DC Redefines Superman and Doomday’s Relationship With Major Lore-Changing Twist

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for SUPERMAN #19 & #22!Superman and Doomsday share one of the most iconic rivalries in DC lore, largely thanks to Dan Jurgens’ The Death of Superman storyline. Since then, the Kryptonian menace has made multiple returns, leading to spectacular throwdown battles with the Man of Steel. However, Doomsday’s latest return to comics is set to redefine everything fans thought they knew about the beast, including his relationship with Superman.

The January solicitations for DC Comics are finally here, and among them is Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora’s Superman #22, set to release on January 22, 2025. Since Mora joined as the ongoing series artist with issue #19, fans have experienced a continuous wave of fantastic art and excitement.

Issue #19 introduced DC’s new Superwoman, Lois Lane, while also marking the return of Doomsday, culminating in a major cliffhanger involving the iconic Superman foe. This cliffhanger, combined with the synopsis for issue #22, hints at a potential transition for Doomsday and the Man of Steel—from mortal foes to allies.

Enemies No More: Superman Is Gearing Up to SAVE Doomsday (Yes, You Read That Right)

Cover C Jonboy Meyers Card Stock Variant for Superman #22 (2025)

Superman and Doomsday—the infamous creature genetically engineered on Krypton—share a long and lore-defining history that began with Doomsday’s debut in Superman: The Man of Steel #17 (1992). Often portrayed as a nearly unstoppable force of destruction, Doomsday possesses powers that rival Superman’s own, including superhuman strength, speed, and durability, along with the ability to adapt and evolve, making him an ever-evolving threat. He is most famously known for killing the Man of Steel in The Death of Superman storyline and returning to battle Kal-El again in The Return of Superman.

These storylines established Doomsday as one of Superman’s most formidable, lore-impacting, and iconic foes. Thus, the recent tease of a partnership between these legendary enemies is nothing short of groundbreaking. This revelation was hinted at the end of Superman #19 and is outright confirmed in the synopsis for Superman #22: “A secret alien strike team has arrived on Earth with their sights set on the greatest weapon in the universe…Doomsday. And the only person who can save the ultimate destroyer is Superman!” Based on this teaser, Clark will undoubtedly be putting his life on the line to help save his greatest foe, completely redefining their relationship in the process.

“We Have Been Enemies for Millennia, Superman. But Now I Need Your Help.” – Doomsday in Superman #19

Panel Comes From Superman #19 (2024)

While the synopsis for Superman #22 raises more questions than it answers—primarily why Superman is helping Doomsday given their tumultuous history—Superman #19 provides additional insight into the situation. In this issue, Superwoman and Superman rush to the scene of an incident, only to find Doomsday wreaking havoc on their beloved city. However, in a surprising twist, time suddenly stops, leaving only Clark unaffected. It is soon revealed that this is the work of the Time Trapper. Yet, this isn’t the biggest revelation; the notorious villain then removes his hood, revealing his true identity as Doomsday—albeit a calmer, more well-spoken, and skinnier version of the Kryptonian creature currently frozen in time.

Following this revelation, the Time Trapper Doomsday makes a surprising request of the Man of Steel: “We have been enemies for millennia, Superman. But now I need your help.” The comic ends with this line, leaving fans in suspense about Clark’s response. However, when paired with the solicitation for Superman #22, it seems all but guaranteed that the Man of Steel will agree to assist his mortal enemy. This raises numerous questions: Why is Doomsday turning to Superman for help? Why has Clark agreed to aid him? What threat will they face together? And could this partnership permanently alter their dynamic from enemies to allies?

Panel Comes From Superman #19 (2024)

The revelation that Doomsday—or at least some version of him—is the Time Trapper is significant, elevating the Kryptonian creature to a new level of power that even Superman may struggle to match. In DC lore, the Time Trapper is known for his ability to manipulate time and has assumed multiple identities, including the Controller, the hero Rokk Krinn, the young girl Lori Morning, and the villain Superboy-Prime. With Doomsday now wielding this power, he could potentially rewrite his and Superman’s history—while that doesn’t guarantee he will, it certainly falls within the realm of possibility, opening the door for long-established lore to be completely rewritten.

Superman #22 will be released on January 22, 2025, from DC Comics!