Superman & Icon Should Return To Being DC’s True ‘World’s Finest’

Often compared as the same hero in their respective universes, DC’s poster boy Superman and the Milestone powerhouse Icon once had a heroic friendship. However, they haven’t shared a panel together in a while.

The Dakotaverse of Milestone Media has largely been kept apart from the broader DC Universe. Throughout the 90s’, Milestone’s titles such as Icon, Static, and others occupied their own place in space and time. Eventually, the universes collided and DC heroes were finally able to interact with the Dakotaverse. Since Milestone heroes had a hiatus for several years until recently, Superman and Icon haven’t seen much of each other. Similarly, there hasn’t been any opportunity for Static to cross paths with Batman or other members of the Justice League, like he had in his animated series. With Milestone’s recent reboot and Icon’s return to comics, his friendship with Superman needs to make a comeback.

Since they are both alien refugees who disguise themselves as ordinary humans, they naturally have a few things in common aside from their powers. However, this common ground has given them the ability to gain perspective on one another. A scene from Justice League of America #30 written by the late great Dwayne McDuffie, co-creator of Icon, with art by Jose Luis showed the potential of their partnership. When Icon had a chance to connect with Superman in space outside the Justice League’s headquarters, the Watchtower, he told him about how he admired his leadership. “Your modesty aside, I’m not talking about your powers. It’s your example that makes the difference. You’re a transformative figure…”

Originally stated by the founders of Milestone, Icon was created with the framework of Superman in mind. However, Icon and Rocket: Season One has explored new differences between the heroes’ approaches to bringing justice and freedom to the world. In their current incarnations, Icon and Superman are practically alternate universe versions of one another. Now that there have been additional distinctions between their superhero methods, a team-up would be especially compelling. Superman’s origin story might involve his escape to Earth as an infant, but it has nothing to do with race. When Icon came to the planet, his appearance came with a perspective on humanity that Kal-El never had. Unlike Superman, Icon had to be convinced to use his powers to make a better tomorrow by Rocket, because what he had learned about Earth didn’t inspire him.

As the first seasons of the Milestone titles have begun to find their footing, a DC and Dakotaverse crossover seems inevitable. Although the two corners of the DC Universe are currently being kept separate, it hasn’t been directly addressed if they are set in the same world. Regardless, a universe-crossing story taking inspiration from the 1994 crossover event Worlds Collide which first bridged the Dakotaverse with DC would be a fun storyline to revisit.  Considering their contrasting views of the world and life philosophies, Icon and Superman have a lot to offer each other.

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