In this review of Superman #36, Superboy Prime takes on the role of Superman, but can he handle the pressure of being the hero of the story?
SUPERMAN #36
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art and Main Cover: DAN MORA
Variant Covers: JUAN FERREYRA, TAURIN CLARKE, ROD REIS, ACO, SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 3/25/26
This review contains spoilers
Early in Superman #36, while on the Justice League Watchtower, it’s revealed that Lois has lost her Superwoman powers. She talks to Mr. Terrific about not being concerned about Clark’s disappearance, while he shares his concern that Prime is onboard and will have to leave.
Back in Metropolis, Lois informs Prime that he’ll need to get a job and a place to live. In order to show everyone he really has changed, he’ll have to think about what Clark would do in this situation. Prime comes to realize that he wants to be Superman and flies off to protect the city. It just so happens that in Clark’s absence, the armored machine villain, Ignition, shows up to take Metropolis.
Prime steps up to save the city, thinking about how Clark would handle the battle. After knocking Ignition down, Prime goes in for the kill, ripping the robot’s head off while claiming, “Metropolis is mine!” This brief fit of violence turns out to just be in his head. Prime comes to his senses when he hears the crowd of people cheering him on.
After the battle, Prime spots a comic book shop and takes on the name, CK. He uses his extensive knowledge of comics and his superspeed to get a job at the shop. He’s able to move into his own little apartment, offering him a place to catch up on his comic reading in between cries for help from the city.
As the issue comes to a close, a spectral form of Manchester Black hovers over the city, monitoring Prime’s superhero activities. He breaks the fourth wall asking what the reader is looking at, setting the stage for the next issue.
Analysis
Joshua Williamson brings us an interesting Clark replacement in this “Reign of the Superboys” entry. I like that in Clark’s absence, we get to explore other characters trying to fill his shoes. To me, Prime is probably the most entertaining of the stand-ins because of his fourth wall breaking antics. I get a kick out of the numerous references and Easter eggs throughout the issue. It may not be for everyone, but I find it quite enjoyable.
There was a brief moment when I thought that Prime was actually going evil again, so I was relieved to see that it was just in his head. I felt that Williamson did a good job of letting us know that there’s still a touch of that inside Prime, though, as it may give the character something to struggle with. I do enjoy the good guy version of Prime, so I’m hoping there won’t be a big plot twist that has him turning heel any time soon.
Dan Mora doesn’t fail to deliver the goods in the art department. There are some great action panels throughout. The fight with Ignition is full of energy and emotion, especially when Prime rips off his machine head. That page is made even neater because it’s set up to show the artist’s bleed area and trim lines, another way of breaking the fourth wall. As cool as that page is, my favorite one is the splash page of comic covers that has Prime inserted onto all of them. Alejandro Sanchez adds his usual excellent color work and effects to this issue.
Final Thoughts
Superman #36 gives us some character development for Superboy Prime as he takes on the mantle of Superman. If you like fun comic references and Dan Mora art, this one is for you. Have fun, comic lovers!
