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Superman Smashes the Klan #1-3
Superman Smashes the Klan
The year is 1946, and the Lee family has moved from Chinatown to Downtown Metropolis. While Dr. Lee is eager to begin his new position at the Metropolis Health Department, his two kids, Roberta and Tommy, are more excited about being closer to the famous superhero Superman!
Tommy adjusts quickly to the fast pace of their new neighborhood, befriending Jimmy Olsen and joining the club baseball team, while his younger sister Roberta feels out of place when she fails to fit in with the neighborhood kids. She's awkward, quiet, and self-conscious of how she looks different from the kids around her, so she sticks to watching people instead of talking to them.
While the Lees try to adjust to their new lives, an evil is stirring in Metropolis: the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan targets the Lee family, beginning a string of terrorist attacks. They kidnap Tommy, attack the Daily Planet, and even threaten the local YMCA. But with the help of Roberta's keen skills of observation, Superman is able to fight the Klan's terror, while exposing those in power who support them--and Roberta and Superman learn to embrace their own unique features that set them apart.
From multi-award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Gene Luen Yang comes an exciting middle grade tale featuring Superman.
Tommy adjusts quickly to the fast pace of their new neighborhood, befriending Jimmy Olsen and joining the club baseball team, while his younger sister Roberta feels out of place when she fails to fit in with the neighborhood kids. She's awkward, quiet, and self-conscious of how she looks different from the kids around her, so she sticks to watching people instead of talking to them.
While the Lees try to adjust to their new lives, an evil is stirring in Metropolis: the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan targets the Lee family, beginning a string of terrorist attacks. They kidnap Tommy, attack the Daily Planet, and even threaten the local YMCA. But with the help of Roberta's keen skills of observation, Superman is able to fight the Klan's terror, while exposing those in power who support them--and Roberta and Superman learn to embrace their own unique features that set them apart.
From multi-award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Gene Luen Yang comes an exciting middle grade tale featuring Superman.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2020
212 people are currently reading
4086 people want to read
About the author
Gene Luen Yang
363 books3,386 followersGene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,444 reviews
October 15, 2019
If Superman spent more time fighting Nazis, Klan members, and Venture Capitalists Politicians like Lex Luthor, I would read Superman comics on a regular basis.
This all-ages book, based on an old radio play, is The Best Superman story I've read in well over a decade.
Of course I agree with the politics behind it, and opening up with Superman punching a Nazi is a great way to get my attention, but it's not the politics that make this story a five star book. It's Yang's mastery of characters. From the Lee family members to Superman to Jimmy Olsen to the antagonists, this is a book full of well-thought out characters. And while it's a period piece taking place in the 1940s, it's also totally happening in the US, Britain, and many other English speaking countries right now, too. But having the story take place in the 1940s allows Yang to portray a younger, less experienced Superman who is still bounding or running on telephone wires because he can't fly yet. He doesn't know what Kryptonite is. He doesn't know he's from Krypton!
A story about overcoming racial prejudice and hate is not just focused on a young Asian-American family trying to make it in Metropolis, having moved from Chinatown to a more suburban area, it's also about Clark Kent Superman learning and coming to terms with being, himself, an alien among humans. He does Not Know his background as of this story. He doesn't know where his powers came from, why he has them, what they mean, etc. It's a really fun lens to see the story through, rather than the expected "I am an alien from another land, and understand these struggles, let's bond together Americans." No. He's going to have to figure out he's not human and then deal with that emotionally, While helping this complex family. It's fantastic.
There is a silver age flavor to the dialogue and situations (again, it takes place in the 1940s) but it's an innocence flavor, not a hokey Superman Goes To A Jazz Club And Falls In Love With A Band Called The Kryptonite Blues flavor.
I recommend this to literally everyone. Kids, adults, penguins, people who make poor decisions in voting booths, baseball fans, people who need to test their blood sugar regularly, forest rangers, Olympic divers. You name it. Go out and get this book.
This all-ages book, based on an old radio play, is The Best Superman story I've read in well over a decade.
Of course I agree with the politics behind it, and opening up with Superman punching a Nazi is a great way to get my attention, but it's not the politics that make this story a five star book. It's Yang's mastery of characters. From the Lee family members to Superman to Jimmy Olsen to the antagonists, this is a book full of well-thought out characters. And while it's a period piece taking place in the 1940s, it's also totally happening in the US, Britain, and many other English speaking countries right now, too. But having the story take place in the 1940s allows Yang to portray a younger, less experienced Superman who is still bounding or running on telephone wires because he can't fly yet. He doesn't know what Kryptonite is. He doesn't know he's from Krypton!
A story about overcoming racial prejudice and hate is not just focused on a young Asian-American family trying to make it in Metropolis, having moved from Chinatown to a more suburban area, it's also about Clark Kent Superman learning and coming to terms with being, himself, an alien among humans. He does Not Know his background as of this story. He doesn't know where his powers came from, why he has them, what they mean, etc. It's a really fun lens to see the story through, rather than the expected "I am an alien from another land, and understand these struggles, let's bond together Americans." No. He's going to have to figure out he's not human and then deal with that emotionally, While helping this complex family. It's fantastic.
There is a silver age flavor to the dialogue and situations (again, it takes place in the 1940s) but it's an innocence flavor, not a hokey Superman Goes To A Jazz Club And Falls In Love With A Band Called The Kryptonite Blues flavor.
I recommend this to literally everyone. Kids, adults, penguins, people who make poor decisions in voting booths, baseball fans, people who need to test their blood sugar regularly, forest rangers, Olympic divers. You name it. Go out and get this book.
July 28, 2020
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (DC Comics) in exchange for an honest review.
This book was SO GOOD! I loved it.
So first off, the artwork is adorable. It worked really well.
I love that the story did not shy away from depicting racism. It shows both the hard core racism of the Klan and the more casual racism of Tommy and Roberta’s friends.
I also liked that the book had an even blend of Tommy and Roberta’s story and Superman’s story. Both storylines were well developed and engaging. They also paralleled each other nicely. What I really loved about Superman’s story was how human he was. Like yes he is a superhero with powers, but at his core he is just like us.
One of my favorite parts of the book happens in the beginning after the Klan burns a cross in the Lee’s front yard. 3 African American men come to help but Mr. Lee doesn’t want it. One of the men says, “They don’t want us around, not even when their house is on fire.” The other African American man (who is the police inspector) replies, “They got a burning cross on their lawn, don’t they? For tonight, at least, they are us. Even if they don’t want to admit it” (pg 48). This small part left a big impact on me because it shows a hint of the anti-blackness that is sometimes seen in the Asian American community. But it also shows a solidarity. That even though they are different races, they still face similar struggles. They are not as different as they may think.
