Super-Sons

Last updated
Super Sons
SupermanJR HCV.jpg
Cover of World's Finest Comics #215 (January 1973).
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First appearance World's Finest Comics #215 (January 1973)
Created by Bob Haney
Dick Dillin
In-story information
Alter egoClark Kent Jr.
Bruce Wayne Jr.
SpeciesHuman/Kryptonian
Human
Place of originEarth-One (Pre-Crisis computer simulations)
Earth-216
Earth-154 (Infinite Crisis)
Earth-16 (Post-Infinite Crisis)
AbilitiesClark Kent Jr.:
Abilities equivalent to those of Superman, but at half the power level
Bruce Wayne Jr.:
No superhuman powers; highly trained fighter and athlete, armed with Batman-type gadgets

The Super-Sons are a pair of fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The characters were created by Bob Haney and Dick Dillin and first appeared in World's Finest Comics #215 (January 1973). [1] The characters were featured in stories about the sons of Superman and Batman. [2]

Contents

In 2017, DC Comics launched a Super Sons monthly comic book series featuring new versions of the characters, going by the names Superboy (Jonathan Kent, the son of Superman and Lois Lane), and Robin (Damian Wayne, the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul).

Publication history

The Super-Sons first appeared together in World's Finest Comics #154 (December 1965). Batman's imaginary son was seen first in Batman #131 (April 1960), Batman #145 (February 1962) and Batman #163 (May 1964). The Super-Sons, Superman Jr. (Clark Kent Jr.) and Batman Jr. (Bruce Wayne Jr.), were college-aged versions of their superhero fathers. Their mothers are never referred to by name, nor are their faces ever shown, though Superman's wife is dark-haired and Batman's wife is a redhead. The Super-Sons look almost exactly like their fathers and wear identical costumes. The characters spoke with a slightly exaggerated version of the slang popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They regard each other as brothers since both understand the pressures involved in being the son of a living legend. Like his father, Batman Jr. has no superhuman powers and relies on athletic prowess and gadgets. Superman Jr., who is only half-Kryptonian, has powers levels of only half that of Superman, Sr.

Although the very first Super-Sons appearance stated that these were actual stories in the lives of Superman and Batman, the final story in World's Finest #263, "Final Secret of the Super-Sons", written by Dennis O'Neil, revealed that the Sons had never really existed — they were merely computer simulations of what might have been, created by Superman and Batman on the Man of Steel's computer in his Fortress of Solitude.

They later inspired the characters Joel Kent and Bruce Wayne Jr. in the three Superman & Batman: Generations comic book series.

It was thought that the events of the Crisis on Infinite Earths limited series had erased Superman Jr. and Batman Jr. from DC continuity, but this assumption was later shown to be incorrect. [3]

A Super-Sons story by Bob Haney was published in the comic special Elseworlds 80-Page Giant (1999). In "Elseworlds" tales, "heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places – some that have existed, and others that can't, couldn't or shouldn't exist". Eventually, the Super-Sons reality would be named Earth-216 and designated a Hypertime reality unaffected by the Crisis. [4]

The Earth-154 variant of the Super-Sons (and their fathers) appear briefly during the Infinite Crisis limited series, during which time Alexander Luthor, Jr. of Earth-Three warps reality in an attempt to restore the DC Multiverse. Their planet and countless other Earths later contract into a single "New Earth". [5] In the limited series 52 , it is revealed that 52 identical parallel universes were created. During his subsequent attempt to consume the multiverse, the evil Venusian worm Mister Mind altered each of the parallel worlds, creating distinct histories for each. [6] According to DC Nation #89, one of those worlds is Earth-16, home of the Super-Sons. [7]

In September 2011, The New 52 rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, the Super-Sons (Chris Kent as Superman and Damian Wayne as Batman) reside on Earth-16 as members of the Just—the sons and daughters of the classic JLA who have inherited a crimeless, utopian universe and so live as idle celebrities. [8]

The Super-Sons stories

The titles of the individual 'Parts' of the stories are presented here as they were written in the comic books; in other words, that of Part Two of Little Town With A Big Secret was actually shown in quotation marks and the number of The Angel With A Dirty Name Part 3 was in numerical form rather than being spelled out, as were the previous two parts. These variations have thus been reflected below and are not mistakes.

Unlike the other stories, Saga of the Super Sons and Final Secret of the Super Sons were not divided into parts.

It should also be pointed out that 'Super Sons' was spelled both on the story titles and on the cover of DC Comics' trade-paperback collection without a hyphen, as here.

