Jonathan Kent, often referred to as Pa Kent, is a fictional character in Superman stories. Jonathan is the adoptive father of Superman. He lives in the rural town of Smallville, Kansas. In most versions of Superman's origin story, Jonathan was the first to come across the rocket that brought the infant Kal-El to Earth, with their adopting him ...
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Jonathan Kent, often referred to as Pa Kent, is a fictional character in Superman stories. Jonathan is the adoptive father of Superman. He lives in the rural town of Smallville, Kansas. In most versions of Superman's origin story, Jonathan was the first to come across the rocket that brought the infant Kal-El to Earth, with their adopting him shortly thereafter, renaming him Clark Kent.Jonathan is usually portrayed as a caring father who instills within Clark a strong sense of morals, and he encourages Clark to use his powers for the betterment of humanity.In the DC Animated Universe, Jonathan and his wife Martha witnessed the arrival of the Kryptonian spacecraft bearing the infant Kal-El. Jonathan was somewhat apprehensive of the mysterious child, wondering if perhaps the baby might have been launched into space by the Russians. Nonetheless, he agreed to Martha's suggestion that they raise the child as their own.Over the years, Jonathan and Martha's loving, supportive parenting instilled in young Clark a strong sense of morality and the importance of helping those in need thus providing Superman with an essential heroism to match his vast physical power.Later, he and Martha were also loving foster parents to Kara, an Argoan girl that Clark rescued from deep space. Kara likewise adopted the strong morality they taught her (though she often felt confined by the isolation of the farm).In Young Justice , Jonathan Kent was among those who toured the new LexCorp farm at which the Reach was growing their own produce. As Sharon Vance guided the tour, Kent expressed his concern that the Reach's efforts could put local farmers out of business. Vance replied that the Reach planned to share its techniques with the farmers.After Young Justice completed one of their missions, Kent allowed Green Beetle to stay in his barn. He said he was happy to have any reason for family to drop by, referring to Superboy, who was present.In Smallville , Jonathan Kent was Martha Kent's husband and Clark Kent's adoptive father. A longtime farmer, he ran the Kent Farm until he was elected Senator from Kansas. Jonathan went to great lengths to protect his son's secret, including almost killing a reporter who was going to expose Clarks secret to the world.In the original Superman movie series, Jonathan and Martha Kent were in their truck when Kal-El's space rocket crashed in the field. They were also shocked to find a naked child smiling at them. Martha fell in love with the child and persuaded her husband to adopt him as their own son, even after the boy lifted the back of the truck off the ground. He was named Clark Kent.As the years passed, Clark Kent discovered his superpowers and he and his father talked. Jonathan told them that when he first came to them, they were worried people would come and take him away if they knew about his special powers. He also told Clark that he was there for a reason. Sadly, after their talk, Jonathan's heart stopped, and he died. Clark felt guilty about having special powers, and he couldn't save him.
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