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Screenwise Verdict
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.
Age Fit
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.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88
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.
Imaginative
82
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.
Safe
92
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.
Enriching
90
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.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
It’s Superman for a generation that cares more about climate change than Lex Luthor's latest real estate scam.
Jon Kent is a fantastic role model for boys, showing that being 'super' is more about empathy than muscles.
The art is bright, modern, and genuinely fun to look at.
It handles Jon's identity (he's bisexual) in a way that feels like a natural part of his life, not a gimmick.
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What to Watch For
Standard superhero brawls—expect some punching and property damage, though it’s never gory.
The book leans into real-world politics (refugees, environmentalism), which might be a conversation starter or a turn-off depending on your kid's interests.
Conversation Starters
"If you had Superman's powers, would you focus on stopping individual crimes or trying to fix bigger world problems?"
"Why do you think Jon feels so much pressure to be like his father, and how is he trying to be different?"
"What did you think of the way Jon handled the protest scene? Was he being a hero or just getting in the way?"
