Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1075SupermanDC’s father is a complex figure in DC lore, with his discovery of the Phantom Zone serving as a point of contention in his legacy. Now, in a shocking revelation, it has been confirmed that Jor-El was not responsible for it being used as a prison, meaning he is not to blame for the atrocities taking place inside it.
Action comics #1075 – written by Mark Waid, with art by Clayton Henry – is the latest chapter in an ongoing story where Superman is trying to save the Phantom Zone from the villainous clutches of Aethyr.
Superman was sent back in time by Aethyr, finding himself on Krypton before its destruction. He finds his parents, but they are all quickly taken into custody after Ro-Zan discovers Jor-El’s Phantom Zone beam and confiscates it for himself.
Superman uncovers the truth about his father’s discovery of the Phantom Zone, drastically reshaping DC history
Action comics #1075 – Written by Mark Waid; Art by Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer, Matt Herms and Dave Sharpe
With the Phantom Zone beam in Ro-Zan’s hands, Jor-El is not the one to dictate what it will be used for. This revelation, along with Jor-El’s explanation of the Phantom Zone’s true purpose, absolves Superman’s father of his involvement in Krypton’s brutal form of punishment. Jor-El’s responsibility for the Phantom Zone has been a stain on the character’s reputation, complicating Superman’s father’s role in DC Comics history. Now, however, the last retcon in Action comics #1075 clarifies Jor-El’s background, allowing for a critical reinterpretation of his character as a whole.
The Phantom Zone first appeared in 1961 Adventure comics #283, having been discovered by Jor-El as a replacement for the planet’s original form of punishment. Here, in the “Ghosts” story, Superman’s “perfect image” has been tarnished by the ethical implications of the Zone his father created. Through his travels, Superman has seen firsthand that the Phantom Zone is pure nightmare fuel, as its inhabitants are subjected to horrific meltdowns and inhumane torture. As such, Superman questions his father’s morality by presenting such a place to Krypton’s Scientific Council as a new form of punishment.
Superman’s Latest Retcon Erases His Complicated Feelings About His Father
First appearance of the Phantom Zone Adventure comics #283 – Created by Robert Bernstein and George Papp
Now, Superman’s doubts about his father’s true nature may be resolved. In Action comics #1074, when Superman meets his parents through time travel, Jor-El shows Clark his Phantom Zone ray and explains that he intends to use it as a means of saving his people from the eventual destruction of their planet. Superman’s father did not intend to discover a prison, but rather a “safe haven for all Kryptonians“; his return to the Phantom Zone’s origin gives DC’s harshest prison new meaning, as well as mending Superman’s wavering belief in his father.
Superman no longer has to let his concerns about the Phantom Zone get in the way of his relationship with his father, as Jor-El is officially absolved of his biggest misstep in DC lore.
Superman struggled with his feelings towards his late father throughout this story, as more and more horrors about the Phantom Zone came to light. In all the stories he heard about Jor-El’s discovery of the Zone, his father was thrilled to share his discoveries. However, by witnessing these events for himself, Superman can see that Jor-El did not propose the arrest. Superman No longer does he need to let his concerns about the Phantom Zone get in the way of his relationship with his father, as Jor-El is officially absolved of his biggest misstep in DC lore.
Action comics #1075 will be available on November 13, 2024 from DC Comics.