Jon Kent’s Superboy era remains iconic and is deeply missed by fans who felt robbed when DC abruptly aged him up, turning him from a child into a young adult. But looking back on that era, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as one of Jon’s most heartbreaking moments reminded fans of the brutal truth about the Super-Family.

Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz’s Superman #1 (2016) delivered one of the most tragic moments in Jon Kent’s comic history, as the young hero faced a threat he was heartbreakingly unprepared to handle.

In the issue, Jon watches helplessly as his cat is snatched by a bird of prey. He chases after it on foot, shouting in desperation for the bird to let his beloved pet go. But in the height of his emotional distress, Jon loses control of his powers, accidentally unleashing his heat vision and killing both the bird and the cat he was trying so desperately to save. It’s a devastating moment that reminds fans just how easily a Kryptonian can kill despite their no-kill stance.​

Jon Kent Reminds Fans That Being ‘Super’ Isn’t Always Super

Main Cover by Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz for Peter J. Tomasi’s Superman #1 (2016)

With Superman often seen as a beacon of perfection, especially when it comes to his control over his powers, it is easy to forget just how dangerous Kryptonians truly are. As Jon demonstrates, even the slightest emotional outburst or lapse in control can lead to instant, unintentional carnage. The fact that this was a complete accident makes the scene even more heartbreaking, as Jon ends up doing the exact opposite of what he set out to do. Instead of saving his cat, he kills it. Beyond showing how dangerous Kryptonians can be, this moment also highlights the immense pressure they live under every day.

Most people can afford to lose emotional or even physical control from time to time, simply because they do not have the power to cause death in an instant. Kryptonians, however, do not have that luxury. As Jon proves, just a single moment of lost control can have deadly consequences. This underscores the intense physical, emotional, and mental strain Kryptonians endure. They must always remain in control, knowing that any slip-up could cost lives. That kind of constant restraint is exhausting and serves as a powerful reminder of how strong the Super-Family truly is to keep their powers in check.

Jon Kent’s Hardest Kryptonian Lesson Was Also His Most Human

Kenneth Rocafort Variant for Superman #3 (2016)

While no one wanted to see Jon suffer the guilt and anguish of killing his own pet, this moment became one of the most powerful arcs in his character development. This piece of trauma was beautifully explored by Tomasi and helped deepen Jon’s character in a way that allowed fans to connect with him, even if they couldn’t relate to the exact situation. The emotional bridge for readers was the experience of being a child, making a mistake, and then having to face the guilt and trauma that followed. It was one of DC’s more brilliant moments for Superboy, offering a harsh but important reminder that being "Super" isn’t always super.

Superman #1 (2016) is available now from DC Comics!