Why Was It So Easy to Cut Steppenwolf and Darkseid in the Justice League Snyder Cut?
The recent release of the 'Justice League Snyder Cut' has sparked a lot of discussions and debates. While the movie has been lauded for its visual effects and character moments, many fans have wondered why it was so easy to cut both Steppenwolf and Darkseid. After all, in the comic books, they're described as beings with impenetrable and incredibly durable skin. So, why did they seem to fall so easily? Let's delve into why this might be the case.
Steppenwolf and the Yavin 4 Attack
In the 'Justice League Snyder Cut,' Steppenwolf and his army are a formidable force during the attack on Yavin 4. They demonstrate immense strength and resilience, launching powerful energy blasts and utilizing their technologically advanced weaponry. However, to the climactic battle with Darkseid introduces a new dynamic to the conflict.
Comparison to Superman and Other Gods from Comics
Steppenwolf, in particular, carries the Codex, making him a crucial figure in Steppenwolf’s treacherous plot and a source of immense power. In the comics, Steppenwolf has been depicted as powerful, with armor that is nearly impermeable to attacks. However, in the movie, Steppenwolf is cut down relatively quickly, despite his armor and energy blasts appearing strong.
Darkseid: The Omnipotent Almighty
Darkseid, the most powerful being in the New Gods universe, was similarly easier to cut in the 'Justice League Snyder Cut' than many might have expected.
Why Darkseid Felt So Easy to Defeat
1. Age and Experience: Darkseid at the time of the events in the film was still a young prince, having not yet garnered the full suite of powers he would later possess. In the comic books, Darkseid is a powerful being who has been around for countless millennia, with a vast array of abilities. Therefore, his portrayal as a relatively young and inexperienced prince in the film makes him seem less intimidating and formidable to some viewers.
2. Lack of Full Potential: Darkseid in the film had not yet fully realized the true extent of his powers. His name, 'Uxas,' was not yet his due to the time it was in the past when he hadn't obtained all the powers he came to possess, especially the powerful Omega Beams. This limitation made him more vulnerable in the film's confrontations compared to his full power in the comics.
3. Divine Intervention: In the battle with the ancient gods, it's clear that Darkseid was in a much more challenging position. If no one had intervened, he likely would have been defeated. The destructive power of the ancient gods against Darkseid highlights his vulnerability in this time frame.
Defeated by the Old Gods Themselves
Rather than a defeat by mere human means, Darkseid's fall in the film is more aptly portrayed as his defeat at the hands of the old gods. In the movie, Darkseid is shown facing off against a group of ancient gods, who possess powers far beyond anything seen on Earth. Their attack on him, while not explicitly shown, leaves no doubt that Darkseid was the unlikely victor due to the timely intervention of Zod and the other heroes.
Visual and Narrative Choices
The portrayal of Steppenwolf and Darkseid’s fall in the 'Justice League Snyder Cut' can be attributed to several factors. Visual effects played a crucial role, with the filmmakers choosing to use quick cuts and transitions to heighten the dramatic impact. The narrative choice also seemed to emphasize the vulnerability of these characters, which some fans may find disappointing.
Conclusion
The ease with which Steppenwolf and Darkseid were cut during the battle in the 'Justice League Snyder Cut' can be attributed to several factors, including their age, the fact that they had not yet achieved their full power, and the ancient gods intervening in the conflict. While this portrayal may not align perfectly with the comic book versions, it creates a unique narrative for the film that stands on its own.
Ultimately, the depiction of these powerful characters can be seen as a deliberate choice by the filmmakers, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of the conflict in the film.