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DC Comics is set to take on 2026 with a Superman other than the Clark Kent fans know and love, and the next Man of Steel is one of the worst of all time.
As noted by fan and industry news account DCU Updates in a recent X post, writer Joshua Williamson has confirmed that Superboy Prime will be stepping up to fill in for Clark Kent as Superman following the events of DC K.O.. The shift is set to take place in Superman #36, which is currently slated for release on March 25.
The official solicit synopsis for Superman #36 from DC Comics reads, "After the shocking events of DC K.O., Superman is missing. But one hero steps up to take his place…Superboy Prime?!"
The solicit continues, "normally, Prime has only been part of massive DC events, but now he gets a real shot at showing the world he can be just as great a hero as Superman! Superstar artist Dan Mora returns to Superman for an action-packed and fun adventure that changes the face of the DC Universe!"
The variant of Kal-El, a.k.a Clark Kent, a.k.a Superman, but best known of all as Superboy Prime, hails from the reality of Earth-Prime. Superboy Prime made his debut in the pages of 1985's DC Comics Presents #87 by Elliot S. Maggin and Curt Swan, which introduced readers to a world where superheroes like Superman existed only in comics.
At least, that was the case until a tear in the Multiverse itself sent the primary Superman hurtling into Superboy Prime's world, paving the way for him to become a Man of Steel of his own. After his reality was destroyed during the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Superboy Prime started down a dark path that ultimately led him to become one of the strongest and most feared villains in comic book history.
In the years since his debut, Superboy Prime has single-handedly stood against some of the greatest heroes of all time, and even torn his way through the walls of the Multiverse itself. This made it all the more surprising when Superboy Prime returned to help Superman stand up to the might of Darkseid's Legion ahead of the currently ongoing events of DC K.O.
What Happened To Superman In DC K.O.?
Image via DC ComicsCurrently, the Superman fans know best is fighting not just for his life, but for the fate of every single reality as part of DC Comics' DC K.O. event. With the threat of Darkseid ushering in his own Crisis looming overhead, 32 of the strongest and most capable heroes and villains from across the DC Universe were brought together for an epic fighting tournament to decide who among them might be powerful enough to stop Darkseid in his tracks.
Superman's latest round in the DC K.O. tournament saw the Man of Steel take on another near-unstoppable hero — Captain Atom. Even with the Heart of Darkseid's power stacked on top of his own, however, Captain Atom proved to be incapable of beating Superman, getting the latter one step closer to a rematch with one of his oldest foes.
Superman #36 goes on sale March 25, 2026 from DC Comics.
NAME Kal-El, Clark Kent
Alias Superman
FIRST APP Action Comics #1, 1938
Created By Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
POWERS Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, reflexes. Heat vision, X-ray Vision. Ice breath. Flight
English (US) · 