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Superboy (2011) #1
Superboy, Volume 1: Incubation
As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics—The New 52 event of September 2011, this new volume of Superboy takes us to the labs of Project NOWHERE, where the scientists thought he was just an experiment - and a failed one at that! But with the combination of Kryptonian and human DNA, the Clone turns out to be more than just set of data when his stunning powers was revealed. Written by comic industry veteran Scott Lobdell, this new title from the DC Comics—The New 52 lineup follows Superboy as you haven't seen him before!
Collecting: Superboy #1-7.
Collecting: Superboy #1-7.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2012
11 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Scott Lobdell
1,617 books230 followersScott Lobdell (born 1960) is an American comic book writer.
He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.
He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 8, 2020
(B) 72% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: Painfully palaverous, it's a proper pill of a protagonist playing place-and-purpose ping-pong in a partial, pidgin plot.
Notes: Painfully palaverous, it's a proper pill of a protagonist playing place-and-purpose ping-pong in a partial, pidgin plot.
August 6, 2016
so here in the most recent reset of the DC Universe, we get a new(-ish) origin of Superboy. although only the more recent Superboys have been clones, this version sticks with that concept. which is fine by me, I've always liked Clone Superboy. although insane, bloodthirsty Superboy-Prime continues to be my personal favorite and I will always see him as a sort of personal life coach.
it's a crazy postmodern world these days in the DC comic business with so many iterations of so many characters and so many "new" characters that are actually old characters from other comic companies bought by DC. sometimes the pomo insanity of it all works and sometimes it doesn't. in this case, it sort of doesn't.
we have Wildstorm's Fuji making a surprise appearance and the protagonist from Wildstorm's Gen13, Fairchild, in an oddly ambivalent is-she-or-isn't-she-a-villain type role. we have Deathstroke's daughter Rose Wilson too, and her and Fairchild are colleagues and friends. weird. even weirder, two characters from the bizarre and wonderful DC Vertigo imprint version of Doom Patrol in new versions: the shadowy organization NOWHERE and their zeal to cull the weak and rebellious, and, of all things, the transvestite superhero street known as Danny the Street. I wonder what Grant Morrison makes of this use of his creations. he probably loves it. we have Supergirl, which is to be expected. we also have the Teen Titans because why not.
but I didn't love it too much. it felt sloppy and thoughtless, this throwing together of different characters and this weird rewriting of the characters themselves. the vivid, angular, often beautiful art also didn't help much because unfortunately this particular style of art is the house style these days. I'm seeing it everywhere and now it just feels anonymous and boring. waaaaaaaah, I'm a crybaby.
one thing I did like: the exploration of a Superboy who lacks empathy. the scene where he is immersed in a possibly romantic conversation and blithely walks by a burning building - complete with lady crying out for help - was genuinely shocking. so I liked that, but I don't think it's enough for me to continue with the series.
it's a crazy postmodern world these days in the DC comic business with so many iterations of so many characters and so many "new" characters that are actually old characters from other comic companies bought by DC. sometimes the pomo insanity of it all works and sometimes it doesn't. in this case, it sort of doesn't.
we have Wildstorm's Fuji making a surprise appearance and the protagonist from Wildstorm's Gen13, Fairchild, in an oddly ambivalent is-she-or-isn't-she-a-villain type role. we have Deathstroke's daughter Rose Wilson too, and her and Fairchild are colleagues and friends. weird. even weirder, two characters from the bizarre and wonderful DC Vertigo imprint version of Doom Patrol in new versions: the shadowy organization NOWHERE and their zeal to cull the weak and rebellious, and, of all things, the transvestite superhero street known as Danny the Street. I wonder what Grant Morrison makes of this use of his creations. he probably loves it. we have Supergirl, which is to be expected. we also have the Teen Titans because why not.
but I didn't love it too much. it felt sloppy and thoughtless, this throwing together of different characters and this weird rewriting of the characters themselves. the vivid, angular, often beautiful art also didn't help much because unfortunately this particular style of art is the house style these days. I'm seeing it everywhere and now it just feels anonymous and boring. waaaaaaaah, I'm a crybaby.
one thing I did like: the exploration of a Superboy who lacks empathy. the scene where he is immersed in a possibly romantic conversation and blithely walks by a burning building - complete with lady crying out for help - was genuinely shocking. so I liked that, but I don't think it's enough for me to continue with the series.
November 4, 2012
Seems a lot of people don't like the new Superboy, but I thought he was pretty cool. Maybe it's because I've never read a Superboy comic before, and all I know about him comes from reading Teen Titans. This is the first origin story of his I've read, but I know he was originally cloned from Superman and Luthor's DNA. Evidently now there's a third donor in the mix. Hmmmm.
He also seems much stronger than I remember him being, especially with the telekinesis stuff.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the missing chunk of the story with the Titans. It would have been nice to know what happened during that lost time. Guess I'll piece it all together once I get a chance to read the new Teen Titans.
All in all, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
He also seems much stronger than I remember him being, especially with the telekinesis stuff.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the missing chunk of the story with the Titans. It would have been nice to know what happened during that lost time. Guess I'll piece it all together once I get a chance to read the new Teen Titans.
All in all, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
January 14, 2018
Well this was a new take on Superboy. Sadly, like most Lobdell New52 stuff, this isn't very good.
So Superboy is, if you don't know, a clone of Superman. He is half human as well which makes him a different type of creature. However, the big change here is he has telekinesis too (I don't believe the original did). So after N.o.w.h.e.r.e. the company that made Superboy is in shambles after his break out a person called "Red" tries to control the young man. The next few issues are basically Superboy going around the DC universe finding his calling.
