Seeing Superman Bleed Shattered His Son's World | Screen Rant
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Superman #29
In the latest issue of DC Comics' Superman, the son of the Man of Steel just saw his father bleed. While it wasn't a lethal wound, seeing Superman take damage creates a perspective shift for Jonathan Kent. While Jon naturally fears for his father's safety in this issue, the event also causes him to spiral into some significant self-doubt about his own abilities to one day take on the mantle of Superman. Furthermore, Jon's own fears notwithstanding, it is revealed in DC's Infinite Frontier #0 that his taking over for Superman might not be so simple.
At the beginning of Superman #29 from writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson with art by Phil Hester, Clark and his son and working together as Men of Steel, as Jon has done some significant growing up in the 31st Century with the Legion of Superheroes. Now that he's back in the present, Superman isn't quite sure how to reconnect with the older Jon, and Jon himself is burdened by what's he learned in the future, specifically about the fate of Superman himself.
While father and son are in space fighting off alien monsters from an interdimensional breach in Earth's orbit, Superman takes a hit from one the alien's energy blasts that was meant for Jon. Apparently, the blast is strong enough to break though Clark's nearly indestructible skin, and Superman begins to bleed from his arm. This causes Jon to truly start thinking about the vulnerability of his father, effectively shattering any preconceptions he had that his father is untouchable. As the issue notes, most children initially believe that their parents are invincible, at least until they get older like Jon has. While Jon's father is pretty close to being invincible, even Superman has his weaknesses.
Once they return to Earth, Jon freely admits his worries and concerns about Clark's safety, especially considering the information he knows about the future and how the Man of Steel will die. Jon isn't ready to become Superman, and he's definitely not ready to be without his father. While Jon begs Clark to not go when the next interdimensional breach strikes, Superman is still Superman. He's made a commitment to protect the world, no matter the evident risks involved.
It's seems likely that DC Comics may be setting up a new Death of Superman story, as this issue tracks with what is teased in Infinite Frontier #0. Not only that, but that issue also reveals the Spectre sharing his concerns with Wonder Woman that Jon Kent should not become the next Superman after Clark, fearing that his tumultuous and time-displaced upbringing could lead to complications. The Spirit of Vengeance even implies that he could foresee Jon becoming a tyrant. However, Diana disagrees, choosing instead to believe in the son of Superman and in his compassion. Regardless, it looks as though Jon shares a lot of same doubts the Spectre does about his ability to take on his father's mantle, especially now that he's seen Superman bleed, which signifies his vulnerability and mortality in the coming battle from DC Comics.
from ScreenRant - Feed
Join Our Email Newsletter Now!
Join over 1,897 people who get free and fresh content delivered automatically each time we publish.
