Why Superman is Logically Stronger than Supergirl and Other Kryptonians
Superman is often celebrated for his immense power and heroism, but fans sometimes question why he would logically be stronger and more powerful than Supergirl or any other Kryptonian. This piece delves into the logical reasons behind Superman's overwhelming might compared to his fellow Kryptonians.
Exposure to the Yellow Sun
The significant factor that sets Superman apart from other Kryptonians is his extended exposure to the yellow sun. Unlike his fellow Kryptonians, who were only exposed to the sun as adults, Superman has been under the influence of Earth's yellow sun since infancy. This prolonged exposure has allowed Superman to store a vast amount of solar energy over the years, giving him more power and experience in using his abilities.
Historical Context and Origins
A crucial moment in Superman's history comes from a classic encounter with Faora and other Kryptonians in Action Comics #273 (1977). In this story, it is established that Superman has spent a lifetime under Earth's yellow sun, allowing his body to develop and mature under its influence. On the other hand, other Kryptonians were only exposed to the sun as fully mature adults, which did not provide them with the same solar energy and subsequent power levels as Superman.
Decisions of Cosmic Beings
The origins of Superman and Supergirl are deeply intertwined with cosmic events and the plans of Rao and Despair. Rao, a cosmic entity, originally intended to spread despair throughout the universe, but decided to create Superman as a beacon of "Hope," an undefined cosmic force of nature. This transformation from despair to hope significantly imbues Superman with unique powers and attributes.
The Power of Superman
In the Doomsday Clock storyline, Dr. Manhattan emphasizes Superman's importance: "Hope is the NORTH STAR of METAVERSE." This quote underscores the significant role Superman plays in the DC universe as a symbol of hope and positive energy. As a result, Supergirl, being a regular Kryptonian, does not possess the same cosmic abilities and therefore isn't as powerful as Superman.
Evidence from DC Objects and Antiquities
Consider the Lasso of Truth, a magical weapon wielded by Wonder Woman. This artifact does not work on Superman, who is a representation of the truth and hope of the DC universe. Similarly, it fails to affect Bizarro Superman, another version of Superman, highlighting his unbreakable nature. However, the Lasso of Truth has a significant impact on Supergirl and Power Girl, the Earth-2 version of Supergirl. This ineffectiveness of the Lasso on Superman and the Bizarro Superman, but its effectiveness on others, further emphasizes Superman's superior power and abilities.
The Conclusion
While Batman, a wise and experienced hero, may at times lack knowledge about the DC universe, it is clear from various canonical events and explanations that Superman's strength and abilities surpass those of Supergirl and other Kryptonians. His unique origins, prolonged exposure to the yellow sun, and his role as a symbol of hope in the metaverse are key factors that justify his superior might. Therefore, it is logically consistent to consider Superman as the strongest among the Kryptonians in the DC universe.