In this review of Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1, we explore the life of a different Krypton survivor. How will another member of the House of El handle life on Earth?
SUPERMAN: FATHER OF TOMORROW #1
Written by KENNY PORTER
Art and Main Cover: DANNY EARLS
Variant Covers: RILEY ROSSMO, GABRIEL HARDMAN, NIMIT MALAVIA
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 5/27/26
This review contains spoilers
In Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1, it’s not Kal-El who crashes to Earth, but instead, Jor-El, who escapes the destruction of Krypton to arrive at the Kent farm. With his family and world destroyed, he takes on the name Jordan and becomes the adopted brother of Jonathan Kent.
Jordan helps around the farm, using Kryptonian technology, but stays out of the public spotlight, not wanting to interfere with the progress of Earth. When Jonathan dies of a heart attack, Jor-El grieves his loss, knowing that if he had shared his technology with the world, he could have saved Jonathan.
At the same time that Jordan decides to reveal himself, General Sam Lane and Dr. John Corben activate their Stormwatch defense robot, Metallo. When Metallo goes haywire and almost crushes a young Lois Lane, Jordan swoops in to save the day.
He defeats the robotic sentry. Jor-El is quick to tell the general that he’s a friend and informs everyone that he should not be feared, as he’s only here to help.
Analysis
Writer Kenny Porter gives us a story that’s a familiar, yet different, take on the Superman origin story. As fans of Elseworlds stories know, there’s plenty of twists and turns that take an old tale and make it fresh. This one is no exception. It’s an entertaining, fast-paced first part to a six-issue limited series.
I like the alternate take on Superman in this story. Jor-El, as a father and husband, struggles with the loss of his world and family. Instead of a baby with no recollection of Krypton, this is an adult dealing with his memories of the destruction of his home and all he loved. On top of that, he knows that he could have saved Jonathan if he had not followed Krypton’s laws of noninterference with a planet’s natural progress.
All of this happens within the span of about 23 pages, so Porter keeps it tight and efficient. There’s no wasted space in this one, which I would imagine all readers like to see.
I also liked the appearances of many familiar characters, but in slightly different roles or situations. We get to see a young Lois and a young Lex, as well as a mention of Pete Ross. Of course, Perry White is present, but as a television reporter for the Daily Planet.
The illustrations in Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1 by artist Danny Earls feature solid linework that is complimented nicely by Nick Filardi’s colors. Each panel is full of detail and the character expressions convey meaning on their own. My two favorite pages both feature Jor-El. One is when he’s flying Jonathan to the hospital after the heart attack and the other is when he is saving Lois. Both demonstrate his strength, but in totally different ways. The super suit is a black and white design with a cape placement that is reminiscent of a robe. Overall, the look of this title is excellent.
Final Thoughts
Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1 kicks off an alternative universe tale of a father’s sorrow over the loss of one home and his desire to help a new one. Featuring familiar names and places, but in somewhat different circumstances, this should be an entertaining Elseworlds story many fans can enjoy. Have fun, comic lovers!
