DC is taking a look into the Last Son of Krypton's earlier years in a new Superman: Harvest of Youth graphic novel.
Announced at DC's "Comics Are Fun for Everyone" panel at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) on July 23, Superman: Harvest Of Youth is a new young adult graphic novel by Sina Grace. "The book will explore the life of a young Clark Kent in Smallville, dealing with friendship, teen isolation and the seductive nature of online subcultures built around hate and anger," DC said of the novel. The publisher also revealed preview images for the graphic novel showing Clark looking at the Kent Farm in Smallville before taking off to the skies.
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman first debuted in the pages of 1938's Action Comics #1. Arguably one of the most famous superheroes of all time, Superman/Kal-El came to Earth as an infant after his home planet, Krypton, was destroyed, along with nearly all of its inhabitants. Superman's ship crashed down in Smallville, where he was discovered by Jonathan (Pa) and Martha (Ma) Kent. Naming him Clark, the two raised the child and helped him grow into the various superpowers Clark began to develop as he got older.
When Clark reached adulthood, he began using his powers to fight crime. He eventually dons the Superman identity, complete with the iconic blue and red costume. After a time, Clark moved out of Smallville to Metropolis and became a journalist for the Daily Planet, where he then met Lois Lane, his longtime love interest. As Superman continues fighting crime out of Metropolis, the hero picks up a regular rogues' gallery of villains, including Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Metallo, General Zod and more.
While Clark Kent is currently missing in action in regular DC continuity after he and the remainder of the Justice League were defeated in battle by Pariah and the Dark Army in Justice League #75, Superman: Space Age is a new prestige series from Mark Russell and Mike Allred. The first issue of the three-part series releases on July 26 and follows the Man of Steel as he tries to prevent the end of the world during the lead-up to Crisis on Infinite Earths. The synopsis for the first issue reads, "After years of standing idle, the young man from Krypton defies the wishes of his fathers to come out to the world as the first superhero of the Space Age. As each decade passes and each new danger emerges, he wonders if this is the one that will kill him and everyone he loves. Superman realizes that even good intentions are not without their backlash as the world around him transforms into a place as determined to destroy itself as he is to save it."
Superman: Harvest Of Youth comes from writer/aritst Grace and interior colorist Cris Peter. The novel goes on sale Oct. 3 from DC.
Source: DC Comics