Superman Smashes The Klan: A Deep Dive into DC’s Best Story and Its Unexpected Historical Roots

Superman’s Anticipated Year: A Spotlight on Superman Smashes the Klan

As we approach 2025, Superman is poised to capture the spotlight, especially with the debut of James Gunn’s film in July, coinciding with DC Comics’ celebration dubbed the Summer of Superman. Fans eagerly await the film, but there are numerous captivating comic titles featuring the iconic Man of Steel to explore beforehand, ranging from timeless classics to newer selections such as Superman Smashes the Klan.

Unveiling Superman Smashes the Klan

Written by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by Gurihiru, Superman Smashes the Klan, originally released in 2019, is regarded as one of the finest Superman comics ever created. This story transports readers to 1946, where Superman battles the Ku Klux Klan, a tale inspired by the immensely popular 1940s radio series, Adventures of Superman.

Cover image of Superman Smashes the Klan

The narrative not only expands Superman’s rich lore but also acknowledges the original radio show’s partnership with a human rights activist to expose the KKK. This real-life collaboration serves as a crucial backdrop for Superman Smashes the Klan.

The Historical Impact of Adventures of Superman

Shining a Light on the KKK in the 1940s

Superman Smashes the Klan derives its inspiration from a 16-part radio series titled “Clan of the Fiery Cross, ”which aimed to reveal the truth about the KKK. This compelling three-issue comic, now available as a graphic novel, follows the Lee family as they relocate to Metropolis only to become targets of the Klan. The narrative beautifully intertwines with the investigative efforts of Lois Lane and Clark Kent while they delve into this story for the Daily Planet.

Behind the scenes of Adventures of Superman, individuals responded to the call for justice, mirroring Superman’s courageous stance against evil.

In a remarkable twist, Superman Smashes the Klan is rooted in a true account. The series draws from the experiences of Stetson Kennedy, an activist who spent nearly a decade infiltrating the KKK. Utilizing his insights, Kennedy collaborated with the Superman radio show to broadcast the realities of the Klan to its vast audience, which by 1946 numbered in the millions.

This partnership allowed the producers to utilize Kennedy’s findings, boldly revealing the Klan’s beliefs and malign practices while staying true to the spirit of Superman—standing against hate and injustice.

Modern Relevance of Superman Smashes the Klan

Championing Immigrant Stories

More than merely a racial commentary, Superman Smashes the Klan provides a welcoming entry point for new readers. Set apart from the main DC narrative, it offers a self-contained story that invites audiences unfamiliar with Superman’s expansive universe. Additionally, this comic exemplifies what makes Clark Kent a relatable figure and a moral beacon.

For readers interested in other inspiring tales, Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story by Sarah Kuhn and Arielle Jovellanos is another excellent, family-friendly choice currently released by DC Comics.

Throughout his adventure in Superman Smashes the Klan, Superman not only confronts the Klan but also grapples with his own identity. Despite being an extraterrestrial, he transcends into human life. Witnessing the unjust treatment of the Lee family because of their race evokes profound questions within him about how society would react to his Kryptonian heritage. This dimension adds significant depth to the narrative, transforming it into an immigrant story that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Clark Kent’s self-doubt and quest for understanding his origin and cultural identity enhance his humanity. This emotional grounding, coupled with his allies at the Daily Planet, invites readers to witness the fight against the KKK not just through superhero action but also through human resilience.Superman Smashes the Klan emphasizes a universal message: anyone can stand against hatred, regardless of their abilities.

Superman: A Timeless Advocate Against Bigotry

The Man of Steel’s Enduring Commitment to Justice

Superman’s history of activism against hate extends far beyond his radio show adaptations. The character was initially conceived as the “Champion of the Oppressed”by creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, who sought to provide a heroic figure opposing the rise of Nazism during the 1930s. Siegel once stated, “I felt that the world desperately needed a crusader, if only a fictional one.”

Comic panel featuring Superman confronting Hitler.

From his inception, Superman has fought against the forces of hate and oppression, famously facing off against Adolf Hitler long before Captain America’s notable debut against the despot. This ethos of combating intolerance forms the very foundation of the Superman legacy. The creators of Adventures of Superman and Kennedy truly understood this sentiment in 1946, and decades later, Yang and Gurihiru rejuvenate this noble legacy with Superman Smashes the Klan.

Superman Smashes the Klan is available now from DC Comics.

Source references: DC YouTube, Stetson Kennedy, Scan Journal of Media Arts Culture, Batmitey

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