Good: The art is pretty solid. I also thought some moments with superboy were interesting if not very out of character. I give it leeway just because it's a new take.
Bad: The storyline jumps ALL over the place because it's doing two crossovers. His meeting with Supergirl makes no sense. His relationship with Rose is very odd. The idea of him being mostly a dickhead is annoying. Also the ending should have gotten me hyped but instead made me not want to read volume 2 right away.
Overall this was meh. It's not horrid but so many issues, dialog, pacing, story, made it kind of a forgettable experience. I might try volume 2 just to see if it improves but if not after that I'll probably drop this one.
So Superboy is, if you don't know, a clone of Superman. He is half human as well which makes him a different type of creature. However, the big change here is he has telekinesis too (I don't believe the original did). So after N.o.w.h.e.r.e. the company that made Superboy is in shambles after his break out a person called "Red" tries to control the young man. The next few issues are basically Superboy going around the DC universe finding his calling.
Good: The art is pretty solid. I also thought some moments with superboy were interesting if not very out of character. I give it leeway just because it's a new take.
Bad: The storyline jumps ALL over the place because it's doing two crossovers. His meeting with Supergirl makes no sense. His relationship with Rose is very odd. The idea of him being mostly a dickhead is annoying. Also the ending should have gotten me hyped but instead made me not want to read volume 2 right away.
Overall this was meh. It's not horrid but so many issues, dialog, pacing, story, made it kind of a forgettable experience. I might try volume 2 just to see if it improves but if not after that I'll probably drop this one.
June 16, 2016
Wow, I liked this a whole lot more than I thought I would! It's got really great writing and adequate art (it's not bad but it's nothing special; it gets the job done.)
I think I might like Superboy more than Superman because he's a bit of a dark character. I also liked the first couple of Teen Titans New 52 volumes so I was already sort of familiar with Superboy too. It's good to know his origin story now though. Superboy and Wonder Girl together is also an awesome pairing - whether they're on the same team or fighting each other.
So, yay, finally another "Super" title that isn't boring.
I think I might like Superboy more than Superman because he's a bit of a dark character. I also liked the first couple of Teen Titans New 52 volumes so I was already sort of familiar with Superboy too. It's good to know his origin story now though. Superboy and Wonder Girl together is also an awesome pairing - whether they're on the same team or fighting each other.
So, yay, finally another "Super" title that isn't boring.
October 22, 2012
Superboy is a clone made of human and Kryptonian DNA, held in a secret underground government facility for study and use as a potential weapon. But something goes wrong and he breaks free of his incubation. As he slowly figures out the extent of his powers, he realises that everyone is out to get him in one form or another and heads off to find out who his DNA belonged to and his purpose on this planet.
I’ve never read Superboy before but I was willing to give him a shot like a lot of characters in this New 52 reboot, but based on this book I definitely won’t be in a hurry to pick up another Superboy title soon. His character is so annoying - he’s always whinging and whining about one thing or another! Ok, he’s a teenager, but still he’s a teenager who doesn’t have to bother with high school or parents or arbitrary rules - he can literally fly away from it all, so why is he always so damn down on everything?
His annoying soliloquies aside, he’s a bit of a dick too. If he’s not setting fire to Christmas trees (because he can) or not bothering to save people (why should he?), he’s fighting one pointless battle after another as an array of colourful but 2-dimensional nobodies try to either kill him for some petty vendetta or to subdue him and put him to work for their own nefarious purposes. But because he’s an unpleasant and unlikeable character, I couldn’t care less what happened to him - take him, I don’t care, how many pages are left of this thing?
And to top it all there’s a chunk of the story missing because this book crosses over with the other book Scott Lobdell’s writing - “Teen Titans” - so the story jumps in between chapters. Based on Lodbell’s writing and poor plotting in “Superboy”, I won’t be picking up that book either so I’ll have to miss the shenanigans he got up to there but the conclusion is included here so it’s not hard to guess what happened.
“Superboy” is a pretty crap title. Lobdell’s lack of character work on the “hero”, giving what little characterisation to him as to ensure the reader has little sympathy or empathy for what he goes through, makes for a weak main character I don’t care about. There are plenty of better titles in the New 52 like Swamp Thing, Justice League, and Aquaman - give Superboy a miss.
I’ve never read Superboy before but I was willing to give him a shot like a lot of characters in this New 52 reboot, but based on this book I definitely won’t be in a hurry to pick up another Superboy title soon. His character is so annoying - he’s always whinging and whining about one thing or another! Ok, he’s a teenager, but still he’s a teenager who doesn’t have to bother with high school or parents or arbitrary rules - he can literally fly away from it all, so why is he always so damn down on everything?
His annoying soliloquies aside, he’s a bit of a dick too. If he’s not setting fire to Christmas trees (because he can) or not bothering to save people (why should he?), he’s fighting one pointless battle after another as an array of colourful but 2-dimensional nobodies try to either kill him for some petty vendetta or to subdue him and put him to work for their own nefarious purposes. But because he’s an unpleasant and unlikeable character, I couldn’t care less what happened to him - take him, I don’t care, how many pages are left of this thing?
And to top it all there’s a chunk of the story missing because this book crosses over with the other book Scott Lobdell’s writing - “Teen Titans” - so the story jumps in between chapters. Based on Lodbell’s writing and poor plotting in “Superboy”, I won’t be picking up that book either so I’ll have to miss the shenanigans he got up to there but the conclusion is included here so it’s not hard to guess what happened.
