GREEN LANTERNS versus HOUSE OF ZOD

Zod's Will Part One: First Contact (DC)
Where: Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #37 When: March 2018 Why: Robert Venditti How: Rafa Sandoval

The Story So Far...
The Guardians of the Universe have reinstated their post as overseers for the Green Lantern Corps, and while John Stewart contemplates quitting the ranks over a history of indiscretions, Hal Jordan and Kyle Rayner continue to fly the beat as Green Lanterns of Sector 2814.

A routine investigation into reported unauthorized resource exploitation on the planet Jekuul brings the pair to a primitive civilization making unexpected advancements. The beginnings of construction signal an occupation by the unlikeliest of welcome parties: Zod!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Zod 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Eradicator 5 (Professor)
Speed: Zod 6 (Mach Speed)
Stamina: Zod 6 (Generator)
Agility: Draw 2 (Average)
Fighting: Zod 4 (Trained)
Energy: Hal Jordan 7 (Cosmic Power)
Total: General Zod 33 (Super)

The Green Lantern Corps are: Hal Jordan and Kyle Rayner.

Two Lanterns are on call to investigate this case. Hal and Kyle have a complicated history; the latter becoming the last Green Lantern after Jordan completely wiped the Corps out under the influence of Parallax; but they're buddies now.

After Hal's "rebirth", the pair worked together to stop Sinestro and his Yellow Corps bringing war to Earth, but the ringless fisticuffs used to settle that score probably won't help them against today's super-powered adversaries!

The House of Zod are: General Zod, Ursa, Lor-Zod, and Eradicator.

This family of Kryptonians is headed by the militant despot General Dru-Zod, who was banished to the Phantom Zone before the destruction of his home planet, Krypton. He's cruel & violent, representing a hopeless counterpart to Superman!

We saw General Zod lead an army of Kryptonians against Superman and the Earth back in Action Comics #846, so it isn't unreasonable for the Green Lanterns to suspect invasion and exploitation of the primitive Jekuul inhabitants.

We know Zod and his family are tough enough to stand toe-to-toe with Superman, but what about the most powerful weapon(s) in the universe?

Our closest reference was when Guy Gardner wielded his Qwardian yellow ring against Eradicator in Action Comics #688. Not quite a Green Lantern and not quite Kryptonian, but the pair are at least proof positive that energy rings can hold up against a physical powerhouse in the mould of Superman.

The Tape: House of Zod Ranking: Hal Jordan (#24)

What Went Down...

General Zod casually approaches the two Green Lanterns investigating his nearby construction, extending a welcome, and a willingness to explain the circumstances of his new home on planet Jekuul. The startled Lanterns are not convinced.

Hal Jordan immediately recognizes the Z-shaped crest on the man's chest and springs into action -- slinging his ring to form a giant vice around the General!

Amidst the confusion - Jordan reverts to an intention to arrest the known villain, whose presence has caught both he and Kyle Rayner by surprise, and is presumed hostile. Zod denies any crime has been committed.

A strain begins to emanate through Jordan's ring. "Lantern, do you know what I missed most during my years imprisoned inside the Phantom Zone?"

Drenched in the yellow sunlight of Jekuul -- General Zod throws his arms wide and breaks free from the hard-light construct holding him in place!

Jordan orders Kyle Rayner to make a hasty exit to recruit back-up, but even if he wanted to leave -- he never had a chance. A dark blur is upon him in seconds as Ursa uses her Kryptonian super-speed to hit him in the face like a freight train!

Her son, Lor-Zod, and the Eradicator, float with her overhead, as the Green Lanterns suddenly find themselves surrounded by super-powered Kryptonians!

Back-to-back with his partner, outgunned and outnumbered, Hal Jordan calls an audible, choosing the two targets on the left, while he forms an energy shield shaped like a jet fighter -- and flies straight into battle!

Kyle creates a giant-sized armored samurai as he launches himself at mother & son, while Jordan's plane takes double-barreled eyebeams, on a course towards Zod and Eradicator!

