Warning! Spoilers ahead for Infinite Frontier #0
In Infinite Frontier #0, Jonathan Kent proves that he is worthy of Kal-El’s Superman mantle. Judged by the Spectre for being brash and reckless, Superman’s son is seen as a lost cause to the cosmic being. However, as he and Wonder Woman spectate his attempts to stop the extraterrestrial entity known as the Empyreal Maw, Jonathan proves him wrong.
The recent Future State event gave readers an insight as to what the future could hold in the DC Universe. Among the expansive roster of future heroes was Jonathan Kent, who in the timeline is the Superman of the future. It would seem very possible that DC is setting him up to take over as Superman soon, but it will not come easy as proved by the Spectre’s judgment of the young hero. Although he possesses Superman’s physical abilities, Jonathan’s ways are not the same as his father’s, but a glimmer of hope is seen in Infinite Frontier #0.
In the “Superman” story of Infinite Frontier #0 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Jamal Igle, and Hi-Fi, Superman’s son demonstrates that he has what it takes to become Superman. Although he has his father’s speed and strength, that isn’t what makes him worthy of the mantle. Rather, it’s Jonathan’s hope and compassion that make him worthy. The kind, caring, and risky act that Jonathan goes through to stop his enemy shocks the Spectre, allowing him another day as the “Son of Tomorrow.”
Jonathan’s ability to see past his enemy’s destructive nature allowed him to best him. Realizing that the Empyreal Maw’s actions were guided by fear and grief, he searched through time and space to return it to its rightful place. Wonder Woman contests that his actions display a true quality of what it takes to be Superman. Risking his life to better someone else’s and to see the truth where others miss it. Through his display of heroics powered by his compassion, he’s able to disarm one of the universe’s most knowledgable beings of his judgment.
In the end, it seems that the Spectre’s warning will play a part in Jonathan’s story arc that will continue in Superman #29 as he returns from the future, taking center stage with his father. And that Jonathan has more to prove to the all-knowing beings of the multiverse to convince them that he won’t become the dangerous “tyrant” that the Spectre warns of. Jonathan’s actions reflect the qualities of what makes Kal-El, Superman. In two different times, Superman’s son has proven that he is a great hero. Jonathan Kent’s actions echo his daily routine of saving the same planet every single day in Future State: Superman/Wonder Woman #2. Infinite Frontier #0 is available in comic book shops and digital platforms now.
