Hey everyone, if you enjoyed this video, please consider liking, sharing, and if you feel like it, subscribing to my channel! I'd love to keep doing this and any bit of support helps immensely! SUBSCRIBE - th-cam.com/users/ForEveryKindofGeek SUPPORT ME ON PATREON - patreon.com/EveryKindofGeek DONATE ON KO-FI - ko-fi.com/foreverykindofgeek
One of my all-time favourite Superman stories, with such a poignant and fascinating history behind it. Thanks for giving this comic the excellent video it deserves!
Wonderful video. This comic feels like a direct counter to Hernan from the _Justice League: Gods & Monsters_ series. This Superman was raised by a kindly migrant family but faced constant racism and prejudice growing up for being an "illegal alien" in every sense of the word. Hernan is a bitter and jaded Superman compared to the Clark Kent from this comic but while the former loses his faith in the American dream, the latter reaffirms it.
Thanks! Truth be told it's been a while since I've watched Gods and Monsters, but I remember really liking that twist on Superman. I wouldn't call it the definitive take, but I love how Elseworlds stories are able to stretch characters like that in new directions. I think exploring different takes like that can really open up all sorts of new directions in the future and it makes these characters all the more timeless.
I think this is more line with the original "Champion of the Opressed" by Jerry & Joe...that whole American Way thing was tacked on wartime propaganda that no one wanted to let go of. Look, I'm proud to live where I do, but we shouldn't have gone overboard with it...this is why the new statement of "Truth, Justice and A better tomorrow" is much more correct.
i love this story; I remember when this book was coming out, some people called this book "WOKE" propaganda. which, those people calling this modern "WOKE" propaganda is hilarious, because this book was adapting a story from the 40s. i wished we had more modern superman stories, where he was the champion of the oppressed.
I like this book. but I'm dissapointed it took a literal (ethnic)Chinese guy to write the story like this. the "woke" writers of modern comics really wasn't as progressive as they led you to believe
@@bigz2008 i don't know about that. most of the "woke" writers, whatever that means, are just looking at modern day politics and less of looking at golden age superhero politics. which, i don't think is a bad thing. for example action comics 42, by greg pak, had political social commentary of what happened during america at that time - with the news around police brutality.
This book struck all the right chords for me when I first read it. I’m a DC newbie when it comes to comics, but I love Superman and when I read this book I was immediately captivated by the story, the characters, the art style (as someone who grew up reading manga it stood out to me), and of course the message of self worth and standing up against hatred and bigotry. What a treasure of a book! Thanks for this amazing video about this amazing story ✨✌🏽
Thanks so much for the kind words! I love this book because of just how accessible it is. I think comics can really get tied up in their own lore but every now and then you get a work that cuts to the core of what a character represents, and I think Smashes the Klan does that in spades.
I read about the story of the Stetson guy infiltrating the klan in the book Freakonomic… incredible stuff. This piece of history should be taught in schools. It’s so important.
Excellent video this is an awesome superman story combining real life history and tackling the core of who superman is. I love it keep up the good work
Great job man on this amazing Superman smash the klan video man it’s really good and personally for me this story was really amazing and badass and tons of fun in my opinion.
I have this comic and love the story so much. When I make it into the animation industry I want to make a movie out of this. Show everyone this wonderful story.
Hey so I love the story & especially the art in this book. The only note I have to tell you is that according to Comic Drake on his community page, the picture of Gurihiru that has been going around the internet was posted without their permission and they appreciate if people not repost it as they prefer their privacy.
Thanks for the heads-up! That's my mistake, I pulled this from a blog post but didn't know they hadn't cleared it. I'll look into a way of censoring the image ASAP
This is the comic I cite when refuting the all too common notion that Superman exclusively identifies as an earthling and not a Kryptonian. This comic shows why that complex sense of self is so important for the character and his status as a champion of the oppressed Thank you for making this wonderful video!
@@poentecontente glad to hear you liked it! And if you’re a fan of the avatar comics I can’t recommend the rest of Yang’s work enough. He’s written plenty of Superman stuff since, along with The Terrifics, and a whole bunch of great indie comics like Drsgon Hoops and American Born Chinese. All fantastic and definitely worth a read!
I guess this is the main inspiration for My Adventures with Superman, which is also about Superman fighting incriminating bigots like Lex Luthor and Amanda Waller.
