Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1078Superman has taken down plenty of dangerous opponents over the years, but his latest challenge is enough to put even Doomsday to shame. An army of Kryptonians has spawned in Earth's vicinity, and with the Super-Family weakened, only Superman can make a stand as his home's last line of defense against its most perilous threat to date.
Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, and Michael Shelfer's "Phantoms" storyline reaches a fever pitch in Action Comics #1078. Aethyr's machinations have led to the Phantom Zone being destroyed, taking out Earth's sun with it to fuel his dastardly schemes. Superman tries to free the Zone's prisoners in an effort to save their lives - and the Earth - but his plan backfires when they emerge beside the sun.
As the Phantom Zone inhabitants are exposed to the yellow sun, they unlock the true extent of their superhuman abilities, reaching Superman's level of might. Superman must now face off against full-powered Kryptonians in a fight that makes Doomsday seem like a joke.
Superman Faces His Greatest Challenge Yet as Kryptonian Criminals Attack
The Phantom Zone Prisoners Rival Superman Thanks to Earth's Sun
Superman's most diabolical villain yet, Aethyr, has weakened by the red sunlight and unable to put up a fight. Supergirl and Jon Kent set out to free the prisoners safely, only for them to somehow Superman near Earth's sun.
Superman's "Black Lightning" Weakness Makes Kryptonite Look Safe
Superman reveals a mysterious new weakness that puts Kryptonite to shame, as Krypton's black lightning affects him in a terrifying way.
yellow sun's proximity, as demonstrated here when Superman recharges. Earth's sun is therefore the ideal energy source for the prisoners now that they're free. Superman's immeasurable power in the hands of Krypton's darkest criminals is a recipe for disaster, and although Superman is certainly a powerhouse, he's at a critical disadvantage against so many fighters of his caliber.
Superman Faces an Army of Kryptonians Alone in the Ultimate Battle
Superman Is Outnumbered and Outmatched - Can He Win This Fight?
Superman isn't only rivaled in raw power by these incoming Kryptonians, because they also possess strength in numbers. Normally, Superman has the Super-Family to watch his back when he's in trouble. As recently as Action Comics #1070, when the rest of Superman's family powerless and separated, he has no choice but to take on the Phantom Zone prisoners without their help. Superman is officially in for the fight of his life against this Doomsday-level threat.
Action Comics #1078 is available now from DC Comics.
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.
