Superman is a good man. At his core, he is all about truth, justice, and the American way. Clark Kent has had decades to live up to — and create — that ideal. Jon Kent, however, is still working on it, and it’s about time he figures out just how difficult it can be to maintain such a solid record. In Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2, Tom Taylor and Clayton Henry are ready to show him.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2!
After Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 made it clear that Jon would be facing off against Ultraman, the issue picks up with a younger Jon trapped and terrified in a volcano. Ultraman visits him and is sure to mock the horrified child, who begs for an escape.
In the present, Lois offers Jay a few words of advice as his Superman jumps into the fray. She recommends that he bury himself in work until he is so burned out, he can’t comprehend that Jon is missing. While it’s a funny moment, she then urges him to force Jon to promise that he will eventually return. Superman, after all, never breaks a promise.
Jon joins Red Tornado and Val-Zod as they use a device that will help them follow Ultraman — but only after he has already killed a Superman. After another Superman falls, Jon says touching goodbyes to Lois and Jay. With a kiss, Jon promises Jay that he will eventually return, then starts off for war.
DC Comics
The three heroes share a conversation as they look for Ultraman. Val-Zod explains Jon’s unique place in the multiverse, while also subtly alluding to the Jon Kent of the DCeased universe. Jon expresses his worries that he is being driven to Ultraman by some force of fate, and Red Tornado is quick to assure him that he is following his own choices. Unfortunately, that’s all the advice he gets.
Before anyone can react, Ultraman smashes through Red Tornado. She shatters, while Val-Zod screams. Amused, Ultraman takes their device and turns it on them. The two are banished to “limbo,” and Ultraman is left alone with Jon.
After Ultraman refers to Jon as his Jon, the young Superman begins his attack. An ineffective heat blast leads to a full-scale fight with Ultraman beating Jon to hell and back. All the while, the villain preaches about the foolishness of compassion.
Yet Jon momentarily finds himself empowered by the same mysterious force that overtook him in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1. It gives him the strength to beat Ultraman down. Jon leaves him alive, though only just, before the force leaves him, and he collapses in a ditch.
DC Comics
If it seems an easy ending to a long-term plot, that’s because it isn’t one. Because, while Jon lies limp, Ultraman promises that he will kill Lois painfully. Jon can’t do anything to stop him.
Thankfully, he doesn’t need to. That’s a job for Kal-El (no, not that one). The legendary Superman heroically takes Ultraman by the throat and shatters his neck. The move puts an end to the supposed overarching villain of Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent in issue #2. It just doesn’t exactly live up to truth, justice, and the American way.
Of course, the Injustice Superman doesn’t really care about any of that. Not while looking after his horrified son with a tear in his eye.
It would be one thing to say that the Injustice Superman is a twist. Twists happen in most comic books. This twist is extraordinary. While it was spoiled in the cover for Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #3, the twist takes the premise initially presented in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 and throws it out with the bath water, because it has a much more interesting scenario to explore.
Jon has been wrestling with the meaning of being a legacy hero and coming face-to-face with the darkest Superman is the perfect way to fully flesh out what he needs to be. Tom Taylor’s premise is downright brilliant, as is Clayton Henry’s reveal. Jordie Bellaire’s coloring is also a great touch, as the dark scene is only briefly lit with the full-page depiction of Ultraman’s death, before immediately fading back into darkness as Jon’s hero is revealed to be a monster.
DC Comics
The dreary atmosphere of Metropolis also adds a layer of eeriness even before Ultraman arrives and sends Red Tornado and Val-Zod off to limbo. All the hints are there, and they line up perfectly.
Of course, the twist is not all there is to the comic. The introductory page does a great job of showing just why Jon is so afraid of Ultraman, which helps build his confrontation with Ultraman. The conversation between Lois and Jay also really helps show just what it can be like to be the partner that’s always being left behind. While Jay has the benefit of superpowers, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent is all about putting Jon on his back foot, meaning that Jay needs to be in the role of the waiting party.
Unfortunately, Jon’s plight, as well as Lois and Jay, are the only qualities that really add to that element of tragedy. Newer readers may find it difficult to care about the loss of Red Tornado and Val-Zod, given how little time the series spends with them. Since issue #1 seemed to be setting them up for newer readers, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 really fails in that respect. In that respect, their tragedy falls somewhat flat for those who aren’t already familiar with Earth-2.
All in all, the issue really amps up the stakes of the series. The twist at the end is enough to leave any Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent reader desperate for more, especially after Jon just watched a version of his father commit murder. If Jon needs to learn the reality of being a legacy hero, he is about to learn the downsides too.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.