“Superboy” is a pretty crap title. Lobdell’s lack of character work on the “hero”, giving what little characterisation to him as to ensure the reader has little sympathy or empathy for what he goes through, makes for a weak main character I don’t care about. There are plenty of better titles in the New 52 like Swamp Thing, Justice League, and Aquaman - give Superboy a miss.
May 31, 2019
This was surprisingly good! I have been avoiding Superboy and all things Red Robin for...reasons I’m not entirely sure of. Dumb reason apparently.
I found this volume oddly refreshing. A bit repetitive as far as Kon’s internal turmoil but hey, he’s four months old. I’ll cut him some slack. And he had some great growth in just these handful of issues. On to Teen Titans to see how that fight started!
I found this volume oddly refreshing. A bit repetitive as far as Kon’s internal turmoil but hey, he’s four months old. I’ll cut him some slack. And he had some great growth in just these handful of issues. On to Teen Titans to see how that fight started!
January 24, 2015
It was better than what I was expecting, after seeing all the negative reviews. Maybe it's just because I enjoyed Teen Titans so much, but I got annoyed when the Titans just randomly show up for a chunk of this as a "crossover." I don't think it's that easy to get what the eff they're doing there though, unless you've read the Titans volume - and that annoys me as a reader. Also, the interaction with Supergirl was funny, if a little ridiculous. Are they intent on making it seem like Kara's hot-headed instincts turn her into a complete moron? She can't let anyone explain anything, or try to figure out her weird situation, without trying to kill/beat the shit out of them. I did like the origin for Superboy, but that could just be because I've never read a Superboy comic before. All in all, liked it better than Superman Vol. 1 and Supergirl Vol. 1, but I don't know how far I'll go with it. The next one better impress me dammitt!
December 27, 2012
Dear DC Comics,
Please fire Scott Lobdell.
He couldn't write a good story to save his own life.
Thank you,
Millions of DC Fans
Please fire Scott Lobdell.
He couldn't write a good story to save his own life.
Thank you,
Millions of DC Fans
May 3, 2015
This isn't a great epic read that I usually give 5stars to, but I think this is a beyond great start to a series, and one of the few New 52 titles that does a great job right from the start. (Thats right, if it was vol2 id give it 4stars, deal with it.) Plus flipping thru it, I already wanna reread it. Hence: 5 stars.
The first X-Men comics I read were by Scott Lobdell, and I always wondered how good his writing actually was, I was 10 so what did I know of writing. The writing just flowed to me.
and... nothings changed. Before I know it an issue of Superboy is over.
and its not like its light on dialogue. Its pretty wordy, yet it flows so well.
With supporting characters like Rose Wilson and Fairchild, you know things will get interesting (and no not it that way). Speaking of Fairchild I don't think she or Gen13 are important enough to start a new 52 title anytime soon, so throwing her in was a pretty cool surprise.
The title is also so far away from a 'Superman Family' title. Hardly any kryptonian reference made. His powers are different from Superman's, plus he has new ones even from the pre-52 version. Most of the villains are pretty lame, and I'm big critic on new villain creations. But I just didn't care, the story flowed so well.
Superboy being new to the world and not really having a moral compass, doesn't sound like something new, but yet coming from someone who has the genes of the big boy scout, its definitely entertaining.
I wouldn't say the art is cartoony, it has a ... cartoony style, but its so detailed. I find myself surprised the I like it so much. Also small tidbit when there's an energy blast or heat vision its not so cartoony, nice lil detail.
1st time I strongly look forward to reading more, in a long time.
The first X-Men comics I read were by Scott Lobdell, and I always wondered how good his writing actually was, I was 10 so what did I know of writing. The writing just flowed to me.
and... nothings changed. Before I know it an issue of Superboy is over.
and its not like its light on dialogue. Its pretty wordy, yet it flows so well.
With supporting characters like Rose Wilson and Fairchild, you know things will get interesting (and no not it that way). Speaking of Fairchild I don't think she or Gen13 are important enough to start a new 52 title anytime soon, so throwing her in was a pretty cool surprise.
The title is also so far away from a 'Superman Family' title. Hardly any kryptonian reference made. His powers are different from Superman's, plus he has new ones even from the pre-52 version. Most of the villains are pretty lame, and I'm big critic on new villain creations. But I just didn't care, the story flowed so well.
Superboy being new to the world and not really having a moral compass, doesn't sound like something new, but yet coming from someone who has the genes of the big boy scout, its definitely entertaining.
I wouldn't say the art is cartoony, it has a ... cartoony style, but its so detailed. I find myself surprised the I like it so much. Also small tidbit when there's an energy blast or heat vision its not so cartoony, nice lil detail.
1st time I strongly look forward to reading more, in a long time.
June 6, 2014
SCOTT LOBDELL IS A BAD WRITER AND HE SHOULD FEEL BAD.
I love Superboy (can you tell by my username?), so of course I was excited to hear that he was going to get a solo title for the new 52! Hell yeah! Of course I was a little iffy about his new costume, but hey, nothing wrong with changing up the black t-shirt and jeans combo, and not everything can compare to his absolutely fabulous 90's getup. The art's pretty at any rate. But just like Lobdell's Teen Titans book, this is absolute garbage. The new 52 turned basically everyone into dicks, and poor Kon is no exception. And hey! Guess what? CONNER KENT GETS KILLED OFF LATER IN THE SERIES, SO WHY SHOULD I EVEN BOTHER READ THIS SERIES WHEN THE GUY I'M READING IT FOR ISN'T EVEN IN IT???????
