What happens when the world’s most powerful hero begins to lose control? Superman #26 dares to answer that question with a chilling start to the “Superman Red” arc, pushing Clark Kent to his emotional and moral limits. Writer Joshua Williamson continues to peel back the layers of the Man of Steel’s psyche, and with red Kryptonite infecting his system, those layers are starting to burn.
Superman has always been a paragon of restraint. But Williamson flips that dynamic on its head by exploring what happens when anger becomes dangerous—not just emotionally, but physically. The red Kryptonite plotline, teased throughout the current run, takes center stage here. Superman isn’t just angry—he’s unstable. Every surge of rage makes the infection flare, causing horrifying changes in his appearance and demeanor.
The issue opens with a haunting visual: Superman, corrupted by red energy, looming menacingly over Lex Luthor. It’s a powerful statement—Lex, usually the manipulative puppet master, is now the one cornered. And while Superman doesn’t go full rogue, the tension is razor-sharp. He’s not himself, and that’s what makes it so compelling.
Clark’s turmoil is understandable. His trust in Mercy Graves and Supercorp is shaken. Lois Lane is sidelined after a near-fatal encounter, her days as Superwoman likely over. And Lex—after his “second chance”—has taken a life. These aren’t just plot points. They’re emotional landmines. Williamson doesn’t just show Superman angry—he shows him tired, betrayed, and afraid of what he’s becoming.
However, the narrative loses some of its punch due to several interludes. Lena Luthor’s journey to Midvale, the corrupted Legion of Super-Heroes confronting the Time Trapper, and General Zod’s ominous encounter with Supercorp’s weapons all feel like glimpses into future stories rather than natural parts of this issue. While intriguing, they occasionally pull the reader away from the emotional core of Superman’s descent.
Visually, this issue is a tale of two styles—and that’s both a strength and a weakness.
Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira handle the main story, and their depiction of a red-Kryptonite-infected Superman is downright haunting. The energy radiating from his chest like jagged spears, his glowing crimson eyes, and his seething posture all scream “danger.” Alejandro Sanchez’s color work elevates it further—drenching pages in shades of red that feel more like a warning siren than a color palette. Even the lettering, courtesy of Ariana Maher, uses a deeper red to emphasize just how off-balance Clark has become.
Sean Izaakse joins the art team for the interlude sections. Known for his clean and energetic work on titles like Fantastic Four, Izaakse brings visual flair, particularly in the explosive Zod scene and the grotesque designs of the dark Legion. But the tonal and stylistic shift from Barrows’ more intense visuals is jarring—especially when Izaakse takes over the final pages. It’s not bad artwork by any means—in fact, it’s impressive—but it interrupts the visual mood Williamson and Barrows built so effectively.
Superman #26 delivers an emotionally rich and visually intense kickoff to a story that could redefine what Superman means in the modern DC Universe. Williamson continues to explore what happens when the world’s most hopeful hero is pushed too far—and makes us genuinely concerned about what might come next. The red Kryptonite plot is finally hitting its boiling point, and it’s paying off in big, bold ways.
That said, the issue’s pacing is occasionally undercut by interludes that, while important for long-term storytelling, feel oddly placed in an otherwise tightly focused issue. And the art transition, though handled by capable hands, dilutes the emotional tone during key moments.
Still, when the story and visuals align, Superman #26 is a powerhouse. It reminds us that Superman’s greatest strength isn’t flight or heat vision—it’s his ability to hold back. But what happens when he can’t? With “Superman Red” now in full swing, the answer may be terrifying.
A must-read for Superman fans, especially those eager to see the Man of Steel confront his own breaking point.
