The new direction begins in Action Comics #1087. The story opens in the present day, at the Metropolis Expo of Tomorrow, where Superman has provided actual future technology (flight rings) for the exhibit. (Did you know that Perry White is now mayor of Metropolis? I didn't.) The story soon flashes back to Clark Kent's 15th birthday, when Ma and Pa Kent tokk him to Metropolis for the Expo of Tomorrow for that year. His powers have begun to develop, but he has not yet made a public appearance. He doesn't even have a public persona yet (the Kents are still working that out), but he does have a costume, which he is secretly wearing to the Expo under his street clothes.
The exhibition is soon attacked by a costumed villain/terrorist, and Ma & Pa give him permission to deal with the situation in costume. (His costume, BTW, includes red shorts and red tennis shoes.) This action bring him to the attention of General Lane (who reports to some mysterious cabal) as well as a shadowy figure who can fly.
ISSUE #1088:
At the Daily Planet, the name "Superboy" is provided by Charlie Lane's niece, who was in the office for "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day." Back in Smallville, the Kents begin workiing through the ramifications of "Superboy's" public appearance ahead of when they woud have liked. They agree to allow Clark to operate as superboy three afternoons a week (if his chores are done, at normal speed),, but they don't want him associated with Smallville, so he takes his show "on the road" to Gotham, Los Angeles, Central City, etc. His powers are still developing, and he needs a roadmap to follow the interstate highway system.
This issue also introduces Pete Ross and Lana Lang. Lana has been away all summer, and has, uh... "blossemed." This is the first year at the brand new high school building. A fire breaks out on the first day, forcing Clark to use his powers in costume to prevent the loss of life. He later confronts the contractor who installed the faulty sprinkler system, and learns a lesson about the difference between apprehending criminals and punishing them. Later, a knock comes to the door of the Kent home. It is Mr. Blake, one of Clark's teachers, who wants to talk to Superboy.
This series starts at the very beginning of Superboy's career. I can hardly wait until he meets the Legion of Super-Heroes.
Replies
Somehow that reminds me of Omega the Unknown.
Oh! I was going to add that, with #1096, "The Small Town with Big Heart" joins "The Home of Superboy," "A Good Place to Live" and ""The Town Where Miracles Happen" on the list of Smallville town slogans.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next