I hate Scott Lobdell so much. He's a garbage writer, and a major misogynist to boot. Who keeps giving this guy things to write? Superboy, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Teen Titans? Jesus, this guy doesn't like teen supers at all. Please don't give this man your money. If you want an ACTUALLY good Superboy book, go read Boy of Steel by Geoff Johns or Smallville Attacks by Jeff Lemire which, surprise surprise, was cancelled and replaced by this shit.
I love Superboy (can you tell by my username?), so of course I was excited to hear that he was going to get a solo title for the new 52! Hell yeah! Of course I was a little iffy about his new costume, but hey, nothing wrong with changing up the black t-shirt and jeans combo, and not everything can compare to his absolutely fabulous 90's getup. The art's pretty at any rate. But just like Lobdell's Teen Titans book, this is absolute garbage. The new 52 turned basically everyone into dicks, and poor Kon is no exception. And hey! Guess what? CONNER KENT GETS KILLED OFF LATER IN THE SERIES, SO WHY SHOULD I EVEN BOTHER READ THIS SERIES WHEN THE GUY I'M READING IT FOR ISN'T EVEN IN IT???????
I hate Scott Lobdell so much. He's a garbage writer, and a major misogynist to boot. Who keeps giving this guy things to write? Superboy, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Teen Titans? Jesus, this guy doesn't like teen supers at all. Please don't give this man your money. If you want an ACTUALLY good Superboy book, go read Boy of Steel by Geoff Johns or Smallville Attacks by Jeff Lemire which, surprise surprise, was cancelled and replaced by this shit.
April 14, 2013
Quite introspective for a comic book. A lot of internalization and re-iteration of thought, so it was light on action, but heavy on character.
I like the new personality they are giving Kon-El. In the pre New-52, I always felt that Superboy was a bit too jockish, brutish, and thick-headed; but, this new Superboy is kinda nerdy, with perspicacity and a pinch of impishness. The series is just starting out, so I think they are coaching Kon-El through a lot of angsty emotions... but it should be interesting to see what he is like when he gets through all this angst.
Unfortunately the art is just terrible in this volume. Flat, two-dimensional, expressionless, small-faces. To me, the new Superboy resembles Daniel Radcliffe too much. And I've said it elsewhere and I will say it again here (because she makes a cameo): the new Supergirl costume is absolutely terrible; put some clothes on her, please!!!
I didn't love this volume, but I am intrigued. 3.5/5
I like the new personality they are giving Kon-El. In the pre New-52, I always felt that Superboy was a bit too jockish, brutish, and thick-headed; but, this new Superboy is kinda nerdy, with perspicacity and a pinch of impishness. The series is just starting out, so I think they are coaching Kon-El through a lot of angsty emotions... but it should be interesting to see what he is like when he gets through all this angst.
Unfortunately the art is just terrible in this volume. Flat, two-dimensional, expressionless, small-faces. To me, the new Superboy resembles Daniel Radcliffe too much. And I've said it elsewhere and I will say it again here (because she makes a cameo): the new Supergirl costume is absolutely terrible; put some clothes on her, please!!!
I didn't love this volume, but I am intrigued. 3.5/5
August 24, 2014
100% hated the direction of this book and the character. A very poor entry into the Superman world. Can you guess my intentions towards going on with this series? You get 1 guess and ' I will be ' is incorrect.
June 1, 2025
I’ll be honest I don’t have hardly any experience with Superboy, but I enjoyed this introduction to a newly cloned Superboy who is struggling with the truth of his origin and his own moral development.
October 9, 2012
After having slogged through the absolutely terrible reboot of Teen Titans, I was skeptical of what Lobdell would do with the solo Superboy title. Not that I was ever a fan of any of the other runs of Superboy prior to the Nu52. Has just never been that interesting, honestly, and is only mildly so in this first volume.
There isn't much different here from Lobdell's other work, namely Gen13. He uses a seedy bad guy that looks and acts suspiciously like Lynch, there's a ton of militaristic stormtroopers, Superboy goes rogue, blah blah blah. It's really no secret where Superboy's DNA came from anymore, so trying to keep it a secret just seems silly. And Superboy actually caring where his DNA came from may have worked as a kind of true-to-life orphan story if it had not gone completely against the character that Lobdell built. It just seems that he can never get a handle on all the contradiictions he writes into his books. This one is no different. May be good as a young adult book, but just not for me anymore.
What I really loved here, was the artwork. It was immaculately clean, sleak, slim, and perfect for the book. The inks weren't heavy, there was no unnecessary hatching, it was just light and clean.
Art: A
Writing: C-
There isn't much different here from Lobdell's other work, namely Gen13. He uses a seedy bad guy that looks and acts suspiciously like Lynch, there's a ton of militaristic stormtroopers, Superboy goes rogue, blah blah blah. It's really no secret where Superboy's DNA came from anymore, so trying to keep it a secret just seems silly. And Superboy actually caring where his DNA came from may have worked as a kind of true-to-life orphan story if it had not gone completely against the character that Lobdell built. It just seems that he can never get a handle on all the contradiictions he writes into his books. This one is no different. May be good as a young adult book, but just not for me anymore.
What I really loved here, was the artwork. It was immaculately clean, sleak, slim, and perfect for the book. The inks weren't heavy, there was no unnecessary hatching, it was just light and clean.
Art: A
Writing: C-
Read
December 18, 2012Just as Batwing was the first Bat-title from the New 52 to turn up in my local library, so this oddity was the first Superbook. Curious.
