Who Would be Superman's First Ideal Villain?

Superman's origin stories have taken many different turns over the years, just like Batman. With every origin comes a different threat, a different villain that Superman kick starts his caped crime fighting career. The options on who he faces first is of course, all opinionated but here's my choice.
Let me know in the comments below who you would choose!
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[@mercury2157]

I think there is a wrong answer, and that's Doomsday

[@thebloodedge284]

And Darksied, and Mongul

[@Dookieman1975]

Final boss type shit

[@tyrellmultimedia]

Whereas I do think a good enough writer would be capable of making it a compelling story, yes, Doomsday would be far down that list for first villains.

[@williamdaviddiazcuchimaque7511]

Mongul hasta cierto punto puede funcionar ​@@thebloodedge284

[@sageoverheaven]

​@@thebloodedge284 I think Mongul can be made to work with some modifications.

[@webslinger4733]

It should be Intergang. Superman first started as a small time, “man of the people” hero. So imo his first villains should be weapons dealers in Metropolis a la Spider-Man: Homecoming. Then he could discover a trail that leads to Lex Luthor having his hands in every shady thing going on in the city. You could even have intergang use kryptonian weapons and have that “Krypton wasn’t perfect” thing that OP talked about.

[@jendaar]

Thanks for this comment. I was about to write the same thing and then I read this.

[@willsherman4044]

Superman being a man of the people concept. Is a very underused concept. But, it was heavily explored in grant Morrisons first volume of action comics.

[@adriangalapon7942]

I always like the idea of Parasite being Superman's first villain.

[@Codedwrongfully]

i like the idea of parasite.He is a problem superman cant defeat by just punching him really hard, so it forces an early superman, and shows the audience that he is more than just his powers and that theres a brain behind the brawn

[@DFuxa]

For Supermans first villain, it heavily depends on what type of story you want to portray. Lex is probably a decent first choice when you write a narrative about Superman attempting to mold things as he desires - as shown in S:TAS. You might want a whole new villain if you want to take things in a whole different direction.

[@UniverseChronology]

I'd go with Metallo. Very simple concept, a powerful robot with cloned human tissue for skin that uses Kryptonite, Superman's primary weakness, as a power source. He's often used in Superman's early years as one of his earliest villains if not the first and I think it works very well as it gives Superman a decent challenge to start with. I'd probably go with his traditional origin, criminal who is nearly killed in a car accident has his brain placed in a robotic body covered in cloned skin. I'd take inspiration from Superman the Animated Series by giving him a uranium core first before he seeks a more powerful power source and finding Kryptonite allowing us to simply introduce Superman's primary weakness.

[@kingofhearts3185]

I'd also use the idea of Lex Luthor pulling the strings behind the scenes in that story, set him up early without him being the direct villain in that moment.

[@diegodreossi1458]

Metallo is a good choice, i would make him a soldier that was experimented with new technology

[@kingofhearts3185]

@@diegodreossi1458 That being Lex's offer would be in character.

[@flintlockwood25]

I'd say a villain like Metallo or Parasite would work. Not anyone too big, but also someone who can cause a big threat. Furthermore, a villain like Metallo or Parasite could probably lead to Luthor.

[@ihavenoideaatall7381]

My preferred first superman villain is metallo. Superman can face off against John Corbin the mercenary on Lex Luthor’s payroll. Then Corbin becomes obsessed with beating Superman and proving that he is a superior criminal. Later on he allows Lex to turn him into metallo. I like the dichotomy of Superman being someone who’d give up his powers just to be a normal person and John Corbin being someone who’d give up his humanity to have all the power. Corbin is a very tragic character as he realizes that he can’t feel, taste, smell, or be human again and he puts the blame on Superman and dedicates his existence to ending superman. Corbin is always a recurring villain for superman to fight and is a constant reminder that superman’s mere presence on earth causes people to want to prove their superiority and can be a great way to explore his feelings of being seen as an alien even though he has only ever been a farm boy from Kansas. He’s also a great villain to showcase superman’s ability to find ways to defeat his enemies without relying on just his fists as metallo’s kryptonite heart causes clark to become weak at close range. I like how you presented the argument for general zod, but I think by having zod be clark’s first supervillain it makes any fight that isn’t on that level to feel underwhelming and you’d get stuck having to constantly one-up the next villain when it comes to power.

