Superman Smashes The Klan #1

Writer: Gene Luen Yang Artist: Gurihiru Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: October 16, 2019 Cover Price: $7.99 Critic Reviews: 16 User Reviews: 24
9.2Critic Rating
8.9User Rating

The year is 1946, and the Lee family has moved from Metropolis' Chinatown to the center of the bustling city. While Dr. Lee is greeted warmly in his new position at the Metropolis Health Department, his two kids, Roberta and Tommy, are more excited about being closer to their famous hero, Superman!
While Tommy adjusts to the fast pace of the city, Roberta feels out of place, as she tries and fails to fit in with the neighborhood kids. As the Lees try to adjust to their new lives, an evil is stirring in Metropolis: the Ku Klux Klan. When the Lee family awakens one night to find a burning cross on their lawn, they consider leaving town. Bu more

  • 10
    Graphic Policy - Brett Oct 16, 2019

    This is an amazing release that exceeds expectations in every way and near perfection, if not achieving it. Beyond the story, Yang delivers a history of the KKK in the United States including some of his personal experiences with racism. In a world with right-wing fascism, hatred on the rise, and it all front and center, to have Nazi/racist punching so clear is a breath of fresh air. Superman is a symbol for fighting for what's right and this comic embodies that clearly in every way. Read Full Review

  • 10
    DC Comics News - Alex McDonald Oct 27, 2019

    This is a treat for comics fans. It has all the fun of a classic story and makes the reader feel like a kid again. Add on to that smart social commentary that blends into the narrative almost seamlessly and you have a fantastic Superman comic everyone should read. Read Full Review

  • 10
    You Don't Read Comics - Jason A. Fleece Oct 16, 2019

    Much has been written about Superman as the ultimate American immigrant, and its great to see that side of his experience being explored as frankly as it is here. Its also nice to see a story take a firm, unwavering stance against hatred and xenophobia, in a time that lacks the moral clarity that is Supermans greatest strength. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comics: The Gathering - Olivier Roth Oct 17, 2019

    Superman Smashes the Klan is a must read for me. Tackling the subject matter of racism is not always easy, but Yang and Gurihiru do a marvelous job of breaking it down so that anyone can understand the message. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Oct 16, 2019

    It's one of the most engaging first issues that I can remember out of DC, and I expect that the final product is going to be a modern classic. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Black Nerd Problems - Mikkel Snyder Oct 16, 2019

    Superman Smashes the Klan #1 is the story of an incredible story that takes the beats of the past and remixes them into something new and special. The joint narration of Superman and Roberta Lee as they deal with their own identities and a cult of white supremacists is uplifting in a very particular way and is a shining reminder of why I'm thankful for comics. Read Full Review

  • 10
    But Why Tho? - Lizzy Garcia Oct 16, 2019

    That being said, Superman Smashes the Klan Part Oneis an excellent Superman story and a reminder of why I adore the character so much. Superman is as American as apple pie because he represents what makes America so great: immigrants. Yang does a great job adapting this classic radio story. This issue is also incredibly poignant considering the political climate of the United States of America. I look forward to upcoming issues. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith May 12, 2020

    You might be thinking: “but it's a young adult book, can I, a fully grown person, enjoy this?” The answer is a loud and factual YES! Superman Smashes the Klan is a book I would not imagine to be for young adults, as the topic of racism is always dark. But it is also very real, and this book does a fantastic job tackling the issue. I highly recommend Superman Smashes the Klan: whether you are a Superman fan, superhero fan in general, or just love a good story- this one is for you. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - Christopher Franey Oct 16, 2019

    Great miniseries that will finally take a Superman adventure from the radio series and bring it to the comics wold. Great tale with lots of character struggle with real world issues. Fantastic art that shows a timeless Superman as well. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics Bulletin - Daniel Gehen Oct 17, 2019

    Superman Smashes the Klan #1 might very well be the most impressive release of this week. Yangs script tackles difficult, relevant subject matter and makes it approachable to all readers. Being a Superman comic, it has a broad appeal and wide reach, reinforcing that no matter where one stands on the political spectrum, there is no excuse for the fringe behavior that has been emboldened in recent years. Beautifully crafted artwork by Gurihiru makes this issue stand out even more. While there may be technically better comics available, Superman Smashes the Klan makes the case for being the most important comic of 2019. Read Full Review

  • 8.9
    Multiversity Comics - Gustavo S Lodi Oct 17, 2019

    "Superman Smashes the Klan" #1 is a remarkable example of how to address a complex topic in an accessible way, wrapped in a visual style that just clicks. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Sequential Planet - Alex Cole Oct 23, 2019

    The art, story and character work in this book are all top class. If you love the big, blue boyscout then you'll love this story and its sure to pull at the heartstrings of anyone who's been a victim of discrimination. You can't go wrong with Superman smashes the klan #1 Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Oct 16, 2019

    The story is breezy and cute. The art is okay, nothing spectacular. It does the trick. This is a fun read for young adults. It is a long first issue but never drags. It is a fun enough debut issue with some interesting potential for sure. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon Oct 17, 2019

    Superman Smashes the Klan says just about everything you need to know right in the title, but Yang and Gurihiru make it so much more than that. This is about growing up knowing you’re different than everyone else and learning to deal with it. This is about learning to stand up for yourself in the face of bullies and hate. This is about learning that hatred and prejudice can come in many different forms and no one is immune to their effects. This is a story about good versus evil but not just because Superman is there to save the day. It’s about learning that we have it in ourselves to stand up to bigotry whenever it rears its ugly head. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Oct 16, 2019

    Whether readers are discovering Superman for the first time or steeped in the character's history already, Superman Smashes the Klan #1 presents a thrilling update on a classic adventure, one that seems bound to be read for years to come. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Watch - Matt Meyer Oct 19, 2019

    Although a bit of a slow-burn,Superman Smashes the Klan #1 does a wonderful job of world-building, paying special attention to the immigrant perspective. This is a comic everyone needs to read in 2019 America. Read Full Review

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