So - Superboy was originally the pre-Metropolis adventures of the young Clark Kent, in Smallville, space and the future. It was realised that this was a dumb idea, diluting the force of the adult Superman's arrival, so it was written out of history in the Crisis (only to be resurrected in that dreadful TV show, but let's not get into that). Then, when Superman got killed off because the nineties, we got a new Superboy as one of the pretenders to his place. He turned out to be a half-human, half-Kryptonian clone, with subtly different powers to Superman, and while I never really got into the character, he seemed affable enough - and had plenty of fans.
So, for the reboot, they've taken the basic set-up of that second Superboy, and turned him into a living weapon being grown by a sinister organisation to take down other metahumans. And dropped in an assortment of Wildstorm and Doom Patrol characters as a supporting cast. And it's all competently enough done - better than I'd expect from Lobdell, TBH - but I can't quite parse why, or who the intended audience is.
So - Superboy was originally the pre-Metropolis adventures of the young Clark Kent, in Smallville, space and the future. It was realised that this was a dumb idea, diluting the force of the adult Superman's arrival, so it was written out of history in the Crisis (only to be resurrected in that dreadful TV show, but let's not get into that). Then, when Superman got killed off because the nineties, we got a new Superboy as one of the pretenders to his place. He turned out to be a half-human, half-Kryptonian clone, with subtly different powers to Superman, and while I never really got into the character, he seemed affable enough - and had plenty of fans.
So, for the reboot, they've taken the basic set-up of that second Superboy, and turned him into a living weapon being grown by a sinister organisation to take down other metahumans. And dropped in an assortment of Wildstorm and Doom Patrol characters as a supporting cast. And it's all competently enough done - better than I'd expect from Lobdell, TBH - but I can't quite parse why, or who the intended audience is.
July 23, 2013
So Superboy is another DC character I have limited knowledge of. In fact, my thought was that he was the child of Superman, although I suppose that doesn't make a ton of sense. Regardless, in the New 52, he's genetically cloned from Superman cells (I think), and he's super powerful and...
Well, it's like all I want to tell him is to "cheer up, emo kid," because this is just a frustrating arc where not a lot of interesting things happen, a lot blows up, Supergirl shows up (which is the best part), and we deal with 75% of the dialogue being Superboy's internal monologue.
Not the best thing in the ranks by any regard. Didn't work for me at all, unfortunately.
Well, it's like all I want to tell him is to "cheer up, emo kid," because this is just a frustrating arc where not a lot of interesting things happen, a lot blows up, Supergirl shows up (which is the best part), and we deal with 75% of the dialogue being Superboy's internal monologue.
Not the best thing in the ranks by any regard. Didn't work for me at all, unfortunately.
June 19, 2016
I loved this! I've read comics with Superboy in before, mainly Teen Titans, but loved reading how he starts out in this. It's a much stranger origin than the others, and I love it for it's originality, and the characters that are introduced along the way. This Graphic Novel rounds up nicely, as well as leaving it very open for the next one. I want to read more!
September 3, 2014
Quite interesting. Can't wait to see who Superboy's donors are and what happens next!!!
June 8, 2025
Superboy Vol. 1: Incubation
A secret technological institute known as N.O.W.H.E.R.E. are training a human/Kryptonian hybrid codenamed Superboy. His origins are shrouded in mystery and their purpose is unclear, but Superbly is tasked with tracking down and capturing the metahuman known as Wonder Girl.
The artwork is great and the plot works well. Lobdell is working to connect the dots within the wider 'New 52' storyline whilst creating a compelling origin story.
A secret technological institute known as N.O.W.H.E.R.E. are training a human/Kryptonian hybrid codenamed Superboy. His origins are shrouded in mystery and their purpose is unclear, but Superbly is tasked with tracking down and capturing the metahuman known as Wonder Girl.
The artwork is great and the plot works well. Lobdell is working to connect the dots within the wider 'New 52' storyline whilst creating a compelling origin story.
April 22, 2013
Scott Lobdell must have set out to find a new way to say boring and he's succeeded with this book, Superboy. It should be noted that I am a big fan of Superboy. I am in the process of trying to complete the boy super's first run, this boy Superboy I should add, the clone Superboy. Nostalgia for days gone by aside, I dived into the new 52 with some trepidation, was mildly amazed by Teen Titans, very impressed with Batman and Robin and floored by Batman. I highly recommend reading Batman by Scott Snyder or anything by Scott Snyder because the man writes awesome vampires as well. Suffice to say I've got a hold of the new 52's book of #1's from my library, but I'm skipping reading this one as it was one of the weaker openings in the whole line.
To begin with the art is pedestrian, its stiff, and while beautiful in places--all the characters are lovely and sexy perfect people like they should be in comic books, or ugly and villainous like they should be if they're evil--the art is lifeless. It looks like the artist is trying to make a lot of pin ups and he fails to tell the story. There isn't anything interesting about the panel/page layouts, which is good because I'm afraid of what would have happened if the artists had tried to experiment along with his splash page art. I won't say that his art is boring, or that it fails to convey sentiment or that it is weak. It simply looks stiff in places, like the characters are not interacting with each other but rather they're striking poses. There isn't any of the subtle and slight characterizing looks that other artists endow their characters in hand gestures or looks, or just in subtle panels. Everything tries to be bombastic but it comes across as cut and pasted characters on bland backgrounds.
As to the writing, Mr. Lobdell's narration soon becomes dull and unnecessary, though I can see how he might feel it is necessary to help the pictures which fail to tell any kind of story, by themselves. Superboy's thoughts are muddled and dull, which would be fine for the first issue what with him barely coming to terms with being a clone, but they always seem to read that way. There doesn't seem to be any consistency to character, and what's worse, this Superboy seems cold and heartless. It makes him a difficult character to relate to or sympathize, which is a basic tenet of good writing, if your reader can't relate to a character he can hardly like him and isn't likely to follow in his story.
