Summary
Superman’sheat vision is one of his most iconic and unique abilities, featured in his arsenal for decades. This power has been depicted in numerous comics, movies, video games, and TV shows. However, a variant cover for an upcomingSupermancomic offers the coolest portrayal of this ability yet.
Set to release on July 31, 2025, Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell’sSuperman#18 promises a Man of Steel-centric tie-in toDC’s blockbuster summer event,Absolute Power. This issue’s connection to the larger DC Universe isn’t the only noteworthy aspect.
SUPERMAN #18 (2024)
Jamal Campbell
Variant Covers:
Francesco Mattina, Nicola Scott, Sweeney Boo, W. Scott Forbes, and Al Barrionuevo
Waller has the powerless heroes of the DC Universe on the ropes! Can the powerless Superman and Zatanna find the mystical map to the Dark Roads in time to get some major back-up?! Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Mercy, Jimmy, and Silver Banshee are on the run from the superpowered Amazos but find themselves pulled into a battle for the soul of Metropolis! Don’t miss the shocking cliffhanger that impacts the future of the Superman titles!
Alongside theAbsolute Powermadness, the issue features an incredible variant cover by artist Francesco Mattina. This cover uniquely depicts one of Superman’s most destructive powers,offering a first-person perspective of what one might see if Clark Kent killed with his heat vision.
Official Superman Art Gives A Terrifying View of Heat Vision
The variant cover depicts the Man of Steel staring directly at the viewer, and while any glower from Superman would be intimidating, this one is especially so as Clark appears to be powering up his heat vision.The heat vision remains contained within his eyes, presented as if live wildfire is dancing within them, ready to be unleashed asconcentrated beams of unimaginable heat. Hence, this unique first-person perspective of the buildup of Superman’s heat vision will undoubtedly make fans yearn for similar portrayals in future comics.
This depiction of Clark’s heat vision offers a unique perspective likely seen only by the Flash when fighting alongside Superman or aliens who are about to get blasted. Usually, the Man of Steel releases his heat vision so quickly that the human eye can’t track the buildup, making this view rare for the average person (unless the Man of Steel purposely lets it build up slow enough for the human eye). Hence, under normal circumstances,only a speedster could process the sight ofSuperman’s heat visionin this manner.
Superman Reminds Everyone Homelander Has Nothing on His True Heat Vision
Sure, Homelander is a terrifying twist on Superman, but the genuine Man of Steel shows off the frightening reality of Clark’s heat vision.
TheSupermanCover Is By Far The COOLEST Depiction of Kal-El’s Heat Vision in Comics
From 1949’sSuperman#51 until 1960, Clark’s heat vision was considered a sub-set of his x-ray vision. It wasn’t untilSuperman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane#23 that his heat vision was identified as a separate power. Despite this, some version of the Man of Steel’s heat vision has been around almost as long as he has, leading to numerous visual renditions over the years. Most artistic depictions traditionally show Clark’s heat vision as two red dots in his eyes before it is unleashed. This art finally allows long-timeSupermanfans to witness this multi-decades-old power in a way that feels both fresh and powerful.
Superman #18will be released on June 29, 2025, from DC Comics!
[Update: after accusations of the use of A.I. were leveled against the artist, DC Comics has canceled all planned cover art by Francesco Mattina.]
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