At the end of the book, there is an essay by the author, “Superman and Me.” The essay gives the historical background behind the story. I really loved it. It not only explained the history of the KKK and racism in the America, but also the story of Superman and how he came to be.
Overall, I really recommend this graphic novel. Its message is an important one, especially in today’s times.
This book was SO GOOD! I loved it.
So first off, the artwork is adorable. It worked really well.
I love that the story did not shy away from depicting racism. It shows both the hard core racism of the Klan and the more casual racism of Tommy and Roberta’s friends.
I also liked that the book had an even blend of Tommy and Roberta’s story and Superman’s story. Both storylines were well developed and engaging. They also paralleled each other nicely. What I really loved about Superman’s story was how human he was. Like yes he is a superhero with powers, but at his core he is just like us.
One of my favorite parts of the book happens in the beginning after the Klan burns a cross in the Lee’s front yard. 3 African American men come to help but Mr. Lee doesn’t want it. One of the men says, “They don’t want us around, not even when their house is on fire.” The other African American man (who is the police inspector) replies, “They got a burning cross on their lawn, don’t they? For tonight, at least, they are us. Even if they don’t want to admit it” (pg 48). This small part left a big impact on me because it shows a hint of the anti-blackness that is sometimes seen in the Asian American community. But it also shows a solidarity. That even though they are different races, they still face similar struggles. They are not as different as they may think.
At the end of the book, there is an essay by the author, “Superman and Me.” The essay gives the historical background behind the story. I really loved it. It not only explained the history of the KKK and racism in the America, but also the story of Superman and how he came to be.
Overall, I really recommend this graphic novel. Its message is an important one, especially in today’s times.
January 31, 2022
Not only an important message but a really cool idea. This is based on an actual Superman radio serial from 1946. What a powerful message this must have sent then. Unfortunately, it's still an important message that needs to be addressed again and again.
This is a story about the Lee's. They've just moved to the Metropolis suburbs where their father has a new job from Chinatown. They are almost immediately beset by a Klan knockoff. (It's a knockoff because the original story used the same guys. Done for legal purposes back then as many states had laws protecting the KKK.) Max Fleischer era Superman quickly gets involved and things escalate from there. The story does address children growing up around hate and overcoming it. This is geared towards kids and I think gets across the point well. Gurihiru's art is very anime influenced which works really well here. This is a great all-ages book every one should read.
This is a story about the Lee's. They've just moved to the Metropolis suburbs where their father has a new job from Chinatown. They are almost immediately beset by a Klan knockoff. (It's a knockoff because the original story used the same guys. Done for legal purposes back then as many states had laws protecting the KKK.) Max Fleischer era Superman quickly gets involved and things escalate from there. The story does address children growing up around hate and overcoming it. This is geared towards kids and I think gets across the point well. Gurihiru's art is very anime influenced which works really well here. This is a great all-ages book every one should read.
July 30, 2020
"Faster than a speeding bullet - More powerful than a locomotive - Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound . . . " -- from the opening narration to the Superman TV series (1952-1958)
Superman Smashes the Klan takes a story that is contemporary in nature and mixes it with a style that references both the Fleischer Studio cartoons of the early 40's and the popular live-action show in the 50's. It's also a true 'graphic novel' - although DC's 'Man of Steel' is firmly in the title he is part of an ensemble piece, as there are approximately a dozen or so characters involved in the narrative.
Set in the aftermath of WWII - when tensions / suspicions about Asian-Americans was still a very sensitive and relevant topic - the story details the Lee family moving from Metropolis' Chinatown neighborhood into one of those ubiquitous, Levittown-like post-war suburbs. Their presence ignites the fury of the violent local KKK chapter, thus putting the family - especially their two young teenage kids Roberta and Tommy, who are the tale's true protagonists - in serious danger. But running in - since he has not yet mastered the ability of flying - to help save the day is Superman (after all, this is a superhero who sincerely stands for "truth, justice and the American way" for ALL citizens - which is reassuringly evident in this book), with much assistance provided by the intrepid staff of the Daily Planet. Alternating with the Lee storyline is a gentle tweaking of the Superman / Clark Kent origin, with some flashbacks to the said character's teenage years. I loved the extremely subtle detail of what appears to be 'The Flying Graysons' acrobatic trio in action when the circus stops in Smallville - I understand their boy wonder of a son is destined for some great things!
Superman Smashes the Klan takes a story that is contemporary in nature and mixes it with a style that references both the Fleischer Studio cartoons of the early 40's and the popular live-action show in the 50's. It's also a true 'graphic novel' - although DC's 'Man of Steel' is firmly in the title he is part of an ensemble piece, as there are approximately a dozen or so characters involved in the narrative.
Set in the aftermath of WWII - when tensions / suspicions about Asian-Americans was still a very sensitive and relevant topic - the story details the Lee family moving from Metropolis' Chinatown neighborhood into one of those ubiquitous, Levittown-like post-war suburbs. Their presence ignites the fury of the violent local KKK chapter, thus putting the family - especially their two young teenage kids Roberta and Tommy, who are the tale's true protagonists - in serious danger. But running in - since he has not yet mastered the ability of flying - to help save the day is Superman (after all, this is a superhero who sincerely stands for "truth, justice and the American way" for ALL citizens - which is reassuringly evident in this book), with much assistance provided by the intrepid staff of the Daily Planet. Alternating with the Lee storyline is a gentle tweaking of the Superman / Clark Kent origin, with some flashbacks to the said character's teenage years. I loved the extremely subtle detail of what appears to be 'The Flying Graysons' acrobatic trio in action when the circus stops in Smallville - I understand their boy wonder of a son is destined for some great things!
May 5, 2025
Gene Luen Yang has really added originality and depth to the character of Superman (S). The storyline is actually taken from the S radio show; but this book looks closer at questions of immigration and integration in 1940's America. Taking place right after WW II this is the story of the Lee family moving to Metropolis. Teenagers Roberta and Tommy Lee are trying to adjust to the move from Chinatown when a KKK like group (the Klan of the Fiery Kross) decides to target their family. We see broader questions of integration and assimilation presented - questions that relate to S are also explored; he is upheld as a type of Übermensch by the Klan of the Fiery Kross (they are not aware that he is an alien at first) while at the same time S identifies with Roberta and her struggle to 'fit in' with everyone else. Although this book is based on a 1940's radio show the parallel with recent AAPI incidents of hate is chilling and prescient.
