Warning! Spoilers ahead for Batman/Superman: World's Finest #38 and Justice League Unlimited #6!Things are about to get a lot worse for Superman as one of the most sinister villains has an upgrade that will make him a true threat to the Man of Steel. Clark Kent is no stranger to terrifying and powerful villains, but this latest opponent may be a bit too powerful.

Ever the Legion of Doom. But this is a much different iteration of the Legion of Doom, and they’re led by a member who’s been blessed with power that rivals Superman.

Gorilla Grodd is Using Martian Manhunter's Powers to Destroy the Justice League

The Classic League Enemy isn't Monkeying Around with His New Abilities

In Batman/Superman: World's Finest #38 by Mark Waid, Clayton, Henry, Tamra Bonvillain, and Steve Wands, the Flash escorts Batman and Superman to Gorilla City so that they can rescue Green Lantern, whom Gorilla Grodd has kidnapped. The heroes arrive in the city, only to fall into Grodd's trap. Grodd has his army use Superman's old enemy, Titano, to weaken the Man of Tomorrow, then once Superman is weak enough, Grodd assumes control of the hero's body and begins wreaking as much havoc as possible.

Grodd reveals that he’s become far more powerful thanks to his own powers being augmented by Martian Manhunter’s abilities...

Fortunately, the Flash is able to put things right and get Grodd and Superman back into their respective bodies. Gorilla city goes back to normal and Grodd is imprisoned. However, the villain’s solitude is interrupted by his future self, who appears through a dimensional tear. The elder version of Grodd takes control of the younger one’s body, which is followed up on in Justice League Unlimited #6 by Mark Waid, Christopher Cantwell, Travis Moore, Tamra Bonvillain, and Dave Sharpe.

Grodd reveals that he’s become far more powerful thanks to his own powers being augmented by Martian Manhunter’s abilities, who have mysteriously attached themselves to Grodd. With telepathy, telekinesis, and more at his disposal, Grodd begins formulating a plan to destroy the Justice League once and for all. He gathers versions of his teammates from the past to re-create the Legion of Doom and also manages to trick the young hero Air Wave into acting as a mole for the Legion. By the time the League catches wind of everything, Grodd’s already got a major advantage over the Justice League.

Yes, Martian Manhunter lost a number of his abilities thanks to the power swap at the end of Absolute Power. Now Grodd has them!

Grodd's Manhunter Powers Put Him on Par with Superman

Can the Man of Steel Take on Such a Powerful Foe?

Gorilla Grodd might not be an A-list villain in the traditional sense, but he’s still a powerful foe and one of the greatest psychics around. However, thanks to accidentally gaining Martian Manhunter’s powers (not to mention being able to take advantage of timegates created after Darkseid’s death), Grodd has created his strongest form yet. In most fights, Gorilla Grodd couldn’t hurt Superman too badly. But now that he’s enhanced by Martian Manhunter, Grodd has what he needs to be a genuine threat to Superman.

What many may not realize is that Martian Manhunter is just as strong as Superman. Clark has even said so, calling his ally “the most powerful being on the face of the planet” (and that carries a lot of weight from someone like Superman). Granted, Grodd doesn’t appear to have gotten physical strength from J’onn J’onzz (nor his shape-shifting or invisibility). But Grodd seems to have taken the breadth of Martian Manhunter’s mental powers, and that’s enough to do some serious damage to the entire Justice League, not just Superman.

...Grodd with Martian Manhunter’s powers might be a bit too much for the Last Son of Krypton.

Superman has faced tough challenges, sure. But Grodd is stronger than ever and has some of Martian Manhunter’s best abilities, pushing the hyper-intelligent ape’s abilities beyond what he could previously do. Not to mention, Grodd’s still a tactical genius, and his plan to hide his re-formed Legion of Doom and manipulate Air Wave shows he’s angling for a solid defeat of DC’s iconic heroes. If it were just Superman fighting Martian Manhunter, he’d have a chance. But Grodd with Martian Manhunter’s powers might be a bit too much for the Last Son of Krypton.

Superman and the Justice League Have a Real Uphill Battle Ahead

How Can They Defeat This Enhanced Gorilla Grodd?

Grodd has been planning this attack for a while and he’s got all the resources necessary to eke out a win for the bad guys. The only chance the Justice League has is separating the ape from J’onn’s powers (which, ittedly, the League has made progress on with the Atom Project). That being said, Grodd’s already several steps ahead. Hopefully, Superman has some secret weapon up his sleeve, because with Martian Manhunter’s powers at his disposal, Grodd’s not resting until he’s defeated his enemies for good.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #38 and Justice League Unlimited #6 are available now from DC Comics!