Part of this book problems are due to the zeitgeist in which it was released in. Which itself is a topic onto itself. Also, if you liked this story, you might enjoy Dynamite Comics' Masks which is a loose remake of The Spider Vs. The Empire State (also known as "The Black Police Trilogy") which came out in 2013.
Therefore, the author RELATED to Superman. He created an updated story because he RELATED to Superman's characteristics and his backstory as an immigrant with a dual heritage. PROOF that Superman is relatable due to his characteristics, personality and multiple layers of being an immigrant with a dual heritage who is trying to fit into society.
Don't say that. Don't say that superman is "RELATABLE" or superman fans would freak the fuck out. reason being they always say, "he's NOT suppose to be RELATABLE, but INSPIRATIONAL."
@@johnthai6188 I thought similar once, but while DC is generally more inspirational in tone, it doesn't mean you can't relate to those inspiring. Marvel is supposed to be the more realistic type....but both have characters that go either way and make a balance both. I mean you can relate to being an alien at some point if you're neurodiverse, immigrant or just don't look right to some people...and that last one is really dumb.
1:45 I hate bendis superman so much that story is so bad and ruined a great superman family by peter j tomasi and Patrick Gleason for garbage and still drives me crazy till this day.
I like Bendis's Superman fine, it does a lot of great stuff here and there but like a lot of hit-and-miss superman runs it really gets caught up in the fictional lore instead of the themes behind that lore.
@@ForEveryKindofGeek i can understand but personally for me the thing that killed that series for me was bendis horrible idea of aging up my boy Jonathan Samuel Kent superboy and having him tortured by ultraman was freaking garbage, and it drives me crazy that DC won't undo this terrible mistake and say I don't know deage Jonathan Samuel Kent superboy back to his little 10 year old self and bring him back to his father superman and Lois lane back as a family but that's just my opinion.
Yeaaaah Let's get this video to a lot of views in the first hour so that it gets love from youtube Algorithm bless this video which i liked even before watching it because it's that good Seriously, sometimes i end up pissed off because i can't like it again after watching it, fix that youtube Lots of words lots of engagement, yadda yadda
I remember running into a copy of this story in a goodwill, the title was so eye catching I had to buy it. It was an amazing read that didn't hold anything back. The struggles and fights for equality and justice continue, and I want to do my part.
Glad to hear it! Personally I think Superman is a great call to action for anyone reading his stories. He's a great synthesis of what we could achieve if we all step in and help when we have the chance. While one person can't move a mountain on their own, they can definitely set an example. And if enough people follow suit, that's when the real change happens.
Joke: sssshhhh don't tell those grifters that superman was the campion of the oppressed; also that he went up against lobbyist, war profiteer, wife beaters, prison system, and war. they would freak out, if they heard all of this.
that would be a great black label superman book. you can actually use clark's journalist skills to propel the plot forward. so much of what is happening in the news could so easily become superman stories. how isn't there a superman story that has him deal with fake news and outrage culture?! you would think since clark works in that industry, there would be stories about him dealing with yellow journalism.
Hey everyone, if you enjoyed this video, please consider liking, sharing, and if you feel like it, subscribing to my channel! I'd love to keep doing this and any bit of support helps immensely!
SUBSCRIBE - th-cam.com/users/ForEveryKindofGeek
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON - patreon.com/EveryKindofGeek
DONATE ON KO-FI - ko-fi.com/foreverykindofgeek
One of my all-time favourite Superman stories, with such a poignant and fascinating history behind it. Thanks for giving this comic the excellent video it deserves!
Thanks, Owen! That's high praise.
An excellent video for an excellent comic!
Thanks so much, Matt!
Wonderful video. This comic feels like a direct counter to Hernan from the _Justice League: Gods & Monsters_ series. This Superman was raised by a kindly migrant family but faced constant racism and prejudice growing up for being an "illegal alien" in every sense of the word. Hernan is a bitter and jaded Superman compared to the Clark Kent from this comic but while the former loses his faith in the American dream, the latter reaffirms it.
Thanks! Truth be told it's been a while since I've watched Gods and Monsters, but I remember really liking that twist on Superman. I wouldn't call it the definitive take, but I love how Elseworlds stories are able to stretch characters like that in new directions. I think exploring different takes like that can really open up all sorts of new directions in the future and it makes these characters all the more timeless.
