Parents' Guide to

Superman Smashes the Klan

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Asian American teens and Superman vs. racism in retro tale.

Book Gene Luen Yang Graphic Novel 2020
Superman Smashes the Klan Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

MeliBee
MeliBee Parent
June 19, 2020
age 10+

a great lesson wrapped in a fantastic story with gorgeous art

I purchased this book because of the timeliness of the message, hoping that it would help me facilitate important conversations with my son. I am so happy I did! The story is wonderfully written, with multiple characters growing and evolving as the plot unfolds. We even get a bit of Superman's origin story, which is good fun. On top of the great story written by Gene Luen Yang, the art by Gurihiru is eye candy. Finally, there are a few pages of thoughtfully-written historical perspective at the end of the book.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

As SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN opens, it is 1946, and the Lee family has moved from Chinatown to Metropolis. Roberta wants to fit in, but her athletic older brother, Tommy, has an easier time of it. One night, hooded figures set a burning cross on their lawn. It's the work of the Klan of the Fiery Kross, and the incident is investigated by ace reporters Lois Lane and Jimmy Olson, as well as by Inspector Henderson of the Metropolis Police. Superman helps out, but he's troubled by visions of himself as a frightening alien creature. When Tommy goes missing, who will help Roberta rescue him?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

Depending on the whims of their creators, superheroes are highly changeable, and this bighearted historical tale makes perfect use of an American icon. Writer Gene Luen Yang and illustration team Gurihiru bring postwar Metropolis to exuberant life in Superman Smashes the Klan, with deft characterizations of new or familiar supporting cast members and an inviting, manga-influenced art style. There's been a long debate whether the Man of Steel is too much a Goody Two-shoes, but Yang finds an unbendable center of goodness in the character that makes him stand up for the underdog.

The graphic novel also explores Superman's status as an immigrant, giving the book a welcome sense of relevance. Longtime fans will be pleased, and newcomers will enjoy this retro adventure.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Superman Smashes the Klan addresses the issue of racism. How does it portray members of the Klan? How do white nationalists try to spread their messages today?

  • Superman Smashes the Klan was originally a radio series. How can different media be used to tell particular stories? What kinds of effects do a graphic novel allow?

  • Why are superheroes so popular in current entertainment? What connections do they have to ancient mythology?

Book Details

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