Superman: Tales from the Phantom Zone #[nn]
In "The Phantom Superboy," Superman grants Ak-Var a brief freedom after his time in the Phantom Zone, allowing him to experience Earth before returning to Kandor. When Ak-Var’s old friends—Vas-Quor, Brenn-Bir, and Kyl-Ibo—commit a daring museum heist using newfound powers, suspicion falls on Ak-Var. With help from Superman, who has been watching closely, Ak-Var uncovers the truth: his accidental exposure to Red Kryptonite during his Earth visit is what granted his friends their abilities. Written by Edmond Hamilton and illustrated by Curt Swan with inks by George Klein and colors by Drew Moore, this 2009 tale blends mystery and redemption, featuring a striking cover by Gary Frank.
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Superman releases Ak-Var from the Phantom Zone since he has served his sentence. Before returning him to Kandor, however, Superman allows Ak-Var to explore Earth. Once in Kandor, Ak-Var greets his three old friends Vas-Quor, Brenn-Bir, and Kyl-Ibo. When these three rob a Kandorian museum with super-powers, the authorities think Ak-Var must be to blame. But Superman, who has been monitoring the situation, intervenes and with Ak-Var's help exposes his friends. Ak-Var explains that he accidentally gave his friends super-powers due to his exposure on his tour of Earth to a piece of Red Kryptonite.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).