The encounter with Supergirl seemed arbitrary and unnecessary, and the way the author kept throwing out that Superboy's primary reason for existence is to wrangle in metahumans like the Teen Titans becomes rather heavy handed, considering that the battle between Superboy and the Teen Titans is so short and it doesn't even happen in his book. It leads to a major set up that doesn't even take place in the titular character's book. Then there's the deus-ex machina appearance at the end of the book of Wonder Girl who only wants a rematch.
In what is rapidly becoming a stupidly obvious problem in the new DCU, where they've destroyed the legacy nature of their characters it is becoming more and more difficult to explain characters like Kid Flash, Wonder Girl and Red Robin much less Superboy. His origin is never really explored, we only know that he was created from Superman's DNA and some humans, which prior to the retcon was Lex Luthor but now has been changed, or so we're led to believe by current solicitations.
I personally don't feel origin stories are necessary, which seems to be a major fixation of the people currently running the big two companies who seem devil bent on explaining ad nauseum the origins of their characters. It would have been nice to see Superboy just running around being super and learning to be a hero or trying to figure out why he was code named Superboy, there's so many better ways this could have gone than it did. The book contains the first six issues and I have to say they are dull. Throughout them the author seems to be trying to give the kid a direction and you can see by how directionless Superboy's adventures are. First leaving the shadowy organization that created him then coming back to work for them despite the fact that he doesn't trust them.
All in all, Superboy is a bland character, as are Rose and even Caitlin Fairchild, whose background story is lightly sprinkled in the story, again to attract interest to it, but as is the case with this whole series, it seems to be nothing more than a launching pad for other books, which hopefully are more interesting.
If dull as dishwater is what you're looking for, this is the series you should try. I would have preferred that Eric Canete the cover artist had illustrated the series. His art has more life and power in a single drawing. R.B. Silva will make a wonderful illustrator someday if he can learn to harness character in his art the way Mr. Canete does. Mr. Lobdell, as a veteran of comics really doesn't have an excuse for writing such lackluster, tepid meandering stories. Truly a book worth overlooking.
To begin with the art is pedestrian, its stiff, and while beautiful in places--all the characters are lovely and sexy perfect people like they should be in comic books, or ugly and villainous like they should be if they're evil--the art is lifeless. It looks like the artist is trying to make a lot of pin ups and he fails to tell the story. There isn't anything interesting about the panel/page layouts, which is good because I'm afraid of what would have happened if the artists had tried to experiment along with his splash page art. I won't say that his art is boring, or that it fails to convey sentiment or that it is weak. It simply looks stiff in places, like the characters are not interacting with each other but rather they're striking poses. There isn't any of the subtle and slight characterizing looks that other artists endow their characters in hand gestures or looks, or just in subtle panels. Everything tries to be bombastic but it comes across as cut and pasted characters on bland backgrounds.
As to the writing, Mr. Lobdell's narration soon becomes dull and unnecessary, though I can see how he might feel it is necessary to help the pictures which fail to tell any kind of story, by themselves. Superboy's thoughts are muddled and dull, which would be fine for the first issue what with him barely coming to terms with being a clone, but they always seem to read that way. There doesn't seem to be any consistency to character, and what's worse, this Superboy seems cold and heartless. It makes him a difficult character to relate to or sympathize, which is a basic tenet of good writing, if your reader can't relate to a character he can hardly like him and isn't likely to follow in his story.
The encounter with Supergirl seemed arbitrary and unnecessary, and the way the author kept throwing out that Superboy's primary reason for existence is to wrangle in metahumans like the Teen Titans becomes rather heavy handed, considering that the battle between Superboy and the Teen Titans is so short and it doesn't even happen in his book. It leads to a major set up that doesn't even take place in the titular character's book. Then there's the deus-ex machina appearance at the end of the book of Wonder Girl who only wants a rematch.
In what is rapidly becoming a stupidly obvious problem in the new DCU, where they've destroyed the legacy nature of their characters it is becoming more and more difficult to explain characters like Kid Flash, Wonder Girl and Red Robin much less Superboy. His origin is never really explored, we only know that he was created from Superman's DNA and some humans, which prior to the retcon was Lex Luthor but now has been changed, or so we're led to believe by current solicitations.
I personally don't feel origin stories are necessary, which seems to be a major fixation of the people currently running the big two companies who seem devil bent on explaining ad nauseum the origins of their characters. It would have been nice to see Superboy just running around being super and learning to be a hero or trying to figure out why he was code named Superboy, there's so many better ways this could have gone than it did. The book contains the first six issues and I have to say they are dull. Throughout them the author seems to be trying to give the kid a direction and you can see by how directionless Superboy's adventures are. First leaving the shadowy organization that created him then coming back to work for them despite the fact that he doesn't trust them.
All in all, Superboy is a bland character, as are Rose and even Caitlin Fairchild, whose background story is lightly sprinkled in the story, again to attract interest to it, but as is the case with this whole series, it seems to be nothing more than a launching pad for other books, which hopefully are more interesting.
If dull as dishwater is what you're looking for, this is the series you should try. I would have preferred that Eric Canete the cover artist had illustrated the series. His art has more life and power in a single drawing. R.B. Silva will make a wonderful illustrator someday if he can learn to harness character in his art the way Mr. Canete does. Mr. Lobdell, as a veteran of comics really doesn't have an excuse for writing such lackluster, tepid meandering stories. Truly a book worth overlooking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
I regret reading this.
