They later discover that they were genetically engineered by Cadmus to battle the League if they should go rogue. They also find that, due to a flaw in the cloning process, they are dying, and this shock drives them insane (with the exception of Long Shadow). They decide to go out in a blaze of glory in a climactic battle with the Justice League, but Long Shadow has warned them and the Ultimen are defeated and captured.

An army of clones of the Ultimen are later used to attack the Watchtower, led by Galatea, the clone of Supergirl. These clones have no minds or personalities, but are programmed only for battle.