It's Official: Superman’s Alien Biology Makes Him One of Humanity's Top Threats
Warning: Spoilers for Jenny Sparks #6
Superman's Kryptonian biology is an asset to him more often than not, granting him astounding powers that have aided his heroic endeavors. With that being said, his alien nature has its downsides, and he just revealed that one unexpected aspect of his biology makes him a danger to the people of Earth. What might be considered a strength to some is now being redefined as Superman's most tragic weakness.
Jenny Sparks #6 by Tom King, Jeff Spokes, and Clayton Cowles features a flashback to 2020, in which Superman and the Justice League grapple with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenny removes her mask in a fit of frustration, and as Superman hands her a replacement, he explains why he wears one himself.
Even though Superman's alien genetics make him immune to Earth-bound viruses, he still has the potential to spread it to others who are more susceptible than he is. One of Superman's abilities turns him into a threat to humanity, and even the act of saving lives could lead to him endangering them.
Superman's Immunity to Human Illness Endangers Everyone on Earth
Thanks to His Kryptonian Biology, Superman Can Inadvertently Spread Disease
Superman, despite his good intentions, puts people at risk every time he helps them out. As a Kryptonian, his biological structure differs from theirs and allows him to avoid being inhibited by diseases that plague humans. However, he may not get sick, but his body could still carry contagious illnesses without his awareness. As Superman puts it, "Maybe someday I'm helping an elderly woman fetch her cat out of a tree...if I were to make her ill...." If he picks up germs from one person and passes it to another via touch or proximity, he could inadvertently spread the sickness.
There are many benefits to Superman's enhanced biology, from an invulnerability to fatal viruses to his immortality. Typically, his inability to be brought down by illness would be perceived as a positive quality. With that being said, Superman has now unveiled the dark side to his alien body. Saving people is a much more treacherous operation for him with this knowledge. Superman wears a mask during a pandemic not because it protects him, but because it protects those around him. Therefore, when Superman insists on Jenny wearing a mask herself, it's his way of shielding her from any potential bacteria he might be carrying.
Superman Faces Many Challenges Due to His Kryptonian Biology
The Man of Steel's Power Is Both a Blessing and a Curse
Superman's Kryptonian status, though commonly depicted as a helpful attribute, is also a weakness in numerous ways. His capacity to make others sick is one of many drawbacks he's uncovered over the years. For example, he is susceptible to the effects of black lightning, a weather phenomenon that only impacts Kryptonians. Upon being struck, Superman would become inclined to murder whoever is closest to him. Alien powers certainly come in handy on the battlefield, but Superman has learned that he must remain mindful of his biological differences from humans in order to preserve life on Earth.
Jenny Sparks #6 is available now from DC Comics.
- Alias
- Kal-El, Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent
- Created By
- Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel
- Franchise
- D.C.
- Race
- Kryptonian
- First Appearance
- Action Comics
- Alliance
- Justice League, Superman Family
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.
