WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for SUPERMAN #24!One of the biggest threats to Superman’s heroism has always been his iconic Kryptonite, but in a shocking turn of events, the Man of Steel has now been blindsided by capitalism. This new threat could spell his downfall, especially with the dangerous rise of SUPER-LEX fueled by the very forces that threaten to dismantle everything Superman stands for.
Joshua Williamson, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Alejandro Sánchez’s Superman #24 is a must-read for fans of the Man of Steel, packed with shocking developments that spell trouble for the hero.
The issue explores themes of betrayal and drama within the Supercorp family, starting with Lex Luthor’s arrest after the government receives a tip from Superman about the return of the former villain’s memories. While this might seem like a betrayal on Clark’s part, it pales in comparison to the ultimate betrayal Mercy Graves delivers when she reveals that she has essentially forged Superman into a weapon of capitalism.
...Superman has unwittingly become a victim of capitalism, as it is his reputation and logo that Mercy is exploiting to sell weapons.
Superman Faces the Brutal Reality of Capitalism in Latest Twist
Comic Page Comes from Joshua Williamson’s Superman #24 (2025) – Art by Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira
Mercy Graves' betrayal unfolds gradually throughout Superman #24, with the first hint of treachery appearing as if it could simply be a case of misguided intentions. Early in the issue, following Lex's arrest, Mercy and Lena reveal they’ve been working on something for Superman as part of Supercorp’s mission to him in protecting Metropolis and the world. As they guide Superman and Superwoman into the R&D lab, they unveil a staggering amount of weaponry, all emblazoned with the Superman logo. Among the technology revealed are massive smart drones and thermoskeletons—devices that not only serve defensive purposes but also have offensive capabilities.
Superman is understandably taken aback, having had no knowledge that Supercorp was developing such weapons. But things take an even more shocking turn when Mercy reveals her plan to take the technology to market. A dumbfounded Superman responds, "Excuse me. You’re saying you want to use technology you’ve created because of me and sell it?" Mercy confirms, stating, "You may not like the idea, but at the end of the day, the ‘corp’ in Supercorp stands for corporation. We need to make money. The families that work for us count on it."
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Mercy’s comment about the families relying on Supercorp’s profits is a blatant attempt to manipulate Superman, masking her true capitalist motives behind selling dangerous technology. This entire scene shows how Superman has unwittingly become a victim of capitalism, as it is his reputation and logo that Mercy is exploiting to sell weapons. Her actions, done without Clark’s knowledge, represent a betrayal in itself, but this is only the beginning of the full scope of her deception.
Superman Has ‘Stark Industries’ Situation on His Hands
Comic Page Comes from Joshua Williamson’s Superman #24 (2025) – Art by Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira
Before Superman can respond to Mercy’s declaration about selling the Superman-branded weapons, they are interrupted by Mister Terrific, who requests Superman’s help with an ongoing crisis in Markovia. However, knowing Clark needs to continue addressing this troubling development with Mercy, Lois volunteers to go in his place. The narrative then shifts to Superwoman as she embarks on her first Justice League mission, ing Vixen, Mister Terrific, the two Blue Beetles, Hawkwoman, and the Creeper to confront invading aliens who are seemingly preparing to test highly destructive weapons in the area.
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After a fierce battle, the Justice League triumphs. However, as the Creeper confiscates some of the alien weapons, he makes a shocking discovery: the aliens are wielding the newly developed Super-Weapons made by Supercorp. This revelation shows that Mercy has already put the weapons on the market long before she even discussed the idea with Superman. It also highlights that she is unconcerned with who is buying the weapons or the potential consequences of selling to dangerous groups, with the bottom line and cash flow clearly taking precedence. But Mercy’s betrayals don’t end there.
In Iron Man (2008), Tony Stark discovers his weapons are being used by terrorists, which parallels a similar revelation in Superman #24, where Clark Kent uncovers that his company is being misused for capitalist agendas.
The Supercorp Family Is Officially Crumbling After Major Betrayal
Comic Page Comes from Joshua Williamson’s Superman #24 (2025) – Art by Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira
Lois then brings the Super-Gun to Superman, and together they confront Mercy. By this point, it’s clear that Superman has lost all patience with his ally, demanding that she explain herself. Mercy responds with a dismissive attitude, claiming she didn’t know the Super-Gun was already being tested in the field. She shows no remorse for her actions, casually stating, “With the proper branding, you can sell anything.” Reaching his breaking point, Superman tells Mercy she’s fired. But Mercy has a glowing-green ace up her sleeve—she reveals that Clark doesn’t have the power to fire her.
Mercy then unleashes a blast of Kryptonite from her chest, powered by a device resembling Iron Man’s Arc Reactor, which is later revealed to house Metallo’s hard drive and heart. The Kryptonite immediately brings Lois and Clark to their knees, rendering them helpless. Mercy then reveals the full extent of her betrayal, explaining her true motivations—continuing Luthor’s original plan to use Supercorp to “fix” Superman and expand his empire. Lena Luthor is equally shocked by this betrayal, pointing out that since her father lost his memories, he’s abandoned that plan. However, Mercy has a solution for this as well.
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Meet Super-Lex: Drones & Guns Aren't the Only New Super-Weapons
Comic Page Comes from Joshua Williamson’s Superman #24 (2025) – Art by Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira
Mercy concedes to Lena’s point, acknowledging that the imprisoned Luthor is no longer the man he once was and therefore incapable of doing what needs to be done. She then approaches a chamber pod, pressing her palm to a scanner to open it, revealing that she has created a new Lex Luthor. Fans are left with the haunting image of a Lex with glowing red eyes, floating a few feet off the ground in a costume resembling Superman’s black recovery suit from his fight with Doomsday. With this, Mercy’s betrayal culminates in the birth of a new Superman villain—Super-Lex.
SUPERMAN #24 is available now from DC Comics!
