Warning! Spoilers for Crime Syndicate #4 by DC Comics below.
Ultraman has always been the opposite of Superman, as the villain has used his immense powers for his own selfish purposes, opposed to the Man of Steel’s more selfless acts. However, in the latest issue of Crime Syndicate, Ultraman’s selfishness is truly revealed, as his Fortress of Solitude is a shrine celebrating himself – emphasizing that he is nothing like his heroic counterpart.
Ultraman is the Earth-3 counterpart of Superman, who is essentially the worst-case scenario when it comes to the iconic DC hero. He was originally created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky, while later being brought back (from a different universe) in the New 52 era by Geoff Jons and Ivan Reis. Kal-ll is a murderous, selfish being who lets his anger and distrust of others often get the best of him. He gains his powers from green kryptonite, while his biggest weakness is the yellow sun. The deranged villain leads the Crime Syndicate, who are made up of evil versions of Justice League heroes.
In Crime Syndicate #4 by Andy Schmidt, Kieran McKeown, Dexter Vines, Steve Oliff, and Rob Leigh, Alexander Luthor sends out a call to Earth, saying that he needs help in fixing the world, especially after Starro’s latest attack. Meanwhile, Superwoman and Owlman seek out Ultraman at his Fortress of Solitude to get him to join them in taking down the newly emerged heroes. When they break in, they realize just how much Ultraman admires himself, as his secret hideout is filled with statues of himself. Even Owlman notices “this is a man who knows about self-love…”
In one scene, Ultraman’s eg0 is literally on full display. The fact that his Fortress of Solitude is filled with multiple statues of himself proves he’s nothing like Superman. The Man of Steel uses his Fortress to celebrate his history and battles. He’s not as concerned with his own personal victories, as he is making sure his fellow Kryptonians are remembered. Ultraman’s Fortress shows how highly he thinks of himself.
Yes, Ultraman might be one of the most powerful beings – if not the most powerful – on Earth-3. But, his ego might be even stronger than any of his abilities. The fact that he has a shrine to himself is very on-brand for the villain who is everything Superman shouldn’t be. The statues prove Ultraman is Superman’s true opposite – as his selfishness really knows no bounds. Thankfully, the main Superman in the DC Universe never became such an egotistical monster. Crime Syndicate #4 is in comic book stores now.
