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The first issue of DC’s Action Comics Annual reveals some surprising news concerning Superman’s mom. Writers Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Si Spurrier reveal that Martha Kent suffered from cancer in Clark’s childhood. While the tough Mrs. Kent luckily recovered from the illness, it was apparently pretty aggressive. This revelation will help readers better understand the adult Clark Kent and his alter ego.
Action Comics Annual #1 Spoilers
The issue, from Johnson and Spurrier and artists Dale Eaglesham and Ian Churchill, holds several flashbacks. These blasts from the past give insight into Clark’s childhood. During one of these flashbacks, we see the young Superman discover his mother’s diagnosis. The scene in question shows Martha Kent getting hit with a soccer ball, causing the wig she wears to hide her treatments fall off. The curious Clark snoops around and overhears his mother speaking to her doctor. The doctor is blunt in his observation that Martha is halfway through treatment, but things could go either way still.
However, that prognosis does not stop Martha Kent from remaining optimistic and in good spirits through her treatment. In fact, she receives praise for being an inspiration to other patients. When asked how she stays so positive, Martha simply says that “when you can’t rely on the stuff you took for granted, that’s when you start to see the important things. The little things you never knew were there”. Eventually, Martha is given a positive diagnosis regarding her treatment, and she apologizes to the young Superman for keeping it a secret from him.
How Does This Affect Clark?
As Martha Kent is dealing with her cancer treatment, the future Man of Steel is dealing with some adolescent issues. Specifically, Clark heads after the boy that initially hit his mother in the head with the soccer ball, Caleb. However, when he finds him, he ends up saving him from some bullies. Though Caleb is very angry and wants to fight Clark, Clark refuses and lets Caleb hit him. After the initial incident, Caleb shows up at the Kent house to apologize. He even saves his head in solidarity with Martha.
Action Comics Annual #1 is available now from DC Comics.