Fans Debate Why Superman Couldn’t See Ultraman Was His Clone
James Gunn’s Superman Expands the DC Universe
Superman is back in the spotlight after fans questioned why he didn’t use his X-ray vision to uncover Ultraman’s identity. Many speculate the suit may have included materials that blocked his powers, while others point to creative choices that kept the reveal hidden until later in the story.
In DC lore, Superman’s abilities have often been limited in specific ways, a detail writers lean on to build tension against his enemies. The most famous limitation? Lead. And that’s where much of the current fan debate circles back.
Why Didn’t Superman Use His X-Ray Vision?
The central question fans are asking is simple: if Superman can see through almost anything, why didn’t he spot Ultraman’s identity from the start?
The most accepted explanation is that the armor Ultraman wore was lined with lead. Lead blocks Superman’s ability to see through objects. It has long been portrayed as the one visual weakness in his arsenal.
Lex Luthor, ever the strategist, engineered Ultraman with this in mind. Reinforcing the armor with lead gave Luthor the advantage of secrecy, ensuring Superman wouldn’t figure out that the figure behind the mask was his own clone until much later.
Fans Pick Apart the Details
Fans were quick to raise eyebrows. One online comment read: “And Superman having X-ray vision didn’t notice the guy inside was his own clone.” The remark captured the sense of disbelief many felt watching the reveal.
Another user took it in a lighter direction, joking: “I still find it funny that the guy in the helmet was wearing another helmet underneath.” The layered disguise became a point of comedy across threads and posts.
But not everyone was laughing. Some pointed to moments where Superman’s other powers also seemed conveniently inconsistent. One fan asked: “How does Superman not hear the engineer approaching the fortress—or her radio chatter with Lex?” That critique highlighted how selective writing sometimes sidelines Superman’s broader superhuman senses.
A Pattern of Selective Storytelling
This isn’t the first time Superman’s powers have been written around for dramatic effect. Fans compared the Ultraman reveal to past inconsistencies, such as Superman failing to notice a bomb hidden in a wheelchair in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
One user summed up the frustration bluntly: “Same way they forgot to write Superman could see the bomb the guy on the wheelchair was carrying.” The comment underscored how these gaps have become a recurring topic whenever Superman is depicted on screen.
Another fan, however, suggested the debate may be overblown: “Suit was lined with lead! There done… let’s stop micro-analyzing everything to fit our narratives.” For them, the simplest explanation was enough.
The Role of Creative Choice
Beyond lore explanations, some argue the decision was less about physics and more about storytelling. Revealing Ultraman’s identity too early would have deflated the tension James Gunn built into the film. Keeping Superman in the dark allowed for a dramatic reveal, giving audiences the payoff of discovery at the same time as Clark himself.
This kind of narrative sleight of hand isn’t uncommon in superhero stories. Writers often scale powers up or down depending on the needs of the plot. And while some fans bristle at the inconsistency, others accept it as part of the genre’s language.
The New Superman Cast and What’s Next
The film marks a fresh start for the franchise with David Corenswet stepping in as Clark Kent. Rachel Brosnahan joins him as Lois Lane, while Nicholas Hoult takes on the role of Lex Luthor. Ultraman, introduced as a major twist, sets the stage for new conflicts in Gunn’s DC universe.
The director has teased that Ultraman’s arc may expand in sequels, suggesting the clone could become one of Superman’s most personal rivals. By leaning into themes of identity and reflection, the Ultraman storyline opens the door for deeper character exploration.
For now, the film is available to stream on digital platforms, giving fans more chances to dissect every frame—and to keep the X-ray vision debate alive.
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About the Creator
Dena Falken Esq
Dena Falken Esq is renowned in the legal community as the Founder and CEO of Legal-Ease International, where she has made significant contributions to enhancing legal communication and proficiency worldwide.
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