Superboy (comic book)
Superboy is a name used by multiple characters in DC Comics, most famously as a younger version of Superman. This entry primarily focuses on the most well-known iterations of the character.
Kal-El/Clark Kent (Pre-Crisis): In the original, pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths continuity, Superboy was Clark Kent during his teenage years growing up in Smallville. Possessing the same powers as Superman, he used them to fight crime and perform heroic deeds while concealing his identity from the public, aided by his foster parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. Stories typically involved smaller-scale threats than those faced by Superman, and focused on the challenges of adolescence combined with superhuman abilities.
Kon-El/Connor Kent (Post-Crisis): Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Superman's history was revised, removing his pre-Superman career as Superboy. A new Superboy was introduced in the early 1990s, Kon-El, also known as Connor Kent. This Superboy was created by Project Cadmus using DNA from Superman and Lex Luthor. Initially lacking fully-formed powers, he relied on tactile telekinesis, allowing him to simulate Superman's abilities, such as flight and super strength. He later developed more traditional Kryptonian powers. Connor was a member of the Teen Titans and Young Justice. He struggled with his dual parentage, striving to live up to Superman's heroic legacy while battling the influence of Lex Luthor's genetic material.
Other Superboys: The Superboy name has been used by other characters in various Elseworlds tales and alternate timelines. These iterations often present radically different origins and power sets.
Publication History: The original Superboy first appeared in More Fun Comics #101 (1945). Kon-El debuted in Adventures of Superman #500 (1993). Both versions have starred in their own solo series and have been integral members of various DC Comics superhero teams.
Powers and Abilities: The powers and abilities of Superboy depend on the specific version. The pre-Crisis Superboy possessed the same powers as Superman, including flight, super strength, super speed, heat vision, freeze breath, and invulnerability. Post-Crisis Kon-El initially had tactile telekinesis, which allowed him to move and manipulate objects with his mind through touch. Later, he gained more traditional Kryptonian powers, though sometimes at a lower level than Superman.
In Other Media: Superboy has appeared in numerous animated television series, live-action television series (such as Titans and Smallville), and video games.
Key Storylines: Notable storylines involving Superboy include "Death of Superman" (involving Kon-El's debut), Young Justice, and Teen Titans arcs where he develops as a character and hero.