I think this is more line with the original "Champion of the Opressed" by Jerry & Joe...that whole American Way thing was tacked on wartime propaganda that no one wanted to let go of. Look, I'm proud to live where I do, but we shouldn't have gone overboard with it...this is why the new statement of "Truth, Justice and A better tomorrow" is much more correct.
i love this story; I remember when this book was coming out, some people called this book "WOKE" propaganda. which, those people calling this modern "WOKE" propaganda is hilarious, because this book was adapting a story from the 40s. i wished we had more modern superman stories, where he was the champion of the oppressed.
indeed
They acted like Superman, the symbol of peace and what we should strive to be, fighting the KU KLUX KLAN was a bad thing
I like this book. but I'm dissapointed it took a literal (ethnic)Chinese guy to write the story like this. the "woke" writers of modern comics really wasn't as progressive as they led you to believe
@@bigz2008 i don't know about that. most of the "woke" writers, whatever that means, are just looking at modern day politics and less of looking at golden age superhero politics. which, i don't think is a bad thing. for example action comics 42, by greg pak, had political social commentary of what happened during america at that time - with the news around police brutality.
Really exposing themselves as the bad guys of the comic
This book struck all the right chords for me when I first read it. I’m a DC newbie when it comes to comics, but I love Superman and when I read this book I was immediately captivated by the story, the characters, the art style (as someone who grew up reading manga it stood out to me), and of course the message of self worth and standing up against hatred and bigotry. What a treasure of a book! Thanks for this amazing video about this amazing story ✨✌🏽
Thanks so much for the kind words! I love this book because of just how accessible it is. I think comics can really get tied up in their own lore but every now and then you get a work that cuts to the core of what a character represents, and I think Smashes the Klan does that in spades.
I read about the story of the Stetson guy infiltrating the klan in the book Freakonomic… incredible stuff. This piece of history should be taught in schools. It’s so important.
Excellent video this is an awesome superman story combining real life history and tackling the core of who superman is. I love it keep up the good work
Thanks!
Yes, this comic has needed an animated adaptation for years now.
Great job man on this amazing Superman smash the klan video man it’s really good and personally for me this story was really amazing and badass and tons of fun in my opinion.
Thanks!
@@ForEveryKindofGeek Your welcome man :)
I read this one the previous week, and I absolutely loved it!
Glad to hear it!
I have this comic and love the story so much. When I make it into the animation industry I want to make a movie out of this. Show everyone this wonderful story.
7:16 that’s why I love Him.
Hey so I love the story & especially the art in this book. The only note I have to tell you is that according to Comic Drake on his community page, the picture of Gurihiru that has been going around the internet was posted without their permission and they appreciate if people not repost it as they prefer their privacy.
Thanks for the heads-up! That's my mistake, I pulled this from a blog post but didn't know they hadn't cleared it. I'll look into a way of censoring the image ASAP
This is the comic I cite when refuting the all too common notion that Superman exclusively identifies as an earthling and not a Kryptonian. This comic shows why that complex sense of self is so important for the character and his status as a champion of the oppressed
Thank you for making this wonderful video!
Great vídeo, love this comic
Thanks!
great job man
Thanks!
I loved superman for years been reading his comics more last few years(while juggling my love for Batman)
I can definitely relate, there's plenty of great stuff between the two of them
3:00 so Superman defeated the Klan in real life ❤❤❤❤❤
It's a really cool piece of history. I've also been reading up on Stetson Kennedy since covering this and he was a fascinating guy.
love the Avatar the last airbender comics! this must be great. Thanks for the awesome video!
@@poentecontente glad to hear you liked it! And if you’re a fan of the avatar comics I can’t recommend the rest of Yang’s work enough.
He’s written plenty of Superman stuff since, along with The Terrifics, and a whole bunch of great indie comics like Drsgon Hoops and American Born Chinese. All fantastic and definitely worth a read!
@@ForEveryKindofGeek thanks a lot for the recommendations!
This could be a perfect film to be made into an animated movie.
this would be a great animated movie, but you would still have those grifters saying, "this is "WOKE" propaganda."
@@johnthai6188 Superman has been woke since 1938.
@@daviddyster4145 preach. also don't say that, those grifters would be super pissed that there are politics in their cape comics
@@daviddyster4145you think grifters read comics?
@@johnthai6188It is.
I love this book, great video!
Thanks so much! It's a really special one for me too, hope I did it justice!
Love this book so much
No arguments here
I guess this is the main inspiration for My Adventures with Superman, which is also about Superman fighting incriminating bigots like Lex Luthor and Amanda Waller.
