*This article contains spoilers for Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #3 (2023)*
Injustice Superman has made his grand appearance—a big grand appearance. Last issue ended with a snapping conclusion. Ultraman had trouble holding his head high. Jon was shocked!
Last issue, Injustice Superman snapped the neck of Ultraman after Jon went down for the count—he used his electric powers on Ultraman, but depleted his energy supply in doing so.
In this issue, Lex Luthor examines Jon and learns the difference in powers between this seemingly Superboy and his Earth’s Superman. In his studies, he finds how Jon’s new powers work: Jon is essentially a solar battery. The electric powers are the release of that solar energy in big bright bursts. And with time, Lex believes Jon will be able to control those powers.
Jon overhears a conversation about Damian’s activity on the Injustice Earth. Looking for a familiar face, he flies to Damian despite an order to stay where he is. It is there that he falls into the middle of a classic Damian Vs. Batman fight, and being Jon, he tries to deescalate the fight into a rational conversation. This is one of the biggest differentiations between Jon and his father. And certainly a difference between him and Injustice Superman. Where Injustice Superman leads through fear, Jon leads through peace and equality. Something writer Tom Taylor has made clear through his Superman: Son of Kal-El (2021) title.
The issue concludes with Injustice Superman offering to give a tour of his “peaceful” world. However, Jon asks to see the world for himself—clearly with his suspicions. While flying in silence, he lowers the barrier he always keeps up, allowing himself to enjoy the peace. It is then he hears the cry of a falling baby. He rushes and catches the baby midair, returning them to their mother. The mother begins to thank Jon before seeing the crest on his chest. She apologizes once more and quickly rushes in her house. Jon realizes this world is ruled by fear and Superman is the dictator.
There is a lot happening in this issue. Injustice Superman sees Jon as the son he was destined to have, but lost along with the Daily Planet. This will clearly be a problem in coming issues. But there is a pure love in Superman’s eyes for Jon. He wouldn’t stop Jon from seeing the world for himself, because how could he constrain his son? To which Wonder Woman reminds him that Jon is not his son. This humanizes Injustice Superman in such a way that has never been done before—it adds so much dimension. It creates pathos, something that’s been missing for this Superman variant. Something really great for this book.
It was recently brought to my attention that Jon’s new powers are nothing more than a “90s gimmick” recycled, a way to get readers attention on an otherwise stagnant comic character in a stagnant comic book. While there is probably some truth to it, this “gimmick” gained a cult following—those followers are the ones currently writing comics and are trying to rekindle the excitement it gave them in the 90s. Not only that, the electric powers are legacy powers, a way for Jon to experience and navigate the same powers his father once did. While it was originally a gimmick, these powers are part of the Superman legacy. A rite of passage for Jon. For that purpose, they should stay.
Back to the comic. Currently, Superman is standing with the child he never got to have. Jon is trapped with another dangerous Superman. What could happen next?
Rating: 4/5 Stars: I’m liking the progression of the Injustice Universe. The story is well paced and we learn so much about Jon’s new powers. A well crafted issue.
Suggested reading: Injustice: Year One. This is foundational in understanding Injustice Superman.
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