SUPERBOY

'Superboy' is the name of several fictional characters in the DC Universe, most of them youthful incarnations of Superman.
The first, and arguably best-known, Superboy was simply Superman as a boy, acting as a superhero in his hometown of Smallville. The character was featured in several series from the 1940s until the 1980s and developed a mythos and supporting cast of his own, including parents Ma and Pa Kent, love interest Lana Lang and the time traveling allies the Legion of Super-Heroes.
When DC rewrote much of its continuity in 1986, Superman’s history was changed so that he never took a costumed identity until adulthood, erasing Superboy from the canonical history of Superman, although many aspects of the backstory created in Superboy comics, such as Clark Kent's friendship with Lana Lang, remained. In the last few years, some additional features of Superboy's history, such as his tenure in the Legion, have been reintroduced into the story of Superman's youth.
The character was adapted into a ''Superboy'' television series (1988–1992) and a teenaged Clark Kent, secretly using his powers in heroic acts, appears in the highly successful ''Smallville'' TV series (2001–present), drawing to a great extent on the present comic book continuity in its depicting of young Clark's life.
In 1993, DC introduced a new, modernized Superboy, a teenaged clone of both Superman and Lex Luthor, who was featured in an eponymous series from 1994 until 2002.
Due to DC Comics’ complex Multiverse, several other Superboys have appeared, of which the most notable is the mentally unstable Superboy-Prime.

Contents

Character history

Kal-El

Post-Crisis appearances of Superboy (Kal-El)

The Legion's Superboy

Zero Hour and Hypertime

Infinite Crisis

Superboy-Prime

Superman: Secret Identity

Kon-El

Other versions

All Star Superman

Legal status

Consequences of the ruling

Adaptations in other media

References

External links

Character history

Kal-El

Main articles: Superboy (Kal-El)


The original pitch for a "Superboy" character was originally made by Jerry Siegel (without Joe Shuster) in November 1938. The idea was turned down by Detective Comics, Inc., and the publisher again rejected a second, more detailed pitch by Siegel two years later.^[1] After the appeal of kid superheroes had been demonstrated by the success of Robin, the Boy Wonder and similar characters, Detective Comics reversed itself in late 1944 and started publishing a Superboy feature, in an effort to expand the Superman franchise by presenting a version of the character to whom younger readers could easily relate.^[2] Superboy first appeared in ''More Fun Comics'' #101 (1944, with a 1945 cover date). Though Joe Shuster supplied the art, the Superboy feature was published without the input or approval of Jerry Siegel, who was serving in World War II. This fact increased an already-growing rift between the publisher and Siegel and Shuster.
In early 1946, Superboy moved to ''Adventure Comics'', where he debuted (issue #103) as the lead feature for the anthology comic, and he remained the lead for over 200 issues. Superboy received his own series, ''Superboy'', in 1949, where again he was the lead feature for nearly 200 issues. Stories in both comics treat Superboy as essentially a junior version of Superman. To that end, he wears the Superman costume and his alter ego Clark Kent wears glasses as a disguise for his civilian identity. Superboy is the superhero of Clark's hometown, Smallville, where he grows up under the guidance of Ma and Pa Kent; has two close friends, Lana Lang and Pete Ross, in both identities, and a pet superdog, Krypto; befriends and then battles a teenage Lex Luthor;^[3] and joins the 30th-century Legion of Super-Heroes.^[4]
The popular Legion feature, a spin-off from Superboy, eventually bumped the Superboy feature from both ''Adventure Comics'' (in the 1960s) and, after the Legion left ''Adventure'', from ''Superboy'' itself (issues #197-198, 1973). In both cases, Superboy continued to appear in the comic series as a Legion member. When Superboy left the Legion in 1980, he got a second series called ''The New Adventures of Superboy'', which ran for 54 issues until 1984. A four-issue miniseries called ''Superman: The Secret Years'' (1985) tells the story of how Superboy became Superman during his junior year of college.
Shortly after the miniseries was published, Superboy's career was discarded from Superman's continuity after the 1985-1986 limited series ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' and writer John Byrne's 1986 revamp of Superman's origin, ''The Man of Steel''.^[5] Twenty years later, following the ''Infinite Crisis'' limited series, some elements of Superboy's history were restored to the story of Superman's youth (see the Infinite Crisis subsection).

