Warning: SPOILERS for Superman: Son of Kal-El #18His “Electric Blue” costume didn’t amount to anything long-term decades ago, but Superman‘s 1990s reboot suit may finally prove to be worthwhile through his son, Jon Kent. Back in 1998, Clark Kent’s traditional look was updated to reflect the new energy-based powers that he had adopted at the time. These powers came with a blue and white suit used to contain all of that energy. This would quickly evolve into two suits when a plot conceived by Cyborg Superman and Toyman split the Last Son of Krypton into two people: Superman Red and Superman Blue. The two versions of Supes would eventually merge back together, reducing Superman back to his normal self before the initial status quo change, rendering the reboot attempt kind of mute.
However, it seems that the Superman Blue costume will be making a comeback, not to be adorned by Clark Kent, but by his son. With the release of Superman: Son of Kal-El #18, writer Tom Taylor unveiled via Twitter both the cover art from Travis Moore and Tamra Bonvillain, as well as a variant featuring Jon unveiling his Blue outfit, continuing to tease its inevitable reintroduction into DC lore. In the variant, Jon can be seen sporting the same high-voltage energy powers that his father showcased more than 20 years ago.
Jon Kent Dons His Father’s ‘Electric Blue’ Suit
Jon Kent’s new look has been teased ever since the “Explore the Multiverse” panel at New York City Comic-Con revealed that the look can be expected to be seen during the “Lazarus Planet” arc. The look is expected to debut in Batman vs. Robin #4, which releases later this month. In this issue a volcano containing the Lazarus Formula is set to explode and cover the planet in its substance. Among those affected by the blast will be Jon Kent, who like his father two decades prior, will gain a new look and powers.
Although Superman: Son of Kal-El #18 does not feature the debut of Jon Kent’s new powers and look, it does continue to tease its eventual arrival, as Jon’s electric powers seem to briefly activate during an encounter with Red Sin, much as they previously appeared to do so in an encounter with Bendix some issues prior. Jon Kent’s Superman still isn’t sure of what’s happening to him as he can only ever describe it in previous issues as “weird” or in this issue, “something else, something I’ve felt before.” Long-time readers, though, will see the brief, sparkling look in Jon’s eyes and notice the similarities between this and Superman Blue.
A major running theme of Superman: Son of Kal-El has been the repercussions that sons suffer when it comes to the sins of their fathers, so to speak. For instance, Red Sin’s parents were scientists who worked for Lex Luthor and were killed in an explosion, for which Red Sin blames Superman. While Superman’s rebooted ’90s powers aren’t exactly a sin, it is another example of the past affecting the future and its offspring.
It would make sense, in theme, for Jon’s new upgrade to be something that has been long dormant in his DNA, but never tapped into until now. What’s old may very well be new again as Clark Kent’s short-lived ’90s upgrade could help add to Jon Kent‘s evolution as Superman.
Superman: Son of Kal-El #18 is on sale now from DC Comics.
Source: Tom Taylor via Twitter
