Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 31 (click to see context) from:
* GovernmentConspiracy: The Machine, home of Wraith and many alien technologies that have been incorporated into human operations. It was formed by FranklinDRoosevelt in 1938, and has been a major force for the military ever since from behind the scenes.
to:
* GovernmentConspiracy: The Machine, home of Wraith and many alien technologies that have been incorporated into human operations. It was formed by FranklinDRoosevelt UsefulNotes/FranklinDRoosevelt in 1938, and has been a major force for the military ever since from behind the scenes.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 51 (click to see context) from:
* SmallStepsHero: [[Reconstruction Reconstructed]]. Luthor, of all people, says that for all of the world's admiration of Superman, in the end, he is just a man stumbling though life, capable of making mistakes as any human. He is trial and error. However, Superman [[TheParagon still teaches people to do the right thing and inspire each other]], [[HoldingOutForAHero not to look to the stars in search for a savior]]. It's a rare moment where Luthor admits Superman is a WorthyOpponent.
to:
* SmallStepsHero: [[Reconstruction [[{{Reconstruction}} Reconstructed]]. Luthor, of all people, says that for all of the world's admiration of Superman, in the end, he is just a man stumbling though life, capable of making mistakes as any human. He is trial and error. However, he also says Superman [[TheParagon still teaches people to do the right thing and inspire each other]], [[HoldingOutForAHero not to look to the stars in search for a savior]]. It's a rare moment where Luthor admits Superman is a WorthyOpponent.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 48 (click to see context) from:
* ObviouslyEvil: Subverted with Wraith. Despite being one of the main villains, having a rocky face akin to {{Darkseid}}, and having a [[RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver black and red color scheme]], Wraith isn't all that evil. He just follows the orders of his masters.
to:
* ObviouslyEvil: Subverted with Wraith. Despite being one of the main villains, having a rocky face akin to {{Darkseid}}, and having a [[RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver black and red color scheme]], Wraith isn't all that evil. He just follows the orders of his masters. [[spoiler:His species, however, play this straight.]]
Added DiffLines:
* SmallStepsHero: [[Reconstruction Reconstructed]]. Luthor, of all people, says that for all of the world's admiration of Superman, in the end, he is just a man stumbling though life, capable of making mistakes as any human. He is trial and error. However, Superman [[TheParagon still teaches people to do the right thing and inspire each other]], [[HoldingOutForAHero not to look to the stars in search for a savior]]. It's a rare moment where Luthor admits Superman is a WorthyOpponent.
Added DiffLines:
* UnwittingPawn: [[spoiler:Wraith had no idea that by bringing the equation to Earth, he was the first step of an invasion by his own species. In the finale, he saves Earth but has to sacrifice himself.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* BatmanGambit: By Luthor, not the TropeNamer. [[spoiler:Anticipating Wraith's species will soon invade Earth using the equation, Luthor creates a syringe with synthetic solar energy that will transform whoever uses it into a solar bomb. He wants Superman to use it so that he can defeat the invaders and get himself killed in the process. Luthor does not anticipate, however, that Wraith would take the syringe and use it on himself.]]
* DeathByIrony: [[spoiler:Wraith once destroyed Nagasaki by pretending to be a atomic bomb. In the finale, Wraith becomes a solar energy bomb to defeat the alien invaders.]]
Changed line(s) 33 (click to see context) from:
* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:Wraith. After he sees his own species about to attack Earth, he takes the solar energy syringe Luthor wanted Superman to use and becomes supercharged with solar energy. He destroys the alien fleet, but the excessive energy kills him.
to:
* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:Wraith. After he sees his own species about to attack Earth, he takes the solar energy syringe Luthor wanted Superman to use and becomes supercharged with solar energy. He destroys the alien fleet, but the excessive energy kills him.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* AlienInvasion: [[spoiler:By Wraith's people.]]
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
* DrivenToVillainy: Wraith laments that this ''will'' happen between him and Superman, with him being forced to take him down. [[spoiler:In Issue 6, he abandons this, instead going for {{revenge}}, but more against Batman than Superman.]]
to:
* DrivenToVillainy: Wraith laments that this ''will'' happen between him and Superman, with him being forced to take him down. [[spoiler:In Issue 6, he abandons this, instead going for {{revenge}}, but more against Batman than Superman. He subverts it in the finale by saving Superman from an invasion by his people and sacrificing his life to save Earth.]]
