Warning! Spoilers ahead for Justice League: Last Ride #3!
Superman and Batman’s friendship may be the stuff of legends, but in Justice League: Last Ride the Man of Steel’s faith in the Caped Crusader has reached its breaking point. As the Justice League’s last mission together kicks into high gear in Justice League: Last Ride #3 the trust and bond integral to holding the League together may never be the same again.
In Justice League: Last Ride #3 from Chip Zdarsky and Miguel Mendonça, the Justice League has arrived on a now barren Apokolips with the aim to hide the infamous galactic outlaw Lobo. As Lobo awaits trial, a horde of his enemies mobilizes to silence the Main Man before he can testify to his crimes, leaving the temporarily reformed Justice League and disbanded Green Lantern Corps to protect the criminal so he may stand trial. As the team realizes that they have a lot of enemies closing in quickly, they set up a defensive position on the dead Apokolips. As Batman begins devising a plan to deploy the League to best defend the planet, the tensions that drove the team apart flare up again.
As one of the smartest members of the Justice League, Batman typically comes up with the plans necessary to diffuse situations by applying each member’s strength where it’s needed the most. Batman’s battleplans have helped the Justice League through thick-and-thin as much as any member’s individual abilities, and to a degree the League relies on his analysis and tactics. Superman particularly seems to wholeheartedly trust Batman’s recommendations on most occasions, often turning to the Dark Knight for advice before the League enters any large fight. When Hal Jordan is informed by Kilowog that they have been found and that enemies are in their way, Batman begins breaking down his defensive plan before being cut off by a staunch “No.” from Superman.
Superman’s resistance to working with Batman on his terms again is understandable, given that Martian Manhunter died executing one of Batman’s battleplans. When Superman accuses Batman of being directly responsible, Batman does not object, evidently feeling some guilt that his plan resulted in the death of a close friend. Superman appears to be putting his foot down, seemingly motivated by Martian Manhunter’s death. Superman’s resistance appears to come from a sense of his own guilt, perhaps for letting Batman always take point, and always draft up the plans. While allowing Batman to draw the battleplans usually worked out, it appears the Superman feels that Martian Manhunter would still be alive if the Man of Steel had objected to Batman’s plan.
Batman and Superman’s relationship may be predicated on trust and faith, but it appears that in the Justice League: Last Ride continuity that faith is at the end of its rope. The Man of Steel may still have some respect for his former best friend, but his faith in Bruce Wayne as a leader in the Justice League may be forever shattered.
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July 22, 2021 at 10:57PM
