What Mr. Oz's Reveal Could Mean for Superman

Imagine that you’ve lived your entire existence as the “Last Son of Krypton”. You’ve created a fortress in tribute to the people who sacrificed themselves to save your life and give you a better chance. You’ve lived, found love and now are not alone with your son and wife by your side. What could possibly derail your life now that you’ve managed to make a successful one?

Well, Action Comics #987 just threw a major monkey wrench into the moving train that is the Man of Steel’s life by revealing the identity of Mr. Oz.

Mr. Oz has been in the background of events since he first arrived in the pages of Superman #32, but his motives and identity have been hidden, until now.

At the end of the issue my speculation as to his identity seems to have been confirmed when the mystery man pulls back his cowl revealing his identity as Jor-El. After having been mysteriously saved from the destruction of Krypton after sending Kal-El to Earth, Jor-El has been watching his son and his exploits and has decided that sending him to Earth was a mistake. He’s systematically removed most of Kal’s external threats including Metallo, Doomsday and Lex Luthor. Now his mission seems to be showing Kal the worst of humanity in an attempt to have Superman realize that they are not worth his help.

So the challenge going forward for Superman is how to reconcile the father he revered but never knew is alive and actively trying to tear him away from the people he cares for. Also, what has Jor-El been doing all this time and who saved him?

Do we now have to see battles between father and son going forward? Will there be a moment where Jor-El is introduced to Lois and Jon? These are all questions that I hope are answered satisfactorily going forward in the books. DC Comics took a huge risk with this reveal. I hope it pays off.