February 5, 2021
I know DC’s recently started focusing more on their YA books, as well as making sure they’re full of wokeness, so I’ve been staying away from that stuff because I know they’re not for me; YA is generally boring and woke stuff is embarrassing to say the least. But Superman Smashes the Klan sounds like it might be fun in a corny way, and I have enjoyed some of Gene Luen Yang’s comics in the past and Gurihiru’s art is always good, so I gave it a shot. Well, I should’ve just listened to my instincts and not bothered - this was exhaustingly tedious to read.
The blurb describes this book as a “bold and new story” and it’s neither. As Yang himself explains in the afterword, this is based on a Superman radio serial from the 1940s where a Chinese-American family moves to Metropolis and is attacked by a thinly-veiled KKK until Superman steps in. Also, taking a stand AGAINST racism - today? Oh, how “bold” of DC to stick their neck out and take that edgy position on this issue!
So this story is set in 1946 and is essentially exactly as the radio serial was. A fictional version of the Ku Klux Klan called The Klan of the Fiery Kross harass the Lee family who have just moved from Chinatown to Metropolis (“Chinatown” normally describes a district in a larger city but here it seems to literally be its own place, which seems weirdly racist in itself - that there would exist a town actually called Chinatown in the DCU!).
Superman is the Golden Age version of the character who leaps tall buildings in a single bound but can’t fly (yet), and discovers for the first time (umpteenth time for seasoned Superman readers) about his Kryptonian origins. And, while Superman helps out the Lee family from the cartoonishly evil Klan and their absurd plans, the little girl Lan-Shin/Roberta (a character defined by puking at the drop of a hat) teaches Superman that it’s ok to be different and to embrace who you are.
Oy… I guess I was right in that this is a corny book!
Look: I get it, I’m not the target audience for this one. This is aimed at kids who’ve prolly never read a Superman book before, or haven’t read many Superman comics, so the origins/Kryptonite/etc. rehash will seem more fresh to them, and the Scooby-Doo/Saturday morning cartoon-style of it, with its obvious morals, easy characterisation (all the bad guys bar one have that “bad guy expression” so youse can spot them right aways!) and cliched storytelling, won’t bore them so much.
Even so, this isn’t good writing. I mean, the story is so feeble: family arrives in town, bigots bully them a bit - repeat for 200+ pages then have Superman flick them away! Where’s the tension? Hardly anything really changes. A character or two learns a condescending lesson (durrr, racism baaad!) and meanwhile Yang treads water with dull set-pieces as the Klan run about doing stupid things that have no effect on anything: blowing up a school, burning a cross on the Daily Planet globe! It’s such a dull, unimaginative read.
Gurihiru’s art, with its appealing manga-esque style and clean lines, is well-suited to the audience, and looks great for the most part. Not sure why Superman’s Kryptonian parents look like green martians though. And Superman’s cow-lick is stupidly exaggerated here and he doesn’t smooth it down when he turns back into Clark Kent, as he normally does, so that it underlines, even more so than usual, how dumb it is that no-one puts it together that Clark and Superman are one and the same.
Yang does a decent job of introducing Superman here to new readers, explaining the origins of his outfit (from the circus strongmen of yore), the symbol on his chest, and so on. And I liked the idea of making the Fortress of Solitude underwater in a lake in Smallville, rather than some remote location like Antarctica or space.
Mostly though I couldn’t have been more bored with Superman Smashes the Klan. Predictable and uninteresting through and through, this book is one long yawner.
The blurb describes this book as a “bold and new story” and it’s neither. As Yang himself explains in the afterword, this is based on a Superman radio serial from the 1940s where a Chinese-American family moves to Metropolis and is attacked by a thinly-veiled KKK until Superman steps in. Also, taking a stand AGAINST racism - today? Oh, how “bold” of DC to stick their neck out and take that edgy position on this issue!
So this story is set in 1946 and is essentially exactly as the radio serial was. A fictional version of the Ku Klux Klan called The Klan of the Fiery Kross harass the Lee family who have just moved from Chinatown to Metropolis (“Chinatown” normally describes a district in a larger city but here it seems to literally be its own place, which seems weirdly racist in itself - that there would exist a town actually called Chinatown in the DCU!).
Superman is the Golden Age version of the character who leaps tall buildings in a single bound but can’t fly (yet), and discovers for the first time (umpteenth time for seasoned Superman readers) about his Kryptonian origins. And, while Superman helps out the Lee family from the cartoonishly evil Klan and their absurd plans, the little girl Lan-Shin/Roberta (a character defined by puking at the drop of a hat) teaches Superman that it’s ok to be different and to embrace who you are.
Oy… I guess I was right in that this is a corny book!
Look: I get it, I’m not the target audience for this one. This is aimed at kids who’ve prolly never read a Superman book before, or haven’t read many Superman comics, so the origins/Kryptonite/etc. rehash will seem more fresh to them, and the Scooby-Doo/Saturday morning cartoon-style of it, with its obvious morals, easy characterisation (all the bad guys bar one have that “bad guy expression” so youse can spot them right aways!) and cliched storytelling, won’t bore them so much.
Even so, this isn’t good writing. I mean, the story is so feeble: family arrives in town, bigots bully them a bit - repeat for 200+ pages then have Superman flick them away! Where’s the tension? Hardly anything really changes. A character or two learns a condescending lesson (durrr, racism baaad!) and meanwhile Yang treads water with dull set-pieces as the Klan run about doing stupid things that have no effect on anything: blowing up a school, burning a cross on the Daily Planet globe! It’s such a dull, unimaginative read.
Gurihiru’s art, with its appealing manga-esque style and clean lines, is well-suited to the audience, and looks great for the most part. Not sure why Superman’s Kryptonian parents look like green martians though. And Superman’s cow-lick is stupidly exaggerated here and he doesn’t smooth it down when he turns back into Clark Kent, as he normally does, so that it underlines, even more so than usual, how dumb it is that no-one puts it together that Clark and Superman are one and the same.
Yang does a decent job of introducing Superman here to new readers, explaining the origins of his outfit (from the circus strongmen of yore), the symbol on his chest, and so on. And I liked the idea of making the Fortress of Solitude underwater in a lake in Smallville, rather than some remote location like Antarctica or space.
Mostly though I couldn’t have been more bored with Superman Smashes the Klan. Predictable and uninteresting through and through, this book is one long yawner.
August 6, 2020
I just read high school teacher and comics great Yang's autobiographical story about his high school basketball team's run at the state championship, but I like this one way better, more complex by far, and a manga told by Yang drawn by Gurihiru. Yang tells us in a pretty succinct afterword essay that talks about the history of comics and American history and racism (and including his own experience of it) that he had once heard about a Superman radio story about Chinese Americans with Superman taking on the Klan.
