Warning! Spoilers for Justice League Infinity #2
Superman is taking a stand in support of Captain America’s politics. His political response to passionate protestors only emphasizes his perception of the American Way. Although it might seem like the Man of Steel expressing his thoughts could be controversial, Superman’s politics showcase his humanity.
The DC Animated Universe as created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, is continuing in the new miniseries, Justice League Infinity. Although the series within the DCAU often tackled mature themes, the medium of comics is giving the new creative team additional freedom in the stories they can create. Without the restraints of writing a show intended for younger viewers, Justice League Infinity #2 addresses Superman’s primary political principal. The latest installment is written by J.M. DeMatteis and James Tucker with art by Ethen Beavers.
As Superman finds himself in the midst of an angry crowd holding signs, he reveals that he supports Captain America’s political stance. While Kal-El faces people who seem to despise his existence, he delivers relevant social commentary. His brief words of inspiration feel reminiscent of something Steve Rogers would say. Before he voices his thoughts, Superman thinks to himself about wisdom that Pa Kent once shared with him. “…these were ordinary people who’d been warped by a constant barrage of distortions and lies. And I remembered something Pa Kent once said to me: ‘You never meet hate with hate, son. You meet it with compassion. You meet it by being an example of the best in us. And inspiring others to do the same.”
It feels natural that Superman’s politics would resemble the political philosophy of the Avengers’ leader. Since fairly early on in the big blue boy scout’s history, “truth, justice, and the American way” has been a catchphrase that has represented everything he fights for. When Superman was created, he was arguably just as patriotic as Steve Rogers. In the minds of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, there was a reason why the Kryptonian wore the colors of red and blue. It isn’t hard to find issues from the Golden Age depicting Superman in front of an American flag, with a bald eagle perched on his arm.
In contrast, Superman’s expressed politics in the DCAU’s latest extension feel grounded and authentic to who he has become over the years. Kal-El’s origin story is already political, as he was an immigrant refugee from another planet ravished by war. It stands to reason that by growing up in rural Kansas, Clark Kent would adopt Steve Rogers’ perspective on the world. Since Captain America grew up with traditional American values, it feels right that they are the same beliefs which Superman would have inherited from Pa Kent.