Superman Retcon Gives Man of Steel a New Mentor

The current run on Action Comics has established a new history for Superman. Chief among its innovations is Clark Kent having first appeared as Superboy when he was 15 and owning Krypto just as long. The latest issue further cements the Man of Steel’s place in the new timeline, with a retcon that gives him a mentor who is notable in DC Comics history.

Written by Mark Waid with art by Skylar Patridge, Action Comics #1089 finds the Kent family confronted by Clark’s history teacher, Mr. Blake. He confirms that he knew Clark’s secret, but adds that he has no interest in exposing it. Blake ultimately reveals that he is also a space-traveling superhero, who goes by the name Captain Comet.

Captain Comet told Clark stories of other worlds that had their own protectors and warned that many of them had failed due to hubris. The next day, after the young Superman had a bad day dealing with his bullies, Captain Comet appeared and tasked him with stopping a lotus swarm approaching Smallville. The experience taught Clark a lesson in thinking on his feet and finding creative applications for his powers. However, he still knew next to nothing about the elder hero.

Who is Superman’s mentor Captain Comet?

Captain Comet first appeared in 1951’s Strange Adventures #9. He was created by editor Julius Schwartz, writer John Broome, and artist Carmine Infantino. Born Adam Blake, Captain Comet was originally a librarian before discovering his mutant powers. Rather than being an evolutionary throwback, he was an evolutionary leap forward — the final form of what humanity would become. After using his powers to stop an alien invasion, he built a rocket and began to explore deep space.

Captain Comet is historically notable for several reasons. The chief one is that, along with Namor the Sub-Mariner, he is one of the first heroes who was born with superpowers. He is also notable as a rare Atomic Age superhero, whose adventures were published from 1951 to 1954. This places him firmly in the middle of the Golden Age and Silver Age. Given that, it is fitting he should take a role in training the young Superman as the next hero to follow him.

Action Comics #1089 is now available at comic shops everywhere.