Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru have put together what's destined to be a DC classic, a story that ends perfecting in Superman Smashes the Klan #3. Read Full Review

This is one to read. If youre a Superman fan then great, but if not you should definitely still read it. Yang and Gurihiru have created a new classic that deal with hate, identity, acceptance and community. The book reminds us why Superman was our favourite hero and makes us feel like the Lee children as we rediscover the wonder of Superman. Read Full Review

I've always loved Superman, but Superman Smashes the Klan reignited that love in a very particular way. There was catharsis. There was joy. There was a moment at the end I damn near wept over, because it was the perfect way to end the story, and I'll leave it at that. Whether you're a longtime fan of Superman or know a kid who you think would love comics, you should get the complete series the next time you see it. It'll be money well spent. Read Full Review

Superman Smashes the Klan is a powerful story of hope and unity, and one that doesn't ignore the tremendous challenges facing anyone who seeks to do the right thing. Embracing that complexity is what makes this issue and mini-series one of the best Superman stories of the decade. Read Full Review

Either way, this series is well done and completely worth taking the time to read it from start to finish. Read Full Review

I wish more comics were as good as this issue. The artwork is absolutely amazing, the story and the characters within it are well-written with a great amount of depth to them and despite tackling the dark subject of racism in a mature manner it still manages to make you feel optimistic. I think this series, in general, is going to go down as one of the best Superman stories ever created. Read Full Review

At the end of the day, considering the state of the United States, Superman Smashes the Klan Part Three is a must-read. Read Full Review

Excellent.Great Story. I really enjoy it.

One of the best Superman stories of all time. Really hope this team makes some more Superman stories.

Prelude:
Superman Smashes the Klan has been phenomenal so far. Let's see how Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru wrap it up.

The Good:
Flying Graysons.

Love the start of the issue, dealing with early Clark and him becoming Superman. Also great homage to the original inspiration for Superman's design.

The characters are all great and make sense.

Some good comedy which isn't what you would expect from a story like this.

Really interesting look into the KKK and for those seeking to make money off their hate.

Wonderful look into Superman and how he fits into the times.

I love how we see the transition from Golden Age styled Superman into the Silver Age one especially regarding the powers he has.

Loved Yang's thoughts on the KKK at the end.

Girihiru's art is great as always.

The Bad:
Nothing.

Conclusion:
God, just what a wonderful book. I can't wait to get this in trade, it's just something completely different to other mainline comics that we have today and it works wonderfully. more

Strong stories evoke strong emotions, and stay with you for good. They don't age, they always manage to immerse you and make you feel like an integral part of their worlds, no matter your age. I have no doubts Superman Smashes the Klan is exactly that kind of story. Adapted from 80 year old radio material, it manages to be as relevant as during the war time, and on top of that, uses decades worth of comic book writing evolution to delve deeper into the main characters psyche, flesh them out and give each of them unique personality and purpose in the plot. And it also, aside from closing the Klan arc, serves as a brilliant retelling of Superman's origin tale, omething that Frank Miller miserably failed to narrate jut a year ago, with his Year One trainwreck of limited series. Everything's here - iconic trunks, Lana, even Flying Graysons. I swear, every page I've ben reading this issue, I've been grinning out of excitement I couldn't hold any longer. It's pure heartwarming fun and beautifully illutrated comic with an important lesson, which in contrast to really heavy handed themes in many other modern comics (Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass or Female Furies come to my mind), sometimes leading them to regressive, instead of progressive territories, is competently laid down. That's my golden age Superman - a hero, not a demigod.

So, why did I give it only 9.5/10, you may ask? Reason is, the story jumps here and there, which is not suprising taking to conideration how much plot was squeezed to fit in this book. Nonetheless, there are moments when action all of a sudden skips, which doensn't ruin the experience by any means, but definitely doesn't help. That's a minor nitpick, though, in otherwise near perfect limited series.

