he searched for her together with Batman.
Suddenly, Doomsday appeared, who has caused problems for Superman in the past, and a battle ensued. Superman killed Doomsday, but slowly he realized that he had been deceived. The Joker used Scarecrow’s fear gas in conjunction with kryptonite to trick Superman. Lois dies, and Superman, full of rage, heads for the Joker.
While Batman was interrogating the Joker, Superman burst through the wall, shoved Batman aside, and killed the villain. The Joker, who had previously stated that Superman was more gullible than Batman, simply laughed as he died.
The taboo break and the death of his wife changed Superman. Together with members of the Justice League and even villains, he established an oppressive regime over the years. If he had to spread fear or even kill to suppress crime, he would do so. His friendship with Batman broke down, who then tried to stop the regime from underground.
2 factions emerged
How was it for Superman’s regime? After 4 years, Superman had established a dictatorship. Those who committed crimes were brutally stopped, in many cases even killed. But even former allies fell victim to Superman. He killed Green Arrow and Shazam, who was even a child.
In addition to former superheroes like Wonder Woman, Raven, Aquaman, or Hal Jordan (as Yellow Lantern), villains like Black Adam, Bane, Sinestro, or Killer Frost joined the regime. But there was also a resistance.
Batman formed an underground group with which he attempted to overthrow the regime. Heroes like Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Green Arrow, or Black Lightning joined Batman, but the hero also collaborated with villains. Among them were Harley Quinn, Deathstroke, or Lex Luthor.
However, Batman fails to overthrow the regime. But when he summons heroes from another universe, they are able to defeat the regime with the help of another Superman and capture the evil Superman.
Another villain appears
Was it the end of the regime? The powerful villain Brainiac appeared, and although Batman initially refused, he made a pact with Superman and freed him to stop Brainiac. The condition was that no one dies.
They initially failed to stop the alien, and Superman was captured. However, with the help of Supergirl, Batman was able to defeat Brainiac. But a dispute arose between Superman and Batman about whether to kill Brainiac.
There were more fights between the allies of both sides. At the end of the 2nd Injustice game, the player can decide whether to choose Batman or Superman. If Batman wins, Superman is imprisoned in the Phantom Zone and ultimately stopped.
However, if you choose Superman, he establishes a new regime and ensures a dictatorial peace
. Through Brainiac’s technology, he uses brainwashing to ensure that enemies are under his control. This time, however, he intends to conquer not just Earth, but the entire multiverse.
The backstory to the battle of the two factions is told in the Injustice comics. However, you can also relive the battle of both factions in the story mode of the two Injustice games and fight with various heroes and villains. Among them are also lesser-known figures, such as Stan Lee’s favorite character: Marvel legend Stan Lee had a favorite character from DC that hardly anyone knows
