In this review of Superman #42, Zod arrives from Krypton’s past. Will Superman avoid confrontation or jump headfirst into battle?
SUPERMAN #42
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by EDDY BARROWS
Main Cover: LUCAS MEYER
Variant Covers: DANIEL SAMPERE, MARCIO TAKARA, CHRISTIAN WARD, MARK SPEARS, JOSÉ LADRÖNN
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 9/23/26
This review contains spoilers
In Superman Unlimited #17, Superman used his golden powers to remove the threat of the Green K around the world. To open Superman #42, the penultimate issue of the “Kingdom of Zod” event, Clark helps Supergirl’s Super Force break free from the dungeons of El Caldero.
Mary Marvel and Martian Manhunter then help Superman search for Kara and young Clark, but they are nowhere to be found on Earth. When Zod’s body is discovered near Kryptonian technology by Tomorrow Man, Superman comes to investigate.
They soon hear a cry for help from Booster Gold, who is still being held captive. He tells Superman about how Ursa stole the time sphere, taking Supergirl and Superboy along for the ride. As soon as Booster finishes his explanation, the Zod from Krypton’s past arrives in the time sphere.
Rather than attacking, Superman kneels out of respect and welcomes Zod to Earth. The two Kryptonians talk, but Zod wants to work together on saving Krypton from destruction. Clark tells Zod he can’t do that because it’s too dangerous to the timeline.
The discussions come to an impasse and Zod, having had time to absorb energy from the yellow sun, attacks Superman, leading to end of this issue and the finale of the event in the upcoming Superman: Kingdom of Zod Special #1.
Analysis
Back in Superman #41, Joshua Williamson worked some magic by shuffling through the main Superman storyline while still managing to give this event’s entire cast of characters some time to shine. He’s still doing a good job with it in this issue. Naturally, the main focus remains on Superman and his encounter with Zod, but we get to see everyone else who’s been present in this event.
The Super Force, Mary Marvel, and Martian Manhunter appear before and just after the title page, helping the citizens of El Caldero to recover. Lois Lane, Jon Kent, and Lena Luthor help Clark in the investigation of Zod’s death. Of course, Steel and family are present working on something important (more on that in a moment).
During that investigation of Zod’s dead body, Superboy Prime shines once again, updating Clark on his “taking over” of the Superman title during his absence. Prime is freaking out, thinking Superman will be mad, but Clark reassures him that everything is okay. It’s a fun segment and I’m still patiently waiting for an announcement that Prime is getting his own series, even if it starts out as a limited one and gets extended, similar to other “Next Level” titles.
Lena Luthor looks like she’ll play a key role in the finale, since she’s created a time-travel bomb and intends to use it on Zod. She only gets a few panels in the issue, but that bomb will be a major element in the story soon enough.
I liked Superman’s approach to this younger version of Zod. Instead of immediately opening up with attacks, he took the more humble method by kneeling. This wasn’t out of submission, but out of respect. Williamson’s got a powerful message there, one worth paying attention to.
The issue is drawn by Eddy Barrows and Eduardo Pansica. Their illustrations are inked by Eber Ferreira and Julio Ferreira. Colors are provided by Ulises Arreola. This team of multiple artists put out some beautiful pages. The entire issue features great panel layouts that keep you engaged. My favorite page comes toward the end of the issue when Zod blasts Superman with heat vision. It’s a gorgeous page full of energy, pain, and rage.
Final Thoughts
Superman #42 carries us a few steps short of the finish line. It’s full of action and excellent character moments. It serves as the perfect lead up to the conclusion of an entertaining event. Have fun, comic lovers!