[@srstriker6420]

Yeah I could agree about a pre-Metallo like in the animated series but I also thought of Toyman and the Prankster

[@rileykortemusic]

Parasite is a good choice. Teaches Clark the true meaning of self sacrifice and shows him sometimes it takes everything you got to overcome the odds…

[@tombstonerforever9374]

It’s hard because Lex Luthor is an iconic villain but it would be nice to see him and Clark as friends first before seeing him descend into madness.

[@TheTNK97]

Like Smallville?

[@tombstonerforever9374]

@@TheTNK97 yes

[@jeremymorris345]

Personally, I need Lex to see Superman is a threat first or potential learn he is an alien before they become enemies.

[@barq6994]

WONDER WOMAN!!! She needs more content. Underrated and overlooked, definately for being in THE TRINITY. I am in the "Why not Toyman" camp, not specifically Toyman but a low level villian like him.

[@SuperomiNordestino]

Metallo is probably the best low level option, just imagine a live action with him being like the kryptonite bad robocop

[@Hellstromknight]

Honestly, I think General Zod would work best to like, cap off a trilogy. Just to have Clark go off, being a giant hero for so long, symbolizing and looking up to Krypton, only to look up and be so surprised and go crazy over the fact that he's not the last son of Krypton, and that he's also evil as fuck. (and then that being said, the end of that movie would be the introduction of Supergirl as well). My pick would honestly either just by Toyman, or Manchester Black/The Elite. Part of me also wants to say like, Parasite or Livewire, but at the same time... Who knows.Probably not?

[@Dookieman1975]

I’ve been waiting for parasite to be shown on the big screen. They can literally have Lex try to create his own superhero to counter Superman and u get the freak accident, parasite

[@RyanTheMan000]

You know, id love a video where we try make some batmans ABSOLUTE Z LIST villians into something great. Mime, Orca, The Monk, Klag, Crime Doc, The Eraser, Doodlebug, Absence, Savage Skull, Red Claw, Synaptic Kid- i could go in forever but i truely think these and more have true potential to be good if rewritten or given a chance.

[@RyanTheMan000]

Great vids as usual man keep it up👍

[@williamdaviddiazcuchimaque7511]

Falta el mejor de todos condiment king

[@Yeahmydude10]

We can even give some to better fitting heroes who are in way more need of villains

[@daviddyster4145]

If I could do a first Superman Villain, it would be Parasite.

[@Tobiasagain]

His first villain is the dc writers

[@CatotheE]

I like Ultra-Humanite as a Superman villain personally.

[@daraghokane4236]

Ya that concept worked good Ultra has the ability to jump into peoples bodys he sees superman on TV and goes yes the perfect body to control. Ultra jumping bodys so superman has no idea who he is in would be how he escapes there are 5 people in the room Ultra is in one of them superman can't arrest 4 innocent people so he is forced to let him go

[@nicktroisi6347]

Aside from Lex Luthor, Metallo makes sense It’s a great way to introduce Kryptonite, John Corben also has history with Sam and Lois Lane and is the opposite of everything Clark Kent is. Metallo provides a physical challenge to Superman and can go toe-to-toe with him

[@DorkNight5555]

U should do a video like this for Flash I would love to see that

[@evanneal1039]

Zod is a solid pick. Lex isn't a wrong answer, either, especially if he's involved with other villains such as Metallo or Bizarro. Down the line, you gotta put Superman up against the Elite.

[@jeremymorris345]

I agree with the fact that the first villain should be Zod - It shows Superman his Kryptonian heritage. - It shows the world Superman is an alien. - It sets up the D.O.D. and D.E.O. to prepare for potential alien threats in the future. - Shows people like Batman and Lex just how powerful Superman is and how much of a threat he is. - Superman understands what it means to be a true superhero now against a threat of this size.

[@EvanPedersen-p1u]

I want to give a answer no one else will give... Titano! We need a gaint ape with kryptonite vison!