In World's Finest Comics, the title of the series as given on the stories themselves tended to vary from issue to issue, i.e., Superman and Batman, Superman, Batman and their Super-Sons etc. These variations have been mentioned where they occur. Cry Not For My Forsaken Son bore only its story title and no series title was given to it at all.

TitleIssueDateWriterArtist(s)
Superman and Batman:
Saga of the Super Sons
World’s Finest Comics #215January 1973Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
Henry Scarpelli
Superman, Batman and their Super-Sons:
Little Town with a Big Secret
World’s Finest Comics #216March 1973Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
Murphy Anderson
(Part One is untitled)
Part Two: "The People Without Shadows"
Part Three: Children of the Universe
Cry Not For My Forsaken SonWorld’s Finest Comics #221February 1974Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
Murphy Anderson
Part 1: Sharper Than A Serpent’s Tooth
Part 2: Rendezvous on Massacre Island
Part 3: Just an Ordinary Hero
Superman Junior and Batman Junior:
Evil in Paradise
World’s Finest Comics #222April 1974Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
Vince Colletta
(Part 1 is untitled)
Part 2: The Human Test Tube
Part 3: Who the Killer, Who the Prey?
Superman and Batman:
The Shocking Switch of the Super Sons
World’s Finest Comics #224June/July 1974Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
Vince Colletta
Part 1: A Chasm So Wide...!
Part 2: The Mighty Marauder
Part 3: The Breath of Death
Superman, Batman and their Sons, co-starring Robin:
Crown for a New Batman
World’s Finest Comics #228March 1975Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
Tex Blaisdell
Part 1: Avenge Thy Father
Part 2: The Riddle of Smoke Island
Part 3: Tomb of Ice
Superman and Batman and their Sons:
The Girl Whom Time Forgot
World’s Finest Comics #230May 1975Bob HaneyCurt Swan,
Tex Blaisdell
Part 1: What the Satellite Saw
Part 2: The Silent City
Part 3: Sins of the Fathers
Superman, Batman and their Super Sons:
Hero is a Dirty Name
World’s Finest Comics #231July 1975Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
Tex Blaisdell
Part 1: Fathers on Trial
Part 2: Unwelcome Allies
Part 3: The Weather Bomb
Superman & Batman and their Super-Sons:
World Without Men
World’s Finest Comics #233October 1975Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
John Calnan
Part 1: Big Sister is Watching You
Part 2: The Greatest Hate
Superman, Batman and their Super Sons:
The Angel with a Dirty Name
World’s Finest Comics #238June 1976Bob HaneyDick Dillin,
John Calnan
Part One: Those Who Play the Puppets
Part Two: The Plague Giants
Part 3: Between Two Worlds
The Super Sons of Superman and Batman:
Town of the Timeless Killers
World’s Finest Comics #242December 1976Bob HaneyErnie Chan,
John Calnan
Part 1: Trio of Fear
Part 2: He Whom Evil Fights
Part 3: The Epitaph that Saved a Superman
Superman and Batman:
Final Secret of the Super Sons
World’s Finest Comics #263July 1980Dennis O'NeilRich Buckler,
Dick Giordano
Superman Jr. is no More! Elseworlds 80-Page Giant #1June 1999Bob HaneyKieron Dwyer

Collected edition

In December 2007, DC Comics published a trade paperback collection of the series entitled Superman/Batman: Saga of the Super Sons. It collects the stories from: World's Finest Comics #215–216, 221–222, 224, 228, 230, 231, 233, 238, 242, and 263 and Elseworlds 80-Page Giant #1. The story in World's Finest Comics #263 is written by Dennis O'Neil, all the others by Bob Haney. ISBN   1-4012-1502-5

Super Sons (2017)

Superboy and Robin on the cover of Super Sons #10, art by Jorge Jimenez. Super Sons Jon Damian.jpg
Superboy and Robin on the cover of Super Sons #10, art by Jorge Jimenez.

DC Comics presented a new version of the Super Sons in 2017. The two central characters are Damian Wayne, son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, and Jonathan Kent, son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane. The former is 13 years of age in this version (as of the 80-page DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1), while the latter is 10 years old. The advance releases describe them as "best frenemies forever" who will save the world together "if they don't kill each other first". [9] The series was launched in February 2017 and ended in May 2018 with 16 issues and one Annual.