This is not that story, but it is a take on Yang's view of how that might have taken place. It gives Yang a chance, of course, to include a range of Asian Americans in a Superman story told for a middle grades or maybe YA audience. This was written, I'll note, before the current anti-Chinese racism we have been experiencing in this country during the pandemic, and focuses on 1948, a time when the Klan was on the rise, post WWII, ironically after America's part in ending the Holocaust, though Yang makes it clear that the USA never departed from being racist in the twentieth century, even applying Jim Crow "principles" in separating Asian from Black from white soldiers during that war.
So it ends as we might expect, but I like it a lot, we all like it in this house.
This is not that story, but it is a take on Yang's view of how that might have taken place. It gives Yang a chance, of course, to include a range of Asian Americans in a Superman story told for a middle grades or maybe YA audience. This was written, I'll note, before the current anti-Chinese racism we have been experiencing in this country during the pandemic, and focuses on 1948, a time when the Klan was on the rise, post WWII, ironically after America's part in ending the Holocaust, though Yang makes it clear that the USA never departed from being racist in the twentieth century, even applying Jim Crow "principles" in separating Asian from Black from white soldiers during that war.
So it ends as we might expect, but I like it a lot, we all like it in this house.
July 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this tale of Superman helping out a Chinese-American family in their struggles against the Klan. It's aimed at a younger audience, but I think all ages can enjoy reading this. Besides the strong message against racism, an interesting thing is that this is a Golden Age Superman before he develops most of his powers, so it's interesting to see a different take on Superman.
There is one point I want to mention about how racism is covered in this book. Racism is depicted as being something that clearly evil characters have. It doesn't really address systemic racism and how racism can occur even if no one consciously decides to act in a racist way. On the other hand, it does deal with the situation of children who have racist family members. It shows one character's struggle against the conditioning and pressure from his uncle to be racist. He makes mistakes. He says and does the wrong thing, but his conscience tells him that these things are wrong. I can imagine a child who is in the same situation finding this book in the library and perhaps gaining the courage to defy his or her upbringing. We need more books like this in school libraries.
There is one point I want to mention about how racism is covered in this book. Racism is depicted as being something that clearly evil characters have. It doesn't really address systemic racism and how racism can occur even if no one consciously decides to act in a racist way. On the other hand, it does deal with the situation of children who have racist family members. It shows one character's struggle against the conditioning and pressure from his uncle to be racist. He makes mistakes. He says and does the wrong thing, but his conscience tells him that these things are wrong. I can imagine a child who is in the same situation finding this book in the library and perhaps gaining the courage to defy his or her upbringing. We need more books like this in school libraries.
July 6, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley, Gene Luen Yang, and DC Comics for a chance to review this graphic novel. I was given this book for free in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. I have not felt compelled, in any way, by the author, the publisher, or NetGalley to alter my sincerest thoughts on this book. Every word of this review is solely and completely mine.
I received this graphic novel as a digital trade paperback. It had not been completely colorized, but the story and pencils were finished. It was a beautiful story that you would think was more appropriate for the 1950s, but alas, no. We still need to read/hear these stories. We still need to see these stories. We still need to tell these stories. Until they resonate inside of our hearts, and we confront the uncomfortable truth within ourselves, we will continue to need these stories.
The story is predictable. Clearly, we are reading a graphic novel, but I still felt suspense build. I still believed the main characters were in peril and felt that in this story dealing with race-based themes, there might very well be a moment of heartbreak. I will not assuage that fear one way or the other. The art is impressive. Suffice it to say that it is the best graphic novel I have read this year (from about 20) and it has my highest recommendation.
I received this graphic novel as a digital trade paperback. It had not been completely colorized, but the story and pencils were finished. It was a beautiful story that you would think was more appropriate for the 1950s, but alas, no. We still need to read/hear these stories. We still need to see these stories. We still need to tell these stories. Until they resonate inside of our hearts, and we confront the uncomfortable truth within ourselves, we will continue to need these stories.
The story is predictable. Clearly, we are reading a graphic novel, but I still felt suspense build. I still believed the main characters were in peril and felt that in this story dealing with race-based themes, there might very well be a moment of heartbreak. I will not assuage that fear one way or the other. The art is impressive. Suffice it to say that it is the best graphic novel I have read this year (from about 20) and it has my highest recommendation.
May 14, 2020
Wonderful graphic novel that is as much about an immigrant Chinese family in 1940s America, as it is about the ultimate immigrant, Superman.
It's 1946, and the Chinese-American family Lee moves from Metropolis' Chinatown to the suburbs. Mr Lee has started a new job at a suspiciously secret governmental department. His son and daughter, Tommy and Roberta, switch to a new school. Soon they awake in horror to a burning cross planted in front of their house.
It's the Klan of the Fiery Kross, obvious stand-ins for the KKK, and soon two intrepid reporters from the Daily Planet show up - Lois Lane and Clark Kent.
Part of the book is a clever retelling of the Superman origin story, where Superman's immigrant status is directly linked to the immigrant status of the Lees (and thus is linked with anyone being threatened by the Klan). One of the most interesting aspects of the book is that a good amount of attention is spent on code-switching, where a non-white person will change their behaviour to fit in more with said white people - we get to see Tommy playing up to Asian stereotypes to please his new white friends, to the frustration of his sister, and we see the same sense of wanting to fit in with Earth people in Superman. We see how Roberta's friends from Chinatown no longer want to spend time with her, while she also feels she can never be best friends but her new, white classmates. Superman spends a lot of effort denying his Kryptonian background, not seeing how there could be a synthesis.
The book is based on a specific run of the 1940s Superman radio serial, a story called 'The Clan of the Fiery Cross', that was specifically created to battle the KKK's increasing influence (at which it greatly succeeded). I can't say I always read authors' epilogues, but you don't want to skip it this time, it's very informative and even moving. It makes the book even more personal.
The art leans toward the manga-esque, and works beautifully.
Highly recommended.
(Kindly received an ARC from DC Comics through Edelweiss)
It's 1946, and the Chinese-American family Lee moves from Metropolis' Chinatown to the suburbs. Mr Lee has started a new job at a suspiciously secret governmental department. His son and daughter, Tommy and Roberta, switch to a new school. Soon they awake in horror to a burning cross planted in front of their house.
It's the Klan of the Fiery Kross, obvious stand-ins for the KKK, and soon two intrepid reporters from the Daily Planet show up - Lois Lane and Clark Kent.
