Writer: Tom Taylor
Art: Clayton Henry
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Wes Abbott
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 7th, 2023
Jonathan Kent, son of Superman, returns to the spotlight in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1, just in time for the arrival of a new menace: Ultraman, the twisted evil version of Superman from Earth-3, who’s rampaging through the multiverse, killing Supermen on Earth after Earth. The Earth-2 Superman (Val-Zod) and Red Tornado come to Earth-Prime to warn Jonathan that Ultraman is coming. Will Jonathan be able to confront Ultraman, who imprisoned him for years on Earth-3?
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 Review.
The Story
The first half of Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 has Jonathan desperately trying to destroy over a thousand satellites, which are simultaneously plummeting to Earth after their systems were hacked. But this is just a diversion, as Val-Zod (along with Earth-2’s Red Tornado) show up to lend an assist, then warn Jonathan about the impending threat of Ultraman. It’s great to see Val-Zod again, I love the character and I wish DC would give him his own book, or at least give him back-up stories in one of the Superman monthlies. Now is a great time to bring back the Superman Family book. DC, are you listening? It could be a monthly or bi-monthly 64 pager with stories featuring Power Girl, Supergirl, Val-Zod, etc., and you could even throw in stories with supporting characters like Lois Lane and Dreamer. There are too many good characters in Superman’s circle, and honestly, most of them are more interesting than Kal-El.
Case in point is this book. I find Jonathan Kent to be much more interesting than his good old dad, partially because he’s not as infallible as Kal-El, he makes mistakes because of his youth. As he races about, frantically trying to stop the satellites from hitting the Earth, he doesn’t have the confidence and assuredness that Kal-El would have in the situation, and it’s just more riveting to read than seeing Kal-El handle it. Also, I love Jonathan’s relationship with his boyfriend Jay Nakamura (who would also be a great inclusion in a Superman Family book). The two have a cute scene together this issue, as Jay is learning the downside to being Jonathan’s boyfriend. Ultraman appears briefly and writer Tom Taylor drives home how vicious and powerful Ultraman is. He’s a true menace that makes Homelander from “The Boys” look like a creampuff. It’s a great foreboding of what’s to come and made me wonder how even the combined might of Jonathan and Val-Zod will be able to stop him.
The Art
Clayton Henry and Jordie Bellaire’s art on Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 is wonderfully detailed and bold. The art is especially striking on the pages where Jonathan is racing to destroy the falling satellites. One full-page spread shows Jonathan, decked out in his streamlined Superman outfit with its bold yellow and red colors, surrounded by green plumage trails from dozens of plummeting satellites. It’s an epic scene rendered even more epic by the art and colors. The characters are all wonderfully expressive and I love the details that are added to some scenes, like a scene where Oracle is helping Jonathan and we see her dog sitting faithfully next to her as she works her massive computer hub.
Final Thoughts
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 sets up a great “big bad” with Ultraman, has some great guest appearances by Val-Zod, Oracle and Mister Terrific, and gives us some fun glimpses into Jonathan’s personal life. I look forward to what comes next. Recommended.