Warning! Spoilers for Superman #30 ahead!
Robin. Following recent traumatic events, their relationships as fathers and sons have been put to the test.
Over the years, fans have watched as Batman and Superman have grown into fatherhood, with dramatically different ways of raising their children. Similarly, Jon Kent and Damian Wayne have grown up before readers’ eyes, maturing into the heroes they eventually become in Future State. However, the Super Sons have recently endured traumatic experiences which their fathers weren’t able to protect them from. In the case of Damian, Bruce has had to learn how to be a dad in the midst of Alfred’s ing. Arguably even more traumatic than death, Jon has recently been lost in the multiverse for several years. Both of these instances have led Batman and Superman to retain guilt, proving themselves incapable of being there for their sons when they needed them the most.
Clark’s more thoughtful approach to parenting has arguably proven him to be a better dad than Bruce, as depicted in Superman #30 written by Sean Lewis and Phillip Kennedy Johnson with art by Sami Basri and Scott Godlewski. Following Jon Kent’s return to his family, his relationship with his father is relatively unchanged, and potentially even stronger than before. Although Clark is filled with regret over what had happened to Jon, he is essentially able to pick up where he left off as a dad. This showcase of their father and son relationship rivals that of Bruce and Damian, which is much more dysfunctional and has been greatly impacted by the death of Alfred. The trained child assassin has renounced his father, leading Bruce to consider Damian departure to be his greatest failure.
Whereas Superman sees the man that his son Jon could become someday, Bruce is motivated by fear, concerned by who Damian could grow into. Tying into previous events, Batman recalls a possible future in which Damian becomes a version of the Dark Knight who destroys Gotham City, as seen in Batman #666. Instead of raising his son to simply take over for him someday as the city’s protector, he is overwhelmed with the idea that Damian could evolve into a monster. Although it’s true that such traumatic experiences could have a profound influence, the contrasting responses between Jon and Damian to their dads says a lot about the World’s Finest.
Superman and Batman tend to mirror each other, and the same is true regarding their fatherly flaws. As Clark arguably gives Jon too much freedom, Bruce practically micromanages and undercuts Damian. Superman optimistically trusts Jon Kent, looking forward to who he becomes someday. Unfortunately, Bruce can’t help but predict his own failure, sparking a self-fulfilling prophecy in this particular turn of events. Hopefully, the Man of Tomorrow is able to rub off on Batman and provide some guidance to mend his and Damian Wayne's relationship.