Part of the book is a clever retelling of the Superman origin story, where Superman's immigrant status is directly linked to the immigrant status of the Lees (and thus is linked with anyone being threatened by the Klan). One of the most interesting aspects of the book is that a good amount of attention is spent on code-switching, where a non-white person will change their behaviour to fit in more with said white people - we get to see Tommy playing up to Asian stereotypes to please his new white friends, to the frustration of his sister, and we see the same sense of wanting to fit in with Earth people in Superman. We see how Roberta's friends from Chinatown no longer want to spend time with her, while she also feels she can never be best friends but her new, white classmates. Superman spends a lot of effort denying his Kryptonian background, not seeing how there could be a synthesis.
The book is based on a specific run of the 1940s Superman radio serial, a story called 'The Clan of the Fiery Cross', that was specifically created to battle the KKK's increasing influence (at which it greatly succeeded). I can't say I always read authors' epilogues, but you don't want to skip it this time, it's very informative and even moving. It makes the book even more personal.
The art leans toward the manga-esque, and works beautifully.
Highly recommended.
(Kindly received an ARC from DC Comics through Edelweiss)
June 27, 2020
It's called "Superman Smashes the Klan," what more do you need? :) This graphic novel read maybe a little young to me, rather than being a true all-ages book that would be as satisfying for adults as for kids, but I had a good time with it anyway and I think my 12 year old is going to find it compelling. Love the historical materials in the back, too. Definitely worth a read!
March 4, 2021
When a Chinese family moves to Metropolis, they run afoul of The Klan of the Fiery Kross. Can Superman and the Lee children stop the Klan, even as Superman struggles with his own identity as an alien?
This book comes highly recommended. I'm accumulating comics to force on my son when he gets a little older and this one meets my criteria. Plus racist scumbags can eat a bag of dicks.
Superman Smashes the Klan is timely in that racism never seems to go out of style. Gene Luen Yang experienced racism growing up as a Chinese American and channels his childhood through the Lee children. Tommy and Roberta just want to fit in with their white classmates. Unfortunately, there are some bad apples in the barrel, as the Lee children and their parents soon find out. Superman is just learning the ropes and isn't flying just yet, struggling with reconciling his identity as an alien and his American upbringing. Superman fights The Atomic Man and the KKK but his main struggle is with himself.
The villains of the book made my skin crawl, mostly because they're all too real. I found it shameful how quick the people of Metropolis were to jump on the hate bandwagon when they found out Superman was an alien. There were good moments too, however, like Superman giving Roberta his cape and her mom making her a jacket out of it. Plus Superman saving the day, of course.
The art is manga-influenced, not one of my favorite things for superheroes, and it looks great! Gurihiru's Superman is obviously influenced by the Fleischer Brothers animated Superman of the 1940s.
Superman Smashes the Klan is a good YA read and a great intro to Superman for younger readers. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
This book comes highly recommended. I'm accumulating comics to force on my son when he gets a little older and this one meets my criteria. Plus racist scumbags can eat a bag of dicks.
Superman Smashes the Klan is timely in that racism never seems to go out of style. Gene Luen Yang experienced racism growing up as a Chinese American and channels his childhood through the Lee children. Tommy and Roberta just want to fit in with their white classmates. Unfortunately, there are some bad apples in the barrel, as the Lee children and their parents soon find out. Superman is just learning the ropes and isn't flying just yet, struggling with reconciling his identity as an alien and his American upbringing. Superman fights The Atomic Man and the KKK but his main struggle is with himself.
The villains of the book made my skin crawl, mostly because they're all too real. I found it shameful how quick the people of Metropolis were to jump on the hate bandwagon when they found out Superman was an alien. There were good moments too, however, like Superman giving Roberta his cape and her mom making her a jacket out of it. Plus Superman saving the day, of course.
The art is manga-influenced, not one of my favorite things for superheroes, and it looks great! Gurihiru's Superman is obviously influenced by the Fleischer Brothers animated Superman of the 1940s.
Superman Smashes the Klan is a good YA read and a great intro to Superman for younger readers. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
February 28, 2025
A solid Superman story that takes the character back to the Golden Age progressive roots, while at the same time very relevant in for the current nativist MAGA-era.
Eerily relevant, in fact. This is a reinterpretation of a classic Superman radio drama in which the original superhero indeed smashed the Klan. (To those naysayers who say comics are "too political" these days: learn some actual history of the genre.) The radio serials were very important to the mythology back then, also introducing such elements as kryptonite and the flight ability. This new edition also references the Fleischer animation styles, something old school fans will appreciate.
The real heart of the story is Gene Luen Yang's take on a Chinese immigrant family which feels semi-autobiographical. As they are attacked by bigoted nationalists, the narrative overlaps with Clark's storyline as he is of course literally an illegal alien.
I look forward to reading the rest of these volumes and seeing how the story unfolds. The great thing about the superhero genre is the timelessness; these stories can be told and retold again and again teaching valuable lessons to new generations...
A near perfect all-ages Superman story with an important message of empathy and tolerance, marketed for young readers but definitely an enjoyable arc for both kids and adults.
Eerily relevant, in fact. This is a reinterpretation of a classic Superman radio drama in which the original superhero indeed smashed the Klan. (To those naysayers who say comics are "too political" these days: learn some actual history of the genre.) The radio serials were very important to the mythology back then, also introducing such elements as kryptonite and the flight ability. This new edition also references the Fleischer animation styles, something old school fans will appreciate.
The real heart of the story is Gene Luen Yang's take on a Chinese immigrant family which feels semi-autobiographical. As they are attacked by bigoted nationalists, the narrative overlaps with Clark's storyline as he is of course literally an illegal alien.
I look forward to reading the rest of these volumes and seeing how the story unfolds. The great thing about the superhero genre is the timelessness; these stories can be told and retold again and again teaching valuable lessons to new generations...
A near perfect all-ages Superman story with an important message of empathy and tolerance, marketed for young readers but definitely an enjoyable arc for both kids and adults.
January 1, 2025
LITERALMENTE EL MEJOR COMIC DE SUPERMÁN
March 3, 2021
Based on the 1940s radio series, Superman Smashes the Klan features the titular superhero fighting one is the greatest evils that is still prevalent today, racism.
The premise of the story is The Lees, a Chinese-American family facing over racism as they settle in a new community. The parallels between them and Superman has been showcased very effectively. The book doesn't shy away from addressing the aforementioned prejudice, and portrays how it affects people's lives to a great effect.
Drawn with grace and written with heart, Superman Smashes the Klan is a book that gives anti-racism message, and shows just why Superman is a hero for all.
