DC Comics has released the cover art for Action Comics #1034, which emphasizes Mongul's control over Superman's supposed new Kryptonian ally. Recently, Superman and Superboy stumbled upon multiple Warzoon crafts from Warworld. One of them was harboring long-lost Kryptonian refugees. The person of key interest on that ship for Superman is an alien girl who speaks a few words in an extinct Kryptonian language.
This Kryptonian refugee has been given a name in the new solicitation for this issue, her name is Thao-La. Things aren't as clear-cut as Superman perceives it to be, as by the end of the issue it is revealed that she is working for Mongul. In last week's issue, Superboy was acting irrational and not very heroic as his fear of losing his father took over. Although Superman and Supergirl are right to believe in the good, Jonathan Kent's skepticism could be what saves Superman as Thao-La schemes her way behind his back.
In Action Comics #1034 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, Daniel Sampere, and Michael Avon Oeming, Thao-La begins to exhibit Kryptonian powers. Currently, it's unknown if she is an actual Kryptonian. But it seems very likely as the cover art for this issue showcases Thao-La with heat vision. Unless Mongul has somehow altered her DNA to give her powers, it's reasonable to assume that she is Kryptonian. Either way, this is a bad sign for Superman as she remains loyal to Mongul and will at some point be inclined to attack him. Check out the cover art below:
What is odd about Thao-La exhibiting powers is that Superboy, in the last issue, emphasized that all of the Kryptonian refugees haven't reacted to the Earth's yellow sun rays. Even with the slightest exposure to yellow sun tradition, normal Kryptonians exhibit some signs of enhanced strength. Will Thao-La be the only refugee to gain superpowers? And are they all working for Mongul? These are some of the questions that confused fans will be asking as August approaches. However, week by week, readers will find out more about Thao-La and her true intentions for Superman. Additionally, it doesn't look good for Lois Lane as she and Thao-La are the only one's defending the Fortress of Solitude when the Warzoons attack. It's fair to assume that Lois will be betrayed by her new Kryptonian ally.
In the end, Superman will find out about Mongul's grasp over Thao-La, but will it be too late? Could Superman do what he does best and inspire the Kryptonian refugee from Warworld to become something greater? It's very possible, as it didn't seem that she was inclined to do this mission. Mongul's torture and power over Thao-La are what was heavily hinted at that made her end up on Earth. Find out what will happen in this explosive issue when it releases on August 24.