Geoff Johns Says Superman Won't Become a Nazi in DC Comics Rebirth

DC's Rebirth has been a tremendous success. The comic book reboot brought back a number of fan-favourite characters, while also breathing new life into DC's comic book sales with some excellent storytelling. All of this was overseen by DC Entertainment President, Geoff Johns, who described the event as "re-laying the groundwork for DC's future while celebrating the past and present. It's not about throwing anything away. It's quite the opposite."

Johns identified that it was important to embrace the future, while also acknowledging the success of the past — and if the comic sales are anything to go by, it's certainly worked. The Rebirth event is coming to an end with the "Doomsday Clock" storyline and Johns was asked about this at #NYCC2017. As Comicbook.com's report indicates, while he didn't offer anything noteworthy, Johns did make one comment (and made a dig at Marvel in the process):

"Well Superman's not going to be a Nazi or anything like that"

Johns is, of course, making reference to Marvel's latest summer event: "Secret Empire," which featured Captain America aligning himself with HYDRA. This storyline was particularly controversial, changing Marvel's symbol of truth, justice and the American way into a villain, becoming their most unpopular storyline ever created in the process.

It's safe to say that Johns doesn't want to follow the competition's lead, and instead wants to focus on the villains #DCComics already have in their vast rogues gallery:

"I can't write a book about the DC Universe without the villains because they're the best part, so yes you will see villains in there. The interactions will be very interesting and unpredictable I would say. There's like Ozymandias and Lex Luthor, that was a fun scene to write. When you have two guys in the room who think they are the smartest person, and they are, it takes a long time to write that scene."

A Nazi Superman Already Exists, But He Won't Be Appearing Anytime Soon

We won't be seeing the Earth-1 version of the Man of Steel becoming a villain for the "Doomsday Clock" event, but there is already an established Nazi Superman. On Earth-X, the baby Kal-El's pod crash landed in 1930s Germany and he eventually grew up to become Overman. It was his abilities that changed the outcome of the Second World War on Earth-X, leading to a victory for the Nazis.

While Johns implies that Overman won't be making any sort of appearance in the comics anytime soon, we do know that this year's #Arrowverse crossover event will be adapting the "Crisis on Earth-X" storyline. This will feature the Arrowverse heroes doing battle with their evil counterparts (as well as some returning alternate-universe villains) and will include an adaptation of Overgirl — the Supergirl of Earth-X.

Earlier this year, we were introduced to the Earth-X version of Supergirl, The Flash and The Green Arrow during the Freedom Fighters: The Ray trailer. The Ray will be making his live-action debut during the event to help the heroes battle against the Nazi heroes.

It's clear from Johns's comments that although Nazis will be coming to the Arrowverse, there are no plans for them to reappear in the comics — and there are certainly no plans to make Superman into the next HydraCap. Superman will remain a symbol for hope and a paragon of truth, justice and the American way.