With a single, almighty punch -- Ursa smashes the gigantic samurai, shaking its hard-light armor plates loose with a rippling impact that ejects Kyle out the back!

Jordan fares a little better, losing a wing from his plane, and part of the fuselage, but aiming true for his target.

He pulls back his fist and charges up the ring as he closes in on General Zod and the remains of his plane break over the target -- but even a powered-up punch is child's play for the sun-charged General!

"So this is the self-proclaimed "most powerful weapon in the universe.""

Zod's cold confidence spells a foregone conclusion as he delivers a short uppercut at super-speed, bloodying the Green Lantern's mouth & nose, knocking him out cold and falling to the ground below.

Things aren't going any better for Kyle Rayner. A curious Ursa delivers a callous punch to the gut, wondering why the Green Lanterns would use a ring, rather than armor, a gun, or "a blade, at least".

A snap of her elbow backhands Kyle, sending him head-first into the rocks and dirt of Jekuul.

A flying right-hook knocks the mask from his face, and another sprays his blood across the air. General Zod grabs her fist and tells her "enough."

Deemed "tenuously" alive by the Eradicator's scan, Hal Jordan does his best to attempt an alert to Corps headquarters, but to no avail. Communications have been jammed. General Zod has prepared for this moment, though the Green Lanterns' discovery has come sooner than anticipated.

The Hammer...

I've always kind of accepted that, although messy, Crisis on Infinite Earths set about solving some things...

It revised & refined seminal concepts created without generational foresight, streamlining worlds accumulated through time and corporate acquisition, into a single reality capable of sustaining & exploiting enduring, coexisting pop culture icons.

I think we've come far enough to say the New 52 reboot solved very little. In fact, it might be the inverse opposite of Crisis, causing a lot of ugly and unnecessary problems, reinstating confusion, and generally creating a rift in the DC Comics canon that makes it very easy to invest much less interest. A "jumping off" point.

The New 52, and its marketing department pseudo-reboots, have been the kind of undertaking that makes a guy wonder if Superboy-Prime has lived long enough to become the hero the DC Universe needs -- but I wouldn't say it's all been bad.

Movies would have you believe General Zod is an integral part of the Superman mythos, but his comic book footprint was actually relatively small until recently. There were only a handful of issues between Zod's 1961 introduction in Adventure Comics #283, and big screen debut in Richard Donner's Superman.

As the lead antagonist of 1980's Superman II, Zod left an indelible mark on the broader consciousness, but the obscurity of a character already best known for his imprisonment in the Phantom Zone was exacerbated by the post-Crisis reboot, which sought to restore Superman's status as "Last Son of Krypton" -- the sole survivor of his doomed home planet.

Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, wasn't fully reinstated as Superman's cousin until 2004, and attempts to resolve the disparity between mainstream awareness of General Zod, and comic book canon, was clumsy and inconsistent.

The most egregious revival of Zod was 2001's Russian super-villain of the same name, with a fever-dream stopgap in the highly publicized '04 For Tomorrow story, before goggles & grey became Kryptonian chic with Richard Donner himself collaborating with Geoff Johns on a shaky, but full-fledged comeback, in 2007.

Despite the looming influence of Terence Stamp's performance in films, no real consensus seemed to be reached about design or characterization, even when Zack Snyder reprised the character for 2013's bleak, and generally unhelpful, live-action cinematic franchise-starter, Man of Steel. Which presents a rare problem the New 52 era of comics could -- and maybe even did -- solve.

This dark haired, bearded Zod clearly isn't Terence Stamp, but there's a sense of acknowledgement in the design that also builds on elements of Jim Lee's mirrored zed emblem, and Adam Kubert's shock-haired interloper.

It feels like this Zod exhibits a stage of revision and refinement that's approaching a definitive incarnation -- a rarity for this era of DC Comics.

