DC Comics has introduced a new version of Superman that is more frightening than anything fans have seen before. This version appears in the pages of Next Level: One Shot #1, and it is not the hopeful hero people know. Instead, it is a genetically engineered clone designed to replace the original Man of Steel. The clone has no eyes because earlier versions with complete bodies proved to be too dangerous. It also carries a living Starro inside its body, which it uses as a tool for cloning. This new Superman is part of a larger story involving Deadshot, who discovers a conspiracy involving cloned versions of DC’s most powerful heroes. The comic book hit stores on August 19, 2026, and costs $5.99 for the standard edition.
The New Superman Appears in Next Level: One Shot #1
The story begins with Floyd Lawton, better known as Deadshot, accepting a mission from Rick Flag Jr.. His task is to eliminate genetically engineered clones that are disguised as ordinary people. After completing several kills and shaking off Batman, Deadshot finds himself surrounded by DC’s Trinity. But these are not the real Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. They are clones that are only three weeks old. Among the three, the Superman clone is the most disturbing. It has no eyes because the scientists who created it realized that previous versions with complete eyes were too unstable and dangerous.
The creative team behind this issue includes writer Gerry Duggan, artist Fernando Blanco, and letterer Buddy Beaudoin. The special issue is a 48-page one-shot that sets the stage for DC’s Next Level initiative. Variant covers are available from artists Mark Spears, Carmine Di Giandomenico, and Jorge Corona. The cardstock variant is priced at $6.99.
This Superman Clone Has a Starro Living Inside Him
What makes this new Superman truly terrifying is not just his missing eyes. He also has a living Starro inside his body. Starro is a giant alien starfish that is known for mind-controlling its victims. In this story, the Superman clone can throw up the small Starro and place it on a person’s face. The Starro then gathers biological information from the victim, which the scientists use to improve their cloning process. After collecting the data, the Superman clone puts the Starro back inside his own body. This gruesome process shows how far the creators have gone to make this version of Superman feel like a monster rather than a hero.
“The most terrifying of the three is Superman, whose eyes are missing because ‘previous iterations […] were too dangerous.’”
Why the Original Man of Steel Is Impossible to Replicate
Even though this new Superman clone is powerful, it cannot fully replace the original. The genetic makeup of Kal-El is unique. His body is a biological engine that processes solar energy with extreme efficiency. Scientists who try to clone him cannot replicate the natural growth and cellular density that Clark Kent developed over decades. The clone may have Kryptonian powers, but it lacks the stability and control that come from years of experience. The original Superman’s strength comes not just from his genes but also from his upbringing on Earth. His parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, taught him values that keep his power in check. Without that moral foundation, a Superman clone becomes a danger to everyone around him.
“Once you take away Pa and Ma Kent, his upbringing in Smallville, and the humanity Clark developed over his lifetime, what’s left is one of the most powerful beings on Earth without a person within responsible for keeping all the power in check.”
How Deadshot Faces the Cloned Trinity
Deadshot is a skilled assassin, but even he struggles against the cloned Trinity. The Batman clone, Wonder Woman clone, and Superman clone work together to corner him. The Superman clone is the most dangerous because of his unstable nature. The scientists who created him may not have been able to control his heat vision or balance it with his Kryptonian physiology. This makes the clone unpredictable and possibly even more powerful than the original. However, the clone’s instability could also be his weakness. If his artificial body is too unstable, he might not survive long-term battles.
The Next Level Initiative Brings Bold New Stories
Next Level: One Shot #1 is part of DC’s larger Next Level initiative, which falls under the DC All In banner. This initiative aims to bring bolder storylines and unexpected team-ups. It includes new directions for characters like Zatanna, Firestorm, and even the Terminator. The Superman clone is just one example of how DC is pushing boundaries with its storytelling. The initiative promises to draw characters from across different imprints to deliver fresh and exciting content for a new generation of readers.
Related:
The Comic Is Available Now
Fans can pick up Next Level: One Shot #1 at their local comic shops. The issue was released on August 19, 2026. The standard edition costs $5.99, while the cardstock variant costs $6.99. The cover art by Fernando Blanco sets the tone for the dark and unsettling story inside. Variant covers by Mark Spears, Carmine Di Giandomenico, and Jorge Corona offer collectors additional options. This one-shot is a must-read for fans who want to see where DC is taking its characters in the Next Level era.
Also Read: The 7 Most Powerful Characters in James Gunn’s New Superman Movie Explained
Keep visiting VvipTimes for more breaking news and updates from the world of comics and entertainment.
Leave a Reply