Post-Crisis appearances of Superboy (Kal-El)

From 1989 to 1991, DC Comics published a comic series based on the TV series ''Superboy'' (1988-1992). The series was originally titled '', from #1-10 (only the covers bearing that title; the book was simply officially titled as ''Superboy'' in the indicia). After issue #11, the series changed its cover title (as the TV show had done) to ''The Adventures of Superboy'' (but the comic book was not officially renamed under that title until issue #19, in the book's indicia information) as well as displaying a short-white box next to the title (logo) which read "As Seen on TV." The series concluded in a one-shot special which wrapped up adventures and stories from previous issues and revealed them as having been the daydreams of the young post-''Crisis'' Clark Kent.^[6]

The Legion's Superboy

Superboy from the Pocket Universe.

Following John Byrne's revamp of Superman, a new version of Superboy was introduced as a means of patching the Legion of Super-Heroes' continuity, which was undermined by the removal of Kal-El's Superboy career. This Superboy is said to have been created by the Time Trapper, one of the Legion's greatest enemies, when he notices that the great youthful hero they take inspiration from does not start his career until he is an adult. So the Trapper takes a sliver of time from the ancient universe and uses it to craft a "pocket universe" in which Earth and Krypton are the only inhabited planets. Whenever the Legionnaires travel back in time, they travel to the 20th century of the Pocket Universe, not the main DC Universe. From birth until the ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'', Superboy's life is similar to the life of the original Superboy. When the universe-destroying ''Crisis'' strikes, Superboy lacks the power to save his Earth, but the Time Trapper can do so, provided Kal-El helps him capture the Legion. Superboy reluctantly agrees. After a battle with the post-''Crisis'' Superman, Superboy realizes he can't turn on his friends and instead helps the Legionnaires defeat the Trapper. Using a device the Trapper used to stave off Earth's destruction, Superboy saves his Earth, but only at the cost of his own life. His dying act is to return the Legion to their century (and Earth), where he is later buried.^[7] (The Pocket Universe later is the birthplace of Matrix, who becomes Supergirl, and its Earth is destroyed by escaped Phantom Zone criminals from the Krypton of the Pocket Universe.)^[8]
Later editorial mandates that removed Superboy from the history of the Legion^[9] led to a story where the Time Trapper is apparently erased from history, wiping the Pocket Universe and that universe's Superboy from existence.^[10] The Trapper's role is filled by Glorith of Baaldur, who chooses Lar Gand of Daxam, formerly Mon-El in the old timeline, to act as the inspiration for the Legion, and molds his destiny accordingly into the hero called Valor.^[11]
That timeline unravels during the reality-changing ''Zero Hour'' event. After ''Zero Hour'', a new Legion forms, with Valor remaining a legendary inspiration. That Legion encounters both the new Superboy (Kon-El) and a teenage Clark Kent, with Kon-El joining the Legion for a brief period before the Legion timeline is once more erased because of the events of ''Infinite Crisis''.
The version of the Legion now appearing in '' has not encountered Superboy or young Clark, but Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) has traveled forward in time and joined the team, and they also have also met Mon-El, whose history again apparently resembles his original story.^[12]

Zero Hour and Hypertime

During the 1994 storyline known as ''Zero Hour'', Conner Kent, the modern Superboy, encounters the original pre-''Crisis'' Earth-One Superboy, who resurfaces due to temporal disruptions involving what is known in the DC Universe as Hypertime. Eventually, this Superboy seemingly vanishes, returning to his own alternate timeline.
During a later trip through Hypertime, Kon-El accidentally discovers this Superboy while finding himself in that version's reality. During this visit, Kon-El discovers that this Superboy is a young Clark Kent, and by this means realized the Superman of his timeline must therefore be an adult Clark Kent. Sometime after returning to the main DC Universe, Kon-El reveals to Superman that he now knows his secret identity.

