Superman’s Past Will Be Retconned as Action Comics Goes Back to Smallville

Before he became Superman, Clark Kent fought crime as Superboy. Most modern interpretations of his history, most notably the television series Smallville, have changed this history considerably. These secret origins didn’t have Clark don a costume until he was a twentysomething adult. The classic past is coming back, however, as a new creative team takes over Action Comics.

The new team consists of writer Mark Waid and artist Skylar Patridge. Waid is a legendary writer and editor, most famous for his work on Kingdom Come. Patridge has worked on many series for DC and Marvel Comics, among other publishers. Her most recent work was on a Supergirl backup story in Action Comics.

Action Comics will mark a shift to Superman’s history in Smallville

Waid built his name on modernizing classic superhero concepts while staying true to the core of the characters. A cogent example is his creation of the Speed Force, which justified the more physics-breaking feats of The Flash. The new Action Comics will take a similar tack, viewing the idea of a small-town teenage superhero through a modern lens.

“I start the book with Clark as a 15-year-old boy, learning to be a superhero for the first time,” said Waid. “What is that like, learning to use your powers at that age? What kind of challenges are you facing? Skylar and I are also bringing Smallville a little more up to date. It still has that rustic feel to it, but farms don’t look like that anymore.”

The premiere storyline of the new retro Action Comics will find Clark traveling to Metropolis’ Expo of Tomorrow. He hopes to blend in with the crowd and enjoy his time in the big city,] as any teenage boy might. However, complications may force him to reveal Superboy to the world far sooner than he intended.

Action Comics #1087 arrives in comic shops everywhere in June 2025.