If comic characters went all out...

If Earth-based comic book characters utilised their powers to maximum efficiency, would the Earth be safe? For instance, if Superman and Flash were going all out, all the time, would super villains not even have a chance? Or would the high intellect of Luthor, Brainiac put an end to all heroes? Would any of the various reality warpers, speedsters, magicians and telepaths get an upper hand over the others?

*Characters are acting in character, but using their powers to full potential.

Originally posted by gauntlet o doom
If Earth-based comic book characters utilised their powers to maximum efficiency, would the Earth be safe? For instance, if Superman and Flash were going all out, all the time, would super villains not even have a chance? Or would the high intellect of Luthor, Brainiac put an end to all heroes? Would any of the various reality warpers, speedsters, magicians and telepaths get an upper hand over the others?

*Characters are acting in character, but using their powers to full potential.

If the characters went all out they would control the Earth in comparable fashion to most of the dystopian stories we've seen i.e. SQUADRON SUPREME, INJUSTICE, KINGDOM COME, etc.

The villains would get a chance as they would end the threats permanently. That is what going all out would entail.

Regarding Kingdom Come, Keystone City was a Utopia because the Flash was virtually everywhere. Looking at Gotham and Metropolis though were far from safe havens. Could the Flash have policed the entire Earth or would this have stretched him too thin? Could Superman have done what the Flash did?

Originally posted by gauntlet o doom
Regarding Kingdom Come, Keystone City was a Utopia because the Flash was virtually everywhere. Looking at Gotham and Metropolis though were far from safe havens. Could the Flash have policed the entire Earth or would this have stretched him too thin? Could Superman have done what the Flash did?

Superman could do it but to the exclusion of having an actual life. Kurt Busiek presented a great example of what this version of Superman would be in the form of The Samaritan.

I see 2 alternatives.

One, Superman creates a science based Utopia that by extension becomes a soulless replica of Krypton. Two, he creates enough fear through a few incidents that keeps everyone in check.

If characters went all out...

Superman would win.

If the villains were to be written to use their powers to the fullest, 98% of the heroes would be dead. Including Superman.