So far with DC's 'The New 52,' we've been getting new updates and revelations in each issue of Grant Morrison's ACTION COMICS. Superman is still the same character but we've been witnessing some changes as we see his early days once again for the first time.
Since the debut of Superman, back in 1938, we have seen many different takes on his origin. There have been similarities but with all the various reboots and relaunches over the years, it's been a mystery which version we might see in 'The New 52.' Some of those questions, specifically about Krypton, have been revealed in the third issue.
Here are five more revelations that changes or clarifies who Superman is in today's comics. There will be some spoilers for issue #3. We strongly encourage you to buy the issue to see how exactly everything unfolds. Not all will be revealed here! If your curious, you can check out our review here.
== TEASER ==Krypton and the Cause of Destruction
The story usually goes with Jor-El, one of Krypton's leading scientists, trying to warn the Science Council about Krypton's doom. Jor-El did still predict the "core collapse of Krypton" but all that is irrelevant. A certain alien consciousness has made its way to Krypton, collected the planet's database and determined the planet is no longer necessary.
We can assume that Jor-El still had the ship that would take young Kal-El to a safer planet. We will be finding out more about that later.
It also appears we get a look at Kryptonian cell phones. Headband devices allow them to communicate and gives a new way for hands-free devices.
Krypto
There's been a lot of debate over the fate of Krypto. From ACTION COMICS #2, we had the following image:
At New York Comic Con 2011, it was mentioned that Krypto didn't survive the trip to Earth. When Superman had been captured by General Sam Lane and Lex Luthor, the remains of a goat-like creature was shown to Superman. The assumption is this was the body of Krypto.
There was also some rumblings that not everyone at DC agreed with what was mentioned at the panel.
In this issue, when Jor-El discovers that Krypton is about to meet its final fate, we see a more DOG-like creature by his side. If Krypto was the family dog, this definitely looks more like a dog than the remains of the goat shown to Superman.
What it comes down to is we don't know for sure what Krypto's fate is. We can assume he doesn't have horns or hooves.
To add more mystery to this, when Clark was sitting at a park bench, what appeared to be a homeless person approached him with a curious statement.
The mention of a white dog is too much of a coincidence. As for the 'ghost' watching over Clark, could that actually meant that Krypto is dead or in a ghost-like state (in other words, could he be stuck in the Phantom Zone?).
Clark's Attitude Towards Authorities and About Superman
The Clark Kent we're familiar with is meek and mild mannered. When he is visited by a detective, he has no problem standing up to them and speaking his mind. As a reporter, he is investigating a powerful man and trying to expose him. The police are aware of the potential danger and view Clark as a troublemaker. This is far from the quiet reporter that tends to shuffle along in the background. They even tell him they'll be watching him.
As for his attitude on Superman, Clark has usually been a supporter of Metropolis' hero. When Superman is brought up, Clark basically disputes the fact that someone like him could exist. He scoffs at the idea of a superpowered hero running around saving the lives of innocents.
Since Superman at this time isn't as powerful as we're used to, he shows signs of taking a beating. Clark doesn't try to hide the fact that he is bruised up and doesn't even try to make up an excuse.
Someone Discovers His Secret Identity Already
Superman has always kept his secret identity close to his chest. He's always gone to great lengths to ensure it remained a secret yet in a careless move, the secret is out. It's surprising how careless he was about it and we'll have to see what the repercussions of this are in future issues. (No, I will not reveal WHO discovered his secret here).
The Birth of Metallo
Over the years, Metallo has had several different origins as well in the Gold, Silver and Modern Ages. The common origin was he got in a car accident and John Corben's brain was put into a robotic body.
In the 'New 52,' Corben is a more noble character. While he is in the Army serving under General Lane, he appears to have good intentions. He volunteered for Project Steel, which was designed to be the Army's first line of defense against an alien invasion.
While undergoing the process, let's just say there is a slight interruption from outside forces which will result in the birth of Metallo.
That wraps up the major changes seen in Action Comics #3. It's becoming clear that we haven't seen the end to the changes. There is bound to be more on the way. We'll have to wait for issue #4 to see what else is coming.
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