10 Great Superman Stories That Could Save The DCEU
3. What's So Funny About Truth, Justice And The American Way?
One criticism that Superman often faces is his seemingly infallible nature and black and white mentality in a world that is seen to be more morally complex than his ''simplistic view''.
This is even seen in the DCEU as the filmmakers initially chose to make Superman a morally burdened character who almost constantly struggles with his heroic responsibility.
A perfect response to this criticism is the adaptation of the excellent 2001 story written by Joe Kelly.
The story introduces the Elite, a group of incredibly powerful but violent individuals. The hero and the anti-hero team clash over their contrasting ideologies, and these differences lead to a spectacular clash on one of Jupiter's moons. We sees Superman supposedly use more brutal force than usual, emphasising the importance of restraint, and the dangers of lethal force being employed by such powerful beings.
This story is an excellent highlight of Superman's restraint (something is missing in the recent incarnation of the character) and his unwavering belief in a more idealistic and optimistic point of view for the world he protects.