Warning! Spoilers ahead for Superman #8!One of Superboy’s powers has the potential to turn him into the most powerful hero in the DC Universe. The Super-Family has just met the Chained, a dangerous villain that’s just leveled a good portion of Metropolis. But the new foe hints how Superboy’s unique power has reality-changing potential.
In a preview for Superman #8 by Joshua Williamson and Gleb Melnikov, a flashback reveals the Chained’s childhood. Sam Stryker is a normal-seeming boy, though he possesses the same tactile telekinesis power Superboy has. Sam is informed his power is an aura that can affect anything he touches.
However, Sam points out that he’s touching air molecules and that, hypothetically, his aura could extend and alter reality around him. Sam’s theory is proven correct as he begins to psychically manipulate a nearby toy. Observing Sam is his father, who marvels at the power his son now has, as Lex Luthor watches the child intently.
Superboy’s Power Could Affect the Reality Around Him
Superman has faced dozens of powerful villains before, but the Chained is on a whole other level. The villain was buried in a prison designed by Lex Luthor to hold the most powerful prisoners indefinitely. Superman freed the Chained, unaware of just how destructive Sam Stryker really was. Using his powerful tactile telekinesis, the Chained was able to redirect Superman’s heat vision and bring down buildings all over Metropolis. During the battle, the Chained took note of Superboy and recognized that the he shared a power with the young hero, though Conner had no idea how that was possible.
In Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow, Conner channeled his tactile telekinesis into energy blasts. He also recently discovered his unique power could be used to disrupt electric signals in the current Action Comics run, giving Superman a major advantage over Cyborg Superman. Conner is aware that his powers can go further than simple object manipulation, but he’s never pushed his powers as far as the Chained. Stryker’s power is virtually limitless and he was able to take on the entire Super-Family at once, not an easy task for the strongest of villains. The Chained’s mastery of tactile telekinesis is proving one thing: Superboy is not living up to his potential.
Superboy Could Be the Strongest Super-Family Member if He Pushed Himself
Superboy’s already one of the strongest heroes in the DCU thanks to the Kryptonian DNA he shares with Superman. But if Conner could push his tactile telekinesis a bit further, he’d be able to psychically manipulate anything in the world. For all Superman’s strength, even the Man of Steel can’t change the world around him by manipulating air molecules. If Superboy can figure out how to bring his telekinetic powers up to the level of the Chained, he’d undoubtedly be the strongest being in the Super-Family, possibly even the DC Universe.
Superman #8 goes on sale November 21st from DC Comics.
