Superman: Red Son

Superman’s been called “as American as apple pie.”

And why not? In his never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American Way, Superman symbolizes freedom, independence, self-reliance, and opposition to tyranny — distinctly American values. Sure, he represents some other, more universal virtues — which is why he’s only “as American as apple pie,” not “as American as fireworks on the Fourth of July” — but at his core, Superman is almost synonymous with America. He’s the ultimate immigrant, an alien from another world who uses his superhuman powers for the greater good. And as Clark Kent, he struggles and competes on a level playing field with ordinary journalists like Lois Lane. (Talk about equality of opportunity!)

In the 1980s, DC tried to make the Man of Steel more cosmopolitan by removing that vague bit about “the American Way” from his tagline. Similarly, the Justice League of America became merely “the Justice League.” Neither change lasted long, and Superman was routinely waving the Star-Spangled Banner on comic book covers by the mid-’ 90s, his status as a national treasure reaffirmed.

But what if Superman hadn’t been an American icon? What if this strange visitor from another planet had immigrated to a different shore and been raised with a different set of core values? He would still be able to change the course of mighty rivers, and he would still use his amazing powers to serve the greater good. But this Superman might fight for truth, justice — and the communist way.

This is the starting point of Mark Millar’s excellent mini-series Superman: Red Son — our Comic of the Month for December. In it, Millar cleverly subverts the iconography of Superman to an entirely different view of the world. By doing so, he draws fascinating parallels between the Cold War-era Soviet Union and America on the cusp of the 21st Century — and sheds new light on the character of Superman.

Join us in the H&D Game Room at 7:30pm on Thursday, December 9 to discuss the Soviet Superman — and lots more! If you’ve never attended a Comic Club meeting, this is a great chance to visit with us and learn what we’re all about. Find out why the HDCC is Columbia’s Best Kept Secret for comics fans!

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