Though Superman has long stood for "truth, justice, and the American way," we may have to scratch that last bit now that the cape-loving hero has renounced his U.S. citizenship in the historic 900th issue of Action Comics. In a storyline by David S. Goyen — a screenwriter for the Batman film, The Dark Knight — the U.S. criticizes Superman, whom it sees as a representative for U.S. policy, for taking part in a nonviolent anti-government protest in Iran, and a fed-up Superman quits America. (See key panels below.) Should America be offended?
You go, Superman! When a superhero originally envisioned as "an American heartland warrior" ditches the American part, "it's a sobering moment," says Scott Thill in Wired. But it's also a heroic and obvious one. "The genius of Superman is that he belongs to everyone," not just America. And at a time when America is "rife with immigration paranoia," it's refreshing to see an alien refugee like Superman reject narrow nationalism.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Labour's Brexit conundrumThe Explainer Keir Starmer backs 'twin track' strategy – build closer security ties with EU while ruling out single market, customs union and free movement
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racingThe Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's healthIn the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
