Warning: spoilers ahead for Superman #32!
In Superman #32, Clark's son Jon, aka Superboy, defeats one of his oldest foes using a brand new form of heat vision! The story so far has recounted how Superman first faced the Shadowbreed early in his career alongside Qarath O Daanim, seemingly destroying the parasitic threat, but sadly leaving enough behind that years later, the planet Thakkram is once more in danger.
In the previous issue, Superboy was able to use a new power that Superman doesn't have. It's revealed that by focusing his line of sight, Superboy can detonate his heat vision midair, essentially "crossing the streams." This thoroughly impresses Superman, who never thought to use his heat vision in such a creative manner. But despite this breakthrough, the Shadowbreed still aren't vulnerable to either Clark's heat vision or Jon's explosion new variant. Thankfully, in the latest issue of the comic, Jon's experimenting with his heat vision pays off, as he realizes that he can shift the frequency of his power, making it far more effective against this unique threat.
In Superman #32 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Scott Goolewski, and Gabe Eltaeb, Superboy uses his new heat vision to stop the Shadowbreed. This occurs as Superman's ally, Qarath O Bakkis, reveals that the Shadowbreed were previously destroyed using a bomb which released "hyperviolet light," which exists between the ultraviolet and X-ray spectrums. But what's more important is that it was inspired by Superman's heat vision, meaning that Superman could potentially shoot beams of hyperviolet energy. While Kal-El has never unlocked this power, the revelation is enough to inspire Jon to try.
Superman knows that his own heat vision doesn't have the nuance to channel such specific energy. However, raised by a Kryptonian father, Jon was able to learn to control his powers earlier in life, giving him far greater versatility. With Superman holding off a Shadowbreed-controlled superweapon, Jon switches through different spectrums of light, finally finding hyperviolet. As promised, this form of heat vision is incredibly effective, releasing the Thakkramites from Shadowbreed control.
Interestingly, events over in Action Comics #1032 have revealed that ancient Kryptonians may actually have used this type of heat vision by default, with hints it may be both more powerful and more unwieldy than Superman's characteristic red/orange beams. In the aftermath of Superboy's final strike, Superman is shocked at how powerful his son's heat vision is. Clearly impressed by Jon, Clark is ready to admit that his own time as Superman is coming to an end. Fans know Superboy will soon take his father's title, and despite being only half-Kryptonian, Jon is clearly going to have a new approach to Superman's traditional powers - one which seems like it will pack some surprises even for enemies who think they know exactly what "Superman" can do.