Kon-El was created by Project Cadmus using Kryptonian DNA intended as a replacement for Superman after he died fighting Doomsday. He was artificially aged to his mid-teens and was freed by the Newsboy Legion before he could be implanted with safeguards to control him. He briefly adopted the name ‘Superman’ and helped defeat the Cyborg Superman when the real Superman was resurrected.
He accompanied the visiting Legion of Super-Heroes to the 30th Century to help free Valor from Phantom Zone. Kon-El was made an Honorary Legionnaire for his assistance, and given a Legion flight ring.