DC Comics has officially introduced a disturbing new iteration of Superman in the recent special, 'Next Level: One Shot #1'. This latest version of the Man of Steel is presented as a horrific, genetically engineered clone discovered by Deadshot.
Written by Gerry Duggan and illustrated by Fernando Blanco, the comic sees Deadshot uncovering a conspiracy involving cloned superpowered beings. While this version of Superman appears alongside similarly cloned versions of Wonder Woman and Batman, this Superman stands out due to its unsettling nature. According to the narrative, previous versions of this clone were too dangerous, necessitating the removal of its eyes.
A particularly disturbing revelation is that this grotesque Superman clone houses a living Starro within its body. This parasitic entity can be deployed to gather biological data, which is then utilized in the cloning process. The comic also notes that these newly created Trinity clones are only three weeks old, adding to their unsettling nature.
The narrative explores the core of Superman's character, emphasizing that his humanity and upbringing, particularly his lessons from Pa and Ma Kent, ground him as a protector. The story posits that removing these elements from such a powerful being results in an unchecked and dangerous entity. 'Next Level: One Shot #1' presents this exact scenario, introducing a nightmarish version of the hero.
While DC has explored various alternate and evil versions of Superman throughout its nearly 90-year history, this particular reinvention, featuring a parasitic alien and its disturbing origins, suggests a uniquely terrifying direction for the character. 'Next Level: One Shot #1' is currently available at comic shops.