Calling allSupermanfans! The Man of Steel is returning to his roots in a new story that dives into Clark’s teen years as Superboy. Living with the Kents, he’s on a journey to discover who he truly is and what kind of hero he wants to become. With a fresh take on his Kansas origins, this series is shaping up to be theSmallvillereboot fans have been eagerly waiting for.
Waid’s Superman story will resonate not just with comic fans but with anyone who has a love for the iconic hero.
Mark Waid is returning toAction Comicsin June with a brand-new storyline in issue #1087, teaming up with artist Skylar Patridge to take fans back to Clark’s early years on Kent Farm.
While this story revisits the past, it’s a must-read for Man of Steel fans as it connects to the present and takes the Boy of Steel to unexpected heights, exploring what it truly means to be a hero. Recently,Waid sat down at WonderCon to reveal more details about the upcoming storyline, including a sneak peek at some of the character concept designs by Patridge for the series.
SUPERBOY IS BACK: Superman Gets New Smallville-Centric Storyline inAction ComicsThis June
Cover E 1:25 Skylar Patridge Variant forAction Comics#1087 (2025)
Fans have known for a while that Waid is returning toAction Comicswith a story focusing onClark’s early years as Superboy, but his recent news drop at WonderCon gives even more details to look forward to.Waid confirmed that the storyline will begin just before Clark adopts the suit and mantle of Superboy, at a time when the Kents haven’t yet figured out how to maintain Clark’s secret identity or disguise him in his everyday life. He also shared that the overall mission for this arc is“to make 6-year-old Mark Waid very happy,”a nod to his love for Clark’s Superboy era.
Waid went on to express how much he loves Clark’s Smallville years, admitting he wished that era had lasted longer.He finds Superboy more relatable than Superman, as he connected with Clark’s rural upbringing, growing up in Alabama, which he describes as a Smallville in its own right. He also touched on the character design, revealing that Clark will be wearing a homemade costume—though not the one incorporating his baby blanket. Fans can look forward to seeing Clark in red high-top Chuck Taylors. Patridge’s cover art and concept drawings offer a sneak peek of what to expect in terms of design and art for the comic.
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Despite its significance in Superman lore, DC has a major Kryptonite problem that needs to be addressed—hopefully before Clark’s upcoming new series.
Fans ofSmallvilleAre Going to LOVE Superman’s New Storyline
Character Designs by Skylar Patridge forAction Comics
One of thegreatest appeals of CW’sSmallvillewas the opportunity to explore Clark’s small-town origins, outside of his world-saving heroics. For many fans, the series made the character more relatable, humanizing him in a way that his superhero feats never could. The show provided a deep dive into the man beneath the cape. With Waid’s upcoming series focusing on similar elements that madeSmallvilleso iconic, this comic will certainly appeal to those who miss one of the most memorable portrayals of the Man of Steel. Waid’sSupermanstory will resonate not just with comic fans but with anyone who has a love for the iconic hero.
Action Comics #1087is available from DC Comics on June 22, 2025!
