The Decision to Save Kal-El: Why the Last Survivors of Krypton Chose Not to Go to the Phantom Zone

In the 2013 film Man of Steel, the last survivors of Krypton, Jor-El and Lara, make the monumental decision to send their son, Kal-El (aka Superman), to Earth rather than the Phantom Zone. This choice was not without careful consideration of several crucial factors, including the state of Krypton, the aspirations of Kal-El, and the limitations of available technology.

The Destruction of Krypton and the Phantom Zone Option

When Krypton was on the brink of total destruction, it became clear that the Phantom Zone was not a viable option for long-term survival. In the film, the Phantom Zone is depicted more as a prison than a refuge for those who sought protection or escape. Jor-El and Lara understood that Kal-El deserved a real life on Earth, with all its possibilities, rather than being trapped in a dimension with no hope of escape. This decision reflects their desire to give Kal-El a chance at a meaningful and fulfilled life beyond the confines of Krypton.

Hope for the Future

Jor-El believed in the potential of humanity and wanted Kal-El to grow up as a beacon of hope. By sending him to Earth, Kal-El could serve as a bridge between the two worlds, embodying the best of Kryptonian values while also integrating into human society. This approach also allowed Kryptonian principles to influence Earth in a positive light, potentially sparking a more enlightened future for humanity.

Kryptonian Technology and Interstellar Travel

The technology to escape Krypton and send Kal-El to Earth was more advanced than what was available for utilizing the Phantom Zone. Jor-El used a specialized spacecraft designed for interstellar travel, which could safely transport Kal-El away from the destruction of Krypton. This high-tech solution allowed for Kal-El's survival and his journey to Earth, where he could begin a new life.

Personal Choice of Jor-El and Lara

Ultimately, Jor-El and Lara's decision to send Kal-El to Earth was motivated by their desire as parents to provide him with a chance at life, love, and freedom. They believed that life on Earth would give Kal-El a sense of purpose and the opportunity to grow and thrive. This personal choice also underscored their determination to sustain their son, even in the face of impossible odds, rather than subjecting him to an existence in the Phantom Zone.

Contrast with Kryptonian Space Program and the Phantom Zone’s Risk

Kryptonians did not believe the planet was doomed until it was too late. Additionally, they had eliminated their space program centuries – if not millennia – before, making scout ships a non-option. The inhabitants of the Phantom Zone are known to be the scum of Kryptonian society, including killers and terrorists. This makes the Phantom Zone a place of danger and uncertainty. Moreover, the idea that Jor-El and Lara could have used the Phantom Zone as a passage to safety was an impossibility given that the Phantom Zone was designed as a prison rather than a sanctuary.

During the animated series in the 1990s, the concept of using the Phantom Zone for large-scale colonization was considered but ultimately rejected. Jor-El proposed the idea of shunting the population of the planet into the Zone while someone (most likely himself) escapes the planet on a rocket, finds a new world, and releases his people with a portable PZ projector. This idea was met with strong resistance due to the ethical and practical concerns. It was deemed inappropriate to subject billions of people to a prison-like existence, even as a last resort, if there was a chance that Krypton could be preserved with the right technology and leadership.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges and the ethical dilemmas, Jor-El and Lara's decision to send Kal-El to Earth was grounded in their shared belief in possibility, survival, and hope. Their actions serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Krypton and the hope that humanity might one day live in peace and prosperity.