The Man of Steel, Superman, has a long history in DC Comics, but recent events in Action Comics #1070 might change things!
A Dark Twist to Superman's Lore
For over 63 years, Superman's stories have been full of action, but the Phantom Zone has always been a place where villains are imprisoned. It’s changed, though!
This isn't your grandfather's Phantom Zone! It's become a really awful place, and Superman is forced to re-examine his morality. In this latest installment written by Mark Waid, illustrated by Clayton Henry, inked by Matt Herms and lettered by Dave Sharpe, Superman faces a terrifying monster made of other Phantom Zone prisoners! It's been fused together causing so much pain it is driven to madness. The situation with the monster forces Superman to wonder if using this prison is ethically sound. This shows a new side of Superman.
The Phantom Zone's Darker Side
In this Action Comics #1070, we get to see how awful it's become. It took Superman and Supergirl, along with a little help from Jimmy Olsen and Gold Kryptonite, to take down the monster. It's not the emptiness and stasis that existed when it was discovered by Jor-El.
That emptiness has evolved into this horrific thing! This changes everything!
- It shows how brutal it can become to those held there. The monster even gave Superman chills! Even before realizing how brutal and violent the zone had become.
- It brings up how Superman's own people used it to trap their foes.
Krypton's Darkest Secret
The Phantom Zone was created long ago in the past! This was on Krypton. Jor-El, Superman's dad, discovered it! Way back then, this zone wasn't this nightmarish prison that we've come to know in these comics, but in a world full of science and technology this really advanced and high tech imprisonment may have appeared to be a harmless way of locking away foes but is a big challenge for Superman!
- People that never got a chance to be rehabilitated are stuck in here.
- There have always been some big names in here! Including the incredible General Zod. and Mon-El
Things have gotten weirder as Jax-Ur and his escape! His escape opened up an enormous amount of possibilities and changes to how Superman's world and history would be seen forever. There might even be someone behind the strange things happening. Perhaps Aethyr, a mysterious figure that claims to free everyone in the Zone.
Superman's Moral Dilemma
With all that’s changed in the Phantom Zone, Superman, that image we love has had its moments that question everything.
Lois questioned whether going in to face those dangerous foes made sense. Even those people inside had evil desires!
Superman's response was something powerful: “They hate me in there. But if there are people in the Zone who are suffering – even those with the darkest of hearts – I can’t let that stand.”
This shows just how honorable and kind Superman really is! He will not just allow these terrible acts! He will stop it no matter how horrific or terrifying it is.
The Future of the Phantom Zone
DC Comics has brought us a special glimpse of just how complex Superman's life can truly be. It is not just an ordinary situation with simple good versus evil, but will help to show his viewers how special he is and what defines him. This whole issue gives us hope, not only for the incredible Superman but for this series as a whole!
Will he truly fix the Phantom Zone and find the real culprit? If so, Action Comics #1070 will make a lasting impact.
Read Action Comics #1070 now for even more about Superman!
