Summary
Wonder WomanandAquamanhave unleashedSuperman’sgreatest weapon, one that’s been flying under the radar for over 66 years. This desperate move comes at a time when DC’s heroes are facing an unprecedented threat—Amanda Waller’s task force of power-stealing Amazos, hunting them down and draining their abilities. However, the release of this weapon might carry unforeseen and detrimental consequences.
InAbsolute Power#2 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, DC’s heroes retreat toSuperman’s Fortress of Solitude, hoping to regroup and strategize against the Trinity of Evil—Waller, Brainiac Queen, and Failsafe.
But their sanctuary quickly turns into a battlefield when Waller’s strike force, including Brainiac Queen, a Martian Manhunter-inspired Amazo, and a brainwashed Jon Kent, invades the fortress. The fight becomes brutally intense, pushingWonder Woman and Aquaman to unleash the Bottle City of Kandor in a desperate attempt to turn the tide against Brainiac Queen.
One has to wonder—did Superman just inadvertently kill thousands of Kryptonians?
Thousands of Kryptonians Are Released Against Brainiac Queen
By breaking the glass bottle, thousands of Kryptonians are unleashed, still retaining their powers since they haven’t encountered an Amazo.They swarm Brainiac Queen’s circuitry, tearing her apart from within. However, the villain quickly adapts, emitting red solar energy—a critical Kryptonian weakness—that depowers them, rendering the Kryptonians useless in the battle. This devastating turn of events leaves the heroes at a significant disadvantage, especially since, as Batman puts it,“Kandor was [their] hail mary.“With the Kryptonians out of the fight, the heroes are quickly overwhelmed by the relentless assault from Amazo, Jon,and Brainiac Queen.
The Bottle City of Kandorhas been a part of Superman’s lore for 66 years, yet it’s surprising how rarely it’s been weaponized, especially given its potential as a trump card for decisive victories.Although the Kryptonians were swiftly defeated by Brainiac Queen, this outcome doesn’t truly reflect their effectiveness, as most villains don’t typically have red solar energy at their disposal. It would have been fascinating to see how the battle might have unfolded if the Kryptonians had been unleashed against Jon or the Amazo instead. Without Kryptonite or red solar energy on hand, the Kandorians likely would have had a much greater impact.
Superman Reveals the True Purpose of His Cape, Redefining How We See His Costume Forever
Superman uses his cape to save both of his worlds at once thanks to its Kryptonian material, proving that it isn’t just there for show.
What Happened to the Kryptonians of Kandor When Superman Destroyed the Fortress of Solitude?
What’s perhaps more troubling than the Kryptonians' defeat is what might have happened to them afterward. As the battle turns increasingly dire, Superman is forced to play his last card, triggering the Fortress of Solitude’s self-destruct sequence. This raises the unsettling question: What happened to the people of Kandor when the fortress exploded?
Given their weakened state and small size, it seems unlikely they made it to the escape portal in time. With no hero shown rescuing them, one has to wonder—didSupermanjust inadvertently kill thousands of Kryptonians?
ABSOLUTE POWER #2 (2024)
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
