Superman: Speeding Bullets is a Comic You Should Be Reading

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Welcome to a new feature! Every two weeks, I’ll be showcasing a comic, series, event, or storyline that both longtime readers and newcomers should check out.

Since 1989, when Gotham by Gaslight first introduced alternate versions of popular characters, this series has always enjoyed exploring different takes on heroes. We at Comics You Should Be Reading love stories about the multiverse, and with so many of them being published now, it can be tough to find the smaller, more meaningful ones.

In 1993, J.M. DeMatteis and artist Eduardo Barreto (with Les Dorscheid) created the one-shot comic Superman: Speeding Bullets, which offered a strikingly different take on Batman and Superman. The title plays on Superman’s famous line about being “faster than a speeding bullet,” but takes on a darker meaning within the story. Speeding Bullets reimagines Superman as the man who would become Batman, after suffering a similar, devastating tragedy that plunges a beacon of hope into darkness.

Superman and Batman Are More Alike Than Even They Know

The saying ‘opposites attract’ certainly seems to fit Superman and Batman at first glance. While they appear very different, they’ve discovered over time that they actually share a lot in common, leading to a…

The 2003 Superman/Batman series by Mark Waid and Ed McGuinness offered a unique glimpse into the heroes’ thoughts. While pursuing their own goals, both Superman and Batman reflected on each other through internal monologues. These thoughts covered everything from each other’s backgrounds and fears to their strengths and the qualities they appreciated but kept to themselves.

It was difficult to tell which character was speaking, showing how deeply they understood each other. The text also emphasized the shared backgrounds of the two characters and how their childhoods shaped who they became, even in costume. It made you wonder what would happen if they switched places.

J.M. DeMatteis and Eduardo Barreto’s Superman: Speeding Bullets explored an intriguing ‘what if’ scenario. Like many stories in the Elseworlds series, a small change in fate led baby Kal-El’s rocket to land near Gotham City instead of Smallville. Thomas and Martha Wayne found him and raised him as their son, naming him Bruce. Sadly, the Waynes still met the same tragic fate, despite raising an alien son.

The Murder of the Waynes Triggers Violence in Every Universe

Bruce Wayne’s parents sheltered him, nurturing his mind and heart while carefully observing his developing physical skills during his secure upbringing at Wayne Manor. But one fateful night in Crime Alley, a glimpse of his extraordinary capabilities was revealed.

The murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents unleashed a hidden power within him – a Kryptonian ability that manifested as heat vision. In a deeply traumatic instant, this power erupted, destroying much of the killer, Joe Chill, and leaving Bruce with a repressed memory. While the Waynes’ death still set him on the path to becoming Batman, his journey was significantly different from the Batman most people know.

In the end, it led to a Batman who still used fear as a weapon against his enemies. But this wasn’t about intimidating criminals to improve his own odds of survival. Instead, this Batman was physically invulnerable and inspired fear in others by mirroring the terror he experienced as a child.

Because of his incredible powers – super strength, speed, heat vision, flight, and others – this version of Batman, known as Kal-El, could have easily become a dangerous villain. He struggled to stay on the right side of the line, but luckily, the ‘Speeding Bullets’ universe also included a crucial part of Superman’s life who consistently helped him find his way back to what was right.

One Person in Kal-El’s Life Remains a Constant Inspiration

As a huge Superman fan, it’s amazing how many different versions of the story there are! But no matter what universe it is, there are usually two people who always seem to be a part of Kal-El’s life here on Earth. It’s really cool to see that consistency, even across all these different worlds.

Lex Luthor is undeniably a villain, and this version is particularly unique. This Elseworlds take on him adds a fun Gotham City element, making him one of his most unusual iterations. But the biggest change to this Superman comes from the one person who can truly affect him: Lois Lane.

This Lois Lane is very similar to the classic version – she’s also a fearless reporter who eventually works for the newspaper Kal-El and Bruce Wayne buy together. Even with all the chaos and destruction caused by Batman, she still recognizes his humanity and helps him find hope.

While not a classic or hugely influential story, Superman: Speeding Bullets offers a compelling look at two very different characters brought together by a shared loss. It presents a particularly grim take on Superman, but it’s definitely worth reading.

Tune in next week for a new edition of , and be sure to check out even more !

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What If Superman Became the Dark Knight? Test Your Elseworlds Knowledge
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2026-04-05 22:11