Superman Smashes The Klan: The Graphic Novel (Family Comic Friday)

Based on 'Clan of the Fiery Cross', the classic story from the Superman radio story of the 1940s, racism rears it's ugly head in Metropolis. Set in 1946, the same year of the radio play, a new family has moved into the suburbs. 

The Lees are a Chinese-American family transplanted from the city's Chinatown thanks to a new job offering for dad. Though welcomed by the neighbors, the Lees aren't appreciated by all, when a fiery cross is lit in their front yard. As the family become the victims of increasing levels of violence, not only will Clark Kent and Lois Lane champion the Lee's cause- they'll also be under the protection of the Man of Steel! 

I've been longing for this story for a good 2 years. 2019 when the announcement for this graphic novel was announced. 2020 when the book dropped but I couldn't access it at my local library due to COVID. I must say, this was worth the wait. 

Superman Smashes the Klan is a powerful tale written by Gene Leun Yang (The Shadow Hero). I think setting this book in the 1940s with the 1940s era Superman was a smart idea. Mind you, during this era, Superman was strong and mighty. But he wasn't the god-like character he is today. This Superman doesn't use heat vision or cold breath. He can't fly-yet. And based on his fractured memories of his birth family, this Man of Tomorrow doesn't really feel like a part of the human race. Thus by having Superman being less powerful, it makes his war on racism and hate that much more poignant. 

A lot of time is spent from the perspective of the Lee children, Roberta and Tommy. The addition of rather young Jimmy Olsen helps keep their part of the story in the DC Universe. But I feel that there's just not enough Superman in this here Superman tale. 

I was also a little unsure about one of the characters. The chief of police is African American and I'm not sure how likely it would have been in 1946 for the head of security for a major American metropolitan area to be of color. I understand that by having the chief a black man, it makes the struggle between the boys in blue and the thugs in white robes more poignant. I just don't know how plausible this would've been in real life. (I welcome factoids in the comments to assist with this quandary!)

Great artwork. Yang collaborator Gurihiru gives this book a very retro while still looking sleek and cool. Superman and his city are illustrated in an art deco style not seen since the Max Fleischer toon takes on the Man of Steel.

I loved this read. Well worth the wait and incredibly meaningful!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.