*This article contains spoilers for Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #5 (2023)*
The tug-of-war between the Insurgency and Superman rages, and Jon Kent must finally choose a side. To join the side that has created world peace—albeit at the cost of fear—or the friends who follow a paranoid man in a bat costume. Though ultimately, the decision is clear to Jon. He knows which side belongs to…
The issue begins with a retelling of how Injustice Superman was created…an illusion of Doomsday, a killer clown, a murdered wife. And though Jon sympathizes with his father from another world, he knows the importance of responsibility. “He has faced a terrible tragedy, I feel for him, but none of that is an excuse for what he’s done and what he’s become.” Jon Kent, (Tom Taylor)While Jon sympathizes, he knows tragedy is not a free pass to turn evil. To turn on a world. This blunt truth is what makes Jon Kent just like his mother. He sees truth as clearly as she does. And like his father, he knows how to act with that truth.
Similarly, when Harley Quinn apologizes to Jon for killing her earth’s version of him, he replies, “You helped a monster. You have to live with that. But while you’re living with it, be better. Do better. Make a difference. Help. That’s the only chance you get to make this right.” Jon Kent (Tom Taylor). This reminds me of what Superman said in a recent issue of Action Comics (2023). In that issue, Clark mentions that if the villain died, they would never get a chance to make up for their mistake. If they died, that villain is all they’d ever be. I hear those thoughts echoed in Jon’s words. Atonement.
Meanwhile, Damian has captured Jay Nakamura of the Injustice world to get answers. To know which side Jon is on. He’s also put a tracer on Jon. Which means he knows where the Insurgency is and he is more than eager to track them down. Though Superman is not as convinced. He does not believe Jon to be a threat and wants to wait until Jon is off the world before striking them. Unfortunately, that is not what happens.
The League invades the hideout of the Insurgency, capturing Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Batman, and Batgirl. While Batman reaches for the super-pills which give him super strength, Superman’s heat vision destroys them. Their fight ends quickly.
While that occurs, Jon is at the Fortress of Solitude, where he meets Ma and Pa Kent. They explain they are hidden away for safety purposes, and that they have tried talking to Clark. Though nothing can get through to him. Jon tells them he wants to help their world, and help Clark in doing so. It is only then that a broadcast comes over the Fortress computers. The Insurgency has been captured.
Superman sentences Barbara Gordan and Selina Kyle to life in prison. And Harley Quinn and Bruce Wayne will be executed for their crimes against humanity…
Another great issue with drama, exposition, and great storytelling. The cover art was especially nice and dramatic in this issue. In previous issues, the cover art felt whelming, but nothing special. This issue has a lot of emotion and instilled emotion in this reader.
Rating: 4/5 Stars: Tom Taylor continues to define the character of Jon Kent, creating a legacy worth the name of El. This was another great issue that hurdles readers closer to Injustice.
Suggested reading: Same as last issue! Injustice: Year One (2016) if you still have not yet read it!
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