One question remains - will there be a sequel? I would love to see one with Supergirl trying to fit in as an alien, understand earthlings, maybe shine some light on Golden Age Krypton? more

Superman Smashes the Klan has been a surprisingly good Young Adult reading experience. I'm clearly older than the target audience but I found the story to be poignant and primed to be adapted into a streaming series.

This issue wraps up the mini-series and opens with a flashback to Pre-Superman Clark at a circus with Lana Lang. The circus tent is struck by lightning which causes an uproar amongst the crowd and the animals. The strongman, Samson who doubled as the ticket counter on the opening page slips into action but is overwhelmed and almost eaten by a lion before Clark intervenes.

After getting things under control Clark and Samson have a conversation in which Clark reveals his reservations about using his abilities in public. Samson gives him the advice to wear a costume. The more colorful the better. Its a nice opening and shows how Clark came to the idea of having a secret identity.

Following that brief scene, the story shifts to Superman smashing the Klan and rescuing Perry White, Lois Lane, and Inspector Henderson. .Before being arrested there is a brief exchange between Superman and the leader of this group of Klansmen who goes by the moniker of Grand Scorpion. In this exchange, the Scorpion describes Superman as the pinnacle of the White race.



We've seen similar exchanges between The Red Skull and Captain America but it's still jarring to see a thoroughly evil individual showering accolades on the hero even in defeat due to misplaced hatred and bigotry.

The men are arrested and we then learn that the Klan members are part of a bigger network that has infiltrated all aspects of Metropolis society. The Grand Scorpion is released within 24 hours of being arrested. He immediately goes to his superior the Grand Imperial Mogul, who dresses him down for attacking prominent members of the Daily Planet and getting Superman involved in their affairs.

I found this segment to be the most interesting aspect of the comic as it spotlights Matthew Riggs (Grand Scorpion) role as a useful idiot. The Grand Imperial Mogul doesn't actually believe in the racist values that the Klan but uses the underlying hatred and fear of its members to line his pockets.


The exploitation of fear is a common tactic no matter what side of the political spectrum you're on. We've seen this dominate the news throughout 2020 and there doesn't appear to be any end in sight. The problem for the Grand Imperial Mogul is that Matthew actually believes the racist rhetoric. He kills the Mogul and then assumes control of the organization.

The comic is really good and wraps up nicely. It's not as strong as the previous issue but everything works thematically. The book is a little too kid-focused for me and aside from the arc of Superman coming to terms with his alien heritage, the story is focused on Roberta Lee. All of the other supporting characters are pushed into the background this time around.

I'm not of fan of how Superman's problem ends up being resolved. I get what the comic is going for but it just comes off as odd having Superman be lectured by a kid and then running off because he doesn't want to confront obvious issues. This aspect of the comic is very heavy-handed, even more so than the heavier material with the Klan.

The manga-style art direction also lends itself well to the comic book and I could see it easily translated to other media. Gurihiru's drawings are definitely easy on the eyes and flow nicely from scene to scene. The action sequences are very energetic and the third act of this comic is simply incredible. I had problems with it in the first issue considering the dark subject matter but as the series has gone on it's grown on me and now I can't imagine anyone else tackling this material.

I'm guessing we'll see Superman Smashes the Klan on HBO Max within a year or two. It has a great message and each installment has enough material that I can recommend the series being read either in single issues or in a collected volume. I also feel that the series is worth sharing with the kids regardless of political leanings or affiliations. It's not a "Woke" comic, it covers an era where the Klan had actionable political power and is worth reading if only for the discussion that may follow afterward.


Rating: 8.5/10 more

The villain’s speech was a little bit on the nose there, but I thought that this issue really hit a home run ;D

This is a genuinely good issue. I liked how this issue injected some nuance into things, and that's probably why the first two issues didn't work as much for me. The KKK was a huge marketing scam, but most people seem to forget that in favor of the more openly terrible aspects of the group. I didn't expect that to be explored at all here. Superman accepting who he is is where his subplot finally works in this story. I just think this was the most well-written issue of the series.