In the altered reality of Flashpoint, Superman was held captive as a lab experiment by the United States government. Unlike the primary DC Universe where Kal-El's rocket was discovered by the Kents, in the Flashpoint timeline, his ship crashed in Metropolis and was immediately secured by the government.
Superman's Fate in the Flashpoint Timeline
Upon the crash, the infant Kal-El was taken into custody by the US military. He was then subjected to decades of experimentation and observation deep within a secret government facility. This clandestine confinement resulted in a radically different Superman than the one known in the main continuity:
- Physical Condition: He was emaciated, pale, and weak from a lifetime spent in a sunless, artificial environment, deprived of the yellow sun's rays that power his abilities.
- Mental State: His isolation and lack of human interaction left him quiet, timid, and largely devoid of the heroic spirit associated with the Man of Steel.
- Lack of Public Presence: He never became the symbol of hope and justice for the world. Instead, his existence was a closely guarded secret.
This stark contrast highlights the significant divergences of the Flashpoint timeline. In this altered world, the role of Earth's quintessential hero was filled not by Superman, but by Cyborg, who served as the planet's primary defender and liaison between various factions.
Comparing Superman's Role: Main Timeline vs. Flashpoint
To better understand the profound impact of Superman's absence from the public eye in Flashpoint, consider this comparison:
Aspect | Main DC Universe | Flashpoint Timeline |
---|---|---|
Early Life | Raised by Martha and Jonathan Kent | Captured by US Government |
Public Role | World's greatest hero, symbol of hope | Unknown, held captive as a lab specimen |
Powers/Appearance | Vibrant, powerful, iconic hero | Weak, emaciated, sun-deprived |
Earth's Main Hero | Superman | Cyborg |
This dramatic shift underscores the severity of the timeline alteration that Barry Allen, as The Flash, sought to correct.