DC Must Face The Harsh Reality of Superman’s Son (Before It’s Too Late)

by

Many Superman fans find Jonathan Kent’s story frustrating, and it’s time to talk about it. Ever since he grew older, Jon has struggled to find his place in the DC Universe, perhaps more than any other member of the Superman family. While he briefly took on the role of the main Superman, he hasn’t really progressed since his father became prominent again.

Let me be clear: I really enjoyed the run with Jon Kent as Super Son, and I believe he was made to grow up too fast. However, I understand that Jon can’t just erase the last six years of his life. He’s now a young adult, and the best way to develop his character is to forge his own unique identity within the Superman legacy. Sadly, it seems DC Comics is heading in a completely different direction.

DC Comics is Doubling Down on Making Jon Kent into Clark Kent-Lite

I’ve been enjoying how Superman Unlimited explores the significant changes happening in Superman’s world. The Earth is now covered in kryptonite, and The Daily Planet has truly become global in scope. Issue #7, from Dan Slott, Jeremy Adams, Marcelo Maiolo, and Dave Sharpe, shows how these changes affect Jon Kent. He’s moved to Smallville – his father’s old home – to train with Steel and Superwoman, learning to survive against weapons using kryptonite.

I don’t mind that Jon is living in Smallville – many characters connected to Superman have lived there. However, things get a little strange around the middle of this issue. Lois Lane sends Jon a holographic drone to talk to him and announces she’s opened a new branch of The Daily Planet in Smallville. She wants Jon to try journalism, believing he has a natural talent for it, and she even sends him a pair of glasses that look just like his father’s, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear.

Jon hesitantly takes on an assignment and unexpectedly discovers a hidden world beneath Smallville – a secret society of mole people! He proves to be a skilled reporter, diligently following clues and trusting his instincts, and his investigation lands on the front page. His parents are thrilled, and even Superman sees potential in this path for Jon, who finds that reporting helps him connect with those he protects. However, despite the heartwarming aspects, I believe this isn’t the right direction for Jon at all.

Jon Kent Needs His Own Path, Not Retread Superman’s

I wasn’t thrilled with the decision to have Jon grow up so quickly, and I felt it was premature for him to become Superman. The main issue is he didn’t have enough time to establish his own personality before being thrust into that role. He was essentially introduced as a younger version of Superman, and now that Clark is back to being the primary Superman, Jon is struggling to find his place and a clear sense of self.

It seems DC Comics is repeating a past error, this time with Jon Kent’s everyday life. Instead of letting Jon develop his own hobbies and career, they’re turning him into a replica of his father. It’s not an exaggeration – this issue actively makes him more like Clark, even having Lois give him glasses. While it’s natural for him to admire his dad, he doesn’t need to be a complete copy. Jon deserves his own identity, and without unique characteristics, he risks remaining just a second version of Superman.

I really do like Jon Kent, and I’m excited to see where his story goes. But I think the best thing for him would be to let him forge his own path, separate from his dad’s. Instead of just handing him the Superman role or career, it would be great to see him try out different things and figure out who he is. Not everything will stick, and that’s okay! It would just make him a more interesting and complete character. He doesn’t have to be Superboy again, and he definitely shouldn’t be a copy of Superman. He deserves to be his own hero.

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/dc-ruined-jon-kent-superman/embed/#

Read More

2025-11-25 02:17