WARNING: Contains Spoilers for LOBO CANCELLATION SPECIAL #1!

Superman. Not only has he earned this title, but Lobo has also reshaped the DCU in ways the Man of Steel never has, showcasing his far-reaching impact. Yet, the biggest surprise in the Main Man’s special is this unexpected truth: Lobo might be more like Superman than either would care to it.

Lobo's nickname reflects both his infamous reputation and significant influence—potentially second only to Darkseid.

Kyle Starks and Kyle Hotz’s #1 delivers a wild ride from start to finish, brimming with adult humor and ultra-violent action. The adventure begins with the Main Man marooned on a primitive planet for six long years until a group of aliens tracks him down, eager to hire him for a mission: rescuing their king’s kidnapped daughter from the fearsome Murdercrotch Slaughterface (yes, you read that right).

Lobo Cancelation Special #1 variant cover

Upon encountering Lobo, the aliens refer to him as “Assassin of Royalty” and “Scourge of the Cosmos.” It’s this latter moniker that powerfully underscores Lobo’s vast cosmic reputation and immense influence within the DC Universe.

"Scourge of the Cosmos": Lobo's New Nickname Showcases His Massive Impact on the DC Universe

Lobo’s New Nickname Confirms He's as Influential as Superman in the DCU

Lobo Cancellation Special #1 Nickname

When fans think of characters who have made a cosmic impact on the DC Universe or are recognized across the cosmos, Superman is undoubtedly one of the first to come to mind. His influence is so profound that his very essence saturates and shapes the universe itself. Even in comics not centered around Superman, his reputation precedes him; for instance, in Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, distant alien species recognize Supergirl’s crest as Superman’s own, illustrating the extent of his influence. As a result, few DC characters can compare to the Man of Steel when it comes to their cosmos-wide recognition and impact.

Lobo’s nickname, “Scourge of the Cosmos,” establishes a reputation within the DC Universe that rivals Superman’s renown, though it carries a distinctly negative connotation compared to the typically positive associations tied to the Man of Steel. This nickname suggests that the Main Man is perceived as a plague afflicting the entire DC Universe, reflecting both his infamous reputation and significant influence—potentially second only to Darkseid. Few characters wield such far-reaching impact, but Lobo’s nickname confirms that he is indeed one of these rare individuals.

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Lobo Redefined Religion Across the DC Universe (Yes, He’s That Big of a Deal)

Even Superman Can’t Claim to Have Inspired the Creation of New Religions

Lobo Cancellation Special #1 Religion

Lobo’s cosmic influence on the DC Universe is dramatically underscored by the revelation that he has inadvertently spawned multiple religions throughout the cosmos. This discovery unfolds aboard the spaceship of the aliens who have enlisted Lobo to rescue the king’s daughter. While on the ship, the aliens express their dismay over Lobo’s prolonged absence, lamenting that many had come to believe he was truly and utterly dead. In response to his perceived death, various religions arose, interpreting it as a sign that the universe is, in fact, a loving and merciful place. This revelation is not only undeniably hilarious but also serves to highlight Lobo's staggering influence across the DCU.

The fact that Lobo is such a menace to the DC Universe that entire species would form religions around his death is astonishing, showcasing a level of prominence that even the Man of Steel has yet to achieve. This unintentional feat underscores Lobo's profound influence on the perceptions of the universe's inhabitants. While comic fans can easily list numerous universe-changing events involving Superman, this lens highlights Lobo's impact from a character-driven perspective. With the nickname “Scourge of the Cosmos” and his role in the formation of multiple religions, it appears that, in the eyes of the DCU, Lobo may indeed outrank even Superman.

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Lobo's Home Planet Has a Secret New Role in DC Lore That NO Fan Could Have Expected

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Lobo Proves He’s a Hero Just Like Superman–Albeit With Slightly Different Methods

Lobo's Cancellation Special Reveals the Main Man's Surprising Soft Spot for Kids

Lobo Cancellation Special #1 Children rescue

If the Lobo Cancellation Special has taught fans anything, it’s that Lobo is at least on par with Superman regarding prominence in the DCU, even if Lobo’s reputation is significantly more negative. However, this issue also establishes that the Main Man and the Man of Steel may have more in common than either is willing to it, as it becomes clear that Lobo is a golden-hearted hero, despite his violent methods. The end of the issue features a major twist when Lobo goes above and beyond his contract, rescuing a group of imprisoned alien children, including the princess. Although Lobo swears the children to secrecy about their rescue, this moment demonstrates that the Main Man has the potential to be a hero who can match even Superman.

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Lobo Cancellation Special #1 is available now from DC Comics!

LOBO CANCELLATION SPECIAL #1 (2024)

Lobo Cancellation Special #1 main cover
  • Writer: Kyle Starks
  • Artist: Kyle Hotz
  • Cover Artist: Kyle Hotz