As DC Comics' superhero summer approaches its climax, a series of interconnected arcs are setting the stage for monumental shifts. While the main 'Trinity' of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman confront their own climactic battles, the 'Kingdom of Zod' crossover has plunged Supergirl and Superboy into a reckless adventure through time. This journey, which saw them return to ancient Krypton, has left Superboy conspicuously absent, raising an intriguing possibility for the legendary team he inspired: the Legion of Super-Heroes.
In Legion of Super-Heroes #1, crafted by writer Joshua Williamson, artist Hayden Sherman, and colorist Tamra Bonvillain, Superboy is treated as a historical figure, a legend whose heroism laid the foundation for DC's strongest future team. However, his recent time displacement could be more than just a plot device for the 'Kingdom of Zod' storyline; it could be setting up his eventual, direct involvement with the Legion.
Superboy's Latest Time Displacement Could Set Up Future Team-Up
While Williamson successfully delivered on the premise of a team inspired by Superboy, there's a compelling argument for Superboy himself to appear in their era. The desperate use of Booster Gold's time machine by the resurrected Ursa to return to Krypton is a dangerous maneuver, and the 'Kingdom of Zod' storyline demands lasting consequences beyond a simple happy ending. Far from a mere narrative convenience, Legion of Super-Heroes appears to be laying the groundwork for Superboy's integration into its central team.
The comic's deep roots in the Silver Age-era explain the Legion's enduring reverence for Superboy, mirroring his original recruitment into the team in 1958. From Garth Ranzz, also known as Lightning Lad, maintaining a shrine dedicated to Superboy – a hero whose very existence is now considered taboo – to the opening pages reflecting on "a young man who chose to help people," the idea of Superboy joining the fully formed team makes perfect sense. His sudden disappearance, contrasted with Superman's return to the present, would also validate Ayla Ranzz's skepticism about his existence, especially under a regime that outlawed superheroics and enforced by the deadly Persuaders. This suggests his absence might not be mere censorship, but a genuine displacement in time. Upcoming issues, however, indicate initial rough encounters for Lightning Lad with characters like Brainiac 1 of 5 and Matter-Eater Lad, hinting that Superboy's potential arrival is still some months away.
Early Legion Members' Fantasies Will Soon Collide With Reality
Regardless of whether Superboy eventually joins, the current Legion of Super-Heroes arc promises a collision course for its central characters rather than a straightforward hero's journey. The Legion is far from unified, with its members currently scattered. Lightning Lad, for instance, mistakenly idolizes his older brother, Mekt Ranzz (Lightning Lord), believing he's the hero to emulate, unaware that Mekt is the culprit behind the murder of R.J. Brande, the comic's initial central mystery. Previews suggest Lightning Lad will soon confront those investigating the murder, forcing him to reckon with the truth about his brother's actions.
Lightning Lad's motivations are deeply rooted in fantasy. The heroic tales of past superheroes are chronicled as if they were banned fiction in classic comic books, with him notably perusing a copy of Absolute Wonder Woman #300 – a symbol of a world not devoid of hope. He yearns to be a superhero, despite the legal repercussions and his complicated familial ties.
This Legion of Super-Heroes arc is clearly designed to appeal to both new and veteran readers by honoring the comic's rich history, rather than simply spotlighting a familiar legacy character. It will explore Lightning Lad's growth as a hero, Cosmic Boy's role in unfolding events, and Saturn Girl's ominous premonitions of a greater threat, where Brainiac One Million dispatches Cyborg Superman to crush their nascent hopes. In this context, Superboy's eventual appearance – whether by thwarting timeline destruction on Krypton or other means – would serve as a powerful beacon of hope and a reassuring symbol for the Legion of Super-Heroes.