Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1074Superman's "S" symbol is an iconic feature of his design, and it's now been given a whole new meaning. It's an insignia that represents hope, in addition to tying him to his Kryptonian roots. While Superman typically wears his family crest openly, his newfound circumstances lead to him hiding it. However, even without his symbol on display, Superman has demonstrated that he is a true hero to the core.

Action Comics #1074 by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer, Matt Herms, and Dave Sharpe is a continuation of the "Phantoms" storyline, in which Superman is flung backwards in time by the finds himself on Krypton before its destruction, and because he's from the future, he's forced to conceal his identity as a member of the House of El to avoid making unwanted alterations to the timeline.

Although Superman makes an effort to adopt a low profile on Krypton, it doesn't take long for the Man of Steel to unveil his true heroic colors and save an innocent life, showing that he's a hero with or without his symbol and superpowers.

Superman Becomes a Hero Without Two Key Staples of His Heroism

With No Logo and No Powers, Superman Still Saves the Day

On Krypton, Superman must forego his iconography in order to blend in with the other Kryptonian citizens. This means covering the House of El family symbol that he normally wears with pride during his endeavors as Superman. Furthermore, Krypton's red sun deprives him of his powers, which gives him the weaker abilities of any mortal instead of empowering Superman to a god-like level like Earth's yellow sun. Superman has given up every exterior quality that defines him as Superman in hopes of going undetected. Of course, this plan is abandoned as soon as he spots a civilian in danger.

Superman's symbol translates to "hope", and Superman embodies that hope through the actions he takes while wearing it - and even when he isn't wearing it. He will stop at nothing to preserve the lives of those around him, and nothing captures this M.O. more profoundly than his instinctive rescue of a fellow Kryptonian. Superman is at his weakest on Krypton, yet he doesn't hesitate to protect the man from a drone gone haywire. He gets injured in the process, but that he stepped in to his own detriment shows that his heroic spirit persists despite his attempts to hide his identity.

Superman's Heroic Actions Could Have Major Consequences for Krypton

Superman May Have Inadvertently Changed Krypton's Future

Superman rescuing a Kryptonian is a testament to his selflessness in the most trying of times, though that doesn't mean it's the smartest choice. He's time traveled to the past, which means that anything he does could lead to a butterfly effect on the timeline. As a result, Superman saving one life might have changed the future of the DC Universe. Moreover, he's drawn attention to himself by interfering with the natural course of events. Still, Superman ignoring these possible ramifications proves that he prioritizes others' well-being above his own, further cementing that his heroism isn't skin - or symbol - deep.

Action Comics #1074 is available November 6th, 2024 from DC Comics.