Adventures of the Super Sons, a 12-issue miniseries serves as a continuation of the Super Sons series, with Peter J. Tomasi as the writer and art by Carlo Barberi and Art Thibert. [10] The first issue was released in August 2018, while the final issue was released in July 2019.

DC Comics released a digital-first series, Challenge of the Super Sons, from December 2020 to April 2021.

They were also featured in four one-shot stories: Superman & Robin Special (2022), "Back to School" (DC's Saved by Belle Reve anthology) (2022), "Trick or Treat" (DC's Terrors Through Time anthology) (2022), and Flash #797 (2023). They also appeared as adults in Tom King's Wonder Woman (2023), in a series of back up stories that take place many years in the future. [11]

In the Superman (2016) series, issues 20 to 25, a storyline known as “Black Dawn” features Damian Wayne (Robin) and Jon Kent (Superboy). While their roles are not central to the overall storyline, it does effectively highlight their individual strengths and weaknesses, and sets the stage for their future team-up in the Super Sons comic book series.

Superman (2018) issue #16 features the reunion of the Super Sons. This issue marks their first meeting since Jon aged five years ahead of Damian due to time travel, significantly altering their dynamic. Superman #16 is later collected in the trade paperback Superman Vol. 3: The Truth Revealed. [12]

An alternate version of the Super Sons named the Bizarro Boyz appeared in the four-part story "Boyzarro Re-Death". [13] Robzarro was a member of the Bizarro Boyz, along with Boyzarro. Both the team name and character names were influenced by fans on social media. [14]

Another alternate version appeared in the DCeased comic book series, in a world where a corrupted version of the Anti-Life Equation has infected most of Earth's inhabitants with a zombie-like virus. [15]

Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent also featured a version of the Super Sons, where Prime Earth's Jon Kent teamed up with Damian Wayne from the world of Injustice . [16]

Collected editions

TitleMaterial collectedPagesPublication dateISBN
Super Sons Vol. 1: When I Grow UpSuper Sons #1–5128October 17, 2017 978-1401274016
Super Sons Vol. 2: Planet of the CapesSuper Sons #6–10121March 13, 2018 978-1401278465
Super Sons of TomorrowSuper Sons #11–12, Superman (vol. 4) #37–38, Teen Titans (vol. 6) #15124July 3, 2018 978-1401282394
Super Sons Vol. 3: Parent TrapSuper Sons #13–16, Annual #1135October 2, 2018 978-1401284466
Super Sons OmnibusSuper Sons #1–16, Annual #1; Superman (vol. 4) #10–11, 37–38; Teen Titans (vol. 6) #15; DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1608December 24, 2018 978-1401285579
Adventures of the Super Sons Vol. 1: Action DetectivesAdventures of the Super Sons #1–6144April 16, 2019 978-1401290580
Adventures of the Super Sons Vol. 2: Little MonstersAdventures of the Super Sons #7–12144November 26, 2019 978-1401295073
Super Sons Omnibus: Expanded EditionSuper Sons #1–16, Annual #1; Superman (vol. 4) #10–11, 37–38; Teen Titans (vol. 6) #15; DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1; Adventures of the Super Sons #1–12888November 24, 2020 978-1779506665
Challenge of the Super SonsChallenge of the Super Sons #1-7168March 29, 2022 978-1779515100
Super Sons Omnibus Super Duper EditionSuper Sons #1-16, Super Sons Annual #1; Super Sons/Dynomutt Special #1; Adventures of the Super Sons #1-12; Challenge of the Super Sons #1-7; Superman (vol. 4) #10–11, 37–38; Teen Titans(vol. 6) #15; and "My Best Friend" from Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #11056October 31, 2023 978-1779524065
Super Sons: The Complete Collection Book OneSuper Sons #1-14, Super Sons Annual #1, Super Sons/Dynomutt #1, Superman (vol.4) #10-11, #37-38, Teen Titans(vol. 6) #15, and a story from DC Rebirth: Holiday Special #1.552June 18, 2024 978-1779525963

Graphic novel

The Super Sons, Jon Kent and Damian "Ian" Wayne, are featured in a three-part graphic novel series by author Ridley Pearson and artist Ile Gonzalez. The first book, Super Sons: The Polarshield Project was released in April 2019. [17] Book two, Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission was released in November 2019. [18] The third book Super Sons: Escape to Landis was released in October 2020.