Infinite Crisis

In the aftermath of the events of ''Infinite Crisis'', Alexander Luthor finds that Earth's history has changed once again and in particular, he notes that there are several reports of Superman's activities prior to his first appearance in Metropolis.^[13] Later comics have made some of the changes in the history of Kal-El's youth explicit. A year after ''Infinite Crisis'', a cinematic Superman retrospective states that young Kal-El gave rise to "a rarely-glimpsed American myth--the mysterious Super-Boy."^[14] Fourteen-year old Clark Kent is depicted performing super-deeds in secret, wearing no costume other than his everyday clothes (much like the Clark Kent of the ''Smallville'' TV series).^[12]
Several concepts and plot points associated with the original Superboy have been reintroduced into post-''Infinite Crisis'' continuity as part of Superman's earlier years. Fourteen-year old Clark keeps his activities secret by using a tunnel leading from his bedroom, which is similar to the one the pre-''Crisis'' Silver Age Superboy used. He also assists stranded space traveler Mon-El, whom he first believes to be his older brother from Krypton, in a story that is similar to Mon-El's first appearance in ''Superboy'' #89 (1961). Krypto has been revealed as a companion to Clark in his youth,^[16] and young Clark joins a version of the Legion of Super-Heroes, wearing a Superman costume when he works with them in the future. Superman still keeps a Legion flight ring and statues of the Legion on display within the Fortress of Solitude.^[17] (This version of the Legion is different from the one now appearing in ''.)
Although many aspects of Superman's Silver Age history have been restored, the current incarnation of Superman has not yet been referred to as "Superboy" (as opposed to "Super-Boy") in his youth.

Superboy-Prime vs. Kon-El. Cover to ''Infinite Crisis'' #4 (2006). Art by Jim Lee.

Superboy-Prime

Main articles: Superboy-Prime

In 1985, during the ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' crossover event, another Superboy was created. This Superboy hails from the parallel Earth known as Earth-Prime, where Superman and the other DC superheroes only existed as fictional comic book characters.^[18] At the end of the Crisis, with his home dimension destroyed, Superboy joins Alexander Luthor, Jr. of Earth-Three and the Earth-Two versions Lois Lane and Superman in a "paradise dimension".^[19] In DC's 2006 ''Infinite Crisis'' miniseries, Superboy-Prime, Alex Luthor, Kal-L and Lois Kent are revealed to have been watching the DC Universe since they entered the "paradise dimension". Unhappy with what they had been seeing, they decide to take action, and return to the post-''Crisis'' DC Universe.
Superboy-Prime quickly becomes a supervillain. Feeling that this world's heroes were inferior, he feels no qualms about committing wanton acts of destruction, kidnapping, and murder. In the end, Superboy-Prime is pulled into the core of a red sun by the Supermen of Earths One and Two, then they crash land on Mogo, the Green Lantern that is a living planet. As they were under a red sun their powers rapidly vanish. While on Mogo, Superboy-Prime beats the Earth-Two Superman to death, but then is beaten by the Earth-One Superman. Superboy-Prime is later put in a maximum-security prison, guarded round-the-clock by a squadron of Green Lanterns. While incarcerated, he carves the "S"-symbol into his chest with what little power he has left, and vows to escape.^[13]
Superboy-Prime is released from his prison a year later by the newly formed Sinestro Corps and joins them, becoming one of the Anti-Monitor's heralds and wearing the Sinestro Corps' uniform.^[21]

Superman: Secret Identity

The Superboy-Prime character was the inspiration for Kurt Busiek's miniseries '', which begins as a story about a teenage boy, named Clark Kent after the comic book character, who exists in the "real world" where there are no superheroes and discovers that he possesses powers similar to Superman. In the first press reports about Clark's life-saving super-deeds, the press refers to Clark (whose identity is unknown) as "Superboy."^[22]

Kon-El

Main articles: Superboy (Kon-El)

Kon-El. Art by Mike McKone from Teen Titans #7.

