Warning: SPOILERS for Superman #2Superman's classic villain, Parasite, just got a massive power upgrade, and it could impact the entire DC Universe. Just as Superman and his family are entering a new era in 2023, so are Superman's villains, and it's already causing massive problems in Metropolis and maybe around the world.
Superman grasps the gravity of his current Parasite problem at the end of Superman #2 by Joshua Williamson, Jamal Campbell, and Ariana Maher. Throughout the issue, he and the Super-Family struggle with battling a version of Parasite who seems to have multiplied exponentially. Though these Parasites are much smaller than the super-sized villain readers are used to, they're just as dangerous. And when Superman goes searching for Lois Lane at The Daily Planet, he learns just how dangerous they are.
Superman discovers that Lois has been transformed into a Parasite-like being herself, which is when he realizes that these miniature and multiplying Parasites are "in the air." And it's possible even Superman himself has been infected: the final page shows him half-transformed into a Parasite-like being.
Parasite Is Airborne, And Anyone Could Be Infected
This mini, self-replicating, and airborne version of Parasite is a huge change of pace for the normally kaiju-like villain. Parasite's powers are based on a simple concept: he feeds on the energy and abilities of other creatures, and the more he feeds, the larger he gets. Parasite (Rudy Jones and other versions) has faced off with Superman and other Kryptonians countless times, and it makes sense: they're some of the most powerful beings on Earth, so of course they would attract an energy-draining nemesis. But Superman's new era—which aligns with the ongoing Dawn of DC initiative—also means a new era for Superman's villains. The new Superman title has promised to reinvent and reinvigorate some of Superman's long-time enemies—Lex Luthor among them—and Parasite is just the beginning.
In any case, it's a striking beginning, and Parasite's new powers could have a huge impact on the larger DCU. If Parasite has become airborne—meaning he's more like a disease that can be ed among breathing creatures than a singular monster—it's only a matter of time before he infects the world beyond Metropolis. Parasite has already infected Lois Lane and maybe even Superman himself. If these powers are even semi-permanent—if Parasite remains airborne for more than this opening story arc for Superman—the DCU could experience a pandemic-level breakout.
Superman #2 ends on a classic cliffhanger, and readers don't yet know if, in fact, Parasite will make it out of Metropolis. With Superman and the Super-Family on the case, it's likely he and his new powers will be contained before long. But it's interesting to see, in 2023, disease become a new and terrifying part of Parasite's power set. Superman can take down a building-sized monster—but how will he take down a Parasite of the air and blood?
Superman #2 is available now from DC Comics!
