So yes, the young Jon Kent rescued from a volcano is not the version we knew, but his Earth 3 counterpart, the son of Ultraman of the Crime Syndicate. And having been ushered towards a red sun cage by Steel in the middle of a green kryptonite crisis, he’s freaking out. With Steel’s hammer.
As the ‘real’ Jon, currently in the guise of Tomorrow Man, tries to calm down his younger doppleganger, his mother, Lois, is on the phone to her in-laws.
Well, you can guess who Lois is hoping will soon be racing to her side from Kansas. And he’s not alone.
Meanwhile, Robin the Teen Wonder arrives, having worked out just who Young Jon is.
Despite Damian Wayne’s suppositions, though, Jon is more confused than manipulative. And scared. But more new arrivals see him only as a threat.
That’s not JSA member Jade at the back of the picture, but Superwoman Lana Lang, green from having absorbed dangerous energy that’s exploded from kryptonite samples. And driving the Supermobile, Lois Lane. With Krypto and Batman too, that’s a lot of power in one panel.
But it’s not sheer numbers that stop young Jon, it’s the empathy of his regular Earth counterpart.
After keeping his face hidden from everyone for fear of L’il Jon learning they’re the same person – which he now knows they’re not – Big Jon reveals all.
Aha, Txyz, the trickster villain from Superman Unlimited #11 proves as untrustworthy as expected. Back then I thought he was simply throwing a paradox at Jon, but it turns out the ‘Ultraboy’ swap was deliberate. And Txyz is up to his old tricks – or future tricks, if he’s to be believed.
And it’s Jon’s choice that leads to the issue’s surprise guest, and the promise of big excitement in future.
Writer Dan Slott certainly sticks the landing here, with an action tale that’s also a character piece, showcasing both Jons while also providing good moments for Lois, Steel, Damian and more.
The only off-note for me was the nod to last year’s Superman film, but rather than a dopey Martha Kent terrified of a tablet, it’s Jonathan who’s the tech dunce. Still, he gets the job done so far as warning Smallville about the Green K storm goes.
I’m pleased Earth 3 Jon doesn’t turn out to be evil here, just terrified that the peaceful new life he’s found is a lie, and hobbled by amnesia. Let’s just hope homeworld conditioning doesn’t kick in down the line, though – remember, there’s currently an opening for a new Ultraman.
With Lana still a Kryptonite Woman at issue’s end and Batman promising to help solve the problem of infected K-metal, I guess this will feed into the upcoming Zod crossover in the Super books. And hopefully that will bring an end to the Kryptonite meteor business that’s both powered and dragged down this series.
As was obvious from the start of this storyline, ace reporter Lois Lane knew instantly Tomorrow Man was her son. Hopefully that terrible black mask will soon be dumped – Jon’s put it back on for the final page! The rest of the outfit, I don’t mind at all.
There’s a lovely moment with Lois and Jon, as she finally gets a sense of closure so far as the aging up of her son – well, from her point of view, Jon did age normally, just away from her – goes. Along with this, the idea of Jon as a reporter is dumped, he’s going to decide himself what he wants to be.
Lucas Meyer again shows he’s the best superhero artist at DC, with striking storytelling, strong figurework and mastery of mood. The splash page this issue is a perfect example of his skills, a dynamic moment as ‘Jon 3’ whacks ‘our’ Jon with Steel’s hammer, Beppo the Super Monkey silently screaming at the rear as John Henry Irons ensures he can’t join the fray.
And to be pithier, how cool is that Bat-bike!
It’s just been announced that Steven Wacker has returned to Marvel as Editor-in-Chief, presumably with a mission to reinvigorate the sleeping giant, and if he’s seen Meyer’s work he’s going to be scouting him. DC needs to offer Meyer a big fat exclusive and get him on a Satellite JLA book. You’re welcome, DC.
Add in the eye-popping colours of Giuliano Peratelli, attractive letters of Dave Sharpe and intense cover of Taurin Clarke, and we have quite the package.
The last five issues have been the most consistently great since Superman Unlimited began – I really hope the current creative team sticks together awhile… Justice League of America permitting.
Too Dangerous For a Girl 2 