[@THEINFINITEBLACKDYNAMITE]

My first ideal villain is & will always be General Zod accompanied by Ursa, Faora-Ul, & Non. Since The DCU is starting off with the characters already being established then it should be Despero in The DCU's Superman film.

[@metacat3106]

I don't think Zod should be his first villain overall, but I do agree that he should be an early villain and the first one in a similar strength class as himself. I think it makes sense that the introduction of Zod early on is significant for Superman to learn how to deal with very powerful villains and to question his origins, but also to show the world the danger of kryptonians, leading naturally into Lex Luthor opposing him and also the development of some of his other villains. If people didn't doubt his intentions on Earth before Zod, they definitely will after, even despite him opposing Zod. And he will have to work extra hard to try to regain that trust, be more prepared, and minimize collateral damage.

[@quinnsanders4676]

Ultra humanite was the first villain Superman fought

[@betterlatethannever4529]

Do Martian Manhunter next

[@RaptorBrain]

I would really like a video on Green Lantern similar to this

[@QTRemnant]

I'd go with parasite because of the man of Tomorrow movie, but I'd have him be more like his recent appearance in Joshua Williamson's Superman run. My second choice would probably Hive (like the group in DCUO if anyone remembers).

[@zephon6745]

Ultra humanitie is Superman's first arch enemy. However two years later Lex Luthor debuted become Superman's new arch enemy.

[@richardlegrand4697]

It should be brainiac. It would tie in with him discovering his kryptonian heritage. After he defeats brainiac, brainiacs final hiss will be that there worse remnants of krypton floating in space ( doomsday, zod, etc)

[@Achieme]

I always figured Lex because he always challenges superman when it came to his humanity and Lex is always waiting to catch superman slipping and use it as an oppurtunity to get rid of him and use it as a PR stunt to make him look like a hero. Depending which continuity he sees superman as a God walking among men as he said in the animated series "No man should have that much power" (unless it's him) I see it as "you are not like us, You are not and never will be human"

[@strivvy6852]

Now do one for the Flash

[@TRTMN-vs3ew]

I think a crucial element that should be demonstrated through Superman's conflicts with Zod and his forces is the stark contrast of not just power, but also restraint. Superman has lived under the Yellow Sun since he was a baby, and therefore has developed a far greater degree of power as he grew, making him physically stronger than Zod. Zod and his forces gain less power from the Yellow Sun, thus making them weaker, and take time to adjust to it, but they are all trained warriors, making this a battle of Strength VS Skill. So, in a straight fight, Zod would be dodging Superman's wild punches and exploiting his openings, but it would take Zod significantly more hits to knock back Superman, who just needs to land one punch to send Zod flying. The Man of Steel's advantage here is his naturally higher durability and endurance, letting Zod wear himself out before retaliating. However, whereas Superman restrains himself to prevent collateral damage, Zod and his forces have no qualms concerning human life. This gives them an unfair advantage which they are more than willing to exploit. Superman's attention thus becomes divided between protecting the people (His main priority) and fighting off Zod.

[@Artkenny284]

Do Wonder Woman

[@obiomachukwuocha4918]

Personally, i think it's parasite and/or livewire Bizarro is good he needs to be controlled by someone like Lex. Darkseid and Brainiac are Justice League level that Lex should be a near untouchable menace. A guy who pulls the strings but Clark and Lois can't yet prove it. I don't like the idea of kryptonite in the first movie, so not metallo. Zod, i think also works as a justice league villain

[@iquest9701]

I've been enjoying watching your videos recently, keep up the good work! Also on a off hand topic, I think It would be interesting to see certain superheros vs horror characters, I think that would create some fascinating story potential.

[@kevscollectibels]

They can dust off an old character called The Puzzler from the Golden Age he can be a good villain for Superman to match wits with. While you maybe have Metallo as the muscle who Superman fights

[@srstriker6420]

Well for a inexperienced Superman I think he should have gone with Toyman and the Prankster as they along with Lex are both unpowered villains. How about Wonder Woman, Green Lantern,Flash and the Hawks from Thannagar for first ideal villains How about Hawkman’s Sinister Six next?

[@jeancaron9325]

I love to see Hawkman,s Sinister.

