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A New Chinese Superman Is Busting Stereotypes About What A Hero Looks Like

“The broader goal is to show that a character of any color, a hero of any kind of background can be compelling."
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By 

Asian-American Affairs Reporter, HuffPost

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It’s a bird ... It’s a plane ... It’s ... definitely not your typical Superman. 

The first issue of DC Comics’ series, “New Super-Man,” was released in stores on Wednesday. The series features teen Kenan Kong as its hero and a unique one he is. Kong actually hails from Shanghai. What’s more, the series is set in China. 

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DC Entertainment

Gene Luen Yang, the writer, told the Huffington Post that through the series, he hopes to show that diversity has a place in the superhero comic sphere. 

“The broader goal is to show that a character of any color, a hero of any kind of background can be compelling ― can be somebody that anybody can identify with,” Yang said. 

As Yang explained to HuffPost, Kong starts off as bit of a jerk, to put it lightly. However after gaining powers, he transforms both physically and morally. The character evolution, the writer said, derives inspiration from the original “Superman” as well as themes he’s observed in Asian storylines. 

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Courtesy of DC Entertainment

“I wanted it to resonate to two different things: Number one is the American Superman. If you read early issues ... he was kind of a jerk. He was a bully of bullies. As the decades went on, he transformed into the moral compass that we all think of today,” Yang said. “The second thing is ―there are a lot of Asian stories and Chinese stories in particular that are about somebody conquering their self.” 

Weaving Chinese cultural details into the series has taken some work. While some may think he’s an “insider” to Chinese culture, Yang was born in the U.S., and needed to do some digging to capture the experiences of someone living in China.

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Courtesy of DC Entertainment

Yang said that so far, he’s received a lot of support from people across the web who are excited about an Asian superhero. And we have to say, we’re definitely in that boat, too.

Check out a preview of the series below: 

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Courtesy of DC Entertainment
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Courtesy of DC Entertainment
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Courtesy of DC Entertainment
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Courtesy of DC Entertainment

Check out the “New Super-Man #1” here. 

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Before You Go

5 Animated DC Comic Movies That Are Better Than 'Batman v. Superman'
"Justice League: War"(01 of05)
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This is what we hope a live-action Justice League film will be. We don't spend time with individual origin stories, because we don't need to. This is a group origin story. We meet these characters by way of them meeting each other. That's the whole basis of the Justice League: the question of whether or not this team-up will work.

As opposed to the lengthy “we-don’t-need-an-editor” big-budget films, this is resolved nicely in about an hour and 20 minutes as the league battles the incredibly powerful Darkseid.

This is as great an introduction to the Justice League as you’re going to get.

(As of publishing, this is currently on Netflix.) (credit:DC)
"Justice League: Throne Of Atlantis"(02 of05)
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“Throne of Atlantis” begins where “War” left off. Due to the events of the Justice League’s battle with Darkseid, Atlantis has declared war on humanity. We meet Arthur Curry, son of a lighthouse keeper who discovers that his mother is the exiled queen of Atlantis and that he is destined to one day rule (as Aquaman). Now, he’s the only one who can help the Justice League stem the tide of war. (credit:DC)
"Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox"(03 of05)
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Perhaps the most fascinating of the bunch, "Flashpoint" is adapted from a comic written by Geoff Johns. Someone has traveled back in time drastically altering history, and Flash is the only one who knows the truth. In the new timeline, Batman is … different, Wonder Woman and Aquaman are at war with each other, and Superman is nowhere to be found.

The alternate-reality premise makes this one of the richest and most engaging DC storylines. This film can’t be recommended enough if you’re looking to explore a bit deeper into the DC comic universe.

(As of publishing, this is currently on Netflix!) (credit:DC)
"Son of Batman"(04 of05)
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After being visited by an old flame, the daughter of Ra's al Ghul, Batman discovers he has a son. Young Damian is already an incredibly skilled fighter and every bit as stubborn as his old man. The relationship that develops is fun to watch, and seeing Damian don Robin's costume is awesome.

(As of publishing, this, too, is currently on Netflix!) (credit:DC)
"The Dark Knight Returns"(05 of05)
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Based on the now legendary Frank Miller series of the same name, "Dark Knight Returns" depicts a retired, crotchety Bruce Wayne deciding to become Batman once again, against the wishes of ... well, everyone.

The political and social commentary is present just as it was in the comic, as is the conflicted relationship between Batman and Superman. Given that this takes place years into the future, the layers of history add a texture and depth to the characters that is lacking in “Batman v Superman." (credit:DC)
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