Book Review: Superman Smashes the Klan by G. L. Yang et al.

 Superman Smashes the Klan written by Gene Luen Yang and art by Gurihiru

After defeating a Kryptonite-powered Nazi bad guy who apparently doesn't realize World War II is over, Superman becomes more curious about his origins, especially why the green rock powering the villain made him sick. Ma and Pa Kent didn't tell Clark his whole history with them but they left enough clues. Superman eventually discovers recordings from his Kryptonian parents, who help him to understand his powers and his purpose on Earth. At the same time, the Lee family moves from the Chinatown neighborhood to Metropolis (or at least a suburban part of the city). Dr. Lee has a new job with the Metropolis Health Department where he experiences both openness and racism from his co-workers. The focus of the story is on the Lee children, Tommy and Roberta, who try to fit in to their new neighborhood. They go to the local youth rec center where Tommy easily fits in. Roberta has a much harder time. The family runs into a bigger problem when the Klan of the Fiery Kross burns a cross in their yard. Reporters from The Daily Planet cover the incident, drawing Superman into the fight against the Klan. 

Yang based this story on a multi-part story from The Adventures of Superman radio show in the late 1940s. The show was a big hit and a big black-eye for the popularity of the Ku Klux Klan. This kid-friendly version of the story still delivers both an exciting story and a timely message, since racism has not gone away. The characters are not one-dimensional, not even the bad guys. Paralleling the Lee family immigrant story with Superman's exploration of his own immigrant nature seems obvious but is delivered in a more subtle and convincing way. Nice moments of comedy and nods to changes in Superman's mythology through the years make the book very enjoyable for even a seasoned fan of the Man of Steel.

Recommended.