Thank You, DC: Coping with Superman’s Heartbreaking New Origin Story

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Action Comics #1076! The enduring saga of Superman takes an even more emotional turn as new revelations about his origin emerge. As fans are well aware, the iconic hero grew up without any knowledge of his true heritage or connection to his Kryptonian parents.

In a recent storyline, Clark Kent embarks on a journey back to the golden age of Krypton, prompted by disturbances linked to the formidable entity known as Aethyr. This adventure not only gives him a glimpse into his ancestral world but also poses a heartbreaking dilemma for the Man of Steel, casting a shadow over his already tragic beginnings.

Superman’s Heartbreaking Realization

The Inevitability of Krypton’s Destruction

Superman breaking into the science council

In Action Comics #1076, crafted by the artistic talents of Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer, Matt Herms, and Dave Sharpe, Superman finds himself stranded in Krypton’s past just days before its inevitable demise. In a race against time to escape, he must repair his solar batteries with the assistance of two brilliant scientists—his own father and uncle. However, as earthquakes ravage the planet, every passing moment compounds the urgency of his mission.

The “Phantoms”storyline first originated in Action Comics #1070 and has steadily built suspense. Clark’s uncle, Zor-El possesses a unique photonic converter capable of amplifying sunlight to power Superman’s equipment, but it lies in the possession of Ro-Zan’s science council. In a desperate bid, Superman confronts Zor-El and attempts to echo Jor-El’s fears about Krypton’s looming calamity, only to face rejection.

After retrieving the converter amidst escalating threats from the guards, Superman finally gains a glimmer of his strength back and navigates the chaos, only to encounter a heart-wrenching choice. One last look at his home planet leads him to witness a tender moment with his infant self and his beloved parents, Jor-El and Lara. Drawing tears, he leaves them blissfully unaware of the doom awaiting them, solidifying the tragedy of his backstory.

The Stark Realities of Krypton’s Society

Krypton: An Illusion of Advancement

Initially, I had reservations about the “Superman Superstars”initiative, but the stories emerging this year have been commendable. The most ambitious installment is undoubtedly the “Phantoms”arc, unfolding weekly since the inception of DC All In. This narrative kicked off with several escapees from the Phantom Zone reaching Metropolis, presenting a gruesome transformation from what was once a realm of spirits.

Diving deeper, Clark’s encounters reveal not only the physical transformations but expose the underlying backwardness of Kryptonian society. At the heart of the turmoil is Aethyr, a potent force who once sought to redeem the plight of the Phantom Zone inhabitants but ultimately succumbed to their violent tendencies. He instituted the dreaded Eye of the Zone, a temporal punishment sending its victims spiraling back in time, leading Superman on this fateful path.

Confronted with the urgency of saving Krypton, Superman is compelled to seek out the wisdom of his parents. This reunion, while nostalgic, starkly contrasts his hopeful aspirations against the grim realities of Krypton’s governance, which is marred by leaders like Ro-Zan, stifling innovation and solidifying public disbelief in Jor-El’s warnings.

An Unthinkable Sacrifice: Superman’s Choice

A Decisive Yet Painful Moment

Superman with Jor-El and Lara in the Fortress of Solitude.

As a long-time Superman fan, moments reflecting on his Kryptonian heritage resonate deeply. The loss of his planet doesn’t weigh as heavily on him as it does on others, such as Supergirl, yet it encapsulates the profound sacrifices inherent in parenthood. In this pivotal moment of the “Phantoms”saga, the twist lies in Superman’s forced role as the savior, confronting the grim realities of a doomed society unaware of its impending collapse.

This revelation does more than tug at the heartstrings; it starkly portrays the susceptibility of Krypton to destructive propaganda. In a society resistant to Jor-El’s logic, the rift between progressive ideas and regressive policies becomes painfully clear, making Superman’s burden to uphold the timeline even heavier.

Ultimately, Superman’s emotional struggle culminates in an agonizing choice: save his family or maintain the integrity of time’s fabric. Even in the face of their impending demise, he understands that intervening would skew the universe’s balance. Not fully knowing Jor-El and Lara, yet cherishing the connection he feels, Superman makes the heart-wrenching decision not to alter their fate, adding another layer of tragedy to his storied past.

The Weight of Choice: Clark’s Guided Integrity

Making the Right Choice

Thus, as Krypton teeters on the brink of extinction, Superman stands, fully aware that he holds the power to alter events. However, the strength of his character lies in his unwavering commitment to preserve the timeline. This choice, while heart-wrenching, epitomizes why Superman endures as a beloved hero—his courage to make the hard decisions even when they allow tragic history to unfold.

For those eager to delve deeper into this emotional journey, Action Comics #1076 is available now from DC Comics.

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