In 1993, during DC Comics's ''Death of Superman'' story, a new Superboy was introduced.^[23] Unlike previous characters bearing the name, this Superboy is a clone created to replace the seemingly-dead Superman, rather than simply being an adolescent Clark Kent. His initial abilities were based on a form of telekinesis (known as tactile telekinesis) by which he could fly and simulate Superman's strength and invulnerability. Nicknamed "the Kid", Superboy was spun off to his own series, which ran for 100 issues (1994-2002). In issue #59 (1999) of the series, Superman gives him the Kryptonian name "Kon-El".
After Superman returns from the dead, Kon-El learns that he was genetically-engineered from the human DNA of Paul Westfield, director of a government sector known as Project Cadmus.^[24] Later, Superboy learns that he had been actually created from the DNA of both Superman and a human. However, the human was Superman's archnemesis Lex Luthor, not Westfield.^[25] Moreover, as the clone Superboy was developing, he was brainwashed so that Luthor could have a sleeper agent among the superhero community. This eventually leads to near disaster, but Superboy eventually frees himself from Luthor's control.^[26] Luthor continues to claim that he views Kon-El as his son.
This version of Superboy becomes involved with several teen superhero groups, notably the Ravers, Young Justice, the Teen Titans, and the Legion of Super-Heroes. He is the best friend of Robin, the Boy Wonder, and is romantically involved with Wonder Girl. Kon-El later sacrifices his life in the ''Infinite Crisis'' series in a battle with Superboy-Prime.^[27] After his death, statues are erected in his honor in Metropolis and Titans Tower. Robin is also secretly researching cloning techniques in order to clone a new Superboy.

Other versions

Several other versions of Superboy originating from different parts of the Multiverse have also appeared in DC Comics.

★ ''Karkan'': In a 1972 imaginary story, infant Kal-El lands in Africa and, like Tarzan, is found and raised by gorillas. As a teen, Karkan is found by an expedition to Africa and brought to Metropolis. When he finds that he can't adjust to "civilized" life, Karkan returns to the jungle.^[28] Karkan also appeared in the "Hypertension" story arc (1999).^[29]

★ ''Superboy'' of the ''Super Seven'': This Elseworlds version of Kon-El is one of the "Super Seven", a group of heroes which include Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and a Lex Luthor/Metallo hybrid, who help humans fight off "The Horde", an alien race that occupies Earth.^[30]

★ ''Superboy OMAC'': The one millionth clone of Kon-El, Superboy OMAC, so called because of his similarity to the One-Man Army Corps, lives in the 853rd century and is a member of Justice Legions S (consisting exclusively of Superboy clones) and T (a future version of Young Justice). Superboy OMAC was part of 1998's DC One Million crossover event. He reappeared the following year in "Hypertension".

★ ''Quetzal'': In a distant future on the colony world of Aztlan, Quetzal becomes the designated heir to Superman, who occupies a semi-divine postion in this Aztec-like society. Realizing that "Superman" is corrupt, Superboy leads a rebellion against him.^[31]

★ ''Superboy'' of ''Superboy's Legion'': In this Elseworlds tale, the infant Kal-El is stranded in the Asteroid Belt, and he remains there, in stasis, until found in 2987 by R. J. Brande, a thousand years after Krypton's destruction. At the age of 14, "Kal Brande", also known as Superboy, joins Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl in forming "Superboy's Legion", later known as the Legion of Super-Heroes.^[32]

★ ''Spider-Boy'': The Amalgam Comics superhero who is a combination of Kon-El and Marvel Comics' Spider-Man.

★ ''Legion of Superboys'': Different versions of Superboy from throughout Hypertime, including both Kon-El and Kal-El, team up in the unofficial "Legion of Superboys" to fight Black Zero in the "Hypertension" story arc.
In addition, Marvel Comics' 'Gladiator' of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard is based partly on Superboy. The Shi'ar Imperial Guard, as a whole, was created as an homage/parody of the Legion of Super-Heroes.

