The New Adventures of Superboy #3

A dark-clad villain delivers a crackling energy blast that sends Superboy tumbling helplessly through the air, all while a stunned crowd of Smallville onlookers reacts with alarm — some worried about who will protect their town, others oddly impressed by the new arrival. Kurt Schaffenberger and Dave Hunt's cover sets up the story's central tension beautifully, with the challenger's speech bubble — "Time for you to split, Superboy! From now on, I'm taking your place!" — promising real trouble for the Boy of Steel. Cary Bates's "The New Super-Star of Smallville!" looks to be a fun, spirited read from DC's 1980 lineup.