Clarifying the One and Only Superman in DC Rebirth

Dive into the intricacies of contemporary DC Comics with this article. Often, confusion arises when discussing the nature of Superman in DC's post-Crisis universe. In Rebirth, the saga of two different Supermen – one from the pre-52 era and the new 52 – seemed to suggest multiple versions. However, the truth is that there is one and only one Superman in Rebirth.

The key to understanding this lies in the fact that the New 52 Superman, a character beloved by many, tragically met his end at the conclusion of the New 52 series. If you're one of those who have come across pictures or information that may have led you to believe there were two different Supermen, fear not. Read on to learn the truth.

Reality Warps and Canon

The current Rebirth version of Superman is a canon character, having emerged from a reality warp. He is from a timeline that was erased, and his existence in the current DC universe is explained through this unique continuity. During the Superman Reborn arc, which kicked off the Rebirth storyline, he merged with the pre-52 version of Superman, resulting in the current version. This version of Superman has faced significant challenges and achieved feats that solidify his place as the canonical successor in the Rebirth era.

Confirmation from Diana

The character of Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) explicitly acknowledges the differences between this current version of Superman and the one she had a romantic interest in. In the first issue of Trinity, she clarifies that this Superman is distinct from the one she knew. This serves to clear any lingering doubts and ensures that the narrative remains consistent.

Further Reading

To gain a deeper understanding, readers should delve into Superman Rebirth. This key story arc explains in detail how the current version of Superman came to be and how his story merges with the pre-52 era. Additionally, reading Superman: Lois and Clark can provide further insight into the characters' backgrounds and the events leading up to the Rebirth reboot.

The Pre-Flashpoint and New 52 Universe

In the Convergence comics, the pre-Flashpoint and New 52 versions of Superman intersect in a complex way. The pre-Flashpoint Superman and his wife played a pivotal role in the creation of a dome, which allowed Clark to regain his powers. However, this temporary solution eventually led to his losing them again, allowing him to impregnate Lois and face off against Flashpoint-era enemies.

Post-Convergence, the pre-Flashpoint Superman and his newborn son went into hiding in the New 52 universe. His witness to the death of the New 52 Superman in the pre-Rebirth universe set in motion a series of events that further intertwine the two timelines. Mr. Oz, a crucial figure in retcons, played a significant role in shaping the stories of both Supermen as they merged in Rebirth.

By understanding these elements, readers can appreciate the depth and complexity of the DC Comics universe, particularly the character of Superman. From the pre-52 era to the new 52 and the Rebirth reboot, the journey of Superman remains a cornerstone of DC's rich narrative tapestry.