Along with just being an intuitive place for a super-powered alien criminal to turn up; The House of Zod's showdown with Green Lantern feels like another knowing reference, calling back to their 1979 encounter in Green Lantern #122 & #123.

It's not necessary to box the character into past appearances -- and they haven't -- but in an era of confusion and book burning, it's nice to feel like there's some knowledge and awareness informing what's going on. Although, again, I wouldn't want to downplay the natural intuitiveness of moving these characters away from Superman, and into a collision with DC's resident space cops.

Of course, in doing so, this also satisfies the increasingly familiar trope of the evil Superman, without any of the baggage that deteriorates Superman himself, or the innate concept of a true villain with absolute power.

To some extent this scenario satisfies the dream match of Superman vs Green Lantern, and the question of what Superman might do with his powers if he was a militaristic conqueror of worlds. The only difference is exploring and expanding upon General Zod in the DC Universe is ultimately far more satisfying and valuable than a less convincing tangent, like Injustice.

That seems to be part of the conceit of this appearance, which in my estimation, places a little bit too much of a premium on the unbridled power of the "bad guy Supermen". The Lanterns are pretty soundly outmatched, which doesn't gel with past appearances, and downplays the powers of the Green Lantern ring.

If Ursa was smacking Kyle Rayner in the face like this, I feel like he should have more to worry about than a bloodied lip. I'm not sure if this a conceptual problem stemming from the script, or an aesthetic conceit. The Lanterns are depicted as having energy shields around them, but it's a little subtle for my liking, and the pencils don't quite gel with my conception of that shield completely surrounding the body (and face), rather than just being a two-dimensional outline.

Rafa Sandoval's action is dynamic, but the layouts are a little bit all over the place. The balance of detail in panels shifts from a little cluttered, to a little sparse -- unconscious habits I associate with digitally created comics. I could be presuming too much, and on the whole, it's a solid read, with good clean lines.

This is only the first chapter of this arc of Hal Jordan and The Green Lantern Corps, though. There's more to talk about and I'd like to come back to examine more of this story, and perhaps past battles. By becoming a supporter on Patreon you can help make that possible, while also unlocking access to additional updates, the new Discord server, and sponsored content like Rank & File Top 10!

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Winners: General Zod & Ursa (w/ Eradicator & Lor-Zod)
#124 (+109) General Dru-Zod
#362 (new) Ursa
#654 (--) Eradicator [+1 assist]
#651 (new) Lor-Zod [+1 assist]
#27 (-3) Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
#87 (-6) Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner)

ERADICATOR versus STEEL

Impact! (DC)
Where: Superman: The Man of Steel #24 When: August 1993 Why: Louise Simonson How: Jon Bogdanove

The Story So Far...
When Superman apparently died defeating the rampaging behemoth known as Doomsday -- four men were inspired to fill the void under the guise of a new Superman!

When the visor-wearing Superman known as "The Last Son of Krypton" comes to confront the "Man of Steel", they're interrupted by representatives of businessman Rex Leech, who claims to own trademark rights to the name "Superman". Attempts to issue a cease & desist draws a violent reaction from The Last Son, who ignites the papers with his mastery of energy!

To protect the innocent, Steel carries his challenger away from the server with hopes of reasoning with him -- but Eradicator takes them into a deadly nosedive towards Coast City! The impact crater will be their battleground as two of the reigning Supermen battle it out for ultimate supremacy!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Eradicator 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Eradicator 5 (Professor)
Speed: Eradicator 6 (Mach-Speed)
Stamina: Draw 5 (Marathoner)
Agility: Draw 2 (Average)
Fighting: Draw 3 (Street Wise)
Energy: Eradicator 6 (Mass Destruction)
Total: Eradicator 33 (Super)

During Reign of the Supermen there were four heroes who claimed to fulfill the legacy of the thought-dead Superman. The veracity of each claim varied, with some more effectively passing themselves off as the genuine article.

