The era of Jon Kent as Superboy holds a special place in the hearts of comic book fans. A collective sense of loss emerged when DC decided to age him up, transitioning him from a child into a young adult abruptly. However, reflecting on that period reveals not only joyful adventures but also deep, poignant moments, one of which starkly illustrates the harsher realities of the Super-Family.
In the 2016 series Superman #1, created by the talented team of Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz, readers experienced one of the most heart-wrenching episodes of Jon Kent’s journey. The young hero faced a perilous situation that served as a grave reminder of his vulnerability.
In this particular story, Jon is left powerless as a bird of prey captures his beloved cat. Frantically, he runs after it, shouting in desperation for the bird to release his pet. In a moment of overwhelming emotion, Jon unexpectedly loses control of his powers, which culminates in a tragic incident—his heat vision unintentionally kills both the predator and his cherished cat. This heart-wrenching event underscores a stark reality: even the most well-intentioned actions can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Jon Kent Highlights the Realities of Being ‘Super’
Main Cover by Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz for Peter J. Tomasi’s Superman #1 (2016)
Often, Superman is seen as a paragon of virtue and skill when it comes to managing his powers. Yet, Jon’s experience serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers associated with being a Kryptonian. A mere lapse in control can lead to unforeseen and tragic consequences. This incident illustrates that within their superhuman capabilities lies an equally significant risk of harm. Instead of being the hero of his own story, Jon faced the sorrowful reality of accidentally causing tragedy—a lesson in the burdens that come with great power.
Unlike ordinary people who can afford to lose emotional control occasionally, Kryptonians live under the weight of their abilities. Every moment presents a potential risk of disaster, as Jon’s experience poignantly reveals. This reality emphasizes the relentless pressure that Kryptonians endure, serving as a testament to their strength in maintaining control. Their constant oversight of their powers is not just a heroic necessity but also a source of mental and emotional fatigue.
Jon Kent’s Most Difficult Kryptonian Lesson Was His Most Human
Kenneth Rocafort Variant for Superman #3 (2016)
Though no one wished for Jon to endure the guilt of losing his pet, this moment has become a pivotal part of his character’s development. Tomasi’s narrative skillfully navigated through this trauma, deepening Jon’s characterization and allowing readers to connect with his plight. The emotional context—rooted in the struggles of childhood and the repercussions of mistakes—resonates universally. This instance stands out as one of DC’s most profound moments for Superboy, serving as a harsh yet valuable reminder that being “Super”comes with its own set of challenges, and it is often not as glamorous as it appears.
Superman #1 (2016) is currently available from DC Comics!