In Superman: Son of Kal-El #4, DC’s new Lex Luthor manages to take down the new Man of Steel, Jon Kent, without lifting a finger.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Superman: Son of Kal-El #4, on sale now from DC Comics.
In Superman: Son of Kal-El, Jon Kent is quickly learning the perils that come with the job of being the new Man of Steel. He’s got his own Lex Luthor in the form of Henry Bendix, who went from directing Stormwatch to being a Wildstorm tyrant. However, while it seems like an impassioned Jon may be getting the upper hand on the criminal mastermind, Bendix shows the teen who’s boss, breaking him without even lifting a finger.
In Issue #4 (by Tom Taylor, Daniele Di Nicuolo, Gabe Eltaeb, Hi-Fi and Dave Sharpe), Jon hates how Bendix, ruler of Gamorra, is using the country’s autonomy and diplomatic rules to experiment on and create metahumans. His crush, Jay, is one of them, with Jon discovering that more people are still suffering, and desperately fleeing to America.
Jon confronts Bendix peacefully to discuss freeing the refugees. However, an obstinate Bendix makes it clear these immigrants are enemies of the state. As such, he’s gotten a couple extradited and one way or the other, the others will follow. As Jon flies off, however, Bendix decides to get retribution for what he perceives as arrogance on the part of the new Superman. The sinister politician then gives orders to a mysterious project over headset.
Jon hears a metahuman he saved earlier crying out and breaks through a cell to save him. Unfortunately, this is a trap, and Jon is hit with what appears to be Red Kryptonite blasts that charge and overload his body. Jon looks like he’s been turned into a bomb as he takes to the sky, appearing to be in nearly unbearable pain. In the meantime, Bendix relaxes in the comfort of his home, enjoying the show.
This is an indication of how cool, calculating and cruel Bendix is, coldly and methodically punishing Jon for his disrespect. He plays the inexperienced Superman, banking on exuberant youth and inexperience, which harkens to days when Clark would emotionally rush into the schemes of Lex Luthor without thought or reason. Jon hasn’t learned to temper this yet, and Bendix is able to take full advantage.
As Jon desperately searches for a cure to his condition, the villain savors the spectacle of the moment. In the end, this doesn’t bode well for Jon or the other heroes, as the last thing they need is another Lex Luthor who is willing to use his cunning and vast resources to cause immense damage ease.
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