All Star Superman

During an adventure in Smallville while he is still a youth, Clark Kent of ''All Star Superman'' is aided by the time-spanning Superman Squad featuring the present Superman in disguise as the Unknown Superman, Kal Kent, and the 5th-dimension Superman. While aiding the Squad, Clark misses a chance to save the life of Jonathan Kent.^[33]
In writing about the version of Superman in his series, writer Grant Morrison said, "Ma & Pa Kent—one dead. We're going with the version where Pa Kent has died. That's the day Superboy becomes a man."^[34] Dialogue between several characters implies that young Clark is a costumed adventurer, but he is never referred to as "Superboy".

Legal status

Superboy is currently the subject of a legal battle between Time Warner, the owner of DC Comics, and the estate of Jerry Siegel. The Siegel estate claims that the original "Superboy" character published by DC Comics is an independent creation that used ideas from Jerry Siegel's original rejected pitch and was created without his consent.^[35] On April 4 2006, Federal judge Ronald S. W. Lew issued a summary judgment ruling that Siegel's heirs had the right to revoke their copyright assignment to Superboy and had successfully reclaimed the rights as of November 17, 2004. Warner Bros. replied that it "respectfully disagrees" with the ruling and will appeal.^[36] Since the ruling, the name "Superboy" has not been used in print to refer to any version of the character.
On July 27 2007, the courts ruled in favor of Warner Bros' decision to appeal the previous ruling and dismissed some of the Siegel estate's claims about the Superboy character.^[37][38]

Consequences of the ruling

★ The ruling delayed all future DVD releases of the live-action ''Superboy'' TV series, with only the first season being released so far.

★ In the ''Teen Titans: Secret Origins'' back-up story in the weekly ''52'' limited series, an illustration of Superboy was changed to one of Wonder Girl.^[39]

★ In ''Countdown'' #45, a recap of the history of the Multiverse mentions Superboy-Prime as "Earth-Prime's Superman." In another recap in ''Countdown'' #42, Superboy-Prime is referred to as "Prime" and is obscured by shadows which cover up the "S"-symbol on his chest.

★ Nearly all post-''Infinite Crisis'' references to the Kon-El version of Superboy have referred to the character as either "Conner Kent" or "Kon-El".

★ The DVD release of the ''The New Adventures of Superman'' series does not include any of the accompanying ''The Adventures of Superboy'' cartoons.

★ The ruling affected the development of the ''Legion of Super Heroes'' animated series. Originally, it was to have used the Superboy character. However, because of the ruling, the Clark Kent character instead refers to himself as "Superman".

Adaptations in other media

The Superboy character has made the transition to television and film on multiple occasions, both in live action and animated series.

★ ''The Adventures of Superboy'' (1961): television series (though only a pilot was produced).

★ ''Superboy'' (1966): film by Andy Warhol.

★ ''The Adventures of Superboy'' (1966–1969): series of 34 six-minute Superboy adventures (his first animated appearances) that appeared as part of three different programs during that time, packaged with similar shorts featuring other DC Comics superheroes. He was voiced by Bob Hastings.

★ ''Super Friends'': Superboy makes two appearances in the show's run. The first one is when the Hall Of Justice computer runs a tape showing Lex Luthor's origin. The other is in a short episode where Phantom Zone criminals go back in time to fight Superboy. He is saved by the arrival of Superman and Green Lantern. He was voiced by Danny Dark.

★ ''Superboy'' (1988–1992): television series about Superboy (Clark Kent) during his college years. The series starred John Haymes Newton (1988–1989) and Gerard Christopher (1989–1992), and Stacy Haiduk as Lana Lang.

★ ''Smallville'' (2001—): television series starring Tom Welling; though not a "Superboy" series by name, this series stars a teenage Clark Kent and features many elements originally present in the Silver Age Superboy comics. Additionally, in a first season episode, Clark accidentally transfers his powers to a classmate named Eric, who, before running amok with his newfound powers, is called "Superboy" by the local newspaper.

★ ''Justice League Unlimited'': In the episode "Kid Stuff", Morgan le Fay transforms Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern into 8-year-olds after Mordred uses his magic to remove all adults from Earth. While not referred to as Superboy, the eight-year-old Superman is at the same age that young Clark Kent assumed the career in the comics.

