Warning: contains spoilers Action comics #1071!DC just launched radical new technology that transforms Superman powers forever. Superman is DC’s most powerful hero, but that power comes with a caveat: he must be under a yellow sun to use it. This made missions outside Earth’s solar system difficult, but as seen in Action comics #1071, a revolutionary new device levels the playing field for the Man of Steel.
Action comics #1071, the second part of the “The Phantoms” story arc, was written by Mark Waid and drawn by Clayton Henry and Michael Shelfer. Superman is embarking on a dangerous mission in the Phantom Zone. Not only will Superman be in the presence of some of the universe’s worst criminals, but he also won’t be under a yellow sun and therefore will have no powers. However, Superman came prepared: Working with Doctor Bruce Gordon, DC’s foremost expert on all things solar, he has developed a pair of bracelets that can artificially charge his cells, allowing him to use his powers without a yellow sun.
Superman’s Hidden Weakness, Explained
Superman has had to find a way around this weakness for over 80 years
This innovative device allows Superman to overcome one of his greatest weaknesses, It is rarely discussed in the same breath as kryptonite or magic. Their home world, Krypton, lived under a red sun, which prevented them from using their powers. A Krypton native’s cells function like a battery, charged by the light of a yellow sun. How this works has varied over the years: for example, in John Byrne’s book Man of SteelClark’s cells were gradually charged over the years, causing his powers to develop as he aged.
Superman recognizes this limitation, and these battery bracelets are the perfect solution and will make adventures in other star systems and realms much smoother.
Superman recognizes this limitation, and these battery bracelets are the perfect solution and will make adventures in other star systems and realms much smoother. As seen in Action comics #1071, the bracelets work well, allowing the Man of Steel to combat the horrors of the Phantom Zone. However, these bracelets have a disadvantage: they only last for a certain time. Additionally, when Superman wears the bracelets, it overloads them, forcing him to use his powers sparingly. However, what’s important is that they work, and over time, Superman and Doctor Gordon can refine the technology.
Superman received help from an unlikely ally
Bruce Gordon did Superman a big favor
It’s worth noting Doctor Gordon’s involvement in helping Superman. Superman refers to Gordon as: “the world’s first solar scientist.” Gordon has good reason to be an expert in this field: he was once the host of the dark and shadow-based villain Eclipso. After being freed from Eclipso’s clutches, Gordon would develop a series of devices based on solar energy. Many of them were supposed to benefit humanity, while others existed to combat the Eclipso. It was revealed that through Gordon, Eclipso hampered humanity’s research into solar technology, setting back progress by decades. Gordon’s actions here are his atonement.
Once Doctor Gordon and Superman eliminate the bugs from the solar battery bracelets, so the Man of Steel will have a serious advantage on the field. His dependence on the light of a yellow sun has held him back on many occasions, but now that weakness is a thing of the past. Superman has already made good use of the bracelets, and his next fight with Aethyr will be the final test. If they prove their mettle, Superman You’ll never have to worry about having your powers again.
Action Comics #1071 It’s on sale now at DC Comics!