John Corben quotes from Superman: The Animated Series

John Corben

You humiliated me, Superman. Took me in by the scruff of my neck like I was a kid. Now it's payback time.

Superman

Shall we go a few rounds without the suit?

John Corben

Uh-uh.

Superman

Too bad.

Mr. Corben, I hope you don't mind me asking, but after all these months I just gotta know. How do you rate all this?

John Corben

Ralph, the trick is to never underestimate the value of a good friend, and always keep your mouth shut.

Lex Luthor

I have a luncheon to attend, but I expect to hear the tragic news about him just before dessert.

John Corben

Dessert... I haven't had anything to eat or drink since the operation. Haven't wanted anything.

Lex Luthor

The only hunger you should have is for power, my friend. The only thirst, for revenge.

Superman

[about Corben's new invulnerability] How did you do it, Corben? A drug? Some kind of operation?

John Corben

Elective surgery. Jealous?

Superman

Not likely. You're going back to prison.

John Corben

I'm as strong as you are now!

Superman

Almost...

John Corben

No, stronger! [A panel on Corben's chest opens, revealing a kryptonite heart and weakening Superman] What's the matter, guy? You're looking a little green at the gills. [He chuckles, and then knocks Superman backward with a single punch] I think you are jealous of me. Because now I'm the real Man of Steel!

John Corben

[after forcibly kissing Lois, shocked] I... I didn't feel anything.

Lois Lane

See if you feel this! [slaps him, but this hurts her hand as a loud metallic clank is heard] Ow!

John Corben

I... I can't even feel a kiss... What did they do to me?

John Corben

I want those adjustments now!

What... what adjustments?

John Corben

The ones Luthor told me about when I said I couldn't feel my hands! Those adjustments!

Well, the adjustments were yours to make.

John Corben

Mine?! [slams his fist on the desk] You're telling me...?!

There'll always be a certain numbness, a... lack of feeling. But you'll get used to it.

John Corben

I DON'T WANT TO GET USED TO IT! [grabs the desk and throws it across the room]

Mr. Corben, the operation gave you almost infinite strength. You can never get sick. You're invulnerable to injury. You'll never feel pain again!

John Corben

And what about pleasure, hmm?!

That... that was never part of the equation.

John Corben

[grabs him by the collar] Find me a body. Change me back. I have to feel!

[nervously] We... we can't. The transplant is permanent.

John Corben

It's all fake... [starts tearing it away] A FRAUD! There's the reality! The metal behind the man! It's all I am now! It's who I am... [smashes mirror] Metallo.