The premise of the story is The Lees, a Chinese-American family facing over racism as they settle in a new community. The parallels between them and Superman has been showcased very effectively. The book doesn't shy away from addressing the aforementioned prejudice, and portrays how it affects people's lives to a great effect.
Drawn with grace and written with heart, Superman Smashes the Klan is a book that gives anti-racism message, and shows just why Superman is a hero for all.
December 31, 2023
This was a fantastic graphic novel! Based on an actually Superman radio show from the 1940's, this follows a Chinese-American family that moves into town and is targeted by the KKK, but Superman steps in to protect them. This is such a smart story that includes a lot of nuance around the ideas of "aliens" of both the space and immigrant variety, and around layers of racism that exist. It's written for a YA audience and very effectively teaches important concepts within a historical context, while also being a great story about Superman coming to terms with his own identity and accepting all of himself. Definitely worth a read!
January 22, 2021
Wow.
This book was so amazing. It's visually appealing, the story is gut-wrenchingly engaging, and so relevant. LOVED IT.
This book was so amazing. It's visually appealing, the story is gut-wrenchingly engaging, and so relevant. LOVED IT.
July 28, 2020
"though our yesterdays may be different, we all share the same tomorrow." -- Gene Luen Yang
Gene Luen Yang has written a graphic novel retelling the story of a popular 16-episode Superman radio show from the 1940s, where Superman battled the Klan, which was terrorizing Chinese families in California. This is the story of the Lee family, who have moved to Metropolis from Chinatown, where they have trouble fitting in. Tommy makes friends because he can play baseball, but the pitcher he replaced is vengeful and joins his crazy uncle in burning a cross in the Lees' yard. Dr. Lee is struggling to fit in the hospital, where evil hides. Young Roberta is a true loner, but really the star of the show, with brains and resolve, but easy to overlook. Even Superman is struggling to fit in, trying to be true to his birth parents from Krypton and his foster parents from Earth, by not realizing his potential. While the themes of battling racism and hatred are important, especially now, I was underwhelmed by the art and dialogue, both of which I found to be unnecessarily childish.
Gene Luen Yang has written a graphic novel retelling the story of a popular 16-episode Superman radio show from the 1940s, where Superman battled the Klan, which was terrorizing Chinese families in California. This is the story of the Lee family, who have moved to Metropolis from Chinatown, where they have trouble fitting in. Tommy makes friends because he can play baseball, but the pitcher he replaced is vengeful and joins his crazy uncle in burning a cross in the Lees' yard. Dr. Lee is struggling to fit in the hospital, where evil hides. Young Roberta is a true loner, but really the star of the show, with brains and resolve, but easy to overlook. Even Superman is struggling to fit in, trying to be true to his birth parents from Krypton and his foster parents from Earth, by not realizing his potential. While the themes of battling racism and hatred are important, especially now, I was underwhelmed by the art and dialogue, both of which I found to be unnecessarily childish.
September 21, 2020
Super charming, sweet, and while framed in the 60's and 70s, it's very relevant in today's society.
When the KKK is trying to push out a family of Asian decent Superman tries to stop them. This is a mixture of a origins for Superman and his start up days as a hero but also a tale of acceptances of who you are and what you are. Culture plays a huge factor here and get to see different sides and races from all over and how they deal with hate. While the art is amazing and cute, it still deals with some dark subject matter. Mostly racism. I enjoyed this tale a lot and though it gets a bit on the nose at points it is still SUPER fun read. A 4 out of 5.
When the KKK is trying to push out a family of Asian decent Superman tries to stop them. This is a mixture of a origins for Superman and his start up days as a hero but also a tale of acceptances of who you are and what you are. Culture plays a huge factor here and get to see different sides and races from all over and how they deal with hate. While the art is amazing and cute, it still deals with some dark subject matter. Mostly racism. I enjoyed this tale a lot and though it gets a bit on the nose at points it is still SUPER fun read. A 4 out of 5.
December 24, 2019
I love just about anything Gene Luen Yang puts out. He has a good sense of humor, and a good sense of the outrageous, and is so good about pointing out both subtle and overt racism.
In this telling of Superman, based on a radio serial of Superman fighting the klan, Gene shows how life was in 1946 America, when minorities, in this case Chinese-Americans, chose to live somewhere other than Chinatown.
There is also a sub story, of Superman learning his true origin, thrown in for good measure.
Truly will go down as one of the best Superman stories ever.
In this telling of Superman, based on a radio serial of Superman fighting the klan, Gene shows how life was in 1946 America, when minorities, in this case Chinese-Americans, chose to live somewhere other than Chinatown.
There is also a sub story, of Superman learning his true origin, thrown in for good measure.
Truly will go down as one of the best Superman stories ever.
June 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this. Loved the double plot, extra-loved the notes at the end showing the history of comics, the Klan, race, and the original Superman radio show series of "The Clan of the Fiery Cross" that Yang draws on to build this fuller, modern story. By that point in the story you can see how Yang put so many different threads together. There's a surprising amount of nuance here, about how someone can be good to you but bad to others, about how powerful people can use hate to fuel their own ends, about how it can be easier to hide difference to fit in. Works for kids and adults alike.
May 12, 2020
*Special thanks to DC Comics for letting me read an advance reading copy of Superman Smashes the Klan in exchange for an honest review.
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang is an #OwnVoices 240 page graphic novel published by DC Comics. The graphic novel is set in 1940s America, a time during increasing racial tensions that gave rise to racially motivated violence. The story follows the lives of Chinese Americans Roberta and Tommy Lee whose family had just moved to Metropolis from Chinatown as a result of their father’s job promotion. Their arrival into a predominantly white neighborhood is met with violence from racists who believe they don’t belong, but the Lee’s are not alone and receive the help of Superman and various allies such as Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen who come to their aid. Meanwhile, Superman is struggling to reach his full potential power as a result of his childhood which forced him to suppress the alien side of himself. His story runs parallel alongside the Lee’s in his journey towards connecting with his heritage and embracing his difference.
The book ends with an informative essay by Gene Luen Yang titled “Superman and Me” in which he delves into the inspiration for Superman Smashes the Klan which has to do with Superman’s own history in the fight against racism. The essay reveals that the story is based on the 1946 radio show The Adventures of Superman where, in the duration of sixteen episodes, Superman defends a Chinese American family from The Clan of the Fiery Cross, a stand-in for the Ku Klux Klan.
