Summary
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Absolute Power #2!SupermanandAquamanhave long been allies in the Justice League, but their stories rarely intersect outside of big team-ups. Now, though, a tragic twist of fate is bringing them closer than ever, as Clark Kent finds himself on the brink of joining a club that no hero ever wants to be part of.
Even if Jon does survive, there remains the pressing concern of whether Brainiac Queen’s reprogramming can be undone or if Superman’s son is lost forever.
In Absolute Power #2 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, DC’s heroes regroup atSuperman’s Fortress of Solitudeafter Amanda Waller’s brutal attack on metahumans. Waller unleashed her power-stealing Amazos, stripping Earth’s defenders of their abilities and capturing them.The Super-Family was among the first to fall, with Superman losing his powers and Jon being taken by Waller.
When Superman awakens after barely surviving the attack, he is understandably distraught to learn that DC’s most dangerous villain has captured his son. Issue #2 further explores this distress, asAquaman offers his friend comfort in a way few others can.
“The Pain of Losing a Child Is Unbearable”:Aquaman & Superman Share Heartbreaking Moment
InAbsolute Power#2, Superman is noticeably distracted, and while fans can easily guess what’s weighing on his mind, it isn’t until a poignant scene with Arthur Curry that Clark finally voices his concerns. Sitting in a secluded area of the Fortress, Clark admits he feels deeply aggrieved for failing to protect his son. He acknowledges that Jon is strong and capable, but as he trails off,Aquaman finishes his thought, saying,“But you’re his father. And the pain of losing a child is unbearable.“This statement carries particular weight, given that if anyone understands the agony of losing a child, it’s Aquaman.
Arthur’s tragic loss of his son, Arthur Jr., in the infamousDeath of a Princestoryline remains one of DC’s darkest moments.In this tale,Black Manta kidnapped young Arthur Jr., trapping him in a bubble that slowly filled with air. The harrowing condition for his release was forcing Aquaman to fight his sidekick, Aqualad, to the death. As the battle took place, Aquaman’s octopus ally, Topo, managed to distract Manta, giving Arthur a brief chance to throw his trident at the bubble. But tragically, the rescue came too late—Arthur Jr. was already dead. This devastating history adds a profound emotional depth to the exchange between Superman and Aquaman.
Aquaman’s son was killed in David Michelinie and Jim Aparo’sAdventure Comics#452 (1977).
Will Jon Kent Meet the Same Fate as Arthur Curry Jr. inAbsolute Power?
InAbsolute Power#2, it’s revealed that Jon Kent hasn’t merely been imprisoned by Waller—he’s been transformed into a cyborg monstrosityand reprogrammed to obey her commands. Her first directive to the newly brainwashed hero is to attack the Fortress of Solitude and his fellow heroes. By the end of the issue, while Jon is still alive, questions arise about his fate: Will he survive his cybernetic transformation, or will he fall victim to Waller’s scheme? Even if he does survive, there remains the pressing concern of whether Brainiac Queen’s reprogramming can be undone or ifSuperman’sson is lost forever.
ABSOLUTE POWER #2 (2024)
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
Aquaman
Aquaman, DC Comics’ King of Atlantis, is Arthur Curry—a half-human, half-Atlantean hero. Wielding a magical trident, he commands the oceans, communicates with sea life, and is an iconic member of the Justice League.
