2021
WISE Score
Amazon
Jon Kent steps out of his dad's shadow to tackle 21st-century problems like a hero who actually reads the news.
4.6
4.6View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
If you're worried that superheroes have become too dark or cynical, this is the antidote. It’s a refreshing, bright, and deeply moral series that actually has something to say.
It manages to be 'woke' in the best sense of the word—meaning it’s awake to the world around it. It’s not just a legacy cash-grab; it’s a legitimate evolution of the Superman mythos that feels relevant for 2026.
Perfect for middle schoolers and up. It’s written for the YA crowd, so 11 or 12 is the sweet spot, but a mature 9-year-old who follows the news would get a lot out of it too.
Jon Kent is basically the poster child for empathy. He doesn't just punch robots; he worries about refugees and systemic injustice. It's a very 'kind' book that prioritizes emotional intelligence over raw power.
While it's grounded in current-day social issues, it still offers the high-flying, sci-fi spectacle you expect from a Superman title. It creatively reinterprets what a 'modern' superhero looks like in a world where the problems are more complex than a bank robbery.
It's a standard DC comic. There's some action and peril, but nothing gratuitous or gory. The romantic subplots are sweet and age-appropriate for the teen target market.
This is where the book shines. It tackles big-picture ethics—like the responsibility of power and how to fix a broken world—without being a total drag. It encourages kids to think about the world beyond their own backyard.
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