That's a great read! Makes me want to go back and watch it through again.
Amanda is black, black people can't be racist 🤪
JUST KIDDING
@@Paolo-ec2si
To modern writers yes
@@elongatedmanforever1252 yo i can't see my comment, what did I wrote? I forgot.
Part of this book problems are due to the zeitgeist in which it was released in. Which itself is a topic onto itself. Also, if you liked this story, you might enjoy Dynamite Comics' Masks which is a loose remake of The Spider Vs. The Empire State (also known as "The Black Police Trilogy") which came out in 2013.
❤❤❤❤
4:16 I knew I recognize them for, somewhere
A phenomenal video on a phenomenal comic
Thanks, Matt!
Therefore, the author RELATED to Superman. He created an updated story because he RELATED to Superman's characteristics and his backstory as an immigrant with a dual heritage. PROOF that Superman is relatable due to his characteristics, personality and multiple layers of being an immigrant with a dual heritage who is trying to fit into society.
Don't say that. Don't say that superman is "RELATABLE" or superman fans would freak the fuck out. reason being they always say, "he's NOT suppose to be RELATABLE, but INSPIRATIONAL."
@@johnthai6188 hi, Superman fan here, he can be both relatable and inspirational...because actions like these can be inspiring.
@@SuperladCK94 oh i agree, but i've see a lot of superman "fans" hate the term relatable, as a way to describe superman - even if he can be both.
@@johnthai6188 I thought similar once, but while DC is generally more inspirational in tone, it doesn't mean you can't relate to those inspiring. Marvel is supposed to be the more realistic type....but both have characters that go either way and make a balance both.
I mean you can relate to being an alien at some point if you're neurodiverse, immigrant or just don't look right to some people...and that last one is really dumb.
@@SuperladCK94 what made you start to think that dc characters can be relatable?
1:45 I hate bendis superman so much that story is so bad and ruined a great superman family by peter j tomasi and Patrick Gleason for garbage and still drives me crazy till this day.
I like Bendis's Superman fine, it does a lot of great stuff here and there but like a lot of hit-and-miss superman runs it really gets caught up in the fictional lore instead of the themes behind that lore.
@@ForEveryKindofGeek i can understand but personally for me the thing that killed that series for me was bendis horrible idea of aging up my boy Jonathan Samuel Kent superboy and having him tortured by ultraman was freaking garbage, and it drives me crazy that DC won't undo this terrible mistake and say I don't know deage Jonathan Samuel Kent superboy back to his little 10 year old self and bring him back to his father superman and Lois lane back as a family but that's just my opinion.
Yeaaaah
Let's get this video to a lot of views in the first hour so that it gets love from youtube
Algorithm bless this video which i liked even before watching it because it's that good
Seriously, sometimes i end up pissed off because i can't like it again after watching it, fix that youtube
Lots of words lots of engagement, yadda yadda
I remember running into a copy of this story in a goodwill, the title was so eye catching I had to buy it. It was an amazing read that didn't hold anything back. The struggles and fights for equality and justice continue, and I want to do my part.
Glad to hear it! Personally I think Superman is a great call to action for anyone reading his stories. He's a great synthesis of what we could achieve if we all step in and help when we have the chance.
While one person can't move a mountain on their own, they can definitely set an example. And if enough people follow suit, that's when the real change happens.
Welp, I just found my new favorite TH-cam video!
Thanks so much! Glad you liked it.
:{ D
"I can't believe they made Superman political"
Joke: sssshhhh don't tell those grifters that superman was the campion of the oppressed; also that he went up against lobbyist, war profiteer, wife beaters, prison system, and war. they would freak out, if they heard all of this.
@@johnthai6188
Superman is a champion for
The innocent not only a certain
Group of people.
They did & I hate it.
Wonder if DC comics shall talk about the church molestation scandal?
that would be a great black label superman book. you can actually use clark's journalist skills to propel the plot forward. so much of what is happening in the news could so easily become superman stories. how isn't there a superman story that has him deal with fake news and outrage culture?! you would think since clark works in that industry, there would be stories about him dealing with yellow journalism.
@@johnthai6188
Using Superman as just a
Political narrative is just
Wrong.
@@elongatedmanforever1252 why?
@@johnthai6188
Cause it takes away his universal
appeal to just be about politics
Or social narratives.
@@elongatedmanforever1252 what is his universal appeal? so most obviously we disagree what that is.