Superman’s Lore deepens: “Adventures of Superman: Book of El“ #1 Unleashes the Terrifying Power of the Promethean Giants
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By Julia Evans, World-Today-News.com – November 2, 2023
The latest installment in the superman saga isn’t just another superhero story; it’s a deep dive into the complex and frequently enough-overlooked lore of the DC Multiverse. Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1,penned by Phillip Kennedy Johnson - the writer behind the critically acclaimed “Warworld Saga” - is already proving to be a game-changer,elevating the Promethean Giants from cosmic curiosities to a terrifying,universe-altering threat.
This new comic isn’t a standalone adventure. It directly builds upon Johnson’s previous work, picking up threads from the “Warworld Saga” and introducing a chilling premise: Kryl-Ux, a Kryptonian from the colony world of Phaelor, is on a desperate quest for power. That quest leads him to the Promethean Giants – colossal beings previously glimpsed throughout DC history, but now revealed to possess a power far exceeding previous understanding.
The narrative cleverly frames this unfolding danger. The comic flashes forward to a dystopian future where Kryl-Ux has conquered Earth, wielding the power of the Promethean giants. This glimpse of a potential future, coupled with references within the titular “book of El,” establishes the Giants as the true, dominant force on Earth in the wake of Superman’s disappearance.
Ancient Prisoners, Immeasurable Power
Long-time DC fans will recognize the Promethean Giants. First appearing in Jack Kirby’s New Gods #5, these beings were depicted as knowledge-obsessed entities, imprisoned on asteroids for their hubris. Kirby’s original vision painted them as solitary prisoners, a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
However, Book of El #1 suggests a far more significant role. The Giants aren’t merely isolated cases; they are intrinsically linked to the Source Wall – the very boundary of the multiverse. The Source Wall, built by the enigmatic Hands to contain the cosmic entity Perpetua, has long been a focal point of DC lore, representing the ultimate source of creation and the limits of power.
The connection between the Giants and the Source Wall is tantalizing. Were they imprisoned by the Hands? Could they be a key to unlocking further secrets of the Source itself? The comic hints at a possible link to Olgrun, an ancient power residing on Warworld, suggesting the Giants may hold the key to locating other aspects of this forgotten deity.
A Looming Threat
What makes Book of El #1 so compelling is its re-contextualization of established lore.The Promethean Giants have always been powerful, but never presented as an active, conquering force. kryl-Ux’s ability to harness their power – and even control them – is a terrifying progress.
This isn’t just about brute strength. The Giants represent a basic shift in the power dynamics of the DC Universe. They are a force that predates even the New Gods, and their release could have catastrophic consequences.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson is proving himself a master of weaving intricate narratives within the DC Universe. Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 isn’t just a Superman comic; it’s a vital piece of the larger DC tapestry, promising a thrilling and possibly universe-altering storyline.Fans of cosmic lore and complex character studies should not miss this one.