Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1074Superman The “S” symbol is an iconic feature of its design and has now been given a whole new meaning. It is an insignia that represents hope, as well as linking him to his Kryptonian roots. Although Superman normally wears his family’s crest openly, his new circumstances lead him to hide it. However, even without his symbol on display, Superman demonstrated that he is a true hero.
Action comics #1074 by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer, Matt Herms and Dave Sharpe is a continuation of the “Phantoms” storyline, in which Superman is thrown back in time by the villain Aethyr. A preview of #1074 follows Superman as he finds himself on Krypton before its destruction, and because he is from the future, he is forced to hide his identity as a member of the House of El to avoid making unwanted changes to the timeline.
Although Superman makes an effort to adopt a low profile on Krypton, It doesn’t take long for the Man of Steel to reveal his true heroic colors and save an innocent life.showing that he is a hero with or without his symbol and superpowers.
Superman becomes a hero without two fundamental pillars of his heroism
Without a logo and without powers, Superman still saves the day
On Krypton, Superman must renounce his iconography to blend in with the other Kryptonian citizens. This means covering the House of El family symbol that he typically wears with pride during his efforts as Superman. Additionally, Krypton’s red sun deprives him of his powers, which gives him the weakest abilities of any mortal, rather than empowering Superman to a godlike level like Earth’s yellow sun. Superman has given up all the outer qualities that define him as Superman hoping to go unnoticed. Of course, this plan is abandoned as soon as he spots a civilian in danger.
Superman’s symbol translates to “hope,” and Superman embodies that hope through the actions he takes while wearing it — and even when he’s not wearing it. He will stop at nothing to preserve the lives of those around him, and nothing captures that MO more profoundly than the instinctive rescue of a fellow Kryptonian. Superman is weaker on Krypton, but he doesn’t hesitate to protect the man of a drone that went out of control. He is injured in the process, but the fact that he intervened to his own detriment shows that his heroic spirit persists despite his attempts to hide his identity.
Superman’s heroic actions could have major consequences for Krypton
Superman May Have Inadvertently Changed Krypton’s Future
Superman rescuing a Kryptonian is a testament to his selflessness in the toughest of times, though that doesn’t mean it’s the smartest choice. He has traveled through time, which means anything he does can lead to a butterfly effect on the timeline. As a result, Superman saving a life may have changed the future of the DC Universe. Furthermore, he attracted attention by interfering with the natural course of events. Yet, Superman ignoring these possible ramifications proves that he prioritizes the well-being of others above his own, further cementing that his heroism is not superficial – or symbolic.
Action comics #1074 is available November 6, 2024 from DC Comics.