Superman Smashes the Klan presents a Superman who is vulnerable and battles self-doubt, and I personally have never seen or felt Superman more relatable than in this book. The art by Gurihuru is gorgeous and I enjoyed seeing how each character’s expressions were drawn. The story presented by Gene Luen Yang is about confronting racism and stays true to Superman’s core which is the battle for peace and justice. For Superman, this story also tackles the question of what humans would do when confronted with a super-powered alien such as himself. Ultimately, I believe that this book is a must read for any Superman fan and anyone who has ever been made to feel different because of who they are. Superman Smashes the Klan is available now on Amazon so make sure to get your copy of this super amazing #OwnVoices graphic novel.
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang is an #OwnVoices 240 page graphic novel published by DC Comics. The graphic novel is set in 1940s America, a time during increasing racial tensions that gave rise to racially motivated violence. The story follows the lives of Chinese Americans Roberta and Tommy Lee whose family had just moved to Metropolis from Chinatown as a result of their father’s job promotion. Their arrival into a predominantly white neighborhood is met with violence from racists who believe they don’t belong, but the Lee’s are not alone and receive the help of Superman and various allies such as Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen who come to their aid. Meanwhile, Superman is struggling to reach his full potential power as a result of his childhood which forced him to suppress the alien side of himself. His story runs parallel alongside the Lee’s in his journey towards connecting with his heritage and embracing his difference.
The book ends with an informative essay by Gene Luen Yang titled “Superman and Me” in which he delves into the inspiration for Superman Smashes the Klan which has to do with Superman’s own history in the fight against racism. The essay reveals that the story is based on the 1946 radio show The Adventures of Superman where, in the duration of sixteen episodes, Superman defends a Chinese American family from The Clan of the Fiery Cross, a stand-in for the Ku Klux Klan.
Superman Smashes the Klan presents a Superman who is vulnerable and battles self-doubt, and I personally have never seen or felt Superman more relatable than in this book. The art by Gurihuru is gorgeous and I enjoyed seeing how each character’s expressions were drawn. The story presented by Gene Luen Yang is about confronting racism and stays true to Superman’s core which is the battle for peace and justice. For Superman, this story also tackles the question of what humans would do when confronted with a super-powered alien such as himself. Ultimately, I believe that this book is a must read for any Superman fan and anyone who has ever been made to feel different because of who they are. Superman Smashes the Klan is available now on Amazon so make sure to get your copy of this super amazing #OwnVoices graphic novel.
July 14, 2020
After a slow start this settles into a decent tale about Superman coming to terms with his alien origins while dealing with a racist group called Klan of the Fiery Kross, a stand-in for the Ku Klux Klan. For the younger readers to relate to, there is a young Chinese American girl who struggles to fit into her new neighborhood and school and whose family is targeted by the Klan.
The actual story is a bit generic on the surface, but I appreciated the themes of self-hatred, conformity, and acceptance that Yang threads into it.
And bonus day! Superman punches Nazis and Klansmen all under one cover!
Set in the 1946, this is a loose adaptation of the "Clan of the Fiery Cross" episodes from the classic Adventures of Superman radio serial. Background about that original story can be found in Superman Versus The Ku Klux Klan: The True Story of How the Iconic Superhero Battled the Men of Hate. The two books together might make for an interesting gift set.
The actual story is a bit generic on the surface, but I appreciated the themes of self-hatred, conformity, and acceptance that Yang threads into it.
And bonus day! Superman punches Nazis and Klansmen all under one cover!
Set in the 1946, this is a loose adaptation of the "Clan of the Fiery Cross" episodes from the classic Adventures of Superman radio serial. Background about that original story can be found in Superman Versus The Ku Klux Klan: The True Story of How the Iconic Superhero Battled the Men of Hate. The two books together might make for an interesting gift set.
July 28, 2022
A very thought-provoking social commentary about racism, acceptance, and beliefs. There's a wonderful parallel between Superman and the Lee family, both of whom are trying to find their place in society whilst feeling very other from those around them. It's not afraid to shy away from deep themes despite the colourful and cartoon-like presentation. Yang aptly tackles the theme of racism with precision and thought, interweaving it into the plot and allowing it to create feelings of tension and anger, as well as using it as a utility for character growth. A message that's still relevant today, this is a book that knows exactly what it wants to achieve and does so extremely well.
NOTE: review based on 2nd read.
NOTE: review based on 2nd read.
November 18, 2020
The Klan sets up a chapter in Metropolis, forcing Superman--who all his life has unconsciously suppressed all abilities except his strength--to come to terms with his alien-ness.
The art is classic Superman illustration style: clean lines, straightforward perspectives, bright, optimistic primary colors. The writing (also traditionally) is awful: declarative statement chains, random bolded words, and excited overuse of exclamation points! Its presentation makes Superman Smashes the Klan difficult to read.
It's the story that shines. And the timing, because ye gods do we need someone to smash the Klan right now. The delivery may be childishly simplistic but it's used to explore heavy adult themes with painful current relevance.
Yang's Klan leaders echo real world alt-right personalities such as Richard Spencer and Stephen Miller, insisting over and over again that they harbor absolutely no hate or ill will for non-white folk, no...even as they burn crosses, don hoods, harass, dehumanize, undermine, kidnap, torture and terrorize the Asian American characters. The book also echoes the real world in revealing that the racism is partly just a tactic to recruit ignorant rubes; the real goal is to accrue money and power.
Superman eventually realizes he's able to do more good, to help more people, by embracing his Kryptonian legacy along with his Caucasian American Protestant-ness. (Because flying and heat vision may alienate humans more than mere strength does, but they're awfully useful when doing hero stuff.) This thread runs alongside the little Chinese American girl's happy discovery that she doesn't have to bury her Chinese side in order to fit in. The parallel is so on-the-nose I don't think it qualifies as a metaphor anymore.
After the good guys save the day and cart the bad guys off to prison, there's a non-illustrated addendum that's part autobiography and part contextualizing background. Yang recounts the history of the KKK, particularly as it applied to Chinese immigrants in California. The immediate aftermath of the Civil War, the KKK's 1920s resurgence (and its shift in focus to profiting its leadership) after the release of Birth of a Nation , and its withering after the popular Superman radio show ridiculed it in 1946. Yang also describes the struggles that he and his parents endured as first- and second-generation Chinese Americans, and the massive impact that a little bit of acceptance had on their lives.
The most poignant moment for me: The Grand Scorpion's nephew Chuck hesitantly asking his Chinese American friend if it's really so bad to want to be with your own kind, a phrase he'd heard from his mother. The hurt friend demands to know what it is that Chuck wants. Does he want them to move back to Chinatown?? "I...I want to know that my family isn't evil!" ...It's easy to forget that for some people, doing the right thing can have an immense personal cost.