Eradicator was dubbed "The Last Son of Krypton", and had the benefit of creating an artificially engineered body with direct genetic likeness and partial psychic memories of Superman. So convincing was this doppelganger that The Eradicator even came to briefly believe he was indeed the genuine article!

Despite sharing many characteristics with Superman himself; Eradicator's unique make-up processes and perceives energy to a far greater degree than ordinary Kryptonians. This required him to wear a visor to filter light, and meant he frequently projected energy blasts through his hands. Eradicator used these powers when an unconvinced Guy Gardner attacked him in Action Comics #688!

Steel was a literal "Man of Steel", wearing a gleaming suit of armor of his own design. John Henry Irons had been a construction worker when he was rescued by Superman from a potentially fatal fall. In another life, he used his gift for engineering to create deadly new weapons. Inspired to make amends, he forged his armor to bring an end to the gangs using his guns on the streets.

Eradicator is clearly more powerful than Steel, but the armor has been seen to withstand significant offensive attacks over the years! He endured the searing heat of Plasmus in Steel #28, and munitions fired by Metallo in Steel #21! Even stripped of his armor, John Henry Irons showed true grit when standing against a super-powered Lex Luthor, withstanding brutal punishment to win in 52 #42!

Steel will have to endure if he's going to have any hope of overcoming Eradicator's natural power advantage. We've seen Eradicator go toe-to-toe with a yellow power ring, and a shock & awe onslaught could put Steel down!

The Tape: Eradicator Ranking: Steel (#30)

What Went Down...
Steel and Eradicator glare intensely at one another, hunched to one knee in a crater freshly made of their impact. The self-proclaimed "Last Son of Krypton" makes his intensions clear: he will kill Steel if that's what it takes to remain unchallenged as the one true Superman.

The Eradicator follows-up on his promise with a powerful blast of energy!

The raw power overwhelms the armored chest of the Man of Steel -- launching him wildly across the crater! Tumbling to the ground offers no reprieve as Eradicator pours on the power, coldly walking toward his prey with arm outstretched.

Remarkably: Steel endures - absorbing the brutal onslaught long enough to be within reach of his unflinching adversary. He defiantly shouts "NO!" and grabs Eradicator by the wrist! If this man wishes to claim the mantle of Superman -- he will have to embody it!

With righteous anger Steel rises to smash his metallic fist across the Eradicator's face! He will not suffer the indignity of a pretender who would silence his adversaries by resorting to murder!

The Man of Steel continues his lesson - dishing out a four-hit combination of left to right punches as he recaps the ills of Eradicator's malice. Steel questions his next move -- shattering the visor that filters intense lightwaves from his eyes.

Even as pain assaults his sensitive vision, Eradicator contemplates the ease with which he could utterly destroy his mortal opponent. With every blow that twists and contorts his face, he wonders why Steel would so intently pursue a fight he cannot win. With this line of internal questioning - the verge of epiphany!

Steel holds his silent opponent by the cape, keeping Eradicator on his knees, as he defends the legacy of Superman, and the shield they've both chosen to adopt. Suddenly: sirens - as police surround the crater with squad cars and a helicopter to order the dueling super-powers to put their hands up.

Contemplating a need for human compassion in his actions; the Eradicator leaps into the air, bequeathing Metropolis to the "good hands" of Steel. He will instead pursue a distress call from Coast City, overheard on the police radio band.

The Hammer...
Over the past few years I've been reflecting upon the legacy of Death of Superman, and pondering its impact through the context of where comics are a couple of decades later. As time goes by, the criticisms that seemed excessive in the '90s and early 2000s now seem to take on greater prescience.

The "Death of Superman" was always easy to be conceptually opposed to, but even as the model for the pointless circus of death we now routinely endure in modern comics -- I find it difficult to look back with the same vitriol, or alarm.

