DC’sAction Comicstakes readers back toSuperman’s early days as Clark“Superboy”Kent. This nostalgic dive into mainstream continuity introduces a shocking new addition to the lore: the revelation of the Man of Steel’s forgotten mentor. But is this teacher truly a friend or a foe in disguise?
Mark Waid, Skylar Patridge, and Ivan Plascencia return for another epic installment of their Action Comicsrun in issue #1089, continuing to exploreClark’s early days as Superboy in Smallville.
The four-page preview begins with the Kents receiving an unexpected visit from Clark’s history teacher, who surprises them by revealing he knows Clark’s secret identity. But Mr. Blake has a secret of his own: He’s Captain Comet and intends to keep a close watch on the young hero.
Captain Comet’s Suspicious Return: Mentor or Hidden Threat to Superboy?
Main Cover by Ryan Sook forAction Comics#1089 (2025)
While one might think that Captain Comet, an established hero, reaching out to Clark is good fortune, especially as Clark is still struggling to navigate his Superboy persona, there is something off about the older hero. Upon barging into the Kent family home, Blake assures them he has no intention of outing Clark as Superboy, but then tacks on a suspicious“tonight.”
As Clark’s inner narration points out, this is an immediate“red flag”regarding Blake’s true intentions. However, the Kents willfully overlook this behavior asBlake reveals that he is Captain Comet, a hero who hasn’t been seen operating on Earth for decades. He then gives Clark a detailed rundown of his unique powers.
Blake explains that he’s a mutant, born with abilities far beyond the capabilities of“mortal men.”His powers are“not unlike”Clark’s but include telekinesis and limited clairvoyance instead of supersenses. It’s clear that while Comet may not be a household name, he is no C-list hero.
Captain Comet Claims Surprising First of Rivaling Superman’s Powers, Posing as True Threat
Cover D 1:25 Skylar Patridge Variant forAction Comics#1089 (2025)
In addition to the red flags Blake gives in the preview,theAction Comics#1089 synopsisalso suggests he isn’t the friendly face he makes himself out to be, teasing“a hero from the past re-emerges to take [Superboy] down, one who sees him as a reckless hindrance to human progress and a threat to all!”
The synopsis further states,“For the first time, the Boy of Steel faces off against an opponent with powers beyond his!”This idea is reinforced by the preview revealing Blake’s powers match and perhaps even surpass Clark’s own due to his experience. Together, these points emphasize that this mentor could be a genuine threat to young Clark, making this a surprising first in which a hero outmatchesSuperman’spowers.
