Superman Updates His Iconic Catchphrase with a Hilarious New Form (I'm WHEEZING)

Summary Superman, as a corgi, brings a fresh and hilarious twist to the famous phrase "It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!"

The Trinity-centered backup stories in Wonder Woman feature Jonathan Kent, Damian Wayne, and Lizzie Prince as corgis after facing a witch.

Even as a corgi, Superman's son Jonathan remains good, playful, and promises a bright future of heroics with Damian and Lizzie.

Warning! Spoilers for "World's Finest Part 6" from Wonder Woman #9 ahead!The arrival of Superman on the scene is often famously preceded by onlookers shouting, "It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!" However, in a new "World’s Finest" story by Tom King, Belén Ortega, Alejandro Sánchez, and Clayton Cowles, Superman has a hilarious new form that’s shaking that slogan up - that of an adorable corgi.

The Trinity-centered backup stories in Wonder Woman have been a hilarious gift to readers, featuring the children of DC’s big three growing up together: Jonathan Kent, Damian Wayne, and Lizzie Prince. Off-page, the three have just faced down the witch Circe, but the boys didn’t escape unscathed: they’ve been turned into corgis. Zatanna tells Lizzie to try to break the spell by reminding them of who they are, so Lizzie attempts to take them crime-fighting. However, the people’s reactions instead turn Superman’s famous phrase on its head:

While a flying corgi is a cute sight, it’s certainly an unexpected one.

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Superman Has Been Mistaken for Birds and Planes Since 1940

"World's Finest Part 6" May Be His First Experience As A Corgi

The famous phrase, “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!” originated with the 1940s The Adventures of Superman radio serials. It was then picked up by the acclaimed Max Fleischer Superman cartoons and live-action Adventures of Superman TV series. The opening intro on the radio show changed quite a bit over the years, but its final form will be familiar to anyone with even a passing interest in the Man of Steel. The opening famously declares that he’s faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and fights for truth, justice, and the American way.

The phrase was even used as the title of a 1966 Broadway musical. It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman closed after less than four months, and was considered Broadway's biggest flop at the time. Since Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark seems to have taken this crown, apparently the Great White Way is kryptonite for all superheroes.

Though Supercorgi still seems to have super-speed and the ability to fly, his motivation in this latest "World’s Finest" chapter seems to be balls, naps, and the game of fetch. The usual dynamics in this backup series are inverted, as now Lizzie needs to care for her “big brothers.” Previously in this Eisner-nominated series, Jonathan and Damian have acted as babysitters for the much younger Lizzie Prince, teaching her to tie her shoes, reading her bedtime stories, and trying to keep her out of trouble (though they often failed at that last point, taking her on superhero adventures).

Wonder Woman

Superman Has Always Been a Good Boy

Even before being turned into a dog, Superman was always good. Clark Kent has imparted a great deal of wisdom and kindness onto his son Jonathan, and it seems everyone can rest assured that the future Superman will be upholding his father's legacy. Even as a corgi, Jonathan isn't being destructive, but rather wants to play and be friendly. Combined with Damian Wayne's Batman and Lizzie Prince's Wonder Woman, the three have a promising future for saving the world. Though this summer's Absolute Power event will be challenging DC's heroes, a future with this Superman looks as hopeful as ever.

"World's Finest Part 6" from Wonder Woman #9 is available now from DC Comics.

Wonder Woman #9 "World's Finest Part 6" (2024) Writer: Tom King

Artist: Belén Ortega

Colorist: Alejandro Sánchez

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Cover Artist: Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey