Summary
Supermanis one of the most iconic superheroes in the DC Universe, his unwavering smile and optimism inspiring hope in the hearts of many. However, Superman has faced a monstrous transformation that suggests that there’s more to the Man of Steel than what he displays on the surface.
In the story “The Crucible” by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Cully Hamner, Dave McCaig, and AndWorld Design fromDog Days of Summer#1, Superman brings Krypto along as he infiltrates a mysterious alien ship that arrives on Earth. Inside, each level of the ship features a test meant tomess with Superman’s headand break him down psychologically. As the ship uncovers his weakness,Superman’s inner demons take physical form- and it’s a horrifying sight to behold.
This two-headed giant represents Superman’s two personas at odds with each other, and it reveals thatSuperman is struggling more than he lets on.
Superman Reveals the True Purpose of His Cape, Redefining How We See His Costume Forever
Superman uses his cape to save both of his worlds at once thanks to its Kryptonian material, proving that it isn’t just there for show.
Panels fromHeroes in Crisis#2 by Tom King, Clay Mann, Travis Moore, Tomeu Morey, Arif Prianto, and Clayton Cowles
Superman’s nightmarish transformation exposes his insecurities about juggling his two identities: Clark Kent and Superman. As a Kryptonian raised on Earth, Clark has never felt that he belongs among earthlings, which leads to feelings of loneliness thateven Superman tries to keep under wraps. To fit in, he created the mild-mannered Clark Kent persona to use when he isn’t flying around as Superman. However, these two identities split him in two, andthe monster created by the Crucible proves that he is secretly suffering from an identity crisis.
Superman may present himself as fearless when he protects innocents, but the reveal of his secret weakness proves he’s hiding fears of his own.
The true root of Superman’s fear, as revealed in his terrifying form, is that he feelshe will never be able to merge his two personas. The two heads of the monster each represent one of his identities, showing that they can never truly be one. Hissecret identity as Clark Kentallows him to blend in with humans, while his identity as Superman makes him a symbolic figure that’s far removed from humanity. The two are fundamentally incompatible, so it makes sense that his greatest nightmare would be that they can never become one.
Superman Isn’t as Put-Together as He Looks
Even Superman Battles His Inner Demons - Literally
Superman may present himselfas fearless when he protects innocents, but the reveal of his secret weakness proves he’s hiding fears of his own. His struggles with his identity show that he isn’t as well-adjusted as some might believe, and that even superheroes struggle despite how above-it-all they appear to be. Although Superman is often idolized, this insecurity exposes a more human side to the superhuman. It’s hard to say whetherSupermanwill ever be at peace with his identity, but at least he’s aware of his weakness and can work through it, just like anyone else.
Dog Days of Summer#1is available now from DC Comics.
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.
