Kon-El // Superboy

For many years, the only "Superboy" known to comic book fans was Clark Kent himself, in a series of Golden Age comics set during his teenage years. This version of the character was eventually written out of canon, but the Superboy title didn't die there. On November 18th 1992, the unthinkable happened. Superman was killed. And, in the wake of his death, four new "Supermen" were born. Among these was a teenaged kid named Kon-El -- the first of what would become a line of young superheroes known as Superboy.

First appearing in a cameo at the end of Adventures of Superman #500. Kon immediately made an impression on readers with his cocky attitude, modern (for the time) slang, and leather jacket. He made it clear from his first adventure in Adventures of Superman #501 that he would be doing things his way.

He became a big enough hit with readers to land his own solo series. This series ran from 1994 - 2002 with a total of 100 single issues, four super-sized annuals, and even a spin-off series. During this time, Kon also featured in guest appearances in many other comic series and almost all of the bigger DC crossover events. He had a chance to work alongside heroes such as Green Lantern, Icon, the Justice League, Titans, and even had a few adventures with the Marvel hero Spider-Man.

Despite being rebooted (with heavy retconning of his origin story, personality, powers, and even his name) in 2004 by Geoff Johns, and then written out of continuity entirely with the New 52 relaunch of DC Comics, Kon eventually made his triumphant return to the mainstream DC universe in 2019. Since then, he's made multiple guest appearances in Action Comics, Superman, a co-leading role in the rebooted Young Justice series, and even had his own mini-series recently Superboy: Man of Tomorrow.

Recommended Reading

Adventures of Superman #501 ~ Kon's first full appearance in a comic book.

Adventures of Superman #506 ~ Kon's origin story is revealed and his powers explained.

Superboy v3 #8 ~ A temporal event allows Kon to meet the Golden Age Superboy.

Superboy Annual #2 ~ The truth about Kon's origins revealed.

JLA: World Without Grown-Ups #1 - #2 ~ The original Young Justice trio teams up for the first time!

Superboy v3 #50 - #54 ~ "Last Boy On Earth" story arc.

Superboy v3 #59 ~ Superman gives Kon his name.

Superboy v3 #71 - #73 ~ "Evil Factory" story arc, ties directly into "Sins of Youth" story arc.

Young Justice: Sins of Youth TPB ~ Fun age-switching adventure starring Young Justice, Justice League, and Justice Society of America.

Superman v2 #155 ~ Kon visits the Kent farm and bonds with Clark.

Supergirl v4 #2 ~ Kara Zor-El meets Superboy.

Identity Crisis #1 - #6 ~ Superboy vs Superboy Prime.

Superman v2 #712 ~ Krypto-centered story about his friendship with Superboy.

Blackest Night: Superman #1 - #3 ~ Superboy and Superman defend Smallville during the "Blackest Night" event.

Young Justice: Gemworld TPB ~ Superboy returns to the DC Universe and rejoins Young Justice.

Action Comics #1022 - #1027 ~ "House of Kent" story arc. Kon rejoins the Kent family.

Suicide Squad Annual (2021) ~ Superboy vs Match.

Superboy: Man of Tomorrow ~ Kon heads into space for a solo adventure.

Fun Stuff!

Fanvid: Superboy ~ Feisty
Creator: Sonia Joie
Length: 2:03

Fanvid: conner kent || uptown funk
Creator: littlesociopath
Length: 1:37

Fanfic: Of Worry
Author: adelfie
Words: 3,796
Rating: T

Fanart: Kon-El the Superboy
Artist: Ricken-Art

Fanart: The Boy of Steel
Artist: celsohenrique

Fanart: Gotham Nights
Artist: redblacktac