Superman’s Perspective: Was Jor-El’s Cowardice Shown in Injustice?
In the Injustice comics, Superman is haunted by the fate of Krypton, a planet that he is presumed to have saved through his actions on Earth. This contemplation brings him back to Jor-El, the scientist who first warned of Krypton’s impending doom. While Jor-El’s efforts were ultimately in vain, Superman reflects on what might have been: if Jor-El had been more like Zod, the self-proclaimed ruler of Krypton, he would have had a better chance of saving the planet.
Origins of Krypton and Jor-El's Warnings
According to traditional Superman lore, the scientists of Krypton were aware of the planet's impending destruction. Jor-El, a respected and well-meaning scientist, tried to alert the leadership to build enough rockets to evacuate the planet's population. However, his warnings were met with skepticism and eventually ignored, as history has shown that Krypton was destroyed before any such evacuation could take place.
The comic book series Injustice takes this concept further, raising questions about what might have happened if Jor-El had a different approach. Superman, in his reflections, overlooks the arduous and inherently political struggle that would have been required to change the course of Krypton's fate. This leads him to conclude that a strong, decisive leader like Zod might have had a better chance at success.
Zod’s Approach and the Futility of Struggle
Zod, the self-proclaimed leader of Krypton, took a different approach from Jor-El. As a strongman and dictator, Zod's methods were more aggressive and direct. While he, like Jor-El, ultimately failed to prevent Krypton's destruction, his methods required making enemies and challenging the status quo. Superman, through his reflection, suggests that if Jor-El had taken a more authoritarian stance, he might have been able to achieve a similar outcome.
Superman’s statement implies that if Jor-El had been more ruthless, he might have been able to overcome the political obstacles and unite the people of Krypton in the face of their impending doom. However, this approach still wouldn't have saved the planet itself, as the destruction was inevitable due to the expansion of the red sun.
Superman's Justification and Moral Dilemma
Superman’s reflections hint at a personal justification for his actions on Earth. He sees himself as a continuation of his father’s legacy, albeit with a different approach. He perhaps believes that by overthrowing the status quo and implementing radical change, he is saving another planet from its perceived demise. In Superman’s mind, his actions are noble and justified, even if they are not directly comparable to his father's efforts.
Superman confronts the duality of his actions: he cannot justify the tyrannical methods that led to his own planet's demise, but he can see himself as a more noble figure by advocating for change through slightly different means. He is trying to reconcile his own actions with those of his father and the failed efforts on Krypton.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the reflection on Jor-El and Zod reveals a complex mix of admiration for Jor-El’s intentions, frustration with the state of Krypton’s leadership, and a sense of historical inevitability. Superman’s actions on Earth, while drastic, are part of a continuum of attempts to prevent or mitigate the destruction of a planet. His reflections challenge us to consider the moral and practical implications of leadership, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Along with the themes of leadership, the reflection on Jor-El and Zod also raises questions about the moral justification of political actions and the balance between noble intentions and harsh methods. As Superman grapples with these complexities, he provides a window into the ongoing challenges of leadership and the impact of our actions on future generations.