The hero Superman has tackled some pretty heavy issues before, but his next adventure may be his most important one yet. DC has announced an upcoming YA graphic novel that features Clark Kent encountering the influential nature of hateful online subcultures.
In the Man of Steel's long history as a comic book icon, he's done more than just punch villains. Superman stories have often been used to touch on serious, real-world issues. Racism, immigration, abuse, discrimination are just some of the heavy topics Clark Kent has seen in his personal and superhero lives. Since his creation, Superman has fought for social justice and been an outspoken advocate for the rights of all people. And while the hero has been around for nearly a century, hate is just as powerful as ever, even taking on sinister new forms.
And a new graphic novel plans to show just how DC's greatest hero can deal with one of the most worrying topics facing young minds today. During San Diego Comic-Con, the publisher revealed Superman: The Harvest of Youth, a graphic novel from Sina Grace. The book reimagines Clark Kent as a modern teen attending Smallville High, grappling with several real issues facing teens today. The Man of Steel is going to face “the mortality of his friends and family, teen isolation and the seductive nature of online subcultures built around hate and anger.” Joining Clark in this adventure are well-known figures from Superman's history like Lana Lang, as well as new characters for the young hero to bond with.
One particularly interesting aspect of the announcement was the mention that Clark would come face to face with hateful online groups and see the influence that they can have on developing minds. This is a relatively new topic that is just starting to get attention in the real world and it's certainly something Superman can't fight with his fists. But this does follow in the tradition of Superman stamping out hate when it rears its head. After all, Superman infamously fought the Klan and repudiated their awful message. Online radicalization is a much more current and relatable issue and it's good that Superman of all heroes is about to face it head on.
The last few years have seen a number of real-world stories of young people drawn into niche online cultures and radicalized by bigoted and hateful content. These sorts of communities can take form on social media sites, message boards or private chat servers. For example, comic books have been a target for some hateful subcultures over publishers’ recent efforts to provide better representation in comics with even Superman being attacked because of its inclusion of Jon Kent as a bisexual Man of Steel. Now, more than ever, young people need content that addresses the dangerous influence of toxic communities and no other hero is better suited to the task than Clark Kent. Superman could be a powerful asset at helping young people stay wise about this growing epidemic, and possibly even prevent someone from falling into such an insidious trap.
Source: CBR.com