Changed line(s) 23 (click to see context) from:
* ETGaveUsWiFi: Apparently, large quantities of technology since 1938 comes from the use of the alien equation by the Machine. The culmination of this is Earthstone.
to:
* ETGaveUsWiFi: Apparently, large quantities of technology since 1938 comes from the use of the alien equation by the Machine. The culmination of this is Earthstone. [[spoiler:The equation was made by Wraith's species, and they have done that with many other planets across the universe. When a civilization creates technlogy with the equation, Wraith's species can easily disable it and conquer a planet.]]
Changed line(s) 31 (click to see context) from:
* HeroAntagonist: Although he did perform horrible actions (such as destroying Nagasaki, a civilian population), Wraith seems to genuinely believe in the peace and safety of Earth, and is reluctant to hurt Superman. That said, their interactions are heating up considerably over time.
to:
* HeroAntagonist: Although he did perform horrible actions (such as destroying Nagasaki, a civilian population), Wraith seems to genuinely believe in the peace and safety of Earth, and is reluctant to hurt Superman. That said, their interactions are heating up considerably over time. [[spoiler:In the finale, however, Wraith sacrifices himself to save Earth from his own species.]]
* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:Wraith. After he sees his own species about to attack Earth, he takes the solar energy syringe Luthor wanted Superman to use and becomes supercharged with solar energy. He destroys the alien fleet, but the excessive energy kills him.
* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:Wraith. After he sees his own species about to attack Earth, he takes the solar energy syringe Luthor wanted Superman to use and becomes supercharged with solar energy. He destroys the alien fleet, but the excessive energy kills him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* MixAndMatchWeapon: While wearing his PoweredArmor, Superman wields a weapon that seems to be a mix between an [[DropTheHammer hammer]] and a [[PowerfulPick pickaxe]].
to:
* MixAndMatchWeapon: While wearing his PoweredArmor, Superman wields a weapon that seems to be a mix between an a [[DropTheHammer hammer]] and a [[PowerfulPick pickaxe]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* MixAndMatchWeapon: While wearing his PoweredArmor, Superman wields a weapon that seems to be a mix between an [[AnAxeToGrind axe]] and a [[DropTheHammer hammer]].
to:
* MixAndMatchWeapon: While wearing his PoweredArmor, Superman wields a weapon that seems to be a mix between an [[AnAxeToGrind axe]] and a [[DropTheHammer hammer]].hammer]] and a [[PowerfulPick pickaxe]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
* KryptoniteRing: With a twist. [[spoiler:''Superman'' has one made for Wraith's species by Batman to interact with his specific energy signature in Issue 6.]]
to:
* KryptoniteRing: With a twist. [[spoiler:''Superman'' has one made for Wraith's species by Batman to interact with his specific energy signature in Issue 6. In Issue 8, after defeating Wraith, Superman shoves the ring down Wraith's throat.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* UnskilledButStrong: As Superman explains, [[spoiler:the fact that Wraith is a MilitarySuperhero means that he always had someone else to have his back, and thus he never had to truly learn how to fight, especially with his signature cloaking. As a result, when he manages to even the playing field in Issue 8 by forcing the fight into the mantle of the Earth to make Wraith's manipulation of his energy signature nigh impossible, he manages to fight him extremely effectively, since he had to learn how to fight on his own with minimal aid by comparison.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 13 (click to see context) from:
** As usual, Franchise/{{Batman}} proves to be this, having developed a Batsuit against Superman's SuperSenses before he truly trusted him.
to:
** As usual, Franchise/{{Batman}} proves to be this, having developed a Batsuit against Superman's SuperSenses before he truly trusted him. He's been considering destroying it, but Superman always tells him not to, just in case it proves necessary to stop him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[quoteright:324:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/superman_hero_1882.jpg]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe: While wearing his PoweredArmor, Superman wields a shield.
Added DiffLines:
* MixAndMatchWeapon: While wearing his PoweredArmor, Superman wields a weapon that seems to be a mix between an [[AnAxeToGrind axe]] and a [[DropTheHammer hammer]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* DissonantSerenity: Luthor calmly monologues on the history of origami while JimmyOlsen (who he kidnapped as part of a plan to kill Superman) screams at him to stop the machine working on his hand.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 19 (click to see context) from:
* DrivenToVillainy: Wraith laments that this ''will'' happen between him and Superman, with him being forced to take him down. [[spoiler:In Issue 6, he abandons this, instead going for {{revenge}}.]]
to:
* DrivenToVillainy: Wraith laments that this ''will'' happen between him and Superman, with him being forced to take him down. [[spoiler:In Issue 6, he abandons this, instead going for {{revenge}}.{{revenge}}, but more against Batman than Superman.]]
