Doomsday is renowned in the DC Universe for accomplishing what no other villain in mainstream continuity has—killing Superman. Despite this significant feat, many fans argue that Doomsday is highly overrated and didn’t deserve the honor of defeating the Man of Steel. However, a new villain is emerging, poised to finally give Superman the fight to the death that he truly deserves.

On August 7, 2024, Mark Waid and Dan Mora’s Absolute Power #2 will be released, continuing DC’s summer blockbuster event that pits its greatest heroes against the Trinity of Evil. This event promises to have a monumental impact on Superman, who is slated to lose his powers and face a new opponent—the Last Son.

Based on various solicitations and the variant covers for Absolute Power #2, it seems DC is setting up a fight to the death between Superman and the Last Son, reminiscent of Kal-El’s fatal battle with Doomsday. However, unlike Doomsday, the Last Son truly deserves the honor of killing the Man of Steel.

Who Is Amanda Waller’s Last Son, and Why Is He a Doomsday-Level Threat to Superman?

Last Son is one of six power-stealing Amazo robots in Amanda Waller’s new Task Force VII. Modeled after Superman, this robot features the Man of Steel’s iconic red, yellow, and blue color scheme and is tasked with stealing Kal-El’s Kryptonian powers. The other five Amazo robots are similarly designed to reflect the Justice League members who they will be confronting in Absolute Power, including Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Flash, and Green Lantern. Additionally, these Amazo robots are inhabited by various personalities of Zur-En-Arrh Batmen from across the Multiverse, making them even more dangerous.

Considering the Last Son combines upgraded Amazo technology with Batman’s influence, this robot likely surpasses Doomsday’s threat level. The original Amazo was one of the Justice League’s most formidable foes, nearly unstoppable with its ability to utilize the combined powers of the entire team and adapt continuously. Now, Last Son is an enhanced version of Amazo, piloted by a Zur-En-Arrh Batman, as confirmed in Batman #147 by Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jiménez, presenting an unprecedented threat. Both Amazo and Batman individually have proven formidable adversaries for Superman, making Last Son exceptionally dangerous.

Solicitations Confirm Last Son Will Be a Major Threat – Variant Covers Tease the Man of Steel’s Possible Death​​​​​

While Superman has yet to confront Last Son, several details about their inevitable clash have been confirmed through solicitations for upcoming Absolute Power-related comics. Notably, the synopsis for Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1 by Leah Williams and Caitlin Yarsky states that Last Son has “eliminated the threat of Superman and all his allies in Metropolis.” This assertion is reinforced by the synopsis for Absolute Power #2, indicating that “In the aftermath of Amanda Waller’s total victory, the metahumans of the DC universe have been depowered.” Therefore, it is evident that Superman will face power loss due to Last Son.

However, while losing one’s powers and dying are two different outcomes, the covers for upcoming issues hint at the possibility of a The Death of Superman moment. Tyler Kirkham’s variant cover for Absolute Power #2 showcases Superman and Last Son engaged in an epic battle, while Dan Mora’s main cover depicts Superman being brutally pulverized by Last Son, clearly losing the fight. Lastly, Ben Oliver’s variant cover presents a gorgeously tragic scene of Last Son holding Superman’s limp, nearly emaciated form. Collectively, these covers suggest the narrative of Superman’s potential demise.

Doomsday May Be One of Superman’s Most Iconic Villains, But He Is the Most Overrated

If Last Son succeeds in killing Superman, it would undoubtedly elevate the Amazo-Batman hybrid to the threat level of Doomsday, the only villain in mainstream continuity to have achieved such a feat. Doomsday, created by writer-artist Dan Jurgens, first appeared in Superman: The Man of Steel #17 in 1992, with his full appearance following shortly in issue #18. His defining moment occurred in the Death of Superman storyline, where he engaged Superman in a brutal battle resulting in both of their deaths, solidifying his status as one of Superman’s most formidable adversaries in comic book history.

While widely regarded as one of Superman’s most formidable adversaries, many fans view Doomsday as overrated and perhaps undeserving of the title as the sole villain to have killed the Man of Steel. Doomsday’s defining characteristic is his relentless destruction, initially captivating but ultimately resulting in a one-dimensional character lacking the depth found in many of Superman’s other foes. Furthermore, Superman’s demise at the hands of Doomsday essentially amounted to a strength-based defeat, a rather lackluster conclusion for the Man of Steel.

Last Son Is Everything That Doomsday Isn’t and Actually Deserves the Honor of Killing Superman

In stark contrast to Doomsday’s mindless rampage, the Last Son embodies purpose and complexity. While Doomsday’s destructive tendencies lacked depth, the Last Son is driven by a clear objective: to eradicate metahumans, particularly Superman. Unlike Doomsday’s brute, one-dimensional force, the Last Son is power and intellect combined. Furthermore, while Doomsday acted alone, the Last Son is part of a coordinated effort, operating alongside other Amazo robots as part of a collective agenda. Hence, the Last Son represents everything that Doomsday is not: purposeful, complex, and part of a greater threat to Superman and the DC Universe.

Reflecting on The Death of Superman, it’s disheartening to consider that Doomsday, a creature driven solely by destruction, was able to vanquish the Man of Steel with brute force alone. Doomsday’s lack of depth and purpose makes his victory over Superman feel hollow and unearned. In stark contrast, if Superman were to meet his end at the hands of the Last Son, it would be a more meaningful demise. The Last Son embodies a calculated purpose beyond mere destruction, presenting a formidable challenge that requires Superman to confront both physical and intellectual threats.

Absolute Power #2 is available now August 7,2024, from DC Comics!