The Tragedy of Superboy-Prime

November 14, 2019

While mostly associated with Infinite Crisis [Johns & Jimenez.2006], Superboy-Prime made his first appearances in DC Comics Presents #87 [Maggin & Swan.1985]and Crisis on Infinite Earths. When he was first introduced, he was a young boy who idolised the comic book character Superman, was proud to be named Clark Kent, and upon discovering he had powers too and seeing the destruction of reality, ended up working alongside many other heroes to stop the Anti-Monitor. By the end of Infinite Crisis, he is an angry, self-entitled killer who has lost any shred of good will the reader had for him. While forgiving his actions, particularly by the end of Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds [Johns & Perez.2009], is a difficult task to achieve. Breaking down his decent to that place reveals a very tragic story to the boy who could have been Superman.

His appearance in Crisis on Infinite Earths is very brief, coming in towards the end of the story. He is exactly what we would expect from a young Superboy. He’s kind-hearted and strong, eager to help save as many people as he can. DC Comics Presents #87 reveals his origin and how he came to be involved in the Crisis. Much like the original Kal-El, Superboy-Prime was sent away from a doomed planet and landed on Earth. The primary difference is that the Earth he landed on was ours. A world where Superman and the rest of the Justice League were simply comic book characters. He was found by Jerry and Naomi Kent, who decided to name him after Naomi’s maiden name, Clarke. They do acknowledge the fact that they are essentially naming him after a comic book character, but Clark grows up to be a happy and passionate young man. A devoted comic book, specifically Superman, fan, and an outgoing member among his peers. While attending a costume party, fittingly dressed as Superboy, Haley’s Comet passes overhead. Kick starting his Kryptonian abilities, and coincidentally crashing into Superman during the events of Crisis. At the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Superboy-Prime’s universe has been destroyed, and for his good deeds, he ends up going to the paradise dimension with Alexander Luthor and the Golden Age Superman and Lois Lane.

The next time we see Superboy-Prime is in 2006’s Infinite Crisis. Reading the series on its own, Superboy-Prime, and even Alexander, come off as horrible, self-centred people. Complaining that this world is not as good as his, and that he’s willing to destroy everything just to get back there. However, going into the supplementary material, you see a different side to him. One that doesn’t necessarily forgive his actions, but does bring a level of understanding to his motives.

During Infinite Crisis Secret Files [Wolfman & Jurgens.2006] we see what happened in the paradise dimension. How each of those people spent their time. While the Golden Age Superman and Lois Lane are happy to just spend time together, and Alexander reflects on his abilities and the events of Crisis. Superboy-Prime however, has gone from living a normal life, having a friend he had a crush on, his entire life ahead of him, loving parents, and a passionate love for comics. And suddenly gained his own powers, seen his universe crumble, saved the lives of others, and is now trapped in a dimension with an older married couple, and a boy who is essentially 3 days old. His only real means of entertainment is watching his memories or seeing another Superboy live the life he wanted. Essentially, Superboy-Prime didn’t have the opportunity to say goodbye to his old life. He didn’t have a choice and tried to make due with his lot. He’s not fully developed enough to view the outside world for what it is. He sees what he has lost, and instead of feeling happy for the lives he saved, he sees them struggling and resents them for being allowed to and have the ability to make those mistakes.

By the time we see Superboy-Prime at the end of his journey. When he finally returns to Earth-Prime, he’s not the same person he was when he left. And while his family don’t have first-hand experience of what he’s done. The comics exist there. They have been reading about everything he has done, and they are terrified of him. Even when he’s gotten what he wanted and managed to make it home, he can’t escape the horrible things he’s done to get back there. In 2004, DC released the four issue series Superman: Secret Identity. A book that also tells the story of a young boy named Clark Kent in the real world, who discovers he has the same powers. The key difference is that this Clark gets to live his life. He has his worries and his problems, but he gets to live his life. In another world, it’s interesting to wonder whether or not Superboy-Prime would have had that life. Instead of the tragedy that unfolded.

  • Busiek, K. & Immonen, S. (2004) Superman: Secret Identity. DC Comics: Burbank.

  • Johns, G. & Jimenez, P. (2006) Infinite Crisis. DC Comics: Burbank.

  • Johns, G. & Perez, G. (2009) Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds. DC Comics: Burbank

  • Maggin, E. & Swan, C. (1985) DC Comics Presents #87: Year of the Comet, The Origin of Superboy-Prime! DC Comics: Burbank.

  • Wolfman, M. & Perez, G. (1986) Crisis on Infinite Earths. DC Comics: Burbank.

  • Wolfman, M. & Jurgens, D. (2006) Infinite Crisis Secret Files. DC Comics: Burbank.