Added DiffLines:
* GoodVersusGood: Barring [[WesternTerrorists Ascension]], both sides of the conflict in the comic are ostensibly good. Superman is [[TheParagon as he usually is]], but Sam Lane just wants to get US government property (Earthstone) to better protect the United States, and Wraith is a reluctant villain. [[spoiler:Eventually subverted on that last part, when Wraith begins to break down and goes after Batman for revenge, not because he was told to.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* KryptoniteProofSuit: In Issue 7, [[spoiler:Wraith uses one against Batman in the Batcave in order to negate the effects of his KryptoniteRing (see below)]].
Added DiffLines:
* PoweredArmor: In Issue 7, Superman busts out [[http://i.imgur.com/8fB6NPi.jpg a version]] to fight against Sam Lane's Machine technology.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* EstablishingCharacterMoment: The opening is this for Wraith, though it's not fully explained until a few issues in: he [[KickTheDog destroyed Nagasaki]] as a fake [[PeaceThroughSuperiorFirepower Fat Man]] nuke [[MyMasterRightOrWrong because he was told to do so]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ObviouslyEvil: Subverted with Wraith. Despite being one of the main villains, having a rocky face akin to {{Darkseid}}, and having a [[RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver black and red color scheme]], Wraith isn't all that evil. He just follows the orders of his masters.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* FunWithAcronyms: Wraith's name is one. It stands for '''W'''illiam '''R'''udolph's '''A'''ce '''I'''n '''T'''he '''H'''ole.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 35 (click to see context) from:
* NiceGuy: For all of his military work, Wraith appears to be this, sincerely regretful that he might have to kill Superman, warning of possibly confrontations that could come up from him at the behest of the military, and helpful concerning his powers.
to:
* NiceGuy: For all of his military work, Wraith appears to be this, sincerely regretful that he might have to kill Superman, warning of possibly confrontations that could come up from him at the behest of the military, and helpful concerning his powers. [[spoiler:Even after he was attacked with a KryptoniteRing, he's still AffablyEvil toward most people except Superman.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 36 (click to see context) from:
* SelfDestructMechanism: In Issue 6, [[spoiler:Jonathan Rudolph activates one at Ascension's base, destroying most of the Earthstone, but also most likely killing all of Ascension's members and himself in the process]].
to:
* SelfDestructMechanism: In Issue 6, [[spoiler:Jonathan Rudolph activates one at Ascension's base, destroying most of the Earthstone, but also most likely killing most if not all of Ascension's members and himself in the process]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* DrivenToVillainy: Wraith laments that this ''will'' happen between him and Superman, with him being forced to take him down. [[spoiler:In Issue 6, he abandons this, instead going for {{revenge}}.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* GilliganCut: In Issue 6, we have a brief one to [[spoiler:Batman when Superman reveals his KryptoniteRing, showing a NotSoInnocentWhistle]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
** In Issue 6, [[spoiler:it is revealed that Superman had a KryptoniteRing made for Wraith's species by Batman while talking at the Fortress of Solitude with Wraith]].
--->'''Superman:''' It's good to have paranoid friends.
--->'''Superman:''' It's good to have paranoid friends.
Added DiffLines:
* KryptoniteRing: With a twist. [[spoiler:''Superman'' has one made for Wraith's species by Batman to interact with his specific energy signature in Issue 6.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 8 (click to see context) from:
* AppliedPhlebotinum: Earthstone, an Earth-based variation similar to Kryptonian Sunstone, but much more dangerous, and capable of disabling large quantities of technology.
to:
* AppliedPhlebotinum: Earthstone, an Earth-based variation similar to Kryptonian Sunstone, but much more dangerous, and capable of disabling large quantities of technology. [[spoiler:And, as shown by Issue 6, anything its affected cannot operate under the commands given by it after it is brought a select distance away from Earth.]]
