Warning! Preview pages ahead for Action Comics #1087!DC Comics is finally exploringSuperman’spast once more, and the publisher is redefining a major part of the Man of Steel’s lore.The Summer of Supermanis finally here and as books like Superman Unlimited drive Clark Kent’s life forward, the latest arc inAction Comicsis looking backwards to the hero’s earliest days.
WhileSuperman’s time as Superboyhas been erased, re-established, and erased again, DC Comics is making Clark’s time as a young hero canon again. Mark Waid and Skylar Patridge have come toAction Comicsfor a new arc that takes a look back at Superman’s youth, back when he was the Boy of Steel. The new arc hasn’t even officially begun and already a new preview is pulling outa major revelation about Superman’s past: The first time he wore his iconic outfit. As fans will discover, this moment shows off just how human Superman really is.
Superman Wore His Costume For the First TimeWayToo Early
Superboy’s Debut Was Rooted in Teenage Enthusiasm
In a preview forAction Comics #1087by Mark Waid and Skylar Patridge, the world-famous Expo of Tomorrow has come to Metropolis and no one is more excited than Superman. He meetswith Mayor Perry Whitein the Sun Dome to observe a couple of kids playing with the Flight Rings that Superman donated (modified for everyone’s safety, of course). Superman is beside himself with joy anddeparts so he can take in the sights and exhibits as Clark Kent rather than Superman.
Don’t forget to check out theSummer of Superman Special #1, available now!
Clark walks around and checks out the expo, reflecting on how much he loved seeing the event as a kid, noting it left a major impression on him in his youth. As he gazes on a mysterious device, he thinks back to the summer he turned 15, when he and Ma and Pa Kent visited Metropolis to see the Expo of Tomorrow.The young Clark is incredibly eager, dragging his parents to the bus, while Martha tries to get her son to pace himself.
…Clark is wearing his iconic costume underneath his clothes.
As Martha discovers, however, Clark is wearing his iconic costume underneath his clothes. Martha tears into him while Clark justifies his decision, saying he needs to be ready if crime occurs. Jonathan steps in and tells Clark that his folks are sympathetic to his desire to use his powers, but that they have to be careful about how he reveals himself to the world. Jonathan firmly tells his son that they need to think out every possible scenario before Clark reveals his powers,but the young Superman is clearly not happy having to continue waiting.
Superman’s Big Debut is Going to Be an Accident
There Was Never Meant to be a Superboy, But Clark Was Too Excited to Wait
While the preview doesn’t outright say it, it’s clear how things are shaping up. The teenage Clark is going to encounter some kind of criminal activity and spring into action, debuting as Superboy instead of Superman, as his parents agreed. It’s a major change to make Clark’s big first appearance the result of unbridled teenage enthusiasm, but if that’s how things play out, it’s not a bad change. Superman would definitely be itching like mad to start being a superhero. If anything,this makes Superman more relatable than he’s ever been.
Superman may have Kryptonian heritage, but at his core, he’s absolutely human.
Superman may have Kryptonian heritage, but at his core, he’s absolutely human. And anyone who recalls their teenage years knows how impulsive and short-sighted teens can be. Sure, disobeying his parents, wearing his costume before he’s ready and debuting before they agree might not seem out of the ordinary for an adult Man of Steel. But it makes all the sense in the world that a teenageSupermanmade his big first appearance to the world years before he was actually ready for it.
