Ultraman is not your average supervillain—he’s the dark reflection of Superman himself. Hailing from Earth-3 (or the antimatter universe, depending on the continuity), Ultraman is what happens when Supeman turns Evil, fueled by selfishness, cruelty, and a lust for domination. In the comics, he’s gone head-to-head with some of the most powerful beings in the DC Universe—and often walked away the victor. If you’ve just seen him appear in the new Superman movie and are curious about his comic book roots, buckle in. Here’s a complete look at Ultraman’s most brutal and awe-inspiring feats from DC Comics.
Ultraman in Forever Evil: A Ruthless Conqueror
One of Ultraman’s most iconic runs comes during DC’s Forever Evil storyline, where he leads the Crime Syndicate in taking over Earth after defeating the Justice League. From the very beginning, it’s clear he is a force to be reckoned with.
Beating Black Adam to a Bloody Mess
In Justice League Vol. 2 #24, Ultraman nearly kills Lois Lane—until Black Adam crashes into the building to stop him. Black Adam, a Superman-tier powerhouse, declares war on the invaders. But Ultraman is unfazed. He effortlessly backhands Black Adam across the city. In Forever Evil #3, their brutal clash continues. Black Adam throws a lightning-powered punch, shouting “Shazam!” but Ultraman mocks the attempt and responds by crushing Black Adam’s jaw with one hand. The villain falls into the ocean, broken and humiliated.
Shifting Celestial Bodies: Moving the Moon
In Forever Evil #1, Ultraman showcases cosmic strength by pushing the moon in front of the sun. Why? Because unlike Superman, the sun weakens him while kryptonite makes him stronger. As the sun begins to rise, Ultraman shields himself and flies into space, shifting the moon’s orbit to blot out the sun’s rays—a stunning display of sheer power and terrifying intent.
Kryptonite Snorting Maniac
Ultraman’s relationship with kryptonite is the reverse of Superman’s. In Forever Evil #4, he punches straight through Metallo’s chest to grab the kryptonite power core, crushes it, and snorts the dust. It’s not just a flex—it’s his version of powering up. The casual brutality and his addiction to power showcase just how unstable and dangerous he truly is.
Multiversal Mass Murderer: Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent
The Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent series expands Ultraman’s menace across the multiverse. He’s no longer content ruling a single world—he’s hunting and killing every Superman across every Earth.
Slaughtering Superman with No Remorse
In the first issue, Ultraman mercilessly beats and vaporizes a version of Superman. The hero, bloodied and desperate, mutters “Lois” before Ultraman kills him with heat vision, leaving behind a scorched skeleton and tattered cape. He walks away, saying, “Done.” It’s cold. It’s cruel. It’s Ultraman.
The Red Tornado Revelation
Later in the issue, a Red Tornado from another Earth—actually Lois Lane in a robotic body—arrives to warn Jon Kent and his family. “1,000 champions of 1,000 Earths are in danger,” she says. “1,000 Clark Kents, including your own, will die.” Her plea is simple but desperate: Jon must face the monster that once imprisoned him.
Years of Torture in a Volcano
Issue #2 reveals Ultraman once held Jon Kent captive inside a volcano—cut off from the sun, surrounded by fire, and isolated for years. Even after Jon escapes, the trauma haunts him. Ultraman returns, mocking him again, saying, “I’m home. Did you miss me?”
The Battle to End All Battles: Jon Kent vs. Ultraman
When Jon, Red Tornado (Lois), and Val-Zod travel across the multiverse to stop Ultraman, things spiral quickly. Ultraman bursts through and shatters Red Tornado into pieces. He punches Jon hard enough to make him drop a Phantom Zone projector and uses it to trap Val-Zod and Lois. He taunts Jon, “You’re still holding back because you have the same weakness as your father. Compassion.”
Blue Electric Super Saiyan Mode
Jon finally snaps. Power surges within him, and he lets it all out in a burst of blue energy, blasting Ultraman into the ground. But the energy takes its toll—Jon is left weak. Ultraman crawls back, grabs Jon’s throat, and promises to imprison him again while making his Lois suffer.
The Arrival of Injustice Superman
Just when things look darkest, Injustice Superman appears behind Ultraman and coldly snaps his neck. “No, you won’t,” he says before killing Ultraman instantly. It’s a poetic twist—an evil Superman ends the life of a more deranged version of himself. Injustice Superman then comforts Jon and takes him to his own timeline, seeing the reflection of Lois in Jon’s eyes.
Ultraman’s First Appearance and Silver Age Madness
Ultraman made his comic debut in Justice League of America #29 (1964). Even then, he was no joke.
Ultra Vision from Kryptonite
He tells the Crime Syndicate that kryptonite gives him new powers each time he absorbs it. After stealing a massive chunk from a museum, he gains ultra vision—the ability to see across dimensions. “Amazing,” he says, “I see super-beings on that world about to battle a master criminal.” Even back then, Ultraman was portrayed as dangerously unpredictable and wildly powerful.
One-Punch Knockouts and Brutal Fights
In All-Star Squadron #15, Ultraman fights Doctor Fate and Robotman. When Dr. Fate tries to use magic against him, Ultraman knocks him out with a single punch. Robotman attempts to fight back, but Ultraman tears off his arm like it’s made of paper. Though Superman arrives to save the day, the damage is done: Ultraman has proven he can overpower both magic and machine.
Final Thoughts: The Dark Reflection of Superman
Ultraman isn’t just an evil Superman—he’s a terrifying “what if” scenario. What if absolute power had no moral compass? What if compassion was weakness? His feats speak for themselves: moving the moon, defeating gods, snorting kryptonite, torturing heroes, and murdering Supermen across the multiverse.
While James Gunn’s movie version may take creative liberties, the comic version of Ultraman is a brutal force of chaos. His power level is insane, his cruelty unmatched, and his story unforgettable. Whether you love him or loathe him, one thing’s clear: when Ultraman shows up, no one is safe.
