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Action Comics (1938) #1092

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"Wanted!": Many years ago, an old man from Smallville called Eben McElroy bought an old airplane before Clark was born. McElroy spent years fixing it and trying to get it to fly again, despite everybody telling him that it was a fool's errand. When the plane took to the air, however, it started

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Quote1 I'll work with you. Not regularly, but if and when you really need me. Quote2
— Superboy (Clark Kent)

Action Comics #1092 is an issue of the series Action Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of January, 2026. It was published on November 12, 2025.

Synopsis for "Wanted!"

Many years ago, an old man from Smallville called Eben McElroy bought an old airplane before Clark was born. McElroy spent years fixing it and trying to get it to fly again, despite everybody telling him that it was a fool's errand. When the plane took to the air, however, it started to break down and Superboy had to step in. Since the plane was very fragile, Superboy was very careful while holding it and keeping McElroy safe. He freezes the burning engine with his cold breath and cushions the plane's fall with his own body. Once he ensures McElroy is safe with his wife, who is angry with McElroy for his recklessness, Superboy takes his leave.

For the rest of the week, Superboy continues performing good deeds for the people of Smallville and tries to be as open with them as possible without revealing his secret identity. He wears a bright suit without a mask because he wants people to be safe around him instead of afraid. Unfortunately, not everyone is convinced of his goodwill. A division of the U.S. military, led by General Lane, has attempted to track Superboy down by watching his movement and a S.T.A.R. Labs scientist has uncovered that the place Superboy visits the most is Smallville.

Sometime later, the Kents attend the Harvest Festival in Smallville. As they watch the fireworks, Martha asks Clark if he went to talk to Lana, but Clark cannot muster the courage to do so because she is in love with Superboy. Clark is trapped in a love triangle for two people. He goes out for a walk and finds Pete, who asks how Clark did on his test, a test that Clark barely passed. Ever since he developed his powers, Clark has been deliberately getting mediocre grades to keep a low profile and avoid arousing suspicion. Clark has not told Pete about his double life but still wants to spend time with him, so they promise to go camping together next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Jonathan is informed by his friend Jack that the Hubbards' farm has been foreclosed, as was the farm owned by the Jacksons. Jonathan asks how did it happen and Jack replies that subsidies have not been as supportive as they were last year and that big changes are coming to Smallville.

For the rest of the week, Clark continues losing himself in his Superboy duties, thinking that people love Superboy even when Clark is an outsider. Unfortunately, even that conviction is put to the test when Superboy saves an old woman from getting hit by a truck in Metropolis. The woman is shocked and Superboy attempts to calm her down, but her grandson berates him for scaring the old woman, who is blind and could not see the truck coming. Suddenly, a crowd forms around Superboy and starts throwing insults at him. Not wanting to make the situation worse, Superboy is forced to leave. He berates himself for not handling the situation with greater care and returns to Smallville.

Unfortunately, General Lane's task force has already entered Smallville and threatens to occupy the town until Superboy reveals himself. Superboy arrives just in time to confront Lane and considers surrendering but the townspeople step in to defend Superboy. Even though Lane talks about people needing to fear unaccountable power, the people of Smallville understand that Superboy does not mean any harm and if the military wants him, they all have to go through the entire town to get him.

Superboy and Lane understand they must solve this situation peacefully, so they attempt to have a talk at a diner. Although Superboy understands he put Lane in a difficult situation, he still insists that he wants to help people on his own terms. That is why he will agree to with Lane, not for him, and Superboy will refuse to do anything he deems immoral or unethical. To avoid further problems, Lane agrees and they shake hands. Lane replies that Superboy reminds him of his daughter. For now, conflict has been avoided.

Unbeknownst to Superboy, however, the military has acquired a piece of green element and is keeping it under containment in Fort Pitt. In Metropolis, locked in the facility that housed the Expo of Tomorrow is a mysterious device that emits a transmission and requests Superboy's help.

Appearing in "Wanted!"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

Other Characters:

  • Smallville residents
    • Eben McElroy (Single appearance)
    • Jack (Single appearance) (Cameo)
    • Lana Lang
    • Laura Lang (Cameo)
    • Lewis Lang (Cameo)
    • Mrs. McElroy (Single appearance) (Unnamed)
    • Mr. Garvey (Mentioned only)
    • Hubbard Family (Mentioned only)
    • Jackson Family (Mentioned only)
    • Sandra Chen (Antiques shop owner) (Mentioned only)
  • The Devil (Mentioned only)
  • God (Mentioned only)
  • S.T.A.R. Labs (Mentioned only)

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Items:

Vehicles:

Events:




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