[@tiggerbane4325]

Supermans first enemy should be random weapons dealer who then becomes the Ultrahumanite. Whilst Lex is in the background learning from it and being his first mastermind villain who creates other villains like Metallo, Bizarro, Parasyte and probably a few others. General Zod should not be Supermans first enemy. Zod should spook an enemy of Superman to the extent they come to Superman for help to protect them from Zod. Zod should be supergirls first villain to be honest.

[@BenKorman-i4k]

Lex Luthor is my ideal first villain i can see him hiring Superman's rogues gallery

[@DmanDmythDlegend]

I missed the Batman video and so I’ll just through out my own prediction, tell me if I’m wrong. But I think it should be Dr. Death. Dr. Death isn’t popular at all in the modern day and quickly faded into obscurity but he was technically Batman’s actual first super villain.

[@rossjones8426]

Probably Mongul, Darkseid has always been portrayed as pathetic, Lex has always been pompous Brainiac is inconsistent Parasite isn't exactly world threatening.

[@emerald773sstudio2]

I think it depends on the story the writer is trying to get tell. Sure, Zod reflects Krypton's history, and Lex shows a lot about humanity. However, I personally think for firsts, using Lobo to contrast between Krypton and Czarnia makes a lot of sense. In a similar way to DC Black Label: Superman vs Lobo.

[@natemjonesd6264]

The character named conduit

[@mattfortmuller5]

Metallo made by Luthor gotta be the easy pick Zod and parasite good choices as well

[@kamenrangerzeo8251]

I would probably have chosen Zod as well, but I think Brainiac could be a better choice.

[@JakeSmith-mq5dc]

Normally, I would go with Brainiac because he represents everything scary about unknown alien threats and what Superman potentially would've been dealing with. Here is a thought, how about Lobo? An early career Superman wouldn't be as strong, smart or capable to that menace, and Lobo plays around with his food giving Superman opportunities to work and grow under. They have a lot of parallels with one another, in fact, Lobo is like the anti-thesis to Superman in a lot of ways. So a less experienced Superman dealing with the Universe's greatest bounty hunter having chosen him as his prey. Sure Superman might be able to escape from him here and there, but he might not be able to actually beat him outright. Even if he can, it's going to involve a lot of collateral damage which Superman isn't experienced enough to risk. He might actually feel the planet is safer without him, especially with Lobo being such an unreliable narrator. However he beats Lobo with a combination of fists and his intelligence to persuade the bounty hunter to give up the chase becoming the first bounty that the Main Man didn't collect.

[@w1ndgeneral226]

Here's an idea for a future video: *Could Spiderman beat the Court Of Owls?*

[@jaggercook-sh5bf]

coulf we get a flash or green lantern episode ?

[@johnriddlebaugh7436]

My choice would be Brainiac because he's never been in the movies. Brainiac is a telepathic artificial lifeform who likes to shrink down cities to study on his ship--among those was the Kryptonian city of Kandor. There have been several versions of him, but one was he was created on Krypton. In the DC 52, Superman first found his suit on his ship. In the Silver Age version (at least) Brainiac was actually created on Krypton.

[@inkedconvos]

You should do a Superman villain ranking video

[@mogueraguh]

This is a hot take because he’s not a superman villain but Sinestro would be a great first. He’ll have longevity and can introduce green lantern

[@Zekrel]

I always thought the perfect first villain for Superman should be Metallo. Superman TAS has an episode that is the perfect blueprint for a story involving Metallo. “The Way of All Flesh” is a perfect Metallo origin story which only requires a minor tweak. John Corben could be one of the first thugs that Superman helps puts away. John can start as a sadistic mercenary who has avoided prison for years, never leaving any evidence for any of the crimes he’s committed. Maybe Lois Lane has been investigating him for a long time and Clark learns about him through her. One day, John is contracted to do a job for Lex Luthor (or any other evil rich person) and the job was a setup for him to get caught and go to jail with no hope for bail or parole. Lex Luthor would then approach John with an offer to get him out along with the promise of helping him get revenge on Superman. John being desperate enough would accept the offer, not fully considering what he’s agreeing to. After the operation, John goes after Superman and, thanks to his Kryptonite heart, wins the first round forcing Superman to retreat. He later starts to feel (technically not feel) the consequences of the operation. He can no longer taste the foods he enjoyed. He cannot feel the embrace of another person. All he can feel are his emotions. He would then blame both Superman and Lex Luthor for his cruel fate. Lex for turning him into a machine and Superman for ruining his old life. He could then return to his life as a mercenary but now more deadly. And he would only accept jobs that he believed would give him more opportunities to run into Superman so he could try to kill him.

