Green LanternGuy Gardner was undoubtedly one of the breakout stars in James Gunn’sSuperman(2025), with audiences praising the director for staying true to the source material by keeping Guy a total jerk. While the Man of Steel was cordial to him on screen, the comics reveal how Superman really feels about this particular Green Lantern.
Much of this dislike stems from his past sexist behavior… which still taints his image today.
The few interactions betweenGuy and Clark in James Gunn’s Supermanwere certainly memorable, but they barely scratch the surface of how the Man of Steel truly feels about this particular Green Lantern.In the comics, Clark Kent doesn’t hide his feelings nearly as well,often letting his frustration or outright dislike for Guy slip in hilariously blunt ways.
Of course, the film wasn’t focused on their dynamic, so it makes sense that their tension wasn’t front and center. Plus, it’s possible Superman simply hasn’t known Guy long enough to be truly annoyed by him in the DCU… yet.But in the comics, that irritation is fully developed,and it’s often played for some of the funniest moments between two of DC’s biggest heroes.
Batman Punching Guy Gardner Revealed Superman’s TRUE Feelings About the Green Lantern
Comic Pages Come fromJustice League#5 (1987) by Keith Giffen, J. M. DeMatteis, Kevin Maguire, Al Gordon, Gene D’Angelo
Keith Giffen’sJustice League #5 (1987) features one of themost iconic moments in Batman’s comic history, asthe Dark Knight knocks Guy Gardner out cold with a single punch.The scene unfolds after Guy challenges Batman’s leadership, insisting it should go to someone more capable, implying, of course, that he means himself.
After a few brutal verbal jabs from Batman, Guy completely loses his temper and demands they settle things with a fistfight. Staying calm and calculated, Bruce goads him into making the first move. Guy lunges, but before he can even throw a punch,Batman decks him in one hit.It remains one of the most legendary moments in Justice League history.
The scene gets even better later when Batman recounts the event to Wonder Woman and Superman, who weren’t there to witness it.Superman reacts with disbelief, taking on the role of the responsible leader.He scolds Batman for punching a teammate, even if that teammate happens to be Guy Gardner.
His true feelings come through when he asks Bruce, “It felt good. Didn’t it?”
Initially,Superman says, “That’s why you called us in? To brag? you’re able to’t punch other Leaguers like that!Especially Guy! People will…”Before he can finish, Batman calmly defends himself by noting that everyone present laughed. It’s clear Bruce doesn’t regret the punch one bit.
While Superman insists their approval of the punch isn’t the point, his serious act starts to falter. His true feelings come through when he asks Bruce, “It felt good. Didn’t it?”That single question shows thateven Superman can admit it probably felt great to shut Guy Gardner up for once.
Superman’s distaste becomes even more obvious when he asks Batman to recreate the punch so he can see it for himself. These pointed reactions reveal thateven DC’s moral compass, the ever-nobleSuperman, can appreciate the pure satisfaction of knocking Guy Gardner on his smug behind.
Superman Roasts Guy Gardner Without Saying a Word
Clark Kent’s Corn Dog Burn Is Peak Man of Steel Shade
Justice League#5 isn’t the only comic where Superman makes his dislike for Guy Gardner known. In fact, DC has explicitly revealed Clark’s inner thoughts about the Green Lantern. In one Superman-centric issue,Clark is at the Daily Planet when he hears Gardner’s voice, and his reaction to it is nothing short of comical.
Superman’s inner monologue reads,“Gardner. The man has all the class of a corn dog.”It is a hilarious and completely in-character insult, managing to be a clean burn that still lands hard. The line makes it very clear that Superman doesn’t think much of Gardner, even if he doesn’t voice that dislike out loud.
It would be incredibly satisfying to see this kind of subtle dislike portrayed in James Gunn’s future DCU projects.Lines like this from Superman would solidify their dynamic as comic-accurate, and they would also bring some much-needed humor to the relationship between the always-composed Man of Steel and the ever-obnoxious Guy Gardner.
Why Is Guy Gardner One of DC’s Most Controversial Green Lanterns?
How His Abrasive Personality Puts Him at Odds With Heroes and Fans Alike
While it’s obvious that Superman and Batmanhave little love for Guy Gardner, some fans still wonder why this Green Lantern is so widely disliked. The answer simply comes down to his personality.Guy is abrasive, confrontational, and often immature, making him difficult to tolerate and quickly earning him a reputation as a total jerk.
These traits regularly put him at odds with more disciplined or diplomatic heroes. He also has a major chip on his shoulder when it comes to authority that isn’t his own. As a result, Guy frequently clashes with respected figures like Batman and Hal Jordan, andhis lack of deference tends to reflect poorly in the eyes of other heroes.
But it’s not just other characters who dislike Guy; fans do too. Much of this dislike stems from his past sexist behavior, especially in older comics, which still taints his image today. Many readers also struggle to connect with a hero who’s arrogant and rude to their favorites. In that sense, fans andSupermanare aligned when it comes to opinions onGreen LanternGuy Gardner.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
Green Lantern
Green Lantern is the name given to multiple enforcers of intergalactic justice in the DC Universe. Green Lanterns can harness the cosmic energy of willpower, and create unique spectral objects to face off against their enemies. Though some Green Lanterns have assisted with the Justice League, they primarily belong to the Green Lantern Corps.
