One Justice League Unlimited Episode Exposed Superman’s Deepest Fear

Few rivalries in comics are as iconic as the ongoing battle between Lex Luthor and Superman. Luthor, the brilliant billionaire, has always been the ultimate adversary for the Man of Steel, serving as both a mirror and a challenge to everything Superman stands for. But in Season 2, Episode 7 of Justice League Unlimited, titled ‘Clash,’ the dynamic between these two titans took a dark and unforgettable turn.

Lex Luthor’s Ruthless Manipulation in ‘Clash’

In ‘Clash,’ the Justice League faces one of its most emotionally charged moments. Captain Marvel, also known as Billy Batson, looks up to Superman as a role model. He believes that even someone like Luthor deserves a shot at redemption, especially after Luthor launches a campaign to build affordable housing for the city’s residents. This act of apparent goodwill quickly becomes headline news, painting Luthor as a reformed hero in the public eye.

But beneath the surface, Luthor’s true intentions are far more sinister. The new housing is powered by a complex Kryptonite energy system, a clear threat to Superman. Convinced of Luthor’s plot, Superman’s suspicions boil over, leading to a devastating confrontation. When Captain Marvel tries to intervene, Superman, blinded by anger and mistrust, lashes out at his own teammate, leaving Marvel battered and disillusioned.

The Fallout: Trust Shattered and Morale Broken

After the dust settles, Superman realizes the gravity of his mistake. He apologizes to Captain Marvel, but the damage is done—Marvel decides to leave the League, his faith in heroes shattered. Luthor’s plan has worked perfectly: he not only boosts his own reputation but also sows discord within the Justice League, weakening their unity from the inside out.

This episode stands out for its emotional weight. Captain Marvel, who always tried to embody Superman’s ideals, is left questioning everything he believed in. Luthor’s true power isn’t in his wealth or technology, but in his ability to manipulate, deceive, and break even the strongest spirits. His obsession with destroying Superman goes beyond rivalry—it ’s a calculated, almost psychotic drive to undermine everything the hero represents.

Gunn and Snyder’s Struggle to Capture Luthor’s Darkness

Both the DCEU and DCU have struggled to fully capture the depth of Luthor’s villainy on screen. Zack Snyder’s version leaned into Luthor’s madness, portraying him as a chaotic force bent on Superman’s destruction. James Gunn’s take, as seen in the latest Superman film, adds more layers, showing a Luthor who constantly tries to outsmart Clark Kent, using his intellect and resources to prove that humanity doesn’t need a savior from another world.

What the DCU needs now is a Luthor who embodies the cunning and duplicity seen in the comics—a master manipulator who can challenge Superman not just physically, but morally and psychologically. With the upcoming Man of Tomorrow project, there’s hope that Gunn will deliver a version of Luthor who is more dangerous and depraved than ever, pushing Superman to his limits in ways fans have never seen before.

Episode Details and Legacy

Justice League Unlimited’s ‘Clash’ was directed by Dan Riba and features voice performances from George Newbern, Kevin Conroy, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, and Susan Eisenberg. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the episode holds an impressive 8.4/10 rating on IMDb. Its impact on the series—and on the portrayal of Luthor and Superman’s rivalry—remains unmatched.

Justice League Unlimited is currently available to stream on HBO Max in the US.