What I Remember:

The clone of Superman was a way to introduce a new Superboy without him being Superman as a kid. I always had a hard time accepting that Superboy would be based in Smallville with Clark Kent and then move with him to Metropolis without raising any eyebrows. Plus, pre-Crisis Superboy would meet villains like Lex Luthor before meeting him in Metropolis, even causing him to lose his hair.

I’ve never liked those types of Smallville or now Gotham-style stories, where everyone knows each other throughout their lives. It is improbable that an entire group of friends from childhood, would wind up close throughout adulthood. How many people do you hang out with on a regular basis throughout your life from childhood through adulthood, despite changing cities?

The clone of Superman was Superman with a 90s attitude, basically if the Image guys created Superman. Young, brash, trendy haircut and a leather jacket instead of a cape. Oh, and he had belts everywhere.

Vital Stats:

The Adventures of Superman #501 “The Adventures of Superman...When He Was a Boy!”

Writer: Karl Kesel

Penciler: Tom Grummett

Inker: Doug Hazelwood

Colorist: Glenn Whitmore

Letterer: Albert DeGuzman

Assistant Editor: Jennifer Frank

Editor: Mike Carlin

Superman Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

Publisher: DC Comics

Publication Date: June 1993

Cover Price: $1.95

Re-Collection Price: Beaten Up Original

What Happens:

Some hoods stole a cab and and are using Superman’s memorial as target practice. As they turn their sights on an attractive jogger they run head first into…