Superboy #1 (DC) | Under The Radar

Superboy #1

DC

Written by Scott Lobdell; Art by R.B. Silva (pencils), Rob Lean (inks), Eric Canete (cover)

Sep 19, 2011 Web Exclusive By Jeremy Nisen

Is Superboy a clone? An experiment? Half-Kryptonian, half-human? A ticking time bomb? A creature totally lacking human empathy? All of the above? Superboy #1 introduces all of these elements in a truly surprising first issue—surprising in that it's quite good. The clean slate of the DC New 52 soft reboot is working out better for some than for others, and in this case, Superboy's multiple incarnations and muddled history benefit from being stricken for a cohesive concept.

First, on the art: R.B. Silva accomplishes the difficult task of making what's mostly a sterile lab environment full of talking heads captivating. He also wields a clean line that's classic and pays attention to fine details without '90s-style noodling. Very clear storytelling; very pleasing stuff. (Also: the snazzy cover by Eric Canete doesn't hurt).

Scott Lobdell pens a meaty book that sets up the players, whose circumstances put them at odds. The clone (Superboy), the scientist that ends up being in charge of him ("Red"), a woman brought in as an anti-Superboy security measure (Rose Wilson), and more. The way Superboy senses things and interprets input is fascinating; he's clearly an alien intelligence (both literally and figuratively). The internal dialog of the imprisoned Superboy and the dialog between his attendants leaves you not knowing quite who you can trust, who's on whose side, and who is really pulling the strings. It's a fine, rather absorbing mystery.

The promise of leaving the lab sets up for the story's continuation in the Teen Titans relaunch, also by Lobdell. Accordingly, I'm much more excited at the prospect of checking out that book now. (www.dccomics.com)

Author rating: 7/10

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Average reader rating: 6/10