Superman initially 'losing' in his fights can also be shown that he will always be on the conservative side of using his powers, especially with new enemies.
He doesn't want to kill or even maim them, and he doesn't know what they can take, yet.
As the fight wears on, he learns more what is needed to stop the villain.
He doesn't want to kill or even maim them, and he doesn't know what they can take, yet.
As the fight wears on, he learns more what is needed to stop the villain.