The days of Superman uttering catchphrases, mottos, or classic slogans may have ended decades ago, when it was still fashionable to launch "Up, Up, and Away!" But the time has come for all of superheroes' signature mottos to take a seat, as DC's new Superman is officially taking over the role with a one-of-a-kind catchphrase that is, quite simply, too good to believe. Whether you thought he was overexposed, underrated, or a bloodthirsty murderer, Superboy Prime is back to remind us all "what time it is."
It's Official: "Prime Time" Has Returned To Superman Comics
The Heroic Redemption of Superboy Prime is in Full Effect
Those words alone are likely to shock anyone not keeping up to date with the DC Universe, in which the villainous Superboy Prime — yes, the one who murdered heroes and villains with his bare hands, even before joining Sinestro's army — is now back, and eager to prove he's actually a Superman-level hero. And he's chosen a great mission with which to choose his determination, stepping in to protect and assist Lois Lane while her husband Superman fights the DC K.O. tournament.
And protection she certainly needs, for despite her own restored powers as Superwoman, Lois Lane now finds herself the target of torment at the hands of Darkseid's evil Legion of Super-Heroes. And now that Superboy Prime has decided to adopt Lois as his "new BFF" in the pages of Superman #34, this deadly Kryptonian warrior is letting the world know: "It's #%$@& Prime Time, Baby."
We would put emphasis on the choice of a period for that catchphrase, as a sign of just what kind of a brutal beatdown Darkseid's lieutenants will be in for in the next issue. And we can't wait to watch it happen.
Superboy Prime's Best Catchphrase Gets Redeemed, Teasing A Massive Battle
Revealed in Superman #34 by Joshua Williamson, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Alejandro Sánchez
The "prime time" catchphrase is actually calling back to Adventure Comics #4 (2010), in which Geoff Johns, Sterling Gates, and Jerry Ordway recruited Superboy Prime into the Blackest Night event against even his will. Playing with the general opinion of the character being overused, a resurrected Alexander Luthor sought Prime out for yet another battle. The use of the "prime time" wordplay was intended to get eyes rolling, but this new version is something completely different.
The character's return in the current DCU is leaning directly into Superboy Prime's tragic origin, challenging both the older antihero and DC faithful to ask: what would it take for Prime to redeem himself, and aspire to be a true Superman? It appears the creative team is also going to give fans the best of both worlds, allowing him to once again unleash his full fury and rage… but only against villains who truly deserve it.
Which promises to make Superman #35 a fight no fan will want to miss, when it arrives on February 25, from DC Comics.
