Superman’s first villain just returned for a fresh confrontation with original Green Lantern Alan Scott. That’s right, the infamous Ultra-Humanite is back in the latest arc of DC’s throwback JSA series. Mirroring DC history, the first adversary Superman ever fought is also the one that inspires the proto-Justice League to adopt their “Justice Society” moniker.
JSA #18 is written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Gavin Guidry. Readers finally get a look at the Ultra-Humanite in his true form, after previous issues revealed him to be possessing a man named Walter Baze.
Humanite’s evil plans might have been thwarted by the Justice Society this time, but it’s a reminder that he’s a threat that can’t be taken lightly.
DC’s Period Piece Series “JSA” Reintroduces The Ultra-Humanite, Superman’s OG Arch-Nemesis
JSA #18, Written By Jeff Lemire; Art By Gavin Guidry; Available Now From DC Comics
JSA #18 is the climax of OG Green Lantern Alan Scott’s confrontation with the Ultra-Humanite, after the villain revealed his identity back in JSA #16 and spent most of JSA #17 brawling back-and-forth with the hero. Though it takes the united Justice Society to bring Ultra-Humanite down, it becomes a personal confrontation for Scott in particular.
The JSA vs. the Ultra-Humanite takes place in 1940, the year before America’s entry into World War II. Part of Humanite’s scheme for world domination involves collaborating with the ascendant Nazi Party in Germany. During their battle, Ultra-Humanite spouts homophobic language at the openly queer Green Lantern. Who resolutely responds that he won’t let the supervillain, or the Nazis, pervert his idea of America as an inclusive, free nation.
Ultra-Humanite Was DC’s First Attempt At A Recurring Rival For Superman; Now He’s A Nemesis For The First Green Lantern
How JSA Honors The “Golden Age” Version Of The Villain (And What It Changes)
Ultra-Humanite first appeared in 1939’s Action Comics #13. Like Superman, he was the creation of Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster. Initially, he only fought Superman a handful of times. His last “Golden Age” appearance in DC lore was in Action Comics #21; just two issues later, he was supplanted as the Man of Steel’s nemesis by an up-and-comer named Lex Luthor.
JSA #18 uses Ultra-Humanite’s most recognizable design: a white gorilla’s body with a mad scientist’s brain transplanted into it. However, it’s worth noting that this was a much later innovation. The villain didn’t actually acquire this form until the ’80s. In 1940, after an altercation with Superman left the mad scientist dying, he actually swapped his brain into the body of a woman named Dolores Winters.
Superman Has Many Enemies, But Let’s Face It: Ultraman Is On a Whole Other Level
Many Superman villains have appeared on film over the years, but the live-action debut of Ultraman provides Superman with his greatest threat yet.
Perhaps this original incarnation of Ultra-Humanite might actually have been better suited for JSA, but whatever form he appeared in, the classic DC Comics character is a fitting antagonist for Alan Scott and the Justice Society. The question now is whether we’ve seen the last of him, or if he’ll be a recurring villain for the series.
The Ultra-Humanite Should Continue To Be A Thorn In The Justice Society’s Side
Ultra-Humanite Is Too Good A Bad Guy For Just A Cameo
The Ultra-Humanite’s appearance in JSA #18 is admittedly brief. It’s also yet another origin story for the antagonist, who has been rebooted almost as many times as DC Comics continuity itself. (Almost.) It’s possible it could be just another in a century’s worth of false starts for the villain, but DC fans have reason to hope not.
JSA just set the character up as an imposing adversary for the newly-christened Justice Society. 86 years after debuting as the very first recurring enemy of Superman, the Ultra-Humanite is still waiting for his chance to be an A-tier villain, and his role as an enemy for the first Green Lantern could ironically enough be what gets him there.
JSA #18 is available now from Marvel Comics.
Tell us what you think, DC fans. Has Ultra-Humanite been under-utilized for 80+ years of DC lore? What was his peak as a DC villain?
- Created By
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Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel
- First Appearance
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Action Comics
- Alias
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Kal-El, Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent
- Alliance
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Justice League, Superman Family
- Race
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Kryptonian
- Franchise
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D.C.