Superman: Father of Tomorrow #5 Review
Writer: Kenny Porter
Artist: Danny Earls
Colorist: Nick Filardi
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Cover Artists: Danny Earls & Nick Filardi
Variant Cover Artists: Gabriel Hardman & Matt
Hollingsworth; Taurin Clarke
Editors: Michael McCalister & Andrew Marino
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (Card Stock)
Release Date: September 23, 2026
Seeing Jonathan Kent die, and knowing he could have saved
him, propelled Jor-El on a crusade. Yet while he seeks to upgrade Earth's
technology, villains adapt his Kryptonian tech to build even more powerful
weapons. Even Batman believes Jor-El's attempt to help Humanity adversely
altered his life.
Now, his former ally, General Sam Lane, wants to kill or
control Jor-El. Will he receive help from another of Jor-El’s former friends?
And can Lois Lane prevent her father from killing Humanity’s great benefactor?
Let’s leap up, up, and away into Superman: Father of Tomorrow #5 and see!
Story
Lex Luthor's father wanted Lex to follow in his footsteps.
Instead, he bought into Superman's vision of the world. But when he deviated
from the plan, Superman cast him aside. So, Lex bolstered his scientific
expertise by mastering magic. Then, in the time-honored manner of tyrants
everywhere, Lex killed his teachers so they could never defy him. Now, he
wields Nabu, Dr Fate's former helmet, as a sword. And he intends to impose his
own order on the world.
In Superman: Father of Tomorrow #5, Lex Luthor is in good
company. General Sam Lane has become Captain Atom to kill all metahumans he
cannot control. Then there’s Jor-El. After failing to save his family and his
planet, Jor-El intends to insulate Humanity against its weaknesses. Each man
believes he’s smart enough to save the world. But as Martha counsels Jor-El,
wielding too much power creates problems instead of solving them.
As Kenny Porter weaves his story about three perfectionists,
he also gives other characters a chance to shine. But while people strive to give
Lex Luthor, General Sam Lane, and Jor-El wake-up calls, each must recognize
that they have become the dangers that they dedicated their lives to combating.
Still, the revelation may come too late. All of them, in their own ways, have
created a threat that may destroy the world, unless they can resolve it in
Superman: Father of Tomorrow #5.
Art
The Spectre may have sympathized with John Constantine in
Bobo’s bar. But when John confronts a Lex Luthor clothed in shimmering green
armor and a green cape, Lex offers him disdain instead. While General Lane's
skin now resembles a diamond, the red image on his chest reinforces his status
as the hardest soldier to kill. But as forces battle in Metropolis, Jor-El sits
in his farming clothes at the Kent Farm. Martha wants him to be open with her.
So, she pours him a mug of coffee.
As Danny Earls contrasts Jor-El’s futuristic Metropolis with
Martha’s little-changed Kent Farm, Nick Filardi adorns Superman: Father of
Tomorrow #5 with a vibrant palette. Captain Atom’s red symbol and blue skin
represent his hope for the world and his anger at metahumans. Lex Luthor’s
armor links him with Krypton and Jor-El’s attempt to protect his world. Yet
while the orange Kryptonite in the Fortress of Solitude shows what Lex Luthor
desires, the destruction he unleashes hints at his love for the world. Jor-El
feels as misguided as General Lane and Lex. Yet the costume beneath his shirt
and overalls expresses his belief that doing right by others should be
black-and-white.
Lucas Gattoni fills white balloons and boxes with black
uppercase letters. The words grow bold for intonation and change color when
casting spells. Black letters in beige boxes locate readers in time and space.
Yet amid all the fighting, energy blasts, and explosions, the rumbling ground
shows how Luthor views his place in the world. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing
this story with us.
Final Thoughts
When people are struggling, it's natural to want to help
them. But when Jor-El tries to make Earth more like the world he lost, he gives
them new problems to contend with. Her friend from the stars may be feeling
sorry for himself. Still, Martha isn't letting Jor-El bask in self-blame in
Superman: Father of Tomorrow #5.
Rating 9.8/10
Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.
For a look inside see Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #5 Preview.
For the battle at the United Nations, see Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #4 Preview.
For Intergang's attack on upgraded public transportation, see my preview of Superman: Father of Tomorrow #3.
For how Jor-El fares against Kryptonite, see my preview of Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #2.
For how this series started see my preview of Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #1.
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