Superman: Son of Superman (Comics) | Review

What happens when Superman isn't just the last son of Krypton anymore? DC Rebirth's opening Superman arc throws everything you thought you knew about Clark Kent's story into chaos by giving him the one thing that changes every hero forever– a family to protect. This isn't another origin retelling or cosmic threat storyline.

Here's what makes Son of Superman different: it's built on the foundation that Superman already has everything to lose. The pre-Flashpoint Superman returns with Lois Lane as his wife and Jon Kent as his son but they're living in a world where another Superman just died.

Writer Peter Tomasi (Action Comics: Men of Steel, Black Adam: The Dark Age) and artist Patrick Gleason (Green Lantern Corps: Sins of the Star Sapphire, Green Lantern Corps: To be a Lantern) use this setup to explore what happens when being Earth's greatest protector becomes secondary to being a loving husband and father.

The story establishes the Kent family trying to build a normal life in Hamilton County while Clark struggles with his dual identity as both replacement Superman and protective father. Jon Kent is starting to manifest Kryptonian abilities, which should be cause for celebration.

Instead, it becomes Clark's absolute worst nightmare– watching his beloved son potentially face the same crushing isolation and heavy burden that he's carried throughout his entire life as Superman and Earth's greatest protector against threats.

What makes this arc brilliant is how Tomasi treats Superman's incredible powers as both blessing and curse when viewed through a parent's protective eyes. Every single moment Jon shows new abilities brings both immense pride and genuine terror to Clark's heart.

The writers expertly balance intimate family moments with larger cosmic threats, showing how Superman's heavy responsibilities as Earth's protector directly conflict with his protective instincts as a father and husband trying to keep his family completely safe.

The storyline connects directly to the broader DC Rebirth initiative, specifically addressing the aftermath of the New 52 Superman's tragic death in "The Final Days of Superman." This isn't just character development– it's DC's deliberate attempt to restore the emotional core that made Superman compelling for decades of readers.

The strong family dynamic established here becomes the solid foundation for many future storylines involving the Super Sons adventures and Jon's eventual rise as Superman in later DC continuity and ongoing comic series throughout the years.

Jon Kent's character development drives much of the emotional weight. He's not just mini-Superman– he's a kid dealing with impossible expectations while trying to understand his place in a world that already has legends. The pressure of living up to his father's reputation creates conflict that feels earned rather than manufactured.

The brilliance lies in how the creative team makes Superman's greatest strength– his unwavering moral compass– become a source of anxiety when applied to parenting. Clark knows how to save the world but he's terrified of making the wrong choices for his son.

This newfound vulnerability makes Superman more relatable and genuinely human than he's been in years of comic book storytelling, bringing emotional depth that connects with readers on a much more personal and meaningful level than before.

Tomasi skillfully weaves in references to classic Superman mythology while establishing entirely new traditions for this growing family unit throughout the story. The connection to previous continuity feels entirely organic rather than forced and the clever setup pays off in major ways throughout the entire Rebirth era and well beyond it.

You'll catch subtle nods to everything from All-Star Superman to Superman: Birthright without feeling overwhelmed by heavy continuity baggage that often bogs down modern superhero comics and alienates new readers completely from enjoying the story.

Patrick Gleason's artwork captures both Superman's epic world and intimate family moments with equal skill. His Superman feels iconic yet approachable, while Jon Kent radiates childhood energy and uncertainty. Action scenes showcase classic superhero spectacle but quiet family scenes are where Gleason's storytelling truly shines.

Tomasi's writing strips away the complexity that often bogs down Superman stories to focus on universal themes of family, legacy and responsibility. His dialogue feels natural and earned, especially the heartfelt interactions between Clark and Jon throughout their shared scenes.

The color work and panel layouts support the story's emotional beats perfectly. Gleason knows when to go big with splash pages and when to focus on subtle character expressions. The visual storytelling never competes with the writing– instead, both elements work together to create something greater than their individual parts.

The pacing builds genuine emotional investment without sacrificing the adventure elements that make Superman stories exciting for readers. This is character-driven superhero storytelling at its absolute finest, showcasing what makes the medium so powerful and enduring.

Superman Vol. 1: Son of Superman succeeds because it remembers that Superman's greatest power isn't his strength– it's his humanity. Tomasi and Gleason have created a storyline that works as both superhero adventure and family drama, proving that you don't need to deconstruct Superman to make him interesting.

This arc works perfectly as a jumping-on point for new readers while satisfying longtime fans who missed the emotional depth of pre-New 52 Superman stories and desperately want meaningful character development back in their favorite comics.

Whether you're interested in Superman's legacy or just want to see great superhero storytelling, Son of Superman delivers everything that makes the character endure through decades. It's essential reading that reminds you exactly why Superman remains the gold standard template for all superhero storytelling.

Superman: Son of Superman is collected in trade paperback and Superman Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 1 hardcover. The story is also available digitally via ComiXology, Kindle and DC Universe Infinite, making it easy to read either in physical editions or online.