Superman has teamed up with plenty of Green Lanterns over the years, but his history with Guy Gardner might be the most colorful. These two couldn’t be more different; Superman is calm, collected, and inspirational, while Guy is… well, Guy. Brash, hot-tempered, and about as subtle as a truck through a wall. That may be one of the biggest reasons James Gunn decided to write Guy into the new “Superman” film and personally; I loved his inclusion in it. Still, their comic book history together has given us some unforgettable clashes and surprisingly heartfelt moments that also deserve to be explored.
One of their most famous encounters comes during Justice League International (1987) by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis. In issue #5, Guy Gardner challenges Batman for leadership of the League and ends up knocked out cold with one punch. Superman wasn’t even the one to throw it, but his presence in that lineup is important; he represents the balance that tempers Guy’s ego. Later, in Justice League America #63 (1992), Superman steps in when tensions boil over again, showing his ability to keep Guy in check although the hot headed Green Lantern didn’t take it well. Guy later quits the Justice League in this issue but returns to the team in issue #66 (1992) after a brief square off with Superman!
Superman and Guy also had an interesting clash in Guy Gardner: Reborn (1992). After losing his ring, Guy goes on a quest to find new power, and of course Superman gets involved when Guy’s reckless behavior puts people in danger. The story highlighted the friction between Superman’s sense of responsibility and Guy’s tendency to act first, think later. Despite the tension, Superman still sees the hero buried under Guy’s bluster, which is classic Clark Kent optimism.
Even outside League business, their interactions pop up. In Green Lantern (Vol. 3) #25 (1991), Superman helps out when Star Sapphire attacks Earth, teaming with Guy and Hal Jordan. While Guy grumbles about Superman stepping in, he also admits; through his actions more than his words; that Superman makes any team stronger. That begrudging respect has been a theme ever since. Even in more modern stories, like Green Lantern Corps: Recharge (2005), Superman acknowledges the Corps’ importance and Guy’s leadership role, showing how far Gardner has come; and how Superman never stopped believing he could grow into it.
What makes their relationship fun isn’t that they get along; it’s that they don’t. Superman’s patience and moral center constantly collide with Guy’s temper, but the fact that Clark never gives up on him speaks volumes. For Superman, Guy isn’t just a headache in a green ring; he’s proof that even the roughest heroes deserve someone to believe in them.
