10 Times Superheroes Weren’t There To Save The Day
Just because they are superheroes doesn't mean they're always there to save the day.
Even when the odds are stacked against superheroes, we expect them to triumph over evil. Whether it's stopping a bomb or rescuing a hostage, the good guys always seem to appear in the nick of time to save the day.
Sadly, it doesn't matter if you are the world's greatest detective or if you can run faster than the speed of light; heroes aren't infallible. Spider-Man watched the Green Goblin hurl Gwen Stacy to his death. Robin was forced to witness Bane snap Alfred's neck.
It's tragic when a superhero fails to save the day... but what's worse is when they don't even show up. When a villain is about to take an innocent life, not only will the hero sometimes fail to rescue them, they mightn't even get there in time.
Every single time Superman flies in to protect an innocent bystander from harm, he has to ignore another crisis on the other side of the world. He's not being selfish or callous. It's just impossible to be everywhere at once.
In the words of Spider-Ham, "You can't always save everybody."
10. Superman Didn't Reach Barbara Johnson In Time - Superman #659
As a drunk driver was about to collide into devout Christian Barbara Johnson, she prayed to God for protection. Thankfully, Superman swooped in at the last second to stop the vehicle from crashing into her.
Due to her profound faith, Johnson believed Superman was a guardian angel she could summon at will. When she told Superman she intended to call upon him to wipe out all crime in the city, he worried she would go out of her way to look for trouble.
Sadly, that's exactly what she did. She sought out criminals and chastised them, adamant that the Man of Steel would protect her from all harm. One day, she confronted the biggest gangster in the area and ordered him to shoot her to prove to the townsfolk she was protected by a higher power.
The criminal shot her right through the lung, causing her to collapse to the ground. Superman heard her plea but couldn't rescue her since he was busy battling a monster in Antarctica. It's heartwrenching watching Superman acknowledge Johnson has been mortally wounded but he is unable to tend to her. Thankfully, Johnson survived the injury and acknowledged that her pride nearly cost her her life.