[ad_1]
Warning: contains spoilers for Action Comics #1071!DC just introduced a radical new piece of technology that transforms Superman’s powers forever. Superman is DC’s most powerful hero, but this power comes with a caveat: he must be under a yellow sun to use it. This has made missions outside of Earth’s solar system difficult, but as seen in Action Comics #1071, a revolutionary new device levels the playing field for the Man of Steel.
Action Comics #1071, part two of “The Phantoms” story arc, was written by Mark Waid and drawn by Clayton Henry and Michael Shelfer. Superman is embarking on a dangerous mission into the Phantom Zone. Not only will Superman be in the presence of some of the universe’s worst criminals, but he will not be under a yellow sun, and thus have no powers. However, Superman came prepared: working with Doctor Bruce Gordon, DC’s foremost expert on all things solar, he developed a pair of bracelets that can artificially charge his cells, allowing him to use his powers without a yellow sun.
Superman’s Hidden Weakness, Explained
Superman Has Had to Find A Way Around this Weakness for Over 80 Years
This innovative device allows Superman to overcome one of his biggest weaknesses, one rarely discussed in the same breath as Kryptonite or magic. His home world of Krypton lived under a red sun, which kept them from utilizing their powers. The cells of a native of Krypton function like a battery, ones charged by the light of a yellow sun. How this works has varied over the years: for instance, in John Byrne’s Man of Steel, Clark’s cells were gradually charged over the years, leading to his powers to develop as he got older.
Superman recognizes this limitation, and these battery bracelets are the perfect workaround, and will make adventures in other star systems and realms much smoother.
Superman recognizes this limitation, and these battery bracelets are the perfect workaround, and will make adventures in other star systems and realms much smoother. As seen in Action Comics #1071, the bracelets work well, allowing the Man of Steel to combat the horrors of the Phantom Zone. However, these bracelets do come with a downside: they only last but so long. Furthermore, when Superman uses the bracelets, it taxes them, forcing him to use his powers sparingly. Yet what is important is, they do work, and over time, Superman and Doctor Gordon can refine the technology.
Superman Got Help From an Unlikely Ally
Bruce Gordon Has Done Superman A Huge Favor
It is worth noting Doctor Gordon’s involvement in helping Superman. Superman refers to Gordon as: “the world’s premiere solar scientist.” Gordon has good reason to be an expert in this field: he was once the host for the darkness and shadow-based villain Eclipso. After being freed from Eclipso’s clutches, Gordon would go on to develop a number of solar-based devices. Many of these were to benefit humanity, while others were in place to fight Eclipso. It was revealed that through Gordon, Eclipso had hampered humanity’s research into solar technology, setting progress back by decades. Gordon’s actions here are his atonement.
Related
Superman’s New Power is a Genius Combination of His Super-Senses & God-Tier Strength
When facing bizarre happenings in the Phantom Zone, Superman thinks outside the box to devise a powerfully clever solution to a dangerous problem.
Once Doctor Gordon and Superman work the bugs out of the solar battery bracelets, then the Man of Steel will have a serious advantage in the field. His reliance on the light of a yellow sun has held him back on many occasions, but now this weakness is a thing of the past. Superman has already put the bracelets to good use, and his upcoming fight with Aethyr will be their ultimate test. Should they prove their mettle, Superman will never have to worry about having his powers ever again.
Action Comics #1071 is on sale now from DC Comics!
[ad_2]
Source link
