Superboy (Conner Kent)

Conner Kent is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared as a modern variation of Superboy in '' The Adventures of Superman'' #500 (June 1993), and was created by writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett.

From the character's debut in 1993 to 2003, Superboy was depicted as a genetically-engineered metahuman clone of human origin designed by Paul Westfield of Project Cadmus as a duplicate and equivalent of Superman, though released before he had fully matured. The character was retconned in ''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #1 (September 2003) as a human/Kryptonian binary clone made from the DNA of Superman and Lex Luthor. This has since become the character's most enduring origin story in later comic books and media adaptations. He later adopts the honorary Kryptonian name Kon-El and the private name Conner Kent.

Conner made his live adaptation debut in the final season of ''Smallville'', played by Lucas Grabeel, and appeared as a regular of ''Titans'' starting in the second season, played by Joshua Orpin. Additionally, Nolan North and Cameron Monaghan have voiced the character in animation.

Publication history

Kon-El is depicted as a modern incarnation of Superboy, originally portrayed as an identity used by Clark Kent. Writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett envisioned a contemporary take on Superboy that would appeal to Generation X/Millennial readers as well as a character both creators would have fun working on, which they did. Kesel and Grummett pitched their idea to DC Comics and the new Superboy debuted in '' The Adventures of Superman'' #500 (June 1993). Kesel bought a slang dictionary to assist with writing the teenaged Superboy.

The character was the first to which the Hypertime concept was applied, beginning in ''Superboy'' #60 (April 1999). Kesel viewed this story arc as the high point of his run on Superboy.

''Superboy'' ran for 100 issues, two specials, and four annuals from 1994 to 2002. Kesel and Grummett left the series by 2002, but returned to work on the 100th issue series finale.

Fictional character biography

Origin

Superboy is originally depicted as a human clone created by Project Cadmus to replace Superman following his death during "The Death of Superman" storyline. Cadmus is unable to acquire Superman's DNA to be used in cloning and instead genetically engineers a human who possesses the appearance of Superman. Superboy initially only possesses a telekinetic field around his body that gives him superhuman strength, durability, and flight.'' Adventures of Superman'' #506 (November 1993)

The Metropolis Kid

When Superboy arrives in Metropolis, he uses the name "Superman", but makes it clear that he is a clone of Superman rather than the original. Three other Supermen emerge simultaneously: "The Man of Tomorrow" (Cyborg Superman), "The Last Son of Krypton" ( Eradicator), and "The Man of Steel" (Steel). After the original Superman returns, Superboy operates alongside him as an independent hero for a time, refusing to be called a "sidekick".

The Hero of Hawaii

After a few weeks of traveling, Superboy and Dubbilex arrive in Hawaii, joined by Rex Leech and Roxy Leech. After a battle with Sidearm on the beach, Superboy learns that Tana Moon had moved to Hawaii. Superboy decides to stay on Hawaii, stylizing himself as the "Hero of Hawaii". He rejoins Cadmus and begins working as a field agent with Dubbilex and Guardian.

''Young Justice'' (1998–2003)

Superboy visits the Fortress of Solitude and receives the Kryptonian name Kon-El, derived from one of Superman's ancestors. After Cadmus shuts down, Superboy relocates to Metropolis and later Smallville, living with Jonathan and Martha Kent.

Superboy is a founding member of Young Justice, alongside Robin (Tim Drake), Impulse (Bart Allen), and Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark). After the events of '' Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day'' and the apparent death of Donna Troy, Young Justice disbands.

''Teen Titans'' (2003–2005)

Now based in Smallville and assuming the identity of Superman's cousin Conner Kent, Superboy joins a new incarnation of the Teen Titans with Robin, Impulse, and Wonder Girl. Additionally, Superboy is retconned as a binary clone created from Superman and Lex Luthor's DNA and he gains Kryptonian powers while retaining his telekinesis.''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #1 (September 2003)''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #15 (November 2004)

Luthor mind-controls Superboy into attacking the Titans. His mind is eventually restored, and he is horrified at what he has done to his team and friends. Conner takes a leave of absence from the Titans and secludes himself in the Kents' home. He doubts whether he has a soul, but Raven shows him that he does.''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #26 (September 2005)

''Infinite Crisis'', death, and return (2005–2011)

In ''Infinite Crisis'' (2005), Superboy-Prime watches Conner during his seclusion in an alternate dimension.''Infinite Crisis'' #2 (January 2006)''Infinite Crisis'' #3 (February 2006) Along with Alexander Luthor Jr., another survivor of the previous Crisis, Superboy-Prime intends to reconstruct the universe in his image after determining that the heroes he has been observing do not meet his standards of heroism. Resentful of Conner, whom he claims has lower standards than his own despite a seemingly perfect life, Superboy-Prime attacks him. Superboy is killed during the battle and buried in Metropolis alongside the Superman and Lois Lane of Earth-Two.

