Reviews

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang

edtebay196's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful

4.0

A smart interpretation of the Superman legacy that touches on similar themes to the author's previous works in order to deliver a powerful message about self acceptance in the face of discrimination and hate.

polymorph's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

analyticalchaos's review against another edition

5.0

Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru make up the most legendary comics duo. I love their succinct and well thought out storytelling.

newmutant192's review against another edition

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

breakfastgrey's review against another edition

5.0

Wow, that was good. Based off the radio serial, this is Gene Luen Yang writing the Superman he was always supposed to. I felt for him when he took over the main title because it always seemed it was more about editorial mandates than him telling his story, but this is him getting to tell that story. Things start off feeling kind of hokey, but steadily you realize the level of detail and thought going into it. It's all so much deeper than first glance. It's incredibly nuanced. Absolutely essential reading for people interested in superheroes, coming of age stories, or social justice.

thebooklender's review

5.0

Superman punches Nazis and bashes fashes, while also confronting his own internalised xenophobia.

Set in 1946, when Superman is not aware of the full extent of his powers - he's fast, strong and can leap tall buildings in a single bound, but he can't fly, can't do his lazer eye thing, has no x-ray vision.

The story has two narrators - Superman and middle grader Roberta Lan-Shin Lee. The Lee family moves from China Town to Metropolis, where they are greeted by The Klan planting a burning cross on their lawn.

Read on to see how Superman saves the Lees, and how the Lees save Superman...

And it is well worth reading the essay "Superman and Me" at the end of the book - a brief but fascinating look at the history of racism in the USA.

posies23's review against another edition

5.0

This is a nicely done update of the classic radio show. Gene Luen Yang has a strong grasp on Superman's character, and there are some fun references to past stories, while keeping it accessible to readers that aren't familiar with the character's long history.

The art is strong as well. With nods towards the more contemporary art style, the storytelling is strong and easy to follow.

beberela's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

1.25

rcgeek_13's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

nsunny's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is such a great Superman story. Love the period piece concept as well as the artwork. Looks childish but its such a good sweet story. Everyone should give this a shot