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A short but telling scene in Young Justice: Phantoms proves Superman may not be quite up to the challenge … of fatherhood.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Young Justice: Phantoms, streaming now on HBO Max.
In Young Justice, it’s difficult to view Superman in the same light as in other properties. Many DC animated series, as well as live-action films and shows, like Superman & Lois, have depicted him as hero. However, this version is mostly seen as a deadbeat dad who avoids Conner Kent, a clone created from the DNA of the Man of Steel and his archenemy, Lex Luthor. While Young Justice has moved beyond that, and even patched up their relationship, with Season 4 it’s evident Kal-El is still the Justice League’s biggest coward.
It’s confirmed in Young Justice: Phantoms Episode 3, “Volatile,” as he phones Lois Lane from the Watchtower, sitting with his boots off on a lush lookout point, staring out at Earth. Lois asks him and Martian Manhunter heading to Mars for Conner’s wedding with M’gann, but the conversation then switches to Clark avoiding diaper duty.
She’s on Earth, stressed out and managing Jon Kent, their baby boy who appeared in the Outsiders episode “Home Fires.” As Superman nervously chuckles in the Watchtower’s garden, it’s clear he avoids the incessant crying and domestic duties by insisting he’s busy saving the world, or else hiding out in the tower on monitoring duty.
His awkward disposition implies Lois is calling him out; the post-credits stinger then takes a sharp turn, going from dark comedy to something much more serious as his wife suggests Jon’s powers may have activated at the most inopportune time.
She mentions poop is on the ceiling, because Jon escaped his diaper again, and Clark makes it clear Kryptonian feces does not defy gravity. Superman doesn’t know whether the kid is accelerating faster than he did, and wonders whether there’s a possibility their son might learn how to use his superhuman powers while only an infant.
The scene ends with Superman speeding off, leaving his boots behind, and begging Cyborg for an immediate Boom Tube portal to Earth. That’s due to the phone signal breaking up just after a traumatized Lois said something about Jon’s eyes turning red, leaving Kal-El frightened that the child’s heat vision has activated.
It may be that Lois is lying to spur her husband into action as a father. But it’s possible Jon is on his way to becoming Superboy far sooner than expected. But what’s certain is Clark is shirking responsibilities as a father, bending rules, making up excuses and working the system in a way that would certainly disappoint both of his dads.
To see Superman botch it as a dad, the first four episodes of Young Justice: Phantoms are streaming on HBO Max.
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