In '' Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds'' (2008), Starman recovers Conner's corpse and places him in a Kryptonian healing chrysalis, enabling him to be resurrected in the 31st century.

The New 52 (2011)

In September 2011, The New 52 rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, Superboy is introduced with a new origin story. He is a human-Kryptonian hybrid created by the mysterious organization N.O.W.H.E.R.E., which seeks to control the new generation of metahumans.

Following the "Forever Evil" storyline, Johnny Quick throws the Teen Titans forward in time. Kon-El is separated from the Titans and encounters Jon Lane Kent, the villainous future son of Superman and Lois Lane. Kon-El is revealed to be a clone of Jon created by N.O.W.H.E.R.E. founder Harvest so that a cure could be found for Jon's unstable body. During their battle, Jon is injured and Kon-El is transported to Krypton, days before the planet's destruction. Kon-El sacrifices himself to lift Argo City off Krypton and ensure that Supergirl can arrive on Earth.

Meanwhile, Jon is recovered by Beast Boy and Rose Wilson's future selves and given Kon-El's costume. The present-day Teen Titans find Jon, who joins the group and pretends to be Superboy. It is later revealed that Kon-El survived and began serving a being called the Oracle, patrolling the past, present, and future.

DC Rebirth

Following the 2015 ''Convergence'' event, which restores the pre-''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' multiverse, the New 52 version of Superboy does not appear. The mantle of Superboy is held by Jonathan Samuel Kent, the present-day son of Superman and Lois Lane. Conner Kent is not reintroduced until the third volume of ''Young Justice'' in 2019, where he is revealed to have been transported to Gemworld. He is unaffected by the universe's reboot due to being outside the main universe at the time.

After being rescued by Young Justice, Conner returns to his universe, where Superman and Lex Luthor do not recognize him. After aiding Superman and his family against Leviathan operatives, Conner decides to remain at the Kent farm in Smallville, as the Kents and Krypto are among the few who remember him.

Powers and abilities

Originally, Superboy's only superpower is "tactile telekinesis", a force field that surrounds his body and enables him to telekinetically manipulate objects via touch. This enables him to generate telekinetic shockwaves and survive in space by creating an air bubble around himself.

During ''Teen Titans'', Superboy developed Kryptonian powers including superhuman strength, durability, speed, heat vision,''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #9 (May 2004) x-ray vision,''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) Annual #1 (April 2006) super-hearing, and ice breath.''Adventure Comics'' (vol. 2) #7 (February 2010)

Legal dispute

A March 23, 2006 court decision returned the legal rights to Superboy to the family of the character's co-creator Jerry Siegel. The decision, issued six days before Superboy's death in ''Infinite Crisis'' #6 was published, states that the Siegel family have owned Superboy since November 17, 2004. As a result, Superboy was not referred to by that name for some time.

Collected editions

In other media

Television

Live-action

* Conner Kent appears in the final season of ''Smallville'', portrayed by Lucas Grabeel. This version is initially known as "Alexander Luthor" (portrayed by Jakob Davies and Connor Stanhope) as he tries to form a bond with Tess Mercer while corrupted by Lex Luthor's memories. As Conner, his powers manifest while mentored by Clark yet Lionel Luthor tries to corrupt him which Conner refuses before he enrolls at Smallville High and adopts the Kent surname.
* Conner appears in ''Titans'', portrayed primarily by Joshua Orpin and by body double Brooker Muir in the post-credits scene for the episode "Dick Grayson". This version is also known as Subject 13.

Animation

* Elements of Superboy are incorporated into a clone of Superman nicknamed Kell-El / Superman X who appears in '' Legion of Super Heroes'', voiced by Yuri Lowenthal. He is from the 41st century, was created by the artificial intelligence K3NT to oppose Imperiex, and was modified to be immune to and able to generate Kryptonite.
* Superboy appears in ''Young Justice'', voiced by Nolan North. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information. This version is the result of Project Cadmus' "Project Kr", an attempt to create a living superweapon meant to replace or destroy Superman, with Lex Luthor's human DNA bridging missing sequences in the Kryptonian DNA to stabilize Conner and inhibit his full powers. He forms the Team with Kaldur'ahm, Dick Grayson, Miss Martian, and Wally West. Additionally, he develops romantic feelings for before entering a relationship with Miss Martian, who he later marries in the series finale.
* The ''Young Justice'' incarnation of Superboy makes a non-speaking appearance in the ''Teen Titans Go!'' episode "Let's Get Serious".
* The 1993 comics incarnation of Superboy appears in the 2013 ''Superman'' 75th anniversary short produced by Zack Snyder and Bruce Timm.
* Superboy appears in '' Robot Chicken DC Comics Special 2: Villains in Paradise'', voiced by Zac Efron. This version is in a relationship with Lena Luthor.