[@jprice6419]

No Lex, been done. Vandal Savage

[@RyanSmith-zd1sm]

I agree with everything here that Zod should be an early villain for all the reasons you stated in this video, but I don’t think he should be the first as I think Superman should have saved the world a few times before he has to face the great challenge of a version of him with military training. Zod’s arrival should be a moment of “only Superman can save us” rather than two unknown aliens fighting

[@ricardoramos1059]

I think the best way to go who superman fights chronologically is: Intergang (small scale that can be linked to lex maybe even have john corbin as lex's liason with bruni manheim) Parasite Metallo(by the end superman and lois uncover lex machinations) General zod( he doubles down on accpeting his kryptonian side) Lex luthor/ bizarro Ultrahumanite(oldschool but gies back to small scale) Brainiac (we get supergirl introduced/ by this point superman is officailly earths protector having embraced both sides of himself. Id say have maxima, silver banshee and lobo as kara centric villains helps her establish herself as a powerful succesor to her cousin.

[@mdpeterson27]

Great video. But please please please. For the love of God!!! No more Zod. Zod is a great villain. It shows how it’s not his powers that make Superman a hero but his ideology. But we need to give that story a break for a while.

[@speedythenderman6188]

General Zod would be best in terms of juxtaposition and molding Superman as we know him.

[@betterlatethannever4529]

I never understood why people hated ManOfSteel Superman killing Zod.

[@Codedwrongfully]

i think having superman kill in his first, and virtually only movie was a bad look.Since superman doesnt really kill in general its odd that in his first go with a villian he kills them, then the movie barely shows any evidence on if hes even the same guy(or similiar to) the superman in the comics.THeres no helping old people across the street, or saving cats from trees for man of steel...its just fight untill the guy is dead. I think it would have helped if we got a second movie showing a good side to clark, or even a few scenes dedicated to him being good, but instead the movie chooses to focus on huim being a alien god, similiar to Jesus, and then by the time the movie gets to killing zod, people already made up thier mind that they hate the movie, or that killing him was the last straw. in all honesty it wouldve ended better if they show zod killing normal people, destroying homes to be petty, and all around villian stuff, and have superman put him in stasis instead of killing him, showing superman doesnt want to kill, and instead hopes zod can change for the better anyways those are my 3 cents on the issue

[@betterlatethannever4529]

@@Codedwrongfully Zod definitely should have been held back until a third movie, and use some other villains for the first two as a means of showing the benchmark for Clark’s heroic side.

[@williamdaviddiazcuchimaque7511]

Harías un vídeo para el villano de Batman brave and the bold Pensaba en red hood o ras al ghul

[@daraghokane4236]

Batman's first Villian should be Victor Zas he is a noraml guy no gimmics just a killer

[@noah5941]

Lex Luther with hair(again)

[@marcomossolimgiorgette862]

Do Flash, WW and GL please

[@jeancaron9325]

I hope Wonder woman is next.

[@mikeforevereal]

Bro on everything they should do mongo for the new Superman movie if you know you know mongo stands on business

[@adonijahhenderson317]

The correct answer is the Ultra-Humanite but when you first meet “him” it’s just a regular suburbs woman committing tax fraud.

[@Yeahmydude10]

Bro what

[@SamuelGalvan_]

@@Yeahmydude10the ultrahumanite has put his brain in different bodies before he put in the albino gorilla. He put it into an actress’s body for a while.