Don't get me wrong. It disappoints me that the Death of Superman is becoming a recurring staple of the Superman mythology. It's not a story I feel should be revisited with any regularity at all. It was absurd to see Henry Cavill's live-action Superman die in only his second big screen outing. A second animated version of the Death of Superman, released last year, addresses weaknesses in the shallow 2007 version (Superman: Doomsday), but is otherwise unnecessary and counter-productive, lionizing the death of superheroes to the masses.

As Warner Bros releases Reign of the Supermen in follow-up, I find myself revisiting issues of the original 1993 crossover, and I think I'm starting to form a better understanding for why I don't regard that period with the same disdain of its many subsequent echoes. In short: it created more than it destroyed.

Superman: Man of Steel #24 makes a wonderful case for what makes Steel a great legacy character. Of the four heroes who attempted to fill the void left by Superman, he arguably had the least convincing claim. Eradicator, Cyborg Superman, and Superboy all had strong visual, genetic, and super-powered ties to the genuine article. Steel was just a guy in a suit of armor with a hammer.

Yet, as Eradicator learns through our featured fight: Steel better embodied the heroic spirit and determination of Superman than any of the others! His actions were innately heroic, selfless. He was everything Superman should inspire.

In other mediums and casual reference it's all too easy to think death was what was important about Death of Superman. It wasn't. In truth, Superman was only "dead" for around six or seven months. Just long enough to explore the ideas and world through four new facets of Superman's legacy. Characters that embellished, contributed to, and examined that world, for good and bad.

Superhero universes are at their best when they're alive and vibrant with all kinds of weird and wonderful characters poking around the corners. The four that came out of Reign of the Supermen have continued to be strong additions to the tapestry of the universe. A universe that should always have Superman, evergreen and true in spirit, at its pinnacle.

Long time readers will know all about my Steel fandom. That's certainly reflected in the rankings, which will now see Steel break into the Top 20! Yes, Eradicator presumed he could wipe Steel out, but in the end he left under duress, suffering the consequences of Steel's beat down. That's a win!

Want to judge the result for yourself? You can find this issue collected in various editions. Use the purchase links provided to pick yourself up a copy and Amazon will help support Secret Wars on Infinite Earths at no extra charge to you!

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Winner: Steel
#20 (+10) Steel
#551 (-126) Eradicator

GUY GARDNER versus ERADICATOR

An Eye For An Eye (DC)
Where: Action Comics #688 When: Early July 1993
Why: Roger Stern How: Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier

The Story So Far...
Guy Gardner fought by Superman's side just before he made the supreme sacrifice to stop the rampaging horror of Doomsday! So it comes a surprise when Guy returns from space to find four men claiming to be the original!

Seeking to honor the memory of Superman in his own demented way; Guy heads for Metropolis to confront one of the four heroes he's convinced must be a phony! When the visor-wearing Superman spots trouble, he defers to investigate a fire lit by Guy Gardner!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Eradicator 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Eradicator 5 (Professor)
Speed: Eradicator 6 (Mach-Speeds)
Stamina: Eradicator 5 (Marathoner)
Agility: Draw 2 (Average)
Fighting: Guy Gardner 4 (Training)
Energy: Guy Gardner 7 (Cosmic Power)
Total: Eradicator 33 (Super)

It's got all the hallmarks of a Green Lantern/Superman main event - but if you read the marquee you know it has the potential to be a whole lot messier!

Guy Gardner is well known for his days slinging a power ring as charter member of the Green Lantern Corps (and Justice League), but it wasn't always so! Proximity originally kept him from accepting Abin Sur's ring when the alien fatally crash-landed on Earth. Hal Jordan became the Green Lantern of Sector 2814 instead, but Gardner was eventually called up from the reserves.

In more recent years his attitude has attracted a Red Lantern ring -- but back in 1993, Guy was forced to wear an accessory of an entirely different hue!

