Warning: Contains Spoilers for Secret Six #2!!

The name Superman immediately summons images of Kal-El flying over Metropolis with his signature red cape and iconic 'S' symbol. It's difficult for anyone, even his son Jon Kent, to take over that moniker and have it stick. Now, thanks to a quip from Deadshot, fans get to see the codename Jon should've had all along.

In preview images for Secret Six #2, Jon Kent and his crew confront Deadshot by leveling the sharpshooter with a bright red blast worthy of Superman. However, Jon doesn’t land the blow before Floyd dubs him with the name he should’ve had all along: Superteen.

Many of Superman's family have carried some version of the "Super" title, with Jon holding the titles of "Superboy" and "Superman" in DC’s main timeline.. Yet, both Superman and Superboy were shared titles, never truly Jon’s own. Deadshot’s "Superteen" remark finally captures Jon for who he truly is, compensating for a life lived in fast-forward.

“Superteen”: Superman’s Son Gets New Codename

"Superteen" Highlights the Legacy DC Denied Jon Kent by Aging Him Up

As Superman's son, Jon Kent always had big shoes to fill. In DC's main universe, he stepped up as Superman in Clark's absence and has done his old man proud, for all intents and purposes. However, 'Superman' will always belong to Kal-El first and foremost, as no one can truly replace him in the hearts of fans. Likewise, his old Superboy title was always shared with Conner Kent, who will always be more recognizable under that name. That leaves Jon in a strange predicament. He's powerful, has many of his parents' best qualities, yet hasn't exactly forged a unique path.

Deadshot intended "Superteen" as an insult, but it might be exactly what Jon Kent needs. After an ordeal with his grandfather, Jor-El, Jon aged from a heroic kid to a near-adult in the blink of an eye, separated from his friends and family. This robbed both Jon’s loved ones and fans of watching him grow up, leaving him without the chance to fully develop his personal identity. "Superteen" encapsulates both what he lost and who he is now, giving the intended insult some real weight.

Jon Kent's Struggle to Escape His Father's Shadow

Embracing His Kryptonian Heritage While Seeking His Own Identity

When you're Clark Kent's son, there is no escaping the family name, and Jon Kent has never displayed any desire to do so. His Kryptonian heritage is a major part of who he is, so keeping that "Super" title in some fashion still fits. However, he has too much potential to always be stuck in someone else's shadow, and by continuing to use shared names, he always will be. He has the ability and complexity to create something for himself. If Superman's son leaned into the "Superteen" nickname, Jon Kent could easily forge it into the superhero identity he's long deserved.

Secret Six #2 will be available April 2, 2025, from DC Comics!