Perfect match ups are seen in all walks of life. In the world of comic books, this could mean a team up of Superman and Batman or The Avengers and the X-Men. This could also open the door up for a comic book staple; crossovers. Many crossovers between different companies have happened over the years. That does mean Marvel and DC have come together to make some of these stories, one of recent. These two companies tend to dip their toes in these events. One of the biggest benefactors is Batman. The Caped Crusader has teamed up with many different characters. Has even fought others. But while Batman seems to be the one to explore other universes, perhaps his greatest ally falls a bit short. Superman is the character that looks great standing among any DC character. But it seems to stop there. Even though there is ton of potential for Superman to crossover with other universes, he seems to be limited. Superman should and could be a great partner in crossovers.
Superman has been a part of crossovers. He has merged with the worlds of Predator, Aliens, Godzilla/Kong, Marvel and the Power Rangers. But, with all these crossovers, he has been a part of a whole. With Predator and Aliens, Batman was there with him. And with Godzilla/Kong and the Power Rangers, the Justice League were by his side. Which is ironic since Batman tends to do these crossovers solo. He fought Predators with no more help than people inside the Bat Family. Fought and joined Spawn. Helped the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Crossed paths with Judge Dredd. And of recent has clashed with Deadpool. Superman meanwhile, needs a plus one with him to join these crossovers. For some reason, he can’t participate in crossovers just himself unlike Batman.
Like Batman though, Superman has the tools to ride these crossovers himself. What makes Superman the great character that he is, is the fact he is willing to help any and all. Doesn’t matter if it is a pizza delivery man trying to get the pizza to a house. Or an alien civilization trying to fend off Brainiac. Or Toyman trying to deal with trauma. That puts him in the lives of many DC characters who need him around to either recuperate or join a fight. That alone makes him great crossover material. The hope that he radiates is instant. No matter the universe he lands it, people are quick to know how much hope he exudes. He is also quick to defend. If a threat is around, Superman will stand between it and the people or location it’s trying to ruin. He simply cannot ignore it. He helps no matter the magnitude. If the threat still remains, if people still need his help, he will remain there until everything is settled. That trait of his places him in any universe perfectly and smoothly. It doesn’t make him seem out of place. Everyone needs help and threats need to be stopped, no matter where they may lie. That makes any universe, any franchise, any character a great welcome to the Superman lore.
But what worlds can Superman share time with? The DC Universe does have some history with the Masters of the Universe. He-Man and his team were called on when the Regime Superman in the Injustice universe grew strong and the resistance needed more power. They called He-Man. And the Justice League also had an official crossover with the Masters of the Universe as well. But with similarities, in terms of power and characteristics, Superman and He-Man could mutually benefit from each other if the lens is just on them. They each have great supporting casts but having them together forces them to know each other and spot even more similarities and differences.
Superman could be sought out as support in the Invincible universe. Viltrimites have proven they are a terror across the universe. An almost unkillable terror. Their power levels are difficult to match. Since the Invincible and DC universes have stepped in the multiverse as a tool, characters in the Invincible universe could reach in the multiverse to pull Superman. Perhaps a Viltrumite army is too powerful and they need people to match that. Superman can. And in this case, it would entertain the idea of who is stronger; a Viltrimite or Kryptonian?
A lot of aliens call Earth home. That does include the Autobots. The Autobots came to Earth when Cybertron was weaken and protect their new home planet from threats. The same as Superman. Superman and the Autobots, but more specifically Optimus Prime, have a lot in common. Both defend their new home planet, put others in front of themselves, and stand as a beacon for hope. Plus, are survivors of their home planet being ruined. Yet, that does not make them bitter but better. A story could say that maybe Brainiac had something to do with Cybertron’s fall. Or maybe he is seeking Transformers to be a part of his collection. Have a common threat, puts Superman and the Autobots on the same side.
A galaxy far, far away does have its protectors but not every system has them. The Empire’s reach goes further than that of Jedis. Planets could really need some hope. This is where Superman can enter. Being someone that wants to help and wants to defeat any sort of hostility, Superman will help. This puts him in the crossfire of the Empire. Which means droids, Storm Troopers, AT-ATs, TIE Fighters, Bounty Hunters, and Sith could come after him. That does also open up the doors for him to meet and fight alongside with some Jedi. However, the Empire is unforgiving and wrathful. If Superman were to prove himself stronger than anything the Empire can throw at him, then that could force their hand. Force them to use the Death Star on him. But if that ain’t enough, they have one more force they could unleash. Darth Vader.
Superman is the most iconic superhero, now and forever. That could play into why DC has really allowed him on crossovers where it’s just him and someone else. His status is able to stand on its own. But he does have a lot to offer to other worlds in others franchises. And they have lots to offer to him as well. It is a core part of Superman’s character that he helps whoever. That is a perfect way for him to step foot in other franchises for crossovers. It’ll make it so, that even if the place is strange to him, he’ll still be in a familiar place in terms of his most defining characteristic.
