Superman is facing a surprise return of an old enemy at a particularly difficult moment. After a grueling battle in the recent DC K.O. tournament to become King Omega – which Superman ultimately won – he chose to share the cosmic power he gained with everyone involved, rather than keep it for himself. He’s been missing ever since, and his whereabouts are currently unknown. However, the DC Universe isn’t entirely without a Superman.
Superboy-Prime has been working hard to prove himself lately. He assisted Superman in saving Booster Gold from a dangerous future controlled by Darkseid, and teamed up with Lois Lane to deliver an important message to Doomsday. Now that Superman is missing, Earth needs a new hero, and Prime is determined to take on that role. However, he’s facing a new challenge with the return of a classic Superman enemy who hasn’t been seen in years.
Manchester Black is Back as Superboy-Prime Steps Up
The latest issue of Superman (#36), from the team of Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sanchez, and Ariana Maher, continues to explore the consequences of the Omega Tournament. While Lois Lane investigates the source of her new Superwoman abilities, the Justice League is grappling with the return of Superboy-Prime. Given his dangerous history and without Superman’s guidance or his deep understanding of the DC Universe, Mr. Terrific believes it’s safest for Prime to remain separate from the team.
I really feel for Superboy-Prime. He’s trying so hard to prove he’s changed, and Lois gave him some great advice – get a job, build a normal life, show everyone he’s stable. But honestly, he’s just obsessed with being a hero like Superman. He decided to just be Metropolis’s new hero, all the time. It quickly became clear how risky that was when he almost went way too far in a fight with Ignition – he even thought about, well, something terrible. Thankfully, hearing the crowd cheer him on helped him pull back and do the right thing, bringing Ignition to justice. It finally hit him that Lois was right, and he’s decided to really settle down and make a life for himself in Metropolis. It’s good to see him trying!
Prime quickly lands a job at a local comic book store, as expected, and finds a reasonably priced apartment in downtown Metropolis. Though small, it represents a fresh start for Superboy-Prime, a chance to prove he’s changed. Soon after settling in, he hears someone in distress and rushes to their aid. Little does he know, he’s being observed by the ghost of Manchester Black, who sees a unique opportunity in a Superman with complete knowledge of the DC Universe.
Manchester Black Will Be Superboy-Prime’s First Real Challenge
Manchester Black, once the leader of the superhero team the Elite and a vocal critic of Superman, last appeared during the Warworld Saga. He joined Superman’s fight to free Warworld from Mongul, but was secretly being paid by Lex Luthor. Ultimately, Luthor kidnapped Black and exploited his psychic abilities in a scheme to make the world forget Superman’s identity. While the plan worked, it tragically resulted in Manchester Black’s death.
The big mystery is why he’s back and what he wants with Prime. It’s difficult to say for sure, but Manchester Black might still be alive, using his psychic abilities – we can tell because his ‘ghost’ has his signature purple glow. It seems likely that Superman’s disappearance is connected to Black’s return, the timing is just too suspicious to ignore. Perhaps Black sees a chance to defeat Superman, not with physical force, but by challenging his beliefs.
A compelling clash is brewing. Superboy-Prime, who is genuinely trying to become a hero like Superman, is now facing opposition from one of Superman’s biggest detractors, Manchester Black. Black likely sees Superboy-Prime’s attempt at redemption as a chance to prove that even a Superman-like figure can be as ruthless as he is. Let’s hope Superboy-Prime is truly dedicated to changing his ways, because Manchester Black won’t make it easy.
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2026-03-25 22:42