I'm actually glad I didn't re-read this issue before the others. It explains the Hollow Men far too much, and I preferred reading them a little more mysteriously.
Today's comic gives us yet another window into questioning the role of Superman, and of the superhero. Clark is faced, sort of, with a reflection of himself that he might not recognize, but that long-term fans will. It's the Superman who debuted in the pages of Action Comics in 1938, the crusader for social justice and equality. Though we see very little of this character (unlike the cover), his actions are unmistakable as those taken by the Siegel and Shuster version of the character in his earliest adventures. Unfortunately, the violent acrobatics and less-complicated morality of this older version of the Man of Steel doesn't sit well in 21st century America, and he is seen as a threat, rather than a hero. Superman, the current one, of course figures out what's going on, but perhaps misses out on a chance for some self-reflection. This comic is much more about the readers considering who and and what Superman should be, rather than he himself doing it.
That's what the next few issues are for (or rather, the last few that I read last week.) Timey-Wimey.
"You policeman are playing too rough! These folks are just concerned about the environment!".
(Just as a note - all of the older version of Superman's lines end with an exclamation point. It's a little thing, but really adds a nice nuance to the story.)
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