In other media

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lois Lane</span> Fictional character in the Superman series

Lois Lane is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, she first appeared in Action Comics #1. Lois is an award-winning journalist for the Metropolis newspaper the Daily Planet and the primary love interest of the superhero Superman and his alter ego, Clark Kent. In DC continuity, she is also his wife and the mother of their son, Jon Kent, the newest Superboy in the DC Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smallville (comics)</span> Fictional US hometown of Superman, introduced 1949

Smallville is a fictional town in American comic books published by DC Comics. The childhood hometown of Superman, Smallville was first named in Superboy #2. The town, long in an unnamed US state that was first defined as Kansas in Superman: The Movie (1978), is the setting of many Superboy comics where Superboy defends Smallville from various threats. Since the 1978 appearance in Superman: The Movie, Smallville has been a setting in other non-comic book productions featuring Superboy / Superman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin (character)</span> Fictional character

Robin is the alias of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and Jerry Robinson to serve as a junior counterpart and the sidekick to the superhero Batman. As a team, Batman and Robin have commonly been referred to as the Caped Crusaders and the Dynamic Duo. The character's first incarnation, Dick Grayson, debuted in Detective Comics #38. Conceived as a way to attract young readership, Robin garnered overwhelmingly positive critical reception, doubling the sales of the Batman titles. Robin's early adventures included Star Spangled Comics #65–130 (1947–1952), the character's first solo feature. He made regular appearances in Batman-related comic books and other DC Comics publications from 1940 through the early 1980s, until the character set aside the Robin identity and became the independent superhero Nightwing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superboy</span> Fictional character in the DC Comics pantheon

Superboy is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. These characters have been featured in several eponymous comic series, in addition to Adventure Comics and other series featuring teenage superhero groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elseworlds</span> Imprint of comics from DC Comics

Elseworlds is the publication imprint for American comic books produced by DC Comics for stories that take place outside the DC Universe canon. Elseworlds publications are set in alternate realities that deviate from the established continuity of DC's regular comics. The "Elseworlds" name was trademarked in 1989, the same year as the first Elseworlds publication.

<i>Worlds Finest Comics</i> Comic book series by DC Comics

World's Finest Comics is an American comic book series published by DC Comics from 1941 to 1986. The series was initially titled World's Best Comics for its first issue; issue #2 switched to the more familiar name. Michael E. Uslan has speculated that this was because DC received a cease and desist letter from Better Publications, Inc., who had been publishing a comic book entitled Best Comics since November 1939. Virtually every issue featured DC's two leading superheroes, Superman and Batman, with the earliest issues also featuring Batman's sidekick, Robin.

Earth-Two is a setting for stories appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. First appearing in The Flash #123 (1961), Earth-Two was created to explain differences between the original Golden Age and then-current Silver Age versions of characters such as the Flash, and how the current (Earth-One) versions could appear in stories alongside earlier versions of the same character concepts. Earth-Two includes DC Golden Age heroes, including the Justice Society of America, whose careers began at the dawn of World War II, concurrently with their first appearances in comics. Earth-Two, along with the four other surviving Earths of the DC Multiverse, were merged into one in the 1985 miniseries Crisis on Infinite Earths. However, following the events of Infinite Crisis, the Multiverse was reborn, although the subsequent Earth-Two was not the same as its pre-Crisis equivalent.

<i>Superman/Batman</i> American comics by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness

Superman/Batman is a monthly comic book series published by DC Comics that features the publisher's two most popular superheroes: Superman and Batman. Superman/Batman premiered in August 2003, an update of the previous series, World's Finest Comics (1941–1986), in which Superman and Batman regularly joined forces.

<i>Elseworlds 80-Page Giant</i> 1999 collection by DC Comics

Elseworlds 80-Page Giant is an 80-page collection of Elseworlds stories published by DC Comics. The collection was withdrawn and pulped after DC became concerned about a scene in one of the stories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superman (franchise)</span> Portrayals of Superman outside of comic books

The American comic book character Superman, created in 1938, has appeared in many types of media since the 1940s. Superman has appeared in radio, television, movies, and video games each on multiple occasions, and his name, symbol, and image have appeared on products and merchandise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Publication history of Superman</span>

Superman is an American fictional character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and featured pervasively in DC Comic books. The character debuted in Action Comics issue #1 in June 1938 and has since become a paradigm for superhero characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superman and Lois Lane</span> Fictional couple in DC Comics

Superman and Lois Lane are a fictional couple and the first superhero comic book romance. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, both characters including Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent, first appeared in DC Comics' Action Comics #1. They have remained in a complicated relationship ever since. A supercouple, they are among the best known fictional couples and have appeared in multiple media adaptations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alternative versions of Superman</span> Various incarnations of comic book superhero

The character of Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and has been continually published in a variety of DC Comics book titles since its premiere in 1938. There have been several versions of Superman over the years, both as the main hero in the stories as well as several alternative versions.