★ A "young Superman" appears in the ''Legion of Super Heroes'' animated series. [1][2] The original press releases stated Superboy would be featured. Due to the aforementioned legal issues, the "Superboy" character was instead referred to on the series as "Superman". This version of the character comes from the time shortly before Clark leaves Smallville for Metropolis. The second season will take place two years after the first and feature an older Clark and a Superman clone from the 41st century, who has alien DNA and enhanced superpowers, as Legion members.^[40]

References

1. Trexfiles: The latest Superboy/Superman copyright decision PDF file. See pages 1-5 for early Superboy publication history.
2. ''Millenium Edition More Fun Comics'' #101 (2000) and ''Millenium Edition Superboy'' #1 (2001), inside cover commentaries
3. ''Adventure Comics'' #271 (1960)
4. ''Adventure Comics'' #247 (1958)
5. Why did JB remove Superboy from continuity with the MAN OF STEEL reboot?—Byrne Robotics: FAQ
6. ''The Adventures of Superboy Special" #1
7. ''Legion of Super-Heroes'' vol. 3 #37-38 (1987), ''Superman'' vol. 2 #8 (1987) and ''Action Comics'' #591 (1987)
8. ''Superman'' vol. 2 #21-22 (1988), ''Adventures of Superman'' #444 (1988)
9. Cadigan, Glen: ''The Legion Companion'', pages 194 (interview with Keith Giffen) and 201 (interview with Tom Bierbaum), TwoMorrows Publishing: Raleigh, NC, 2003.
10. ''Legion of Super-Heroes'' vol. 4 #4 (1990)
11. ''Legion of Super-Heroes'' vol. 4 #5 (1990), ''Legion of Super-Heroes Annual'' vol. 4 #1 (1990) and #2 (1991)
12. ''Action Comics Annual'' #10 (2007)
13. ''Infinite Crisis'' #7 (2006)
14. ''Superman'' #650 (2006)
15. ''Action Comics Annual'' #10 (2007)
16. ''Action Comics'' #854 (2007)
17. ''Justice Society of America'' #5-6 (2007)
18. ''DC Comics Presents'' #87 (1985)
19. ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' #12 (1986)
20. ''Infinite Crisis'' #7 (2006)
21. ''Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special'' #1 (2007)
22. '' #1 (2004)
23. ''Adventures of Superman'' #500 (1993)
24. ''Adventures of Superman'' #506 (1993)
25. ''Teen Titans'' vol. 3 #1 (2003)
26. ''Teen Titans'' vol. 3 #24-25 (2005)
27. ''Infinite Crisis'' #6
28. ''Superboy'' vol. 1 #183 and #188 (1972)
29. ''Superboy'' vol. 3 #60-64 (1999)
30. ''Adventures of Superman Annual'' #6 (1994) and ''Superboy Annual'' #1 (1994)
31. ''Superboy Annual'' #3 (1996)
32. ''Superboy's Legion'' #1-2 (2001)
33. ''All Star Superman #6''
34. Grant Morrison on ''All Star Superman'' at Superman Through the Ages
35. Newsarama: THE BATTLE FOR THE BOY
36. Comic Book Resources: JUDGE SAYS SIEGELS OWN SUPERBOY. WILL IT AFFECT "SMALLVILLE?"
37. TitansTower.com: Superboy case update
38. Trexfiles: The latest Superboy/Superman copyright decision PDF file
39. Horhaus: This is a job for...Wonder Girl?
40. Animated Shorts: Kids WB!'s Fall Line-Up, South Park, Robot Chicken and More at NEWSARAMA

External links

★ Comicbloc Official site of Geoff Johns, author of ''Infinite Crisis''.

★ Superboy Lives! A website devoted to the pre-''Crisis'' Superboy.

★ Toonopedia entry on Superboy

★ Supermanica:Superboy Supermanica entry on the pre-''Crisis'' Superboy.

★ Index of the Earth-One Superboy's adventures

★ Superman Through the Ages:The Origin of Superboy-Prime!

★ Superboy Copyright FAQ