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September 21, 2025:
HERE BE SPOILERS...
Jason Todd fans often fixate on his post-Robin persona of Red Hood, but he was the Boy Wonder for a short time... about five years in real time and approximately two to three years in-story time. Although his tenure as Batman's sidekick was ridiculed and is now often overlooked, I thought I'd share this fun one-shot story about how Jason played an important role in saving Superman's life.
In the world of comics, superheroes often face challenges that push their limits, but few tales capture the essence of their inner struggles as poignantly as "For the Man Who Has Everything..." This story first appeared in Superman Annual #11 in 1985, and explored not just the power of Superman, but also the importance of his connections with his "found family."
One of those found family members is Jason Todd, who had only been introduced as Robin two years earlier. The story allows Jason to test his mettle alongside older and more powerful superheroes.
"For the Man Who Has Everything..." was written by Alan Moore, the renowned English author known for his genre-bending work that has significantly shaped the comic book industry. His celebrated titles include Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Swamp Thing, and Batman: The Killing Joke. With this Superman story, Moore delivers another masterpiece, one that delves deep into the psyche of the Man of Steel.
September 21, 2025:
HERE BE SPOILERS...
Jason Todd fans often fixate on his post-Robin persona of Red Hood, but he was the Boy Wonder for a short time... about five years in real time and approximately two to three years in-story time. Although his tenure as Batman's sidekick was ridiculed and is now often overlooked, I thought I'd share this fun one-shot story about how Jason played an important role in saving Superman's life.
In the world of comics, superheroes often face challenges that push their limits, but few tales capture the essence of their inner struggles as poignantly as "For the Man Who Has Everything..." This story first appeared in Superman Annual #11 in 1985, and explored not just the power of Superman, but also the importance of his connections with his "found family."
One of those found family members is Jason Todd, who had only been introduced as Robin two years earlier. The story allows Jason to test his mettle alongside older and more powerful superheroes.
"For the Man Who Has Everything..." was written by Alan Moore, the renowned English author known for his genre-bending work that has significantly shaped the comic book industry. His celebrated titles include Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Swamp Thing, and Batman: The Killing Joke. With this Superman story, Moore delivers another masterpiece, one that delves deep into the psyche of the Man of Steel.
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Where you can read this story and more Superman by Alan Moore:
Legendary writer Alan Moore's seminal Superman tales are collected in this Deluxe Edition hardcover in which the Man of Steel faces his greatest foes and his final battle with the combined forces of Brainiac and Lex Luthor! Also featuring the classic story "For the Man who has Everything" from Superman Annual #11 in which Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman fight the evil warlord Mongul for the fate of The Man of Steel, as illustrated by Moore's Watchmen collaborator, artist Dave Gibbons. And in a tale from DC Comics Presents #85, Superman meets Swamp Thing, a character fans have identified with Moore for over 20 years! |
The story begins with Batman, Jason Todd as Robin, and Wonder Woman making their way to Superman's Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic Circle. They come bearing gifts, intending to celebrate Superman's birthday. For Jason, this is a significant moment as it marks his first meeting with Wonder Woman. She observes his resemblance to Dick Grayson, the original Robin — a comparison that likely irks Jason, who is known for disliking being measured against his predecessor.
In a moment of levity, Jason comments on Wonder Woman's apparent immunity to the Arctic cold despite her minimal attire and Batman quips, "Think clean thoughts, chum..."
In a moment of levity, Jason comments on Wonder Woman's apparent immunity to the Arctic cold despite her minimal attire and Batman quips, "Think clean thoughts, chum..."
Upon entering the fortress, they find Superman ensnared by a peculiar, vine-like device — the Black Mercy. This alien fungus imprisons its victims in a dream world, granting them their heart's deepest desire. For Superman, this means living a peaceful life on Krypton with a wife and a son, alongside his biological father, Jor-El. However, Jor-El in this dream is a stark contrast to the loving and accepting parents who raised Superman on Earth; he is selfish, politically ambitious, and hypercritical.
The Black Mercy was sent by Mongul, a formidable alien conqueror. Mongul explains to Batman, Jason and Wonder Woman that the device is telepathic, feeding victims a logical simulation of their ideal happy ending.
"It's victims could shrug it off... they just don't want to," Mongul notes, underscoring the seductive nature of the dream world.
Mongul's plan is to keep Superman incapacitated while he conquers Earth. As the situation escalates, Wonder Woman engages Mongul in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Meanwhile, Batman and Jason work to free Superman from the Black Mercy's grasp.
The Black Mercy was sent by Mongul, a formidable alien conqueror. Mongul explains to Batman, Jason and Wonder Woman that the device is telepathic, feeding victims a logical simulation of their ideal happy ending.
"It's victims could shrug it off... they just don't want to," Mongul notes, underscoring the seductive nature of the dream world.
Mongul's plan is to keep Superman incapacitated while he conquers Earth. As the situation escalates, Wonder Woman engages Mongul in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Meanwhile, Batman and Jason work to free Superman from the Black Mercy's grasp.
In a poignant twist, Superman ultimately frees himself, realizing that his idyllic dream is flawed. In a particularly heartbreaking moment, Superman must say goodbye to his imagined son, Van. This act underscores that Superman's commitment to saving others outweighs his desire for a perfect life. Once freed, the Black Mercy attaches itself to Batman, but a quick-thinking Jason uses Mongul's gauntlets to remove the parasitic plant.
The climax of the story sees Superman battling Mongul. Jason takes advantage of the chaos and stealthily drops the Black Mercy on Mongul. The conqueror becomes trapped in his own fantasy, where he is the undisputed ruler of the universe — an ironic fate for one so power-hungry.
This act of bravery highlights Jason's crucial role in the rescue mission. It is a testament to the strength and resourcefulness of the Justice League, where each member, regardless of experience, plays a pivotal part.
The climax of the story sees Superman battling Mongul. Jason takes advantage of the chaos and stealthily drops the Black Mercy on Mongul. The conqueror becomes trapped in his own fantasy, where he is the undisputed ruler of the universe — an ironic fate for one so power-hungry.
This act of bravery highlights Jason's crucial role in the rescue mission. It is a testament to the strength and resourcefulness of the Justice League, where each member, regardless of experience, plays a pivotal part.
"For the Man Who Has Everything..." masterfully contrasts Superman's immense power with the simplicity of home and family —elements he longs for but cannot fully attain. The story emphasizes the significance of Superman's "found family" — Batman, Wonder Woman, and Jason — illustrating their importance in his life.
Ultimately, the story reinforces that Superman's true destiny is as Earth's protector... and reminds us that Jason Todd as Robin was a protector as well.
Ultimately, the story reinforces that Superman's true destiny is as Earth's protector... and reminds us that Jason Todd as Robin was a protector as well.
Other Books by Alan Moore
Watchmen (2019 Edition) by Alan Moore
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The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Omnibus by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill
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Saga of the Swamp Thing Box Set by Alan Moore
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From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
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V for Vendetta (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) by Alan Moore and David Lloyd
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