Film

* Elements of Superboy are incorporated into a clone of Superman who appears in '' Superman: Doomsday''.
* Superboy makes a non-speaking appearance in the mid-credits scene of the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) film ''The Death of Superman''.
* Superboy appears in the DCAMU film ''Reign of the Supermen'', voiced by Cameron Monaghan. Following the events of ''The Death of Superman'', Superboy is initially and publicly sponsored by Lex Luthor as the "official" Superman before they become disillusioned with each other as Luthor resents Superboy's grandstanding while the latter eventually learns of his true nature. His confidence buoyed by a discussion with Lois Lane, Superboy assists Steel and the Eradicator in reviving Superman before helping him fight Cyborg Superman. Afterwards, Superboy moves in with Jonathan and Martha Kent and takes on the name Connor.
* Superboy makes a cameo appearance in ''Teen Titans Go! To the Movies''.
* Superboy makes a non-speaking appearance in the DCAMU film '' Justice League Dark: Apokolips War''. He joins the Teen Titans in defending Earth from Darkseid's Paradooms until he is killed by them when one of them snaps his neck.

Video games

* Superboy appears as a playable character in ''The Death and Return of Superman''.
* Superboy appears as a playable character in '' Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes''.
* Superboy appears as a playable character in '' Young Justice: Legacy'', voiced again by Nolan North.
* Superboy appears as a character summon in '' Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure''.
* Superboy appears as a non-playable character (NPC) in ''DC Universe Online'', voiced by Greg Miller.
* Superboy appears as a playable character in '' Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham'', voiced by Scott Porter.
* Superboy makes a cameo appearance in Cyborg'' as a member of the Teen Titans, most of whom were killed years prior, before Cyborg revives them.
* Superboy appears as a playable character in ''Lego DC Super-Villains'', voiced by Yuri Lowenthal.

Miscellaneous

* Superboy appears in '' Superman Lives!'', voiced by Kerry Shale.
* The ''Smallville'' incarnation of Superboy appears in '' Smallville Titans'' as a member of Jay Garrick's Teen Titans and boyfriend of Miss Martian.
* The ''Injustice'' incarnation of Superboy appears in the '' Injustice: Gods Among Us'' prequel comics as a member of the Teen Titans who survived the Joker's destruction of Metropolis. Upon learning Superman killed the Joker in retaliation, Superboy loses faith in the former and attempts to find a Phantom Zone projector, only to be defeated by Superman and sent to the Phantom Zone along with his fellow Titans.
* The ''Injustice'' incarnation of Superboy appears in the ''Injustice 2'' prequel comic. While his fellow Titans are rescued from the Phantom Zone, Superboy opts to stay behind due to his injuries. Following General Zod's death, Batman, Doctor Mid-Nite, and Harley Quinn perform a heart transplant on Superboy using Zod's heart so he can leave the Phantom Zone and reunite with Jonathan and Martha Kent, who give him a Superman-inspired suit in the hopes that he will restore Superman's legacy. Superboy joins Batman's Insurgency in fighting Atrocitus and Starro, but he and Wonder Girl are captured and tortured by Brainiac before he leaves them to die in the vacuum of space, though Booster Gold rescues the pair so they can help the Legion of Super-Heroes.

Reception

The Kon-El incarnation of Superboy has been ranked as the 196th greatest comic book character of all time by Wizard Magazine. IGN also ranked Superboy as the 83rd greatest comic book hero of all time, stating, "This genetic clone of Superman and Lex Luthor often bears the weight of the world on his burly shoulders. But over the years he's managed to carve his own legacy and win a large legion of fans." In 2013, ComicsAlliance ranked Superboy as #35 on their list of the "50 Sexiest Male Characters in Comics".

See also

* Alternative versions of Superman
* Superman character and cast

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kent, Conner
Characters created by Karl Kesel
Clone characters in comics
Comics characters introduced in 1993
DC Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds
DC Comics characters with accelerated healing
DC Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability
DC Comics characters with superhuman senses
DC Comics characters with superhuman strength
DC Comics hybrids
DC Comics male superheroes
DC Comics metahumans
DC Comics sidekicks
DC Comics titles
DC Comics telekinetics
DC Comics teenage superheroes
Fictional characters displaced in time
Fictional characters with air or wind abilities
Fictional characters with energy-manipulation abilities
Fictional characters with elemental transmutation abilities
Fictional characters with fire or heat abilities
Fictional characters with ice or cold abilities
Fictional characters with X-ray vision
Fictional extraterrestrial–human hybrids in comics
Genetically engineered characters in comics
Kryptonians
Superboy
Superman characters
Teenage characters in comics