Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

Lex Luthor rises to the presidency during a brutal economic depression and uses his office to assemble a government-backed superhero team. He secretly relies on Kryptonite-enhanced steroids and a power suit to amplify his control. He openly plans to let the meteor hit Earth to rebuild society under his rule, clashing with Batman and Superman. His manipulations set the stage for a confrontation over truth, power, and governance.

Superman distrusts Luthor's peaceful reforms and fights to protect the innocent, even as his actions are framed by others. He battles Metallo and works with Batman to uncover the truth, while the public narrative seeks to tarnish his reputation. He uses his speed and strength to counter threats and ultimately clear his name. His resolve anchors the moral balance of the story.

Batman is the strategic counterweight to Luthor's power, investigating data and leading the effort to stop the meteor. He engineers a plan that requires courage, risk, and teamwork, piloting part of the final mission. He remains skeptical of political rhetoric while protecting civilians and seeking the truth. His tactical mind drives the heroes' coordinated response.

Power Girl begins as a loyal member of Luthor's team but grows conflicted as she realizes the human cost of his plans. She aids Superman and Batman, fighting to preserve the truth and safety of civilians. Her dual loyalties create tension, yet her power and resolve help balance the heroes' effort. She ultimately acts to stop murderous schemes.

Metallo is hired by Luthor to eliminate Superman, a mission that backfires when he is killed and framed for the crime. His discovery of the setup reveals the manipulation behind the battle between heroes and the powerful. His character embodies the cost of relying on mercenaries in a political crisis. His murder becomes the catalyst for exposing Luthor's deception.

Major Force is Luthor's brutal enforcer, ordered to kill Metallo and then tried to maintain control through violence. His containment suit is ruptured when Power Girl fights back, and his energy is absorbed by Captain Atom. His actions escalate the conflict and demonstrate the dangers of deploying raw power without accountability.

Captain Atom emerges as the energy-focused ally, absorbing Major Force's radiated energy and disintegrating him. He supports Batman and Superman in dismantling Luthor's plans and helps secure the artifact data to save the world. His presence represents a force capable of neutralizing threats through containment and power.

Toyman is the inventive antagonist who creates the rocket-propelled spacecraft to intercept the meteor. He provides the crucial data that Batman and Superman use to shut down the threat, while also representing the bridge between genius and danger. His actions complicate the mission, highlighting how technology can both save and threaten humanity.