----------------------------
Note: What is the deal with Jimmy Olsen perving on the little Chinese American girl? I'd've sworn she was about 10yo and he was in college. Am I missing some vital piece of Superman canon that makes this not gross?
The art is classic Superman illustration style: clean lines, straightforward perspectives, bright, optimistic primary colors. The writing (also traditionally) is awful: declarative statement chains, random bolded words, and excited overuse of exclamation points! Its presentation makes Superman Smashes the Klan difficult to read.
It's the story that shines. And the timing, because ye gods do we need someone to smash the Klan right now. The delivery may be childishly simplistic but it's used to explore heavy adult themes with painful current relevance.
Yang's Klan leaders echo real world alt-right personalities such as Richard Spencer and Stephen Miller, insisting over and over again that they harbor absolutely no hate or ill will for non-white folk, no...even as they burn crosses, don hoods, harass, dehumanize, undermine, kidnap, torture and terrorize the Asian American characters. The book also echoes the real world in revealing that the racism is partly just a tactic to recruit ignorant rubes; the real goal is to accrue money and power.
Superman eventually realizes he's able to do more good, to help more people, by embracing his Kryptonian legacy along with his Caucasian American Protestant-ness. (Because flying and heat vision may alienate humans more than mere strength does, but they're awfully useful when doing hero stuff.) This thread runs alongside the little Chinese American girl's happy discovery that she doesn't have to bury her Chinese side in order to fit in. The parallel is so on-the-nose I don't think it qualifies as a metaphor anymore.
After the good guys save the day and cart the bad guys off to prison, there's a non-illustrated addendum that's part autobiography and part contextualizing background. Yang recounts the history of the KKK, particularly as it applied to Chinese immigrants in California. The immediate aftermath of the Civil War, the KKK's 1920s resurgence (and its shift in focus to profiting its leadership) after the release of Birth of a Nation , and its withering after the popular Superman radio show ridiculed it in 1946. Yang also describes the struggles that he and his parents endured as first- and second-generation Chinese Americans, and the massive impact that a little bit of acceptance had on their lives.
The most poignant moment for me: The Grand Scorpion's nephew Chuck hesitantly asking his Chinese American friend if it's really so bad to want to be with your own kind, a phrase he'd heard from his mother. The hurt friend demands to know what it is that Chuck wants. Does he want them to move back to Chinatown?? "I...I want to know that my family isn't evil!" ...It's easy to forget that for some people, doing the right thing can have an immense personal cost.
----------------------------
Note: What is the deal with Jimmy Olsen perving on the little Chinese American girl? I'd've sworn she was about 10yo and he was in college. Am I missing some vital piece of Superman canon that makes this not gross?
May 13, 2020
Superman gets a lot of flak from people who aren’t familiar with the character, and it largely comes down to him to being an all-powerful alien we can’t relate to. This may be a cliché, but never judge a book by its cover, as the best writers to tackle the Man of Steel – such as Grant Morrison writing All-Star Superman – have proven that he is a beacon of light that represents the positive side of humanity as he determines to save everyone, no matter what corners of the world they’re from. That determination is very apparent in Superman Smashes the Klan.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
August 29, 2021
PETITION TO DESIGNATE THE KKK AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION : https://chng.it/bbyrL5VtW2
With a title like SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN, I knew I would love this comic, but it exceeded my expectations. I’ve always had a passive interest in superheroes and Superman has never really been one to capture my interest, so I was pleasantly surprised to really enjoy him in this! It had a little bit of a Diviners-esque vibe to it which I’m always here for, explores themes of fitting in and masking, and come on—it’s about Superman fighting the members of a KKK analogue. What’s not to love?
With a title like SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN, I knew I would love this comic, but it exceeded my expectations. I’ve always had a passive interest in superheroes and Superman has never really been one to capture my interest, so I was pleasantly surprised to really enjoy him in this! It had a little bit of a Diviners-esque vibe to it which I’m always here for, explores themes of fitting in and masking, and come on—it’s about Superman fighting the members of a KKK analogue. What’s not to love?
June 7, 2024
This was really good, and I'm so glad I read the actual history the story is based on, explained in an almost conversational way at the end of the book.
Not only is it a good story about racism, bigotry, and replacement theory ideology, but it also focuses on embracing your whole true self. I really enjoyed it.
Not only is it a good story about racism, bigotry, and replacement theory ideology, but it also focuses on embracing your whole true self. I really enjoyed it.
April 24, 2020
I've heard/read/seen a lot about how the KKK affected African Americans, but not how they affected Asian-Americans. It makes sense since bigots don't discriminate in their hatred. I liked how it subtly addresses race relations between Asian- and African-Americans. I wish it had been explored more, but that's an entirely different story made for an entirely different (graphic) novel. I also liked how the author and illustrator pointed out how racist movies portrayed Asian characters. Again, another story, another book.
Given the subject matter, "Superman Smashes the Klan" felt "light" and not as dark and heavy as it could have been. The artwork and the hope and goodness Superman symbolizes helped. What the Lees went through is downright scary and appalling, but you feel relieved that someone like Superman can swoop in to help. But Superman's help isn't the only help the Lees receive: They get help from neighbors and friends, even strangers. A whole community comes together to stand against hatred. That's what we need to fight bigotry, then and now.
Lastly, the parallel message of not holding yourself back to appease others really resonated with me, and it will definitely resonate with young readers.
ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review
Given the subject matter, "Superman Smashes the Klan" felt "light" and not as dark and heavy as it could have been. The artwork and the hope and goodness Superman symbolizes helped. What the Lees went through is downright scary and appalling, but you feel relieved that someone like Superman can swoop in to help. But Superman's help isn't the only help the Lees receive: They get help from neighbors and friends, even strangers. A whole community comes together to stand against hatred. That's what we need to fight bigotry, then and now.
Lastly, the parallel message of not holding yourself back to appease others really resonated with me, and it will definitely resonate with young readers.
ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review
August 26, 2021
A comic that contrasts the hate speech against Asians after WWII with Superman's role as an immigrant, all wrapped up in art and storytelling that has a Golden Age feel.
There's a lot to like here, including the characters, all of whom shine. And the messaging is very important, especially in COVID days where anti-Asian hate crimes are rising again.
With that said, the comic is also a bit slow, which surprises me for a YA release, but a worthwhile read.
There's a lot to like here, including the characters, all of whom shine. And the messaging is very important, especially in COVID days where anti-Asian hate crimes are rising again.
With that said, the comic is also a bit slow, which surprises me for a YA release, but a worthwhile read.
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