10 Superman Fates Worse Than Death
5. Being Corrupted By The Anti-Life Equation
One of the most dangerous artefacts in the multiverse is the Anti-Life Equation. Anti-Life is a mathematical formula that allows the wielder to control all forms of sentient life. The ruler of Apokolips, Darkseid, has coveted this formula for millennia, hoping to use it to bend all living things to his will.
Because Superman has stopped Darkseid claiming his grand prize time and time again, the New God dreams of using Anti-Life to control the Kryptonian, transforming him into his righthand man. The concept of Superman being turned into Darkseid' mind has been explored in the Elseworld story, Superman: Dark Side, and the animated Justice League: Unlimited series. It was also hinted at in the climax of Zack Snyder's Justice League and was meant to be play an integral part of the plot of the sequels.
Superman is terrified of the possibility that Darkseid could use the Anti-Life to force Superman to kill his friends, enslave planets, and exterminate entire civilisations. Because of Superman's ideals, it's safe to say he would take his own life in a heartbeat to avoid becoming a pawn of Darkseid.