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.
Now, if a writer wants to limit Superman’s powers… fair enough. But then, own those limits and don’t set any action in space. OTOH, if the stories are served by including outer space locales, then just give Supes his Silver Age level of invulnerability. It’s one or the other as far as I’m concerned.