February 23, 2013
I wanted to like this title, I really did. But Scott Lobdell's Teen Titans series was much better than this, even after a promising start. I didn't like the art, Superboy was annoying, and the storyline as a whole was confusing. My first really negative review this year I'm afraid - I'm so glad that I borrowed it from the library rather than brought it. Stick with Teen Titans, don't read this. Lobdell can do much better.
TFF Review:
“A title that whilst has a promising start is let down with its unlikable lead character, and a weak storyline that can only be fully understood when read with the much better first volume of the Teen Titans series.” ~The Founding Fields
Writer: Scott Lobdell | Art: RB Silva, Rob Lea | Cover: Eric Canete | Publisher: DC Comics | Collects: Superboy #1-#7
I really wanted to like Superboy. I mean, I enjoyed Scott Lobdell’s Teen Titans, but he’s is slowly turning into a hit and miss writer for me, as the first issue in his Red Hood and the Outlaws series wasn’t too brilliant – which was a shame for the concept drew me in and I rather enjoyed the artwork. I wish the same could be said for Superboy, as while the art is nice and crisp in places, it didn’t work for me on many levels and I really felt that the artwork really let this book down. The fact that it crossed over with Teen Titans really didn’t help either – and although I’d read that book, I didn’t feel particularly compelled to flick back and forth between each issue to remind myself what had happened as a result I quickly lost interest with the book itself.
"Writer SCOTT LOBDELL teams up with artist R.B. SILVA to reinvent SUPERBOY! • Project N.O.W.H.E.R.E. has put a lot of effort into creating their SUPERBOY, and they intend to make sure he performs to their standards. • Collecting the first seven issues of the new series!"
I am quite glad that this book is a library read because I am disappointed to say that this book is probably one of the worst titles that I have read so far this year and would have been annoyed if I’d have brought this when there are loads of better titles out there - Batgirl, Batman and Justice League are some great New 52 offerings. Heck, if you don’t want to stray out of the young justice circle then Teen Titans is lightyears better than what I found in these seven issues.
http://thefoundingfields.com/2013/02/...
TFF Review:
“A title that whilst has a promising start is let down with its unlikable lead character, and a weak storyline that can only be fully understood when read with the much better first volume of the Teen Titans series.” ~The Founding Fields
Writer: Scott Lobdell | Art: RB Silva, Rob Lea | Cover: Eric Canete | Publisher: DC Comics | Collects: Superboy #1-#7
I really wanted to like Superboy. I mean, I enjoyed Scott Lobdell’s Teen Titans, but he’s is slowly turning into a hit and miss writer for me, as the first issue in his Red Hood and the Outlaws series wasn’t too brilliant – which was a shame for the concept drew me in and I rather enjoyed the artwork. I wish the same could be said for Superboy, as while the art is nice and crisp in places, it didn’t work for me on many levels and I really felt that the artwork really let this book down. The fact that it crossed over with Teen Titans really didn’t help either – and although I’d read that book, I didn’t feel particularly compelled to flick back and forth between each issue to remind myself what had happened as a result I quickly lost interest with the book itself.
"Writer SCOTT LOBDELL teams up with artist R.B. SILVA to reinvent SUPERBOY! • Project N.O.W.H.E.R.E. has put a lot of effort into creating their SUPERBOY, and they intend to make sure he performs to their standards. • Collecting the first seven issues of the new series!"
I am quite glad that this book is a library read because I am disappointed to say that this book is probably one of the worst titles that I have read so far this year and would have been annoyed if I’d have brought this when there are loads of better titles out there - Batgirl, Batman and Justice League are some great New 52 offerings. Heck, if you don’t want to stray out of the young justice circle then Teen Titans is lightyears better than what I found in these seven issues.
http://thefoundingfields.com/2013/02/...
April 1, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
When I read Teen Titans. Vol. 1: It’s Our Right to Fight a few weeks ago, Superboy was involved with the story, and I wondered if he had his own comic book. So, naturally, I did some online research, found out the New 52 Superboy book answered a lot of questions about this guy, and ordered it from my local library. After reading it, I have to say I really liked it; the art Superboy New 52 was good, the story better, most of those questions I had about this New 52 Superboy were answered, and it really helped make Teen Titans, Vol. 1: It’s Our Right to Fight an even better comic story.
This story is about a group of scientist who work for N.O.W.H.E.R.E. If you are wondering what N.O.W.H.E.R.E. is, you are not alone; I had no idea who these guys were. But it is an organization that thinks there are too many metahumans in the world, so they have decided to destroy metes who are under 18 years of age. Not sure why only the teenagers have to go, but whatever. So, anyway, they make Superboy; a robot with kryptonian blood from Superman and human blood mixed together. This metahuman exterminator’s first mission is to (Drumroll Please) . . . DESTROY THE TEEN TITANS!
There was a lot to like about this graphic novel. I thought the writer (Scott Lobdell) really brought out how tough and confusing this new Superboy’s life was. I mean, he is a robot created to kill yet isn’t given any choice about how he is going to live his life or whether he wants to be a killer. And the art by R.B. Silva was amazing. I’m not much of an artist, so I can’t really describe why I liked the art here so much, but it was really cool and made the book so much better. I just liked the book all the way around.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this review, and I hope you give this graphic novel a try if you haven’t already read it. I thought Superboy was really good and will be trying to get my hands on the rest of the series some time soon — if dad will loan me some money to pick up the other issues. You don’t have a problem doing that, do you, dad?
