Image courtesy of DC Studios.
The villains of the DC Universe certainly possess a formidable presence. In the animated sequel series Creature Commandos, a cadre of questionable anti-heroes bites off more than they can chew when they challenge Princess Ilana Rostovic, the ambitious ruler of Pokolistan. With aspirations of dominating the world and eliminating all who oppose her, Rostovic sets a dark precedent for villainy within the DCU. Not to be outdone, Lex Luthor steps up in Superman, initiating a global conflict that endangers countless lives, all in a bid to eliminate the Man of Steel.
However, Lex might not be alone in his vendetta against Superman. While the narrative of Peacemaker Season 2 primarily follows Christopher Smith and his own trials, it takes a moment to unveil another Superman antagonist. Unfortunately, rather than establishing a substantial threat, the DCU appears to trivialize this villain, portraying him as a mere generic henchman, far removed from the weighty legacy of fighting Superman.
Peacemaker & His Family: The Power Players in One Universe
With his malevolent father absent, Chris adopts a new residence in his late father’s house in the latest season. Eagly, his loyal but intrusive companion, makes restful sleep a challenge. However, Eagly proves to be beneficial as he uncovers a portal to a pocket universe that hints at another iteration of Peacemaker. As curiosity piques, Chris glimpses his father through the now-opened portal, triggering a flood of unsettling memories. Over the following six months, the gateway remains sealed as Chris endeavors to embrace a new heroic path. Yet, following a dismissive encounter with the Justice Gang during an interview, Chris embarks on a misguided escapade, ultimately returning to the alternative universe.
Upon arriving at the family mansion in the alternate reality, Peacemaker examines memorabilia that narrates the heroic exploits of the Top Trio, a group that includes Chris, his father, and his sibling, Keith. Their infamous legacy features the defeat of the Rainbow Creature, an emerging threat from a South African volcano, and Ultra-Humanite, a long-standing villain in Superman’s rogues gallery. The latter’s inclusion is noteworthy, as traditionally, a significant effort is required to dispatch this adversary, far exceeding what three super-suited individuals could typically achieve.
Ultra-Humanite: The Antithesis of Superman
Finding an adequate opponent for Superman is no easy task, given the hero’s unparalleled strength in the DC Universe. This is why cerebral foes often serve as Superman’s greatest challenges, constructing intricate schemes that exploit potential vulnerabilities. Although Luthor receives the bulk of attention as Superman’s primary nemesis, history shows that this was not always the case. The first antagonist envisioned by DC Comics to match the iconic hero was none other than Ultra-Humanite. Initially a scientist with world domination ambitions, Ultra-Humanite repeatedly tested Superman’s limits until relocating to Earth-2 and transferring his consciousness into that of an albino gorilla. After this transformation, the two figures took a hiatus from their rivalry, with Ultra-Humanite instead gathering a superhero team on his new Earth and engaging with the Justice Society of America.
In modern times, Ultra-Humanite has reclaimed his status as Superman’s original major adversary. Regrettably, the DCU appears reluctant to adhere to this narrative arc. Although David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman could have set the stage for an encounter with Ultra-Humanite early in his career, no such information has been confirmed. The franchise merely indicates that Peacemaker and his crime-fighting allies possess the capability to outmaneuver the villain and thwart his global ambitions.
Peacemaker is currently streaming on HBO Max.
Did you catch the Ultra-Humanite reference in Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 1? Are you dissatisfied with the DCU’s treatment of this villain? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
The post The DCU Just Disrespected Superman’s Most Underrated Villain appeared first on ComicBook.com.
Based on reporting by Jackson Hayes. Read the full story at https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/peacemaker-ultra-humanite-reference-superman-villain/