Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1076Superman’sloss of his biological parents in Krypton’s destruction has been the defining tragedy of his character for decades. Now that he’s been given the chance to visit Krypton via time travel, he has made a risky move that could change the course of history in an effort to save his parents' lives, resulting in his most selfish moment to date.
Action Comics#1076 – written by Mark Waid, with art by Clayton Henry and Michael Shelfer – continues theweekly “Phantoms” storyline, and the preview for this next chapter sets the stage for Superman’s desperate gamble. After getting stranded inKrypton’s past prior to its destruction, Superman consults Jor-El and Zor-El about refueling his solar gauntlets so he can return to present-day.
Then, an earthquake ravages Krypton, andSuperman is reminded of his planet’s explosive fate, but he also realizes he has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prevent it, despite the consequences such interference could have for the DC Universe.
Superman Tries to Prevent His Parents' Death, Undoing His Greatest Tragedy
Action Comics#1076 – Written By Mark Waid; Art By Clayton Henry & Michael Shelfer; Color By Matt Herms; Lettering By Dave Sharpe
In a bold move, Superman approaches Zor-El in an effort to save his parents from their imminent demise. He explains that Krypton’s frequent earthquakes are an indication of the danger it’s in, and says,“Perhaps if you work with your brother, there’s a chance you two can stay ahead of—“Although he gets cut off by Zor, his intent is clear;Superman is trying to save his family from the explosion of Krypton. The survival ofSuperman’s Kryptonian parentshave major ramifications for the wider DC Universe, and it would also impact Clark’s own upbringing, potentially erasing Superman from existence.
An Iconic Part of Superman Lore Just Became the Greatest Weapon Against Him (& It Has Nothing to do With Kryptonite)
The Phantom Zone becomes a more dangerous weakness than Kryptonite as it consumes the source of Superman’s powers, weakening him in a critical way.
Thedestruction of Krypton is a staple of Superman’s origin, and the core tragedy that informs who he ultimately becomes as a man and a hero. Because he doesn’t grow up among his people, Clark Kent is an outsider on Earth due to his difference in biology, and the loneliness that stems from this is akey vulnerability for the otherwise impenetrable Superman. Superman must lose his birth parents in order to become DC’s greatest superhero, otherwise he risks damaging the timeline, and tampering with his own legacy in a way that has major repercussions for the DC Universe.
Superman Endangering the Timeline Proves He Isn’t Always DC’s Most Selfless Hero
Messing with History Puts The DC Universe At Risk
Thetimeline of the DC Universehas been altered before, most infamously by the Flash’s ill-advised attempt to undo his mother’s death, resulting in theFlashpointevent, in which the entire universe was rewritten. Superman is aware that his actions could unfold similarly;he points out inAction Comics#1076 how one wrong move could"create a time paradox that could unravel reality,“yet he allows his selfish desire to save his parents to supercede his better judgment.Supermanrisking another multiversal disaster proves thateven the Man of Steelis willing to endanger the many to save the few.
Action Comics#1076will be available June 12, 2025 from DC Comics.
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.
