Superman: Son of Kal-El may be ending this December, but that doesn’t mean Tom Taylor and Cian Tormey don’t have big plans to close out the series. Coming off a story arc, Superman: Son of Kal-El #16 drives home Jon Kent’s purity, and as the cover suggests, Kal-El returns!
As the preview shows, this issue opens with Jon Kent remembering how hard it was to come into his powers. It was too much for him to hear so many voices and sounds with his super hearing, but his father’s heartbeat calmed him enough to realize he was safe. Cut to Jon waking up with Jay by his side, remembering he hasn’t heard his father’s heartbeat in months. It’s a nice way to tie the return of Kal-El and Jon’s situation as the protector of Earth.
Much of this issue is about Jon’s daily routine. We learn he visits at least three children’s hospitals a day, whips around the Earth saving lives, stopping dictators, and being a protector for every minute. That leads to a confrontation with Lex Luthor, who is up to something, and Taylor gives us enough hints about how he’ll be involved in the next conflict.
Much of this issue, though, is more of a buffer for the final arc to catch us up on how Jon is a bit different than his dad and how he misses his dad too. That involves Lois, who gets yet another touching moment of reflection for Jon and for missing her husband, Clark Kent. One could argue this issue further proves Jon cares too much for others or goes above and beyond.
A touching moment.
Credit: DC Comics
There are two action scenes beyond the excellent montage of Superman saving people around the globe. One involves a classic villain in a scene I think is drawn by Ruairí Coleman. The scale of the villain has depicted well, as is some well-choreographed action in just four panels. The second involves a significant moment between Kal-El and Jon, which we’ve seen on the internet before, thanks to folks calling it out unjustly as awkward and weird. This scene is beautifully rendered by Tormey, who conveys Kal-El’s trust and confidence in Jon and his love for his son. It practically justifies the entire series as it proves Jon did a great job, and Kal-El always knew he would.
Closing out this issue is an exciting cliffhanger, and while there are only two more issues left, it seems to be a threat well worth figuring out for Jon Kent. It’s sad to see this series go, but given the purpose was to show Jon be Superman without his dad around and prove himself fully, it has accomplished its goals.
Superman: Son of Kal-El delivers on its promise to bring back Kal-El while affirming Jon Kent’s incredible heart and caring for everyone. For those reasons, plus some slick art as usual, this is a good issue that shouldn’t be missed as we transition to a new direction for Jon Kent’s Superman.
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