10 Terrifying Comic Supervillains (Who Only Appear Once)

Yes, Superman is technically the protagonist of this novel. However, if you take a look at his actions you’ll find that he is actually a bit of a villain who becomes a hero late in the story.

If you’ve not read it, Superman: Red Son posits a world where Kal El lands in Soviet Russia rather than rural Kansas. The Russians take advantage of their newly acquired Kryptonian. And, Superman moves up the ranks of the Soviet party.

When Stalin dies, Superman becomes the uncontested leader of the Soviet Union. He decides that, in his infinite power, he will turn the country into a utopia. He is stifled only by the constant antagonism of Lex Luthor. Luthor has been hired by the CIA to try and take out the Man of Steel.

While the Soviet Union does flourish under Superman’s rule this comes at the cost of individual rights. Dissidents, headed by an alternate version of Batman, are rounded up and subjected to a brain surgery that turns them into obedient servants of Superman. These servants are even called Superman robots.

In the end, Lex Luthor convinces Superman that he has meddled in the affairs of man for too long. Superman is caught in an explosion and presumed dead. However, he takes on a human disguise and retreats from the world stage.

Red Son gives readers a glimpse into a world where Kal-El is raised by jockeying politicians rather than humble farmers. And, it’s not a pretty picture.