Punching Nazis: Preview Superman Smashes The Klan #1

What was once billed as a graphic novel has morphed into a 3 issue mini-series, with issue #1 of Superman Smashes The Klan out on October 16th from DC Comics. And, I can’t wait to pick up my copy!

Written by Gene Luen Yang with art by Gurihiru this series is based on the 1940s Superman vs The Klan radio series. It was also originally down to be a DC Zoom YA title, but maybe because of the subject matter DC Comics thought otherwise. Either way, we get to see it and decide for ourselves what we think of it. For this reader, a politicised comic featuring Superman is a perfect fit for this champion of the oppressed and, himself, a positive symbol of immigration. It’ll make a great tone for the other alternative version of Superman currently playing out in Frank Miller and John Romita Jr’s Superman Year One too, one would hope. A Superman more in keeping with his true origins as envisioned by Siegel and Shuster. After all, this is what Yang told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year:

There were still pieces of him that were being solidified. And as much as the radio show impacted the real world in terms of bigotry and racism, it also helped shape Superman’s character. It was at this point where Superman really did become a symbol of American tolerance, American justice, and American hope.

With this story being set in 1946 (DC were initially going to modernise it, I believe), it gives it an historical distance that won’t immediately draw parallels with modern America’s current own fears of the ‘other’ for some more right-wing citizens and potential readers. Even though, I’m sure, we’re meant to draw such connects with, of course. Period piece dramas are often used as a channel to comment upon modern day worries, and I imagine this book will be no different. In fact, I’m hoping for it to be the case. Take a look at these unlettered pages from this mammoth first issue and read more on the plot too:
The year is 1946, and the Lee family has moved from Metropolis’s Chinatown to the center of the bustling city. While Dr. Lee is greeted warmly in his new position at the Metropolis Health Department, his two kids, Roberta and Tommy are more excited about being closer to their famous hero, Superman!
While Tommy adjusts to the fast pace of the city, Roberta feels out of place, as she tries and fails to fit in with the neighborhood kids. As the Lees try to adjust to their new lives, an evil is stirring in Metropolis: the Ku Klux Klan. When the Lee family awakens one night to find a burning cross on their lawn, they consider leaving town. But the Daily Planet offers a reward for information on the KKK, and their top two reporters, Lois Lane and Clark Kent, dig into the story.
When Tommy is kidnapped by the KKK, Superman leaps into action — with help from Roberta! But Superman is still new to his powers — he hasn’t even worked out how to fly yet, so he has to run across town. Will Superman and Roberta reach Tommy in time?
Inspired by the 1940s Superman radio serial ‘Clan of the Fiery Cross,’ Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese, Boxers and Saints, The Terrifics, New Super-Man) brings us his personal retelling of the adventures of the Lee family as they team up with Superman to smash the Klan.