[@kevscollectibels]

@@SamuelGalvan_ Dolores Winters

[@kevscollectibels]

@@Yeahmydude10 The Ultra-Humanite is a Brain Swamping villain Superman's first arch nemesis before he was given to the JSA. Ultra started as an old man who after some encounters with The Man of Steel switched his body into an actress named Dolores Winterns body he then moved into the Ape body and i don't remember where this fits but he also was a giant bug. With all these body swaps one thing remains the same The Ultra-Humanite is still the Ultra-Humanite no matter what body he is in.

[@Yeahmydude10]

@@kevscollectibels wow nice character dump do U do this for others or

[@michaelpasalic2380]

I think Lex should have been his first villain. Get his feet wet, have them feel each other out. Jab here, cross there. Then BOOM! Bring Zod along after a couple years on Earth to really test his powers and "humanity" when it comes to saving the planet and everyone on it.

[@SuperKiobi13]

will you do this idea for marvel characters like spider-man?

[@TotinosManor]

Nope too easy J Jonah J and the Public

[@billymccrary2246]

If i could ever write a Superman series i'll add the Ultra-Humanite as Superman's first villain cause he were the first supervillain that he fought back during the golden age before Lex Luthor were created as he would be see himself as the world's greatest criminal mastermind and wish to have everyone knowledge his existence as he than get easily bored with outsmarting the Metropolis police until he learn of Superman's existence, which he start see him as a perfect rival for him to faced against with, as he attempt of tries to outsmart and defeated Superman in order to proves himself as the world's greatest criminal mastermind as he also responsible for help creating weapons for Intergang, the Metallo body and some other stuff... Until he soon learn that he suffer from a untreatable illness where he would than willingly forced himself into transferring both his mind and consciousness onto the body of albino gorilla as he continuing menacing Superman. So yeah, i'll think Ultra-Humanite would be Superman's ideal first supervillain before encounter his other rogues like Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Gen. Zod, Metallo, the Parasite, Livewire, the Toyman, Mongul, Mr. Mxyzptlk, the Silver Banshee, etc., etc., etc., cause he were the first villain that Superman fought way back in the golden age Superman comics before Lex Luthor were created. Also, will you do a video of other characters like; Who Would Be Wonder Woman's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be Green Lantern's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be The Flash's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be Aquaman's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be Martian Manhunter's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be Green Arrow's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be Spider-Man's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be Iron Man's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be Captain America's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be The Fantastic Four's First Ideal Villain? Who Would Be Thor's First Ideal Villain?

[@s-wo8781]

I kinda don't like Zod. He is cool as a one off but I don't ever want to see him again. I think Kal-El should be the last male from Krypton and plus it kinda makes Lex and the public seem right that Superman brings trouble.

[@tyrellmultimedia]

I like Zod but I couldn't agree more that he's usually at his best as a one off character. I think he's best as a catalyst for Superman villains to know it's only going to get tougher from here.

[@TonyZarkua]

Have You Watched Young Justice And Adventure Time

[@ahobbyist9520]

good video

[@ahobbyist9520]

12:08 Who's the guy with the lights on his body?

[@daraghokane4236]

I agree with the people saying Ultra, Superman starts fighting natural disasters or house fires he does not care about Crime. Ultra sees superman walk threw a burning building and goes yes the perfect vasal I shall that over his body and Ultra comes up with plans to capture superman and take over his body. You should also for irony make ultra frail and weak like that can be a weakness he has the longer he stays in one body the quicker it starts to decay superman body doesn't have that problem. Or Manchester black superman is born in a world that already has heros edgy cool heros that kill and Black asks him to join the Elite superman stops Black from killing a guy and says no he should stand trail first then they fight, Black goes to jail and people ask who will protect us now

[@KingRusso1990]

Ultra-Humanite or Intergang/Bruno Mannheim

[@braydenmiller7548]

I would honestly go with General Zod but I want to be different from yours so I’m gonna go with Parasite

[@Shadowkiller-dq2ju]

Doomsday or Darksied

[@deandrehenry9135]

Superman could. Face either briniac or darkseid

[@oliveragag8576]

Calendar Man /s

[@daraghokane4236]

Why not Superman I would say batman and his villains existed before superman was a hero so having him fight them would work

[@diegodreossi1458]

Metallo

[@trevorwalton5431]

Branaic

[@johnpulaski6725]

Batman!