Superman has pretty much been established in the current "New 52" universe. We've been seeing his early days in the pages of ACTION COMICS and in JUSTICE LEAGUE. In SUPERMAN, it's been about where he's at today.
Surprisingly, despite the stories focused on his past, there are still developments popping up in the current ones. Some of the revelations deal with what is and is not established now that the "New 52" has updated and tweaked certain aspects of Superman's history and character. With each issue, we're seeing what has carried over from before and is being re-introduced along with events that are completely new to who Superman is.
SUPERMAN #7 offers some more insight into the Man of Steel. Be sure to read that issue as there will be some spoilers below. With all the action that takes place and the set up for a potentially big villain for Superman, you won't want to miss it.
== TEASER ==The Public's Opinion on Superman
We seen the public's adoration for Superman countless times in the past. He's pretty much always been portrayed as the ultimate boy scout. He's been a true hero and everyone loves him for his actions in saving the lives of innocents.
In the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE #7, we saw that the public does love them but when the action breaks out on the streets, there's more of a differing of opinion. In the aftermath of a battle, we hear the thoughts and opinions of those that witnessed it all. There are many that do adore him but not everyone feels the same. It's refreshing to see that some are still a little skeptical. The argument has come up often whether or not the heroes' presence attracts the super villains. Superman's battle in trying to save others still results in a lot of damage to public property.
STAR Labs Picks Up His Leftovers
STAR Labs has already been established in this new DC Universe. After his battle, Superman waits around for some workers to arrive and take his opponent and technology away. This frees Superman from having to deal with it since most likely there's other lives to save or perhaps personal responsibilitles he needs to take care. It keeps the area safe and secure. Any dangerous technology is taken off the street and STAR Labs has the opportunity to study and contain it. Hopefully everyone working there can be trusted absolutely.
Helspont is Imprisoned on Earth
There's been hints of Helspont's presence in STORMWATCH and GRIFTER and now he's showing up in the pages of SUPERMAN. This major villain from the Wildstorm Universe proved a major threat for the likes of the WildCATS and Mr. Majestic.
Setting Helspont up as a possible Superman villain is a brilliant move and makes the merging of the DCU and Wildstorm Universe that much better. We don't know what this will mean for Majestic but Superman's villains are a mixed bag. Some are great but many fall short. Helspont is exactly the kind of villain that could spice up Superman's rogues gallery.
Clark Kent's Beat at the Daily Planet
We haven't seen a whole lot of the Daily Planet in the "New 52." We know the planet was acquired by Morgan Edge and Galaxy Communications and Lois was promoted in overseeing their television news reporting. Clark refused to be part of that as he did not agree with some of their practices in the past.
Clark is seen working at the Planet (with his actual presence there a surprise to many). It turns out he is now in charge of covering the Superman beat. This most likely was Lois's focus in the past but with her moving up, Perry assigns the next best reporter. Obviously Clark has an edge but feels conflicted in reporting on himself. This is something that's gone both ways in the past. In some tellings of the origin it was Lois that broke the big news on Superman and in others, it was Clark and that's what landed him the job at the Daily Planet.
Superman's Quick Change Has Become Easier
When danger arises, Clark has to jump into action and change into his Superman costume without anyone seeing him. Moving at super-speed is always an option but doing so creates a huge gust of wind. You also have to wonder where he keeps his cape as that's not something you could easily tuck into your pants without it becoming all bunched up.
In ACTION COMICS we saw that Superman obtained Kryptonian armor that synced to his DNA (which is why the S-emblem, a symbol representing the House of El, appearered). Now it looks as if that Kryptonian armor is more than just synced to his DNA. The Kryptonian biotech allows the costume to be safely concealed…within his body?
The other question is what does this mean for his cape? Does he still have his regular cape or is it somehow connected/incorporated into his Kryptonian biotech? We'll have to wait until this is explored further.
That's it for this issue. There is still plenty more to see. You can see that Helspont has some plans in mind for Superman. You'll want to see how it begins to play out. There's also mention of another character that went through some crazy changes before the "New 52." Who knows what might happen to this character now?