Superboy (Jon Kent) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Superboy (Jonathan Samuel Kent) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances, but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

Jonathan Samuel Kent was introduced in the New 52 era and has no appearances prior to it.

Jon was born and, thus, was introduced to the DC Universe during the Convergence (Reading Order) event. Jon and his family’s role in the DC Universe was then further explored in the Superman: Lois and Clark series. This miniseries comprises the bulk of their appearances in this era. At the conclusion of this era, the Final Days of Superman (Reading Order) event helps set up their role in the next era.

S:LaC= Superman: Lois and Clark
Action Comics issues are from the Vol. 1 series

Notes

1. Jon and his family only make a brief appearance here. However, it partially explains how they move past the Convergence (Reading Order) event.
2. Jon plays a rather small role in this event. It can be skipped if necessary.

Rebirth

The transition from the New 52 era to the Rebirth era introduces no continuity changes for Superboy. Instead, his story is continued directly from where it left off.

The Rebirth era sees Jon Kent take on a far more pronounced role in the DC Universe than he had before. He immediately becomes a central character in both the Superman and the Action Comics series. Though the Superman series focuses more on Jon's individual development, the Action Comics series often showcases his heroic efforts alongside his parents. A crossover between these two comics, in the Superman: Reborn (Reading Order) event, also introduces some continuity alterations to Jon's history.

Alongside all of this, Jon also stars in the Super Sons (Reading Order) series, in which, alongside Damian Wayne (Reading Order), he is one of the titular Super Sons. Plus, he makes brief appearances in other comics, typically those associated with his father, Superman (Reading Order).

Action Comics issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Superman issues are from the Vol. 4 series
Trinity issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Supergirl issues are from the Vol. 7 series
Justice League issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Super Sons issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Teen Titans issues are from the Vol. 6 series

Notes

1. These issues of Action Comics mostly focus on Superman (Reading Order) and only have Superboy playing a small role in the comic's events.
2. The Trinity (Reading Order) is the main focus of this collection. Superboy only appears as a minor, supporting character.
3. Only the "The Last Minute" story from this issue is relevant to this reading order. Superboy only appears for a few pages in this story but it does further develop his friendship with Damian Wayne (Reading Order).
4. This issue focuses on Supergirl (Reading Order) in the aftermath of the Superman: Reborn (Reading Order) event. Despite Jon's very small role in this issue, it offers readers a rare chance to see Jon interact with Supergirl.
5. Technically, Jon does not appear in this issue. However, the way it redefines his origin story is critical to his history.
6. This issue has Jon interacting with the Justice League (Reading Order). Though he only plays a small role in the issue, it helps further his connection with the League and its members.
7. Jon only briefly appears in this issue but his appearance here helps set up his appearances in the rest of this story arc. 
8. This issue depicts the bulk of Jon's involvement in the Dark Nights: Metal (Reading Order) event. He does not have a large role in it and this role has little impact on his life, so it can be easily skipped.
9. This annual issue is more about the Super Pets rather than the Super Sons (Reading Order), though the Super Sons do make a small appearance.
10. This issue is mostly focused on Superman (Reading Order). However, Jon is briefly feature or referenced in the majority of the work.

All DC Comics Reading Orders