When DC K.O. was pitched as a fight to the death, winner-take-all tournament to determine the greatest warrior in the DC Universe, Superman immediately came to mind. But fans were certainly not picturing him taking the title in his new form, unlocking an ultimate power upgrade that could change everything.

After Being Killed in Round One, Superman Takes His Greatest Form

DC K.O. Superman vs. Atom #1

As fans of the Man of Steel everywhere were reeling after witnessing Captain Atom kill Superman in seconds, the hero himself was clearly thinking strategically. Prior to the fight beginning, it was specified to be a best of three rounds battle, with each round allowing the defeated a chance to change their “form.” A vague description, but one capitalized on perfectly by Superman, Becoming the uber powerful Superman-Prime, one of DC’s most powerful heroes of all time.

The Superman of the 853rd Century was introduced to comic book fans as the main Superman we all know and love, but having spent 15,000 years inside our sun, charging his powers to their maximum. Needless to say, Superman immediately uses this near-limitless power reserve to get the upper hand on Captain Atom, and claim Round Two for himself.

Superman Prime in Gold Form Fights in DC KO Comic Art

Obviously once the shock and delight of seeing Superman’s golden form wears off, astute readers will be sure to ask: the comic book event made its future character designs famous, but how does Superman actually know about his golden Superman Prime form?

The Return of Superman One Million is A Massive Change To Modern Comics

The DC One Million Event Silently Brought Back Into Canon?

Sure Superman has unlocked a new golden Kryptonite-immune form in current comics. But the design and insignia (and power level) of this form are specifically the same ones to appear in the 1998 DC One Million miniseries written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Val Semeiks. An event Superman apparently remembers?

If it is true that Superman is aware of this form somehow, that also means he’s aware of the Justice Legion Alpha, the sprawling Superman Dynasty which will descend from his children, and the rest of this shocking crossover. Is this a new development, or a secret he’s been keeping all along? And if he remembers it in current canon, who else recalls it along with him?

Hopefully some answers will be provided soon, but for now fans can read DC K.O. Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 from DC Comics.