Superman Smashes the Klan

For fans of Superman and his adventures, Superman Smashes the Klan is sure to be a story you’ll enjoy. The story, set in sequential art format (a.k.a. comic book), introduces the reader to Superman in 1940s Metropolis and also takes the reader back to the 1920s when Clark Kent was growing up and navigating his life. The main storyline follows a Chinese family, the Lees, as they move from Chinatown to Metropolis because of Dr. Lee’s new job at the Metropolis Health Department. The entire family, Dr. and Mrs. Lee and their two children Tommy and Roberta, are struggling with the move—each family member for their reasons. Along with their unease are other citizens of Metropolis, namely the Klan of the Fiery Kross. This group is similar to our Ku Klux Klan, with their motto of unity among “one hundred percent Americans.” Themes of bigotry, self-discovery, and self-acceptance are all present in this coming-of-age story involving a beloved and highly-thought-of superhero. This story shows how even people with superhuman powers deal with the same baggage and concerns as everyone else. Overall, a fun and quick read with colorful illustrations.