Superman, given the serial nature of comic publishing and the length of the character's existence, has evolved as a character as his adventures have increased. Initially a crime fighter, the character was seen in early adventures stepping in to stop wife beaters and gangsters, with rather rough edges and a rather looser moral code than audiences may be used to today. Modern writers have softened the character, and instilled a sense of idealism and moral code of conduct.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Multiverse (DC Comics)</span> Fictional multiverse used by DC Comics

In most of the DC Comics media, the Multiverse is a "cosmic construct" composed of the many fictional universes the stories of DC media take place in. The worlds in the multiverse share a space and fate in common, and its structure has changed several times in the history of DC Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bob Haney</span> American comic book writer (1926–2004)

Robert Gilbert Haney, Jr. was an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics. He co-created the Teen Titans as well as characters such as Lance Bruner, Metamorpho, Eclipso, Cain, and the Super-Sons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Kent (DC Comics)</span> Comic book superhero

Jon Kent is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dan Jurgens, the son of Superman / Clark Kent and Lois Lane, he first appeared in Convergence: Superman #2. Jon is the newest character in the DC Universe to assume the superhero persona of Superboy, and later Superman. As Superboy and Robin, Jon and Damian Wayne, son of Batman / Bruce Wayne, have appeared in several Super Sons comic book series featuring their shared adventures. Jon later takes on the Superman mantle and stars in the comic series Superman: Son of Kal-El.

Lois Lane is a fictional character first appearing in DC Comics Action Comics #1, an intrepid reporter commonly portrayed as the romantic interest of the superhero Superman and his alter-ego Clark Kent. Since her debut in comic books, she has appeared in various media adaptations, including radio, animations, films, television and video games. Actresses who have portrayed Lois Lane include Noel Neill, Phyllis Coates, Margot Kidder, Teri Hatcher, Erica Durance, Kate Bosworth, Amy Adams, and Elizabeth Tulloch.

References

  1. "1970s". DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. Dorling Kindersley. 2010. p. 157. ISBN   978-0-7566-6742-9. Scribe Bob Haney and artist Dick Dillin introduced the DC Universe to an alternate timeline starring the World's Finest offspring in January's World's Finest Comics #215.
  2. Sacks, Jason; Dallas, Keith (2014). American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1970s. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 82. ISBN   978-1605490564.
  3. The Kingdom #2
  4. Crisis on Infinite Earths: Absolute Edition
  5. Infinite Crisis #6 (May 2006)
  6. 52 #52 (May 2, 2007)
  7. DC Nation #89 appears in comics published on November 28, 2007, such as Countdown to Final Crisis #22.
  8. The Multiversity #3
  9. Johnston, Rich (April 11, 2016). "Jorge Jimenez' Sketches For Super Sons – Damian Wayne And Jonathan Kent". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  10. Foxe, Steve (May 21, 2016). "Get the Exclusive Scoop on Adventures of the Super Sons From Writer Peter J. Tomasi". Paste Magazine.
  11. Brooke, David (September 15, 2023). "Full December 2023 DC Comics solicitations: 'Beast World' busts out". AIPT Comics.
  12. Carole (2020-10-15). "Super Sons Reading Order, Damian Wayne and Jon Kent team-up". Comic Book Treasury. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  13. Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi ( w ),Patrick Gleason, Doug Mahnke ( p )."Boyzarro Re-Death"Superman,vol. 4,no. 42–45(2018).
  14. "Patrick Gleason – Boyzarro". Twitter. November 22, 2017.
  15. Quaintance, Zack (May 19, 2020). "Surprise! You can read a new digital DCeased series today". Comic Beats.
  16. Terror, Jude (July 1, 2023). "Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #5 Preview: Against the World". Bleeding Cool.
  17. "WATCH THE FIRST TRAILER FOR 'SUPER SONS: THE POLARSHIELD PROJECT'". DC Comics. March 18, 2019.
  18. "Ridley Pearson's Super Son Sequel – The Foxglove Mission". Bleeding Cool. March 9, 2019.
  19. Andreeva, Nellie (February 5, 2020). "Superman & Lois Casts Couple's Sons As Jordan Elsass & Alexander Garfin Join the CW Series". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  20. ""Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons" Coming October 18". Superman Homepage. June 30, 2022.