Superman & Aquaman Have a Tragic New Connection Even Longtime DC Fans Might Miss

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Absolute Power #2!Superman and Aquaman have long been allies in the Justice League, but their stories rarely intersect outside of big team-ups. Now, though, a tragic twist of fate is bringing them closer than ever, as Clark Kent finds himself on the brink of joining a club that no hero ever wants to be part of.

In Absolute Power #2 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, DC’s heroes regroup at Superman’s Fortress of Solitude after Amanda Waller’s brutal attack on metahumans. Waller unleashed her power-stealing Amazos, stripping Earth’s defenders of their abilities and capturing them. The Super-Family was among the first to fall, with Superman losing his powers and Jon being taken by Waller.

When Superman awakens after barely surviving the attack, he is understandably distraught to learn that DC’s most dangerous villain has captured his son. Issue #2 further explores this distress, as Aquaman offers his friend comfort in a way few others can.

In Absolute Power #2, Superman is noticeably distracted, and while fans can easily guess what’s weighing on his mind, it isn’t until a poignant scene with Arthur Curry that Clark finally voices his concerns. Sitting in a secluded area of the Fortress, Clark admits he feels deeply aggrieved for failing to protect his son. He acknowledges that Jon is strong and capable, but as he trails off, Aquaman finishes his thought, saying, “But you’re his father. And the pain of losing a child is unbearable.” This statement carries particular weight, given that if anyone understands the agony of losing a child, it’s Aquaman.

Arthur’s tragic loss of his son, Arthur Jr., in the infamous Death of a Prince storyline remains one of DC’s darkest moments. In this tale, Black Manta kidnapped young Arthur Jr., trapping him in a bubble that slowly filled with air. The harrowing condition for his release was forcing Aquaman to fight his sidekick, Aqualad, to the death. As the battle took place, Aquaman’s octopus ally, Topo, managed to distract Manta, giving Arthur a brief chance to throw his trident at the bubble. But tragically, the rescue came too late—Arthur Jr. was already dead. This devastating history adds a profound emotional depth to the exchange between Superman and Aquaman.

Will Jon Kent Meet the Same Fate as Arthur Curry Jr. in Absolute Power?

In Absolute Power #2, it’s revealed that Jon Kent hasn’t merely been imprisoned by Waller—he’s been transformed into a cyborg monstrosity and reprogrammed to obey her commands. Her first directive to the newly brainwashed hero is to attack the Fortress of Solitude and his fellow heroes. By the end of the issue, while Jon is still alive, questions arise about his fate: Will he survive his cybernetic transformation, or will he fall victim to Waller’s scheme? Even if he does survive, there remains the pressing concern of whether Brainiac Queen’s reprogramming can be undone or if Superman’s son is lost forever.

Absolute Power #2 is available now from DC Comics!