Added DiffLines:
* SelfDestructMechanism: In Issue 6, [[spoiler:Jonathan Rudolph activates one at Ascension's base, destroying most of the Earthstone, but also most likely killing all of Ascension's members and himself in the process]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 23 (click to see context) from:
* HistoricalInJoke: The United States didn't drop a warhead on Nagasaki--they dropped Wraith.
to:
* HistoricalInJoke: HistoricalInJoke[=/=]AllohistoricalAllusion: The United States didn't drop a warhead on Nagasaki--they dropped Wraith.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* HistoricalInJoke: The United States didn't drop a warhead on Nagasaki--they dropped Wraith.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* DepletedPhlebotinumShells:
** The U.S. military under General Sam Lane has been working on "black hole" technologies to fight Superman. These include "max-grav-photon-emitters", a.k.a. "black hole lasers", and "black hole bullets", which are 50 caliber rockets with ''light vacuums'' inside of them.
** The Russian military has also been working on anti-Superman technology, specifically the "XR" drones. These unmanned drones have shielding that protects them from Superman's HeatVision and SuperSenses, as well as firing bullets that emit red sun radiation just before impact to be able to pierce Kryptonian skin and armor.
** The U.S. military under General Sam Lane has been working on "black hole" technologies to fight Superman. These include "max-grav-photon-emitters", a.k.a. "black hole lasers", and "black hole bullets", which are 50 caliber rockets with ''light vacuums'' inside of them.
** The Russian military has also been working on anti-Superman technology, specifically the "XR" drones. These unmanned drones have shielding that protects them from Superman's HeatVision and SuperSenses, as well as firing bullets that emit red sun radiation just before impact to be able to pierce Kryptonian skin and armor.
Added DiffLines:
* GovernmentConspiracy: The Machine, home of Wraith and many alien technologies that have been incorporated into human operations. It was formed by FranklinDRoosevelt in 1938, and has been a major force for the military ever since from behind the scenes.
** BenevolentConspiracy: The goals of this conspiracy are to dispel danger zones, rather than enforce will. In essence, it militarizes a Superman.
** BenevolentConspiracy: The goals of this conspiracy are to dispel danger zones, rather than enforce will. In essence, it militarizes a Superman.
Added DiffLines:
* LockingMacGyverInTheStoreCupboard: While incarcerated and working on a model city for community service, LexLuthor escapes captivity by reengineering his model into a MiniMecha.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
A mini series in the DCComics ComicBook/{{New 52}} for Franchise/{{Superman}} running in 2013 and 2014, featuring the Kryptonian's conflicts with the WesternTerrorists known as "Ascension" and experiences with a MilitarySuperhero with similar, but superior powers to his known as Wraith.
----
!!This series provides examples of:
* AppliedPhlebotinum: Earthstone, an Earth-based variation similar to Kryptonian Sunstone, but much more dangerous, and capable of disabling large quantities of technology.
* {{Badass}}: In addition to Superman, we have Wraith, who is stronger, faster, and more durable than he is, and absorbs far more solar energy.
* CameFromTheSky: Wraith, not unlike Superman. Unlike Superman, however, he landed near a military installation, rather than near a farm in Kansas.
* CrazyPrepared:
** As usual, Franchise/{{Batman}} proves to be this, having developed a Batsuit against Superman's SuperSenses before he truly trusted him.
** Russia also appears to be this, having developed drones that are immune to Superman's vision powers, and have bullets that [[DepletedPhlebotinumShells set off bursts of red sun radiation just before impact]], specifically made to fight Superman.
* ETGaveUsWiFi: Apparently, large quantities of technology since 1938 comes from the use of the alien equation by the Machine. The culmination of this is Earthstone.
* {{Foil}}: Wraith serves as one to Superman, being a similar superhuman who is, rather than working alone, almost completely under the grasp of the U.S. military, and has a MyCountryRightOrWrong mentality, in contrast to Superman's more internalized moral code.
* HeelFaceTurn: One of the Ascension scientists tries this, but it ends up being a HeelFaceDoorSlam when he dies not long after getting Earthstone to Lois Lane.
* HeroAntagonist: Although he did perform horrible actions (such as destroying Nagasaki, a civilian population), Wraith seems to genuinely believe in the peace and safety of Earth, and is reluctant to hurt Superman. That said, their interactions are heating up considerably over time.
* MegatonPunch: Megaton Kick, anyway. In their first fight, Wraith kicks Superman so hard that he flies halfway across the continental United States.
* MilitarySuperhero: Wraith has served as one since 1938.
