Warning: Spoilers for Wonder Woman #10!

Superman has had a lot of wild powers over the years, but Jonathan Kent, the next generation’s Superman, has shown that he won’t be affected by Gen Z’s Kryptonite – cringe. In another hilarious Trinity backup story in Wonder Woman, Damian Wayne questions if his friend can even feel embarrassment when he says things like “fizzlesticks” and “chum.”

In the near-future timeline of the “World’s Finest” backup stories by Tom King and Belén Ortega from the Wonder Woman title, it’s confirmed these three super-kids take on their parents’ mantles — meaning Jonathan Kent continues to be Superman. He’s already taken after his father in many ways: he’s full of hope, compassion, and kindness, which are important when you’re so strong that the rest of the world feels like cardboard. But Damian tells Jon he has another classic Superman power: he’s “immune to cringe.”

He doesn’t seem to have an ounce of cynicism, despite spending so much time hanging out with Damian Wayne. Jon Kent is always honest with his thoughts and feelings – which any other teenager would find so cringe. However, he lets the accusation roll off his back.

Superman Jon Kent May Be “Immune to Cringe,” But He’s Still an Essential DC Hero

“World’s Finest Part 7” by Tom King, Belén Ortega, Tamra Bonvillain, and Clayton Cowles from Wonder Woman #10

In the story itself, young Lizzie Prince has a Wonder Woman kite she is trying to fly. When the 4-year-old struggles to get the kite off the ground, the two boys use their respective tactics to help her. Damian tells her Albert Camus’ philosophy on Sisyphus: that everything is meaningless and that everyone dies, so she should stop getting her hopes up. Jon, on the other hand, gives her encouragement, and tries using his powers to get the kite afloat. Unfortunately, he blows too hard, and the kite flies away, upsetting her more.

“Cringe,” like a lot of slang, has less of a solid definition and more of a so-called vibe. Loosely defined, “cringe” is presenting oneself with sincerity and/or authenticity – feelings so honest, others would cringe in second-hand embarrassment. Damian Wayne, having been raised by a group of assassins before becoming Batman’s Robin, wouldn’t be caught dead sharing sincere emotion. However, Jon was brought up by Lois and Clark; while his mother has a biting wit, his father is an open book, and the two have a loving relationship. Jon Kent has learned to say what he feels, always look on the bright side, and ignore the naysayers.

Superman Has Always Been a Little Cringe – That’s What Makes Him Great

Superman Art by Nicola Scott

In many ways, it sounds like Gen Z is coming around to seeing the good in being cringe. A recent Rolling Stone article suggests that under pandemic lockdown, people became desperate for real, human connection more than ironic competitiveness. When creators try to apply the dark-and-gritty Batman storytelling model to Superman, it often doesn’t work, mostly because Superman isn’t dark and gritty. Superman is hopeful – and cringe. Most importantly, Jon doesn’t care; it’s more important to him to be himself. To some, this just stacks cringe on top of cringe: he’s so open and knows it, and that’s what makes him wonderful.

Superman has maybe always been a little cringe, though fans didn’t use that word before. Being so hopeful and kind means putting himself out there, giving others the benefit of the doubt, and not trying to protect himself from the eyerolls or insults of others. It helps that he’s nigh indestructible as Superman, but that doesn’t mean his feelings can’t get hurt. Superman has always stood as a beacon of the best humanity can be, and what it should strive for, and that means not caring if someone else thinks he’s uncool. In many ways, Superman’s greatest power has always been being “immune to cringe.”

Wonder Woman #10 is available now from DC Comics.

Source: Rolling Stone