Superman has the power to destroy the Earth, but he uses it to protect it

We all know Superman is one of the strongest beings in the entire DC-verse. Since his debut in 1938, we’ve seen many instances where his power shoots through the ceiling, and differently sometimes.

Well, most of us, including me, thought it must be the writers’ conflict while imposing power levels or foes each time. Now, after 86 years of his debut in Action Comics #1, DC has officially confirmed why it is so, and not coz the writers wanted to.

This altering power levels is bound to his altruism rather than his Kryptonian nature.

Warning! Proceed at your own risk! Adventures of Superman: Book of El #2 Spoilers ahead!

As per Adventures of Superman: Book of El #2, he fights a group of zealots in the far future. And as per the historical records on Supes’ present-day adventures, it’s stated that “…due to his habit of wielding only the strength required, and no more,” to “the abilities of Superman were limited not by physiology, but by the needs of the oppressed.” 

This explains the punches thrown by him in his fight with Darkseid and Doomsday, to the ones with his foes like Lex Luthor, Metallo, and others, including Batman. Superman could punch the life from most of his earthly foes, but he chooses to refrain from using his full power and fights them at their level.  

Generally, the yellow sun explains the manifestation of his physiology, but this one reveals a moral characterization embedded in the last son of Krypton.

Kal-El is a living weapon gifted to the Earth, but it is his upbringing and innate compassion that make him a protector.

Adventures of Superman: Book of El #2 is available

^{Pic Credits: DC Comics}