* MugglePower: The goal of Ascension is to [[spoiler:destroy the Machine with its own technology, allowing humanity to develop again separate from alien technology's influence]].
* MyCountryRightOrWrong: Wraith has this mentality for the United States, regardless of the fact that it isn't actually ''his'' country, in contrast to Superman, who views justice and peace in more broad terms than a country alone.
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: [[spoiler:William Rudolph]] apparently went through this late in his life for his connections to the Machine, breaking up the equation so that Earthstone could not be found by almost anyone.
* NiceGuy: For all of his military work, Wraith appears to be this, sincerely regretful that he might have to kill Superman, warning of possibly confrontations that could come up from him at the behest of the military, and helpful concerning his powers.
* WesternTerrorists: Ascension, as shown in issue 5 by the identity of their leader being [[spoiler:Jonathan Rudolph, grandson of General William Rudolph of the US Army]].
* WhamShot: Shown in the first scene of the first issue, where the Fat Man bomb dropped on Nagasaki is revealed to be actually just a casing for ''Wraith'', who was actually the bomb itself instead of just an inanimate atom bomb.
* WouldHurtAChild: In his childhood, Clark was shot multiple times with a shotgun by [[CorruptHick Jedidiah Colder]], who [[BrokenMasquerade witnessed him flying]].
----
!!This series provides examples of:
* AppliedPhlebotinum: Earthstone, an Earth-based variation similar to Kryptonian Sunstone, but much more dangerous, and capable of disabling large quantities of technology.
* {{Badass}}: In addition to Superman, we have Wraith, who is stronger, faster, and more durable than he is, and absorbs far more solar energy.
* CameFromTheSky: Wraith, not unlike Superman. Unlike Superman, however, he landed near a military installation, rather than near a farm in Kansas.
* CrazyPrepared:
** As usual, Franchise/{{Batman}} proves to be this, having developed a Batsuit against Superman's SuperSenses before he truly trusted him.
** Russia also appears to be this, having developed drones that are immune to Superman's vision powers, and have bullets that [[DepletedPhlebotinumShells set off bursts of red sun radiation just before impact]], specifically made to fight Superman.
* ETGaveUsWiFi: Apparently, large quantities of technology since 1938 comes from the use of the alien equation by the Machine. The culmination of this is Earthstone.
* {{Foil}}: Wraith serves as one to Superman, being a similar superhuman who is, rather than working alone, almost completely under the grasp of the U.S. military, and has a MyCountryRightOrWrong mentality, in contrast to Superman's more internalized moral code.
* HeelFaceTurn: One of the Ascension scientists tries this, but it ends up being a HeelFaceDoorSlam when he dies not long after getting Earthstone to Lois Lane.
* HeroAntagonist: Although he did perform horrible actions (such as destroying Nagasaki, a civilian population), Wraith seems to genuinely believe in the peace and safety of Earth, and is reluctant to hurt Superman. That said, their interactions are heating up considerably over time.
* MegatonPunch: Megaton Kick, anyway. In their first fight, Wraith kicks Superman so hard that he flies halfway across the continental United States.
* MilitarySuperhero: Wraith has served as one since 1938.
* MugglePower: The goal of Ascension is to [[spoiler:destroy the Machine with its own technology, allowing humanity to develop again separate from alien technology's influence]].
* MyCountryRightOrWrong: Wraith has this mentality for the United States, regardless of the fact that it isn't actually ''his'' country, in contrast to Superman, who views justice and peace in more broad terms than a country alone.
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: [[spoiler:William Rudolph]] apparently went through this late in his life for his connections to the Machine, breaking up the equation so that Earthstone could not be found by almost anyone.
* NiceGuy: For all of his military work, Wraith appears to be this, sincerely regretful that he might have to kill Superman, warning of possibly confrontations that could come up from him at the behest of the military, and helpful concerning his powers.
* WesternTerrorists: Ascension, as shown in issue 5 by the identity of their leader being [[spoiler:Jonathan Rudolph, grandson of General William Rudolph of the US Army]].
* WhamShot: Shown in the first scene of the first issue, where the Fat Man bomb dropped on Nagasaki is revealed to be actually just a casing for ''Wraith'', who was actually the bomb itself instead of just an inanimate atom bomb.
* WouldHurtAChild: In his childhood, Clark was shot multiple times with a shotgun by [[CorruptHick Jedidiah Colder]], who [[BrokenMasquerade witnessed him flying]].
