Darkseid’s reign in DC Comics’ Absolute Universe has begun bleeding over to Universe-Prime. At the end of Superman No. 27, Darkseid’s Legion allowed the Time Trapper (a.k.a. Doomsday) to escape to the past. They knew he’d go to Superman for help, and they were right. But, instead of going to Kal-El without aid, the Time-Trapper enlisted the assistance of a former villain (and maybe the most OP comic character ever), Superboy-Prime.
During Dark Nights: Death Metal The Secret Origin No. 1, Superboy-Prime received a chance at redemption. According to him, he took it. Instead of being evil, he used his new lease on life to be the hero Superman (Clark Kent) was. However, when the Time-Trapper grabbed him to help Supes, he did so knowing that Superboy-Prime would do the things that Clark wouldn’t. Superman knew that killing would be chief among them. Nevertheless, it was the only way to get the key to stopping Darkseid, Booster Gold.
Superman No. 29 creative team
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Dan Mora
- Colors: Alejandro Sánchez
After the two supers punched their way through time (literally), they reached the future, and it was grim. Darkseid’s Legion killed all but a handful of Legion members from various universes who came together in hopes of stopping their evil counterparts. After inspiring words from the Man of Steel, the heroic Legion made their way to save Booster Gold. Sadly, there was an evil Chameleon in their group, and it ruined their plans.
One good thing came out of this. Superman was able to get Booster Gold. As the two escape, Booster explains what he has been up to, why Superman can't remember him, and how dangerous the situation was. But, before they could get to safety, Darkseid’s Legion showed up, ready to kill the two heroes. To make matters worse, Superboy-Prime betrays his idol, saying: “If you can’t beat ‘em…join ‘em.”
Things look bad. Superman is being choked by one of the few people who can match his strength, he’s vastly outnumbered, and must protect Booster Gold. We know that the Man of Steel will find a way to save the day, but that doesn’t mean Booster Gold won’t die. As popular as Booster is, killing him isn’t out of the question. It could be an excuse to bring him back in an epic moment before his DC project comes out.
Also, it’s doubtful that Superboy-Prime is really the enemy. At some point during this story arc, he will save the day. The thing that Kal-El won’t do that Superboy-Prime would is probably be a convincing betrayer. Clark would do it, but no one would believe that the epitome of good would go evil. Not even if he was tricked into killing Lois Lane thanks to The Joker using Scarecrow's fear toxins (read the classic tale Injustice for that story).
When this arc is over, two things will have been accomplished. Superman will have proven, once again, that he’s a top-tier hero. Second, the story of the Absolute Universe will have progressed. So, overall, it’s a brilliant move by the creative team at DC Comics.