In this review of Superman #39, Superboy Prime takes on multiple alternate realities to find out the truth behind Manchester Black.
SUPERMAN #39
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art and Main Cover: DAN MORA
Variant Covers: SANFORD GREENE, ARIEL DIAZ, CHRIS BURNHAM, AARON BARTLING, STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 6/24/26
This review contains spoilers
At the end of Superman #38, the spectral form of Manchester Black sent Prime back to “Infinite Crisis” times, but as Superman #39 opens, Prime knows what Black has done and doesn’t fight back. When that doesn’t get the results Black wants, he resurrects Kal-L, the original Superman from Earth-2. The two square off in space and Kal-L throws the Moon at Prime, knocking him into another reality.
Through a flashback, Manchester explains how he got these reality manipulating powers and how he wants Prime to punch reality to make the world more like Prime’s real-life world.
When Prime refuses, Black throws him into a series of alternate realities that are new to CK. Eventually, Prime is able to escape those realities before encountering an army of Superman versions who have come to stop him. During the fight with them, Prime snaps back to reality when Wonder Woman uses her lasso to show him the truth.
When Superboy sees Batman, Diana, and the vast destruction he has caused fighting what he thought was the Superman Army, he breaks down crying, growing angry because his improved behavior has been ruined. This leads him to lash out and punch reality.
As soon as that happens, Black reveals that he was controlling everything in Prime’s head, getting him to alter reality with the punch. More importantly, though, the punch allowed Black to get his physical form back, which was his ultimate goal.
Analysis
I’m not sure how Joshua Williamson will be able to top this fourth part of the “Prime Time” arc. From start to finish, it’s an absolutely fun ride, twisting and turning, jam packed with characters, art styles, and Easter eggs.
There are several moments in competition as my favorite of Superman #39 such as the Superman: The Animated Series style reality and the nine-panel grid run-through calling out Tom King, but I think the top one for me comes early on with the appearance of Kal-L. He looks excellent in Dan Mora’s art style (more on the artwork later). The fight between him and Prime is relatively short, but he uses the Moon as a weapon, a terrific callback to his overpowered Silver Age days.
At one point later in Superman #39, Manchester makes reference to Clark Kent coming back soon to send Prime away. This next statement is directed right at Joshua Williamson – if you’re reading this (which you probably aren’t), please do not make that happen. Yes, Clark can come back, but you better not get rid of Prime. Okay, rant over.
The way Williamson sets up Prime’s mind manipulations is perfect because when Wonder Woman grabs him with her lasso, I was pretty much in Prime’s shoes, thinking that he’d been brought back to reality. This lasted for a split second because I knew that would be too easy.
Now, as far as the artwork in Superman #39 goes, Dan Mora and Alejandro Sanchez outdid themselves on this issue. Not including the cover art, there are 12 or 13 different art styles / comic settings spread throughout these pages. All of them look incredible and you can tell both artists put their heart and soul into showcasing their immense talents. The great variety of art is a big part of what makes this book so enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Superman #39 is the most entertaining title and issue in the “Reign of the Superboys” storyline. Featuring a multitude of characters, mind-bending alternate realities, and an incredible array of art styles, this is one that you should not miss. Have fun, comic lovers!
