Superman Smashes the Klan #1 // Review
In 1946, a journalist named Stetson Kennedy collaborated with the producers of the extremely popular Adventures of Superman radio show to use their platform to expose and embarrass the Ku Klux Klan. The result was a 16-part adventure on the radio serial called “The Clan of the Fiery Cross,” which supposedly stalled the momentum and growth of the KKK for a decade. In Superman Smashes the Klan, a new comic that saw its first issue released this week, DC is finally adapting “The Clan of the Fiery Cross” to comics.
The comic is set in 1946 and features a young Superman who hasn’t yet encountered kryptonite, learned of his Kryptonian origins or even learned to fly. The primary focus of the story is the Lee family, a Chinese-American family moving to Metropolis and facing questions of assimilation familiar to any immigrant family. The Lees run afoul of the Clan of the Fiery Cross, a not-at-all-subtle stand-in for the KKK, and Superman soon gets involved.
The book is masterfully written by Gene Luen Yang, who digs deep into the heart and soul of the Lee family, particularly young Roberta, who is conflicted about her place in Metropolis. Yang is no stranger to Superman, having written the mainstream Clark Kent towards the end of the New 52, as well as the adventures of his Chinese counterpart Kong Kenan in New Super-Man. Some of the humor, particularly coming from Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, skews a little juvenile, but as the book is being marketed as being for young adults, that’s to be expected.
The art by Gurihiru is nothing short of spectacular. The Japanese duo renders this story in style halfway between the 1940s Fleischer Bros Superman cartoons and modern manga, creating a hybrid that is expressive and kinetic. Their designs for the buffoonish Nazi villain Atom Man and for Clark’s imaginary aliens are delightfully retro. The lettering by Janice Chiang helps keep the story clear.
Much has been written about Superman as the ultimate American immigrant, and it’s great to see that side of his experience being explored as frankly as it is here. It’s also nice to see a story take a firm, unwavering stance against hatred and xenophobia, in a time that lacks the moral clarity that is Superman’s greatest strength.