Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1080Superman’s weakness against magic isn’t exclusive to him, since it’s a weakness that every Kryptonian in DC history is afflicted with. However, a long-forgotten Kryptonian has demonstrated that he’s not only immune to magic, but also has the power to weaponize it himself. An overlooked villain from Superman’s past has reappeared after decades, wielding magic in a way that no other Kryptonian can.
The preview forAction Comics#1080 by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Matt Herms, and Dave Sharpe sends Superman and Mon-El on a space expedition to prevent rogueKryptonians from taking over the universe. On Planet Grenda, one of the Phantom Zone’s convicts - Ras-Krom - is described by Superman as"Krypton’s only sorcerer", which he proves by transforming myths into reality via magical spells.
With his jaw-dropping display of otherworldly power, Ras-Krom makes a memorable impression by utilizing mystic arts despite his biological limitations.Ras-Krom’s affinity for magic gives him an advantage over every other Kryptonian in DC lore - even Superman.
Superman Reintroduces Krypton’s Only Magic-User to DC Continuity
Ras-Krom Is One of DC’s Most Powerful Kryptonians Thanks to His Sorcery
If you’ve never heard of Ras-Krom, don’t feel discouraged, because this obscure Superman villain has only made a handful of appearances. This mystical Kryptonian debuted in 1963’sSuperman#164 by Jerry Siegel and Al Plastino as an escapedprisoner from the Phantom Zone, just as he is in the current story. In this first outing, Ras-Krom causes an atomic blast to escape his captivity in the Zone and manages to evade Superman’s capture device. Although the nature of this “atomic blast” is kept vague, it can be assumed that he’d used magic to break free, and he then seeks to"defeat Superman and conquer the universe".
It’s Official: Superman Just Lost His Closest Tie to Krypton
In a heartbreaking moment, Superman has been permanently exiled from the Bottle City of Kandor, severing his last remaining connection to Krypton.
Ras-Krom’s status as a sorcerer sets him apart from the rest of his kind, asKryptonians are known to be weak against magicdue to their biology. While this powerful race is otherwise exceptionally durable against attacks -earning Superman his “Man of Steel” nickname- magic is a force that even a Kryptonian cannot withstand without sustaining major damage.Ras-Krom’s status as the planet’s only sorcerer means he lacks this typical weakness, as he’s learned how to channel a power that is usually incompatible with his species. If Ras-Krom cannot be defeated by magic, he could potentially be the strongest Kryptonian in DC lore.
Move Over, Lex Luthor: Ras-Krom Is the Ideal Arch-Nemesis for Superman
Superman’s Weakness to Magic Makes Him Vulnerable to This Kryptonian Sorcerer
Superman isn’t the biggest fan of magic, and his disdain for it extends beyond physical weakness. He voices this inSuperman#18 by Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell, when he loses his powers andteams up with Zatanna. During this issue, he complains about how he doesn’t understand magic because its rules are always changing.Ras-Krom is therefore the perfect opponent for him, since he’s mastered an ability that Superman doesn’t have any defense against or comprehension of.A battle against Ras-Krom would pushSupermanto his absolute limits, and DC would be remiss not to take advantage of this compelling Kryptonian match-up.
Action Comics#1080is available December 18th, 2024 from DC Comics.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