When I read Teen Titans. Vol. 1: It’s Our Right to Fight a few weeks ago, Superboy was involved with the story, and I wondered if he had his own comic book. So, naturally, I did some online research, found out the New 52 Superboy book answered a lot of questions about this guy, and ordered it from my local library. After reading it, I have to say I really liked it; the art Superboy New 52 was good, the story better, most of those questions I had about this New 52 Superboy were answered, and it really helped make Teen Titans, Vol. 1: It’s Our Right to Fight an even better comic story.
This story is about a group of scientist who work for N.O.W.H.E.R.E. If you are wondering what N.O.W.H.E.R.E. is, you are not alone; I had no idea who these guys were. But it is an organization that thinks there are too many metahumans in the world, so they have decided to destroy metes who are under 18 years of age. Not sure why only the teenagers have to go, but whatever. So, anyway, they make Superboy; a robot with kryptonian blood from Superman and human blood mixed together. This metahuman exterminator’s first mission is to (Drumroll Please) . . . DESTROY THE TEEN TITANS!
There was a lot to like about this graphic novel. I thought the writer (Scott Lobdell) really brought out how tough and confusing this new Superboy’s life was. I mean, he is a robot created to kill yet isn’t given any choice about how he is going to live his life or whether he wants to be a killer. And the art by R.B. Silva was amazing. I’m not much of an artist, so I can’t really describe why I liked the art here so much, but it was really cool and made the book so much better. I just liked the book all the way around.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this review, and I hope you give this graphic novel a try if you haven’t already read it. I thought Superboy was really good and will be trying to get my hands on the rest of the series some time soon — if dad will loan me some money to pick up the other issues. You don’t have a problem doing that, do you, dad?
May 14, 2012
I'm not really a fan of Superboy. I don't mind if he shows up in something that I am already reading or if he is included in a team, but I do not actively read appearances that he makes or have ever read a title about him unless it was part of an event. I decided to read this only because Scott Lobdell was writing, and I was enjoying Teen Titans so much.
The best part about the writing is getting to read this and Teen Titans at the same time. Both books connect each issue in small ways. Everything still makes sense if someone is only reading one series, but the connection adds a little bit of extra interest.
However, Lobdell's writing is much better in Teen Titans than it is here. The second half of the issues included in this volume are much better than the first few. For the first few issues, Superboy's characterization was not very effective. Another problem with the series is that anyone that is somewhat familiar with Superboy can predict what is going to happen. Once the "twists" are over, the series picks up considerably.
The art inside is usually good, and I really like the character designs. There are some little touches, like Superboy's hair gradually growing, that add a lot.
In the end, I am not sure that I would read this title if I wasn't already reading Teen Titans. Teen Titans is the much better series. If I was being more selective about which titles I was reading, I would probably drop this in favor of both Supergirl and Superman.
The best part about the writing is getting to read this and Teen Titans at the same time. Both books connect each issue in small ways. Everything still makes sense if someone is only reading one series, but the connection adds a little bit of extra interest.
However, Lobdell's writing is much better in Teen Titans than it is here. The second half of the issues included in this volume are much better than the first few. For the first few issues, Superboy's characterization was not very effective. Another problem with the series is that anyone that is somewhat familiar with Superboy can predict what is going to happen. Once the "twists" are over, the series picks up considerably.
The art inside is usually good, and I really like the character designs. There are some little touches, like Superboy's hair gradually growing, that add a lot.
In the end, I am not sure that I would read this title if I wasn't already reading Teen Titans. Teen Titans is the much better series. If I was being more selective about which titles I was reading, I would probably drop this in favor of both Supergirl and Superman.
October 9, 2014
I only know Superboy through the cartoons and this re-introduction to him for The New 52 is awesome. Of course, I just love Scott Lobdell so I'm not surprised I thoroughly enjoyed. Not being a huge Superman fan, I didn't know what to expect but the characters in this are fantastic. The three anti-hero females: Rose Wilson, Caitlin Red and Wonder Girl really made the story for me. Supergirl makes a cameo which was fun and the Teen Titans, while not really appearing are in the background of the plot. Lots of stuff is going on and the beginnings of "The Culling" arc are being put into place but the main theme of the whole volume is Superboy's birth, days in the NOWHERE lab, his release into the real world and his coming to terms with his superpowers as they expand while he gains more control of them. Really a great beginning to a story I want to continue!
September 29, 2015
Can I just say that I really loved the Superboy that came about as a result of the Death of Superman? So, you can imagine how much my feelings about how they've taken the character and redeveloped his backstory (and characterization) are conflicted.
This story is amazing. Not only do they really show how much Superboy's tactile telekinesis powers can do some true damage (as well as allow for one pretty extreme weakness), but it also does a spectacular job of recognizing the real issues behind his origin as a clone.
But I still miss the sun glasses, leather jacket, and cocky attitude of the days of waiting for Superman to come back...
No, but seriously, this is a must read. I'm really excited to see where else they've taken this series now that they're resurrected the character yet again.
This story is amazing. Not only do they really show how much Superboy's tactile telekinesis powers can do some true damage (as well as allow for one pretty extreme weakness), but it also does a spectacular job of recognizing the real issues behind his origin as a clone.
But I still miss the sun glasses, leather jacket, and cocky attitude of the days of waiting for Superman to come back...
No, but seriously, this is a must read. I'm really excited to see where else they've taken this series now that they're resurrected the character yet again.
August 2, 2012
The kept itself from being awful by keeping the suspense and mystery going throughout, though I absolutely loath what they've done to the character.
March 25, 2014
Poorly written and drawn, unknown and un-introduced characters, a plot dependent upon knowledge of another series...not worth the time or money.
November 27, 2014
All well almost all I wanted to know about Superboy's origin. Fills in the blanks missing in Teen Titans.
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