At Last, Superboy Is Going Back to Basics, And a First Look at the Hero Is Here

With DC's "Summer of Superman" event kicking off in a few months, the original Superboy is gearing up for a return to comics as he dons his classic costume. Although Clark Kent has made a name for himself over the years as Superman, his hero career began long before he graduated from boy to man, and the artist behind this comeback has unveiled a glimpse of Superboy's design.

Summer of Superman Special #1 by Dan Slott, Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson, and Jorge Jiménez will mark the beginning of the highly anticipated "Summer of Superman" initiative, and artist Jiménez has shared a first look at the comic on X. His eye-catching art depicts Clark Kent in action as Superboy, not Superman.

Superboy is back and better than ever in Jiménez's exciting preview, and he's joined by trusted canine companion Krypto as he flies into action. This summer, Superman won't be the only alter ego of Clark Kent who gets some love, since Superboy will also be joining the fun.

Superboy Makes A Comeback As DC Revisits The Man of Steel's Smallville Roots

Before Clark Kent Was Superman, He Was Known as Superboy

Although Superman debuted as the full-grown hero readers know and love in 1938's Action Comics #1 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, his creators later explored his origins as Superboy in 1944's More Fun Comics #101. Superboy went on to enjoy various adventures throughout the DC Universe as he navigated his vast arsenal of Kryptonian powers. Superman has a handle on his abilities, but the less experienced Superboy had much to learn before he moved to Metropolis and kicked off his more renowned hero career. These tales expanded upon Clark Kent's past prior to his debut as the iconic Superman, filling in the blanks of his backstory.

After years of Superman surpassing Superboy in the comics as the primary heroic identity associated with Clark Kent, Jiménez's art has given much-needed attention to the character who truly started it all within the DC timeline. Superboy is shown floating above Smallville with Krypto by his side, and though he certainly boasts a more youthful appearance, his costume design draws from his older counterpart in key ways. DC fans can look forward to seeing more of Superboy's daring exploits as a small town hero at long last once thisnew story from the history of Superman hits shelves.

Superboy, Lana Lang, And More Familiar Faces from Superman Lore Enter the Spotlight

DC's Summer of Superman Is Exploring Clark Kent's Early Years

In addition to his art of Superboy, Jiménez has also shared another page from the upcoming Summer of Superman Special on X that features Lana Lang, Clark's childhood friend and former love interest. Since the special in question will reportedly include Lana's long-awaited wedding to John Henry Irons' Steel, it's only fitting that she will share the spotlight with Clark Kent as one of his oldest allies. Superman's time as Superboy is finally getting the nostalgic comeback it's deserved this summer, as DC pays tribute to the early days of the Man of Steel's superhero career in Smallville.

Summer of Superman Special #1 will be available on April 30th, 2025 from DC Comics!

Source: X