The story of how Clark Kent grew into the hero we call Superman is officially being rewritten by DC Comics. And while the changes have been small to this point, a new twist is about to write a brand new chapter for Kal-El, giving him a new codename, a new uniform and a new mission, as an operative of the United States Army. But how will Clark’s “Super Soldier” era go over with fans?

Superman is Reborn as The US Army’s New “Super Soldier”

Revealed in Action Comics #1093 by Mark Waid, Skylar Patridge, and Ivan Plascencia

This shocking new rewrite of Superman’s story arrives in the pages of Action Comics, taking readers back to Clark’s teenage years in Smallville, Kansas. Having created his own costume as the mysterious Superboy, his antics on the world stage have brought the US Army calling in his hometown. Led by General Sam Lane (Lois Lane’s father), Clark has refused to reveal his civilian identity, and relied upon his own Smallville neighbors to resist being taken in by force.

Agreeing to meet with with General Lane to discuss their relationship going forward, and with the whole town of Smallville watching this ‘unknown boy’ state his case, the pair came to an arrangement. And as Action Comics #1093 closes with word of American troops pinned down and outnumbered, General Lane reveals his plan for taking Superboy up on his previous offer:

Superboy as Super Soldier Name and Costume Sketch in DC Comics — General Lane sketches Superboy as Super Soldier with new codename and costume in Action Comics #1093 art

“I’ll offer you a proposition. I’ll work with you. Not regularly, but if and when you really need me. There are conditions. I won’t be a weapon, and I won’t do anything that feels unethical or immoral. But I’m happy to serve my country.”

The issue ends with a reveal of General Lane’s (shockingly good) sketches of “Super Soldier,” a new identity and custom uniform for Superboy to take up as he enters the field of combat. The specifics of the mission are unknown, but Clark Kent’s recruitment by the US Army is already completely confirmed.

Clark Kent’s New “Super Soldier” Identity is A Massive Rewrite

This New Army Identity is A Controversial Change To Clark’s Canon

Superman Army Uniform Action Comics #1094 Cover by Ryan Sook — Superman leads US army soldiers into battle with a new military uniform in Action Comics #1094 Cover by Ryan Sook

The official uniform was already revealed to the world in solicitations, giving a full-color look at Super Soldier’s blue-toned, S-badged fatigues, and field command in Ryan Sook’s cover art for Action Comics #1093. Taking multiple bullet hits himself, Superboy leads the charge, commanding US troops in the heat of combat. Combat which will now take place in ‘Modora,’ a nation or territory which General Lane was hoping to “liberate.” But mission aside, this new identity demands a discussion on its own.

Clark Kent took an admirable stand when agreeing to “serve my country,” but this deployment is ultimately General Lane’s decision. Will this new mission fit Superboy’s criteria? Will that alone make this armed conflict a wise one for Superboy to enter? Or will this Super Soldier identity be the reason Superman treats international warfare with greater care as an adult hero? The plot synopsis teases those exact questions are soon to be explored:

SUPERBOY REPORTING FOR DUTY! As Superboy is called for his first mission for General Lane, Clark wonders if he made the right decision. As the tension builds, the U.S. government prepares a contingency plan that could put our hero down for good.

Action Comics #1093 is available now from DC Comics.