The following article contains spoilers from from Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton #1, on sale now from DC Comics.
DC's Lazarus Planet event has placed the heroes of the world in a tight spot as they deal with the changes wrought by the Lazarus resin. However, "Electric" from Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton #1 (by C.S. Pacat, Scott Godlewski, Alex Guimaraes, and AndWorld Design) may have started Jon Kent on the first steps to healing from the traumatizing experience of being imprisoned on Earth-3. During the story, het menamed Ash gained volcanic abilities, prompting Jon to reveal that he does not like volcanoes, perhaps even having a phobia of them.
While this doesn't sound like much, Ash will be a playing a role in Jon's future. Considering that the young man was not outwardly villainous, part of his redemption might involve him helping Jon overcome his fear of volcanoes. This, coupled with Jon's upcoming confrontation with Ultraman may indicate that DC is finally going to address Jon's trauma.
Superman Hasn't Fully Recovered From His Imprisonment
It may have happened a few years ago, but Jon's imprisonment on Earth-3 is still affecting the DC Universe to this day. His current age is an active reminder of how much time he has lost due to his imprisonment. During a trip to space with his grandfather, Jor-El, Jon was lost on Earth-3 and captured by Ultraman, who placed Jon within a volcanic prison to limit his abilities. He then used Jon to vent his frustrations. This meant Jon's only other companion during those five years was an emotionally unstable villain who was just as likely to kill him as he was talk to him.
Jon escaped, but while five years had passed for him, the difference in the passage of time between universes meant that only three weeks had passed back home. Not only did he lose five years of his life, his parents missed out on his entire childhood. This is still affecting them to this day, all of them mourning what was lost and trying to build a better future together. Still, Jon has never actually taken the time to address what happened to him. He's been forced into one adventure after the next, never speaking to a therapist or any kind of counselor about his time in captivity, even though there are noticeable signs that he is not over what happened.
Ash Represents Superman's First Step Towards Healing
Though Ash is flippant about Jon's morals and flirts with him, there is an inherent decency that compelled him to help Jon protect the city from the Lazarus storms. Jon might find something redeemable in him and try to convince him to use his powers for good. This would force him to be around Ash's volcanic powers, and he will have to control his fear to instruct Ash. Helping Jon overcome his fear might lead to the two growing closer, as there is a fun chemistry between the two, but more importantly Jon will finally start the healing process.
DC has done very little to consider what happened to him. There have been moments he has reflected on his time in prison, and how it motivates him, but nothing has been done to help him through such a traumatizing experience. Jon couldn't have been more than twelve when he was captured by a monster like Ultraman. No matter how strong he is, there is no way that didn't leave its own scars. Jon may not be able to change what happened to him, but he can at least confront it. Conquering his fear, and his reunion with Ultraman ultimately will help Jon overcome his past.