Attention, Superman enthusiasts! The beloved Man of Steel is set to embark on a nostalgic journey back to his formative years as Superboy. Living with the Kent family, young Clark grapples with his identity and the heroic ideals he wishes to embody. This fresh narrative offers an exciting reinterpretation of his Kansas roots, promising to be the highly anticipated reboot of Smallville that many fans have longed for.
Mark Waid’s upcoming Superman storyline is not only tailored for comic aficionados, but it also speaks to anyone enchanted by this legendary superhero.
In June, Waid reprises his role in Action Comics with issue #1087, collaborating with artist Skylar Patridge to take readers on a nostalgic trip to Clark’s early days at Kent Farm.
Although this storyline looks back at Superman’s origins, it remains highly relevant, connecting to contemporary themes and taking the Boy of Steel to extraordinary new heights. Waid recently provided insights at WonderCon, unveiling details about the narrative and showcasing some of Patridge’s character concept designs.
Superboy Returns: New Smallville-Centric Storyline in Action Comics This June
Cover E 1:25 Skylar Patridge Variant for Action Comics #1087 (2025)
While fans were already aware of Waid’s return to Action Comics focusing on Clark’s youth, his recent announcements at WonderCon have added exciting layers to the storyline. He confirmed that the narrative will kick off just prior to Clark donning the iconic suit of Superboy—a period where the Kents are still figuring out how to safeguard Clark’s secret identity. Waid’s intent for this story arc is to fulfill the dreams of his younger self, expressing his nostalgia for Clark’s Superboy era.
Waid shared his fondness for Clark’s Smallville years, revealing that he wished those times unfolded in more depth. He feels greater affinity with Superboy as opposed to the Superman persona because of their similar backgrounds—Waid himself grew up in Alabama, which he describes as a Smallville of its own. He also teased fans about Clark’s costume, mentioning it will be a homemade outfit—differing from the one based on his baby blanket, showcasing red high-top Chuck Taylors instead. The concept art by Patridge provides a tantalizing glimpse into the visual style of the comic.
Lovers of Smallville Will Adore Superman’s New Saga
Character Designs by Skylar Patridge for Action Comics
One of the most captivating aspects of the CW series Smallville was its focus on Clark’s small-town upbringing beyond his superhero exploits. For many viewers, the show offered a deeper connection to the character, lending a human quality to him that his superhuman abilities could not convey. This new comic series, which channels the essence of what made Smallville memorable, is likely to resonate with those who yearn for a relatable portrayal of the Man of Steel. Waid’s narrative promises to touch the hearts of both comic book readers and casual fans of this iconic hero.
Mark your calendars! Action Comics #1087 will hit the shelves from DC Comics on June 11, 2025!