He lost his Green Lantern ring to a fight with Hal Jordan, who'd returned to Earth after a stay in space. A brief stint as a powerless vigilante saw the likes of Black Hand kicking Guy's butt [Guy Gardner Reborn #1], so he tricked Lobo into taking him to deep space to seek new powers. Their adventure took them the tomb of Sinestro, where the then-deceased villain was buried with his yellow ring of Qwardian origin! Guy took it for himself - and the rest is history!

These days we know yellow rings as the fear-fuelled weapons of an entire Sinestro Corps - but back in those days, Gardner was able to wield the Qwardian ring without issue. It functioned much the same as his Green Lantern ring, allowing for yellow energy projections, and hard-light constructs.

We saw Guy using the yellow ring during Superman and the Justice League's unsuccessful stand against Doomsday in Superman #74.

A subsequent final showdown between Superman and Doomsday would seemingly result in their mutual demise. From the heroic void would rise four new heroes claiming to be the original Superman: A hybrid cloned Superboy, a Cyborg Superman, a literal man of Steel, and today's visored son of Krypton...

Eradicator was in truth a sentient device sent into space by ancient aliens facing extinction. It was reprogrammed by Kem-L of Krypton to instead protect his planet's culture at all costs.

Centuries after Krypton's destruction, its surviving keeper, The Cleric, bestowed the Eradicator upon Superman during a chance encounter on Warworld. The construct imposed various Kryptonian influences upon Superman's life during his post-Crisis reinvention, including the new creation of the Fortress of Solitude.

When Superman had seemingly died, The Eradicator used residual energies to create an organic facsimile of Krypton's last surviving son, retaining Superman's memories from a psychic interface shared with The Cleric. This allowed the new Superman to genuinely believe he was the original article!

The genetic imitation is a convincing one, mimicking the abilities associated with Kryptonian physiology when exposed to a yellow sun. Eradicator differs slightly in his origins as a creature of solar energy, allowing him to perceive and wield energy in different ways, such as powerful blasts from his hands and eyes!

We've seen Guy Gardner handle energy projections from the Blue Beetle scarab [in Blue Beetle #1], and rip away at the yellow fear energy of Parallax [in Green Lantern #24]. Given Eradicator also has innate super-strength and durability -- those past examples may prove cold comfort!

Eradicator also favors far more harsh methods than the traditional Superman, which means Gardner won't even be able to out-do him on the bad ass meter! We've done the introductions, let's just find out how the fight went!

The Tape: Eradicator Ranking: Guy Gardner (#121)

What Went Down...
Spotting a raging inferno from his aerial vantage point, the would-be Superman descends to see if he can help. On touching down at the waterfront, he finds the licking yellow flame disappearing without a trace! Guy Gardner steps from the nearby shadows to introduce himself -- and his yellow power ring!

A massive energy fist catches Eradicator by surprise -- exploding from the dock as Gardner announces himself a "one-man Superman revenge squad!"

The blow sends Eradicator hurtling into the water! Gardner's boastful challenges are soon replaced with presumptions of a one-hit victory when Eradicator fails to emerge from the water. Gardner dives in to the harbor encased in a yellow energy field to scan for his presumed drowning foe -- but comes up empty.

The ring-protected hero deduces his impact must've driven the substitute Superman into the sediment beneath the sea -- but he's only half right! The toppled Superman returns fire with a sucker punch from beneath the muck!

The awesome power of the blow sends Gardner hurtling from the sea to the sky! His air-filled energy field protects him from the devastating impact, and allows him to level out in the sky above -- but the trouble is far from over!

Eradicator rockets out of the water and straight for Gardner with a two-fisted strike! The deadly new Superman has little time for Gardner's childish presence!

The brawling heroes fight inland, where they smash through an overpass before crashing down to Earth. The Eradicator is first to emerge from the rubble as Gardner contemplates his short fuse.

Intent on regaining the offensive, Guy forms a golden suit of armor and lance, but barely has time to wield them before the stand-in Superman launches him airborne with another super-punch!

The incredible punch sends Gardner flying uncontrollably across the Metropolis skyline! He sheds his armor, smashing through jutting chimneys and water towers on a strategic trajectory towards trouble!

