Ar-Val

Ar-Val

A native of Kandor, rated "highest in physical and mental abilities" of all the young men in the city and selected by Superman to serve as his replacement in the event of his own death or disability, who indeed becomes Superman's replacement, the so-called "new Superman" in October 1964, after Superman has been deprived of his mighty super-powers by the baleful radiations of a mysterious green comet. As the new Superman, Ar-Val is egotistical, overbearing, and hungry for adulation, but ultimately he does apprehend Lex Luthor and Brainiac and, filled with remorse over his recent shabby behavior, he sacrifices his life to restore Superman to his former powers (S No. 172: pts. I-III-"The New Superman!"; "Clark Kent—Former Superman!"; "The Struggle of the Two Supermen!"). (TGSB)