WARNINGS: Contained Spoilers for SUPERMAN #27 (2025)!
One of the things that makesSupermanso iconic is his vast array of powers, allowing him to make the impossible possible. But one power stands out for all the wrong reasons. It crosses into creeper territory, yet it also exposes exactly who in the DC Universe Clark Kent cares about most.
Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora’sSuperman#27 is officially out, bringing a major status quo shift to its cast of characters.Lex Luthor escapes prison and leaves Metropolisindefinitely, after bidding Superman farewell and even helping cure his Red Kryptonite poisoning.
However, Superman isn’t ready to let bygones be bygones and still wholeheartedly believes Luthor must answer for his crimes. The only problem is that Clark can’t find him despite using his superhearing. This sparksa conversation between Lois and Superman that highlights just how creepy and unhinged this power truly is, while also reminding readers who’s on Clark’s personal VIP list.
Comic Page Comes from Joshua Williamson’sSuperman#27 (2025) - Art by Dan Mora
The end ofSuperman#27 finds Lois and Clark overlooking the city after Superman fails to capture Luthor. Lois asks if there’s any sign of the villain, and Clark responds by activating his superhearing once again, saying,“I told you this before.I keep tabs on you, our family and friends… I can hear anyone in the world… But right now… I can’t hear Lex.”
Superman’s super hearing and the fact that he keeps tabs on certain people is not new to most fans. Yet this conversation drives home just how creepy and invasive this power truly is becauseClark is essentially admitting that he is always listening.While Clark’s intentions are good, the level of surveillance remains deeply unsettling.
What is even more chilling is that Lex is forced to use sign language, as shown on the next page, just to avoid catching Superman’s attention.It is a spine-tingling detail that feels very much like1984, with“Big Brother”or, in this case,“Big Blue,”always listening.
1984is a dystopian novel by George Orwell that depicts a totalitarian society under constant surveillance by an oppressive regime led by Big Brother.
Though there are both creepy and wholesome aspects to Superman constantly monitoring a select few, there is also a hilarious side, especially when it comes to Lex Luthor. This means Clark is probably well aware of all Lex’s trash talk, andLex might even be purposely insulting Superman out loud, knowing he is listening.
Who’s Important Enough to Be on Superman’s ‘I’m Always Listening’ List?
Comic Page Comes from Joshua Williamson’sSuperman#1 (2025) - Art by Jamal Campbel
While DC hasn’t released an official list of the characters Superman keeps tabs on with his super hearing, several moments throughout his comic historyreveal who is important enough to make the cut for the Man of Steel’s“I’m Always Listening”list.
InJoshua Williamson’sSuperman#1(2023), Clark and Lois are once again atop the Daily Planet, gazing over Metropolis, when he says,“For years I trained my hearing to keep an extra focus on certain people. You. Jon. My parents.”Lois then interrupts and adds Bruce to the list, with Clark agreeing and tacking on Lex as well.
Even before this issue, it had already been well established that Clark listens in on Bruce. In a moment beloved by SuperBat shippers, Superman admits in Scott Snyder’sDark Nights: Metal(2017–2018) that he has memorized Bruce’s heartbeat: “We’ve been friends so long, I know your heartbeat nearly as well as Lois’.”
Another confirmed person on Superman’s radar is Green Arrow.InJudd Winick’sGreen Arrow and Black Canary#4 (2008), Oliver yells out for Clark to save his son, Conner. What makes the scene especially powerful is that Oliver doesn’t even call him by his superhero name; he yells“Clark,”proving without a doubt that he’s on the hero’s“I’m Always Listening”list.
Do the Pros of Being on Superman’s ‘I’m Always Listening’ List Outweigh the Cons?
Main Cover by Dan Mora forSuperman#27 (2025)
The answer to the question,“Do the pros of being on Superman’s ‘I’m Always Listening’ list outweigh the cons?”obviously depends on who you ask. Lois Lane and Green Arrow would most definitely answer with a resounding yes, while Luthor would definitely say no. As for whatBatmanthinks about this VIPSupermanlist, he’d probably say no, but secretly like that his BFF cares enough to keep tabs on him.
