As most Man of Steel fans know, Clark Kent began his superhero journey as Superboy before becomingSuperman. However, DC has recently revealed that a few other names were considered for him before those iconic titles were chosen. To say the least, it’s a good thing Lois Lane helped champion the Superboy name, because the alternatives were far from heroic.
The latest story arc ofAction Comicsmarks the return of Mark Waid, joined by artist Skylar Patridge and colorist Ivan Plascencia, asthe creative team revisits Clark Kent’s early years in Smallvilleon the Kent Farm. Here, the Boy of Steel begins to understand what it truly means to be a hero.
A preview of the upcoming June 22, 2025 issue,Action Comics#1088, reveals the world’s reaction to the newly debuted hero, with the Daily Planet leading the coverage. The opening pages of the four-page preview show Chief Editor Perry White and the Planet’s reporters brainstorming various names for the hero before finally settling on Superboy.
Cover B Leonardo Romero Variant forAction Comics#1088 (2025)
InAction Comics#1088,readers see the Daily Planetliterally at the drawing board as they toss around new name ideas for the hero. Among the suggestions are Stronglad, Strongboy, Mightor, Blue Star, and Wondro.Perry White is far from impressed, especially with the first two, pointing out that the hero is more than just strong.
Perry also rejects the other names because the hero sports a prominent“S”on his chest, so they need a name that pays tribute to this symbol and truly sticks. In a lightbulb moment, Perry recalls the recent take-your-kid-to-work day at the Daily Planet and decides to go withthe name that Charlie Lane’s niece, Lois Lane, had given the hero: Superboy.
Thanks to Lois Lane, fans not only haveClark’s Superboy and Superman monikersto appreciate but can also be grateful that the Daily Planet avoided running with any of the terrible names originally suggested.This sweet moment also establishes an early connection between Lois and Clark’s heroic identity,even before they officially met.
How the ‘Superboy’ Moniker Cemented the Fate of Superman and Lois Lane
Cover C Karl Kerschl Variant forAction Comics#1088 (2025)
Beyond the reveal of the names nearly used to launch Clark Kent’s hero journey,fans also glimpse the young hero’s reaction to the Daily Planet’s decision to run with Lois Lane’s Superboy name. Clark sees the paper while having breakfast with Ma and Pa Kent, and judging by his grin, he is more than pleased.
Still smiling, Clark says,“‘Superboy.’ I like it.”Knowing that a teenageLois Lane coined this nameand would later pitch the Superman moniker creates an epic moment for fans of the Clois ship. It adds another thread of fate connecting them, making it feel even more destined thatSupermanandLois Lanewould eventually meet and start one of pop culture’s most iconic romances.
