One of Superman’s Most Dangerous Enemies Makes a Shocking Return

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As a dedicated movie critic, I find myself soaring with excitement in July, as DC Comics gracefully elevates their beloved icon, Superman, to new heights. Their efforts to showcase Superman at his finest are commendable, and this is particularly evident with the revival of Treasury Editions. These colossal comics were a cornerstone of DC’s publishing line during the Silver and Bronze Age, and “Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All” #1, penned by Dan Jurgens and illustrated by Bruno Redondo, is an exceptional reintroduction. This expansive issue plunges us into a thrilling scenario where two familiar adversaries for Superman fans – Maxima and the Cyborg Superman – make their return, and also reintroduces a cherished character that resonates deeply with both Superman aficionados and Jon Kent supporters – the enigmatic alien princess known as Glyanna.

The first issue of “Superman Treasury 2025: A Hero for Everyone” is outstanding, with much credit going to the remarkable Dan Jurgens, Superman’s creator and long-time storyteller. Known for his exceptional Superman tales spanning years, Jurgens is also the co-creator of Jon Kent. He has consistently excelled in managing Superman’s impressive supporting characters, and his work on Jon Kent significantly shaped the character. The introduction of Glyanna, who made her debut in “Action Comics” #1051, was surprising, but her return in “Superman Treasury 2025: A Hero for Everyone” #1 took readers by surprise. In this issue, Glyanna plays a crucial role, leaving readers guessing and delivering an unexpected twist.

Glyanna Used Jon Kent’s Naivete Against Him

Originally hailing from the planet P’luhnn, a society where power equates to rule, Glyanna defied her powerful family by leading a rebellion against her parents. However, the citizens adored her parents, causing an uprising that Glyanna couldn’t quell. Desperate, she fled to Earth seeking Superman’s aid in reclaiming her throne. She deceived young Jon Kent, making him believe she was being oppressed by malevolent aliens. But Jon wisely informed Superman that he wouldn’t have assisted Glyanna due to his disapproval of strong rulers, especially monarchies.

Finding her plans thwarted, Glyanna resorted to taking Jon hostage and transporting him back to P’luhnn. She imprisoned him in one of 120 lead cells and threatened Superman, stating that the only way he could rescue Jon was by helping her reclaim her planet. Cunning as ever, Jon tapped out a message for help to his father. Glyanna then attempted to blackmail Superman by draining the oxygen from Jon’s cell, claiming that if he didn’t intervene, Jon would perish. Of course, Superman came through and saved Jon, preventing P’luhnn from succumbing to Glyanna’s control.

Glyanna emerged as an intriguing character, debuting when Action Comics transformed into an anthology series in 2023. She consistently featured in top-tier stories each month. Writers Jurgens and artist Lee Weeks, who had previously collaborated on Convergence: Superman and Superman: Lois and Clark, introduced readers to Jon Kent’s villain, which was exciting. Glyanna isn’t the first powerful alien princess linked to Superman, but Jurgens and Weeks managed to redefine this trope. In essence, Glyanna is the only identified villain for Jon Kent; she mainly fought adversaries who had previously clashed with his father or other DC villains. In Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All #1, Glyanna partners with another alien princess, Maxima (former member of the Justice League), to search for Jon Kent. Eventually, Glyanna betrays Maxima and Cyborg Superman, joining forces with Jon to combat invaders. This plot twist by Jurgens offers a refreshing take on Glyanna’s character, paving the way for more exploration in future stories.

Glyanna and Jon Kent Actually Make a Great Team

Over time, one of the main issues with Jon Kent emerged: he failed to fully develop into his unique character. The leap in his age, during which he was kept in an alternate world until maturity and returned shortly after vanishing, caused significant harm to his persona as it left writers uncertain about how to handle him. He lacked a distinct rogues gallery and supporting cast, and his narratives often centered on interfering in others’ lives, such as with his partner Jay. Glyanna was one of the rare characters who could be considered an integral part of Jon’s life, and reuniting with her was a delightful experience.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I can’t quite tell if the first issue of “Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All” sticks to the established canon – sometimes comics aren’t always that predictable – but if it does, the intriguing transformation of Glyanna could be a valuable asset in Jon’s upcoming escapades. Jon is a character brimming with potential, and having an erstwhile ally-turned-antagonist like Glyanna could help him carve out his unique identity.

Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All #1 is on sale now.

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2025-07-17 23:13