A simple energy field protects Gardner from harm as he crash lands into an old abandoned gas station! The scene was carefully selected by the analytical Eradicator, having spied signs of a biker gang before falling into Guy's trap!

The impact destroys the gang's bikes and gives Eradicator a chance to quiz Guy on his reasons for attacking. The gang attacks before a response is given, but Eradicator's brutal and violent methods soon appeal to Gardner's sensibilities.

The ring-slinger's suspicions that this Superman is phony are replaced with admiration and excitement for the Superman he'd rather have around. Gardner presumes a near-death experience has opened the last son of Krypton to more extreme methods than the past. Something Eradicator isn't so sure is good.

The Hammer...
There's an argument to be made that Eradicator had the upper-hand as clear aggressor, but he opts for the talking option to bring the fight to a non-combative conclusion. Gardner agrees to leave Metropolis. All done.

Action Comics #688 leaves us with an inconclusive result between Guy Gardner and Eradicator, but also establishes a sense of further understanding the two characters through their similarities - and differences...

Both ultimately address the same problem from a different angle. Namely: the perception that Superman and his boy scout moral code are outmoded in modern times. The heroes of Reign of the Supermen offer a distinctly nineties twist on the core concept, but it's an issue that still dogs Superman today.

Eradicator's "Last Son of Krypton" walks a line between indulging extreme violence, but also looking like a massive nerd with safety goggles, and off-brand Star Trek unitard. The design was a bit of a misfire, but his hardline crime-fighting successfully explored a Superman who isn't always holding back.

When Gardner abandons suspicion in favor of endorsement, Eradicator develops reservations for the underlying aggression of his actions. He sees his violence reflected back through Gardner's obnoxious and irrational use of power, and questions what it means to misuse the S shield for aggression.

There was a monkey's paw aspect throughout the Death of Superman, and Reign of the Supermen storylines. Eradicator functions very much as a 'be careful what you wish for' scenario. A lesser facsimile of the genuine article.

Guy Gardner essentially existed as a timely counterpoint to the whole archetype of Superman. He was a trash-talking loudmouth in the mode of 80s and 90s action heroes. A 'shoot first, ask questions later' hero occupying a precarious space between outright parody, and testosterone-fuelled power fantasy.

It's easy to appreciate the sweetness of such a perennial butthead taking umbrage with what he believes to be an impostor. There's no attempt to reframe the tense differences between Gardner and Superman, but he isn't a completely one-dimensional character. He didn't particularly like Superman, but he respected his sacrifice, and honored his legacy. Redeeming qualities.

I've always been pretty happy with a Superman who's a stand up kinda guy, which was probably why the whole thing was wearing thin by this point. It's never been a secret Steel was the byproduct I enjoyed most, but in digging through the ruins, I'm gaining more appreciation for the whole. In particular, the way existing elements like Eradicator and Hank Henshaw were made use of.

It's amazing to reflect on how brief the whole thing was. Superman is fighting toward his death in Action Comics #684, cover dated December 1992. He's back among the living by Action Comics #691 (September 1993), having left only two issues starring Supergirl, and four Eradicator.

With the Reign of the Supermen heading to DC animation, and DC Comics announcing new comics set in the aftermath of Death of Superman, it looks like there's going to be a lot more opportunity to reflect on this time in history.

As always: you can join me on this nostalgic trip by using the Amazon link provided to check out the collected Reign of the Supermen! All shopping via the link helps support Secret Wars on Infinite Earths at no extra cost!

Find more featured fights past, present, and future by diving into the Secret Index! Every battle is catalogued in order of publisher, series, and issue number.

For a more daring route, check out links littered throughout this post, or character tags below to discover more from your favourite characters and creators! You can also follow on Twitter and Facebook for daily fights inspired by the topics of the day!

Winner: Draw
#119 (+2) Guy Gardner
#415 (new) Eradicator