After a spell in the wilderness, writer Joe Kelly returned to Superman the past month to deliver one of the more memorable arcs in the character’s recent history.
An adjunct to the Infinite Crisis mega-crossover (isn’t every DC title these days?), the three-issue tale details an extended battle between the Golden-Age Superman and his modern counterpart. Yet, the sequence is more than a super-powered slobberknocker or even a commentary on old, grizzled comic-book fans like your humble Keeper.
Knowing Kelly’s propensity for political commentary, it seems as if the battle actually reflects the “red” and “blue” dichotomy that has split this country since 9/11.
(And also brings a whole new meaning to the classic Silver Age tale…)
To make this point, Kelly exaggerated aspects of the character’s respective incarnations. The Golden Age Superman’s direct approach to justice (smash bad guys in the face) translates to a black-and-white outlook that mandates a direct, merciless response to evil.
To “Superman-Red,” there can be no negotiation or compromise in his never-ending battle for truth or justice. Such weaknesses only lead to defeat or disaster, exemplified by the OMAC crisis and Wonder Woman’s murder of Maxwell Lord.
Sound familiar? Substitute “OMAC” and “Wonder Woman” for Iraq and “War on Terrorism.”
Kelly also uses the modern Superman’s propensity for self-reflection - a standard characterization for all comic-book heroes in the post-Marvel Age - as a metaphor for a more liberal ideology.
Unlike “Superman-Red,” modern Superman sees life in shades of gray. Moral absolutes are impossible to achieve in a world where heroes and villains behave in ways counter to “black and white” stereotypes - traits exemplified in Batman’s destructive paranoia and Black Adam’s inherent nobility.
If so-called heroes can’t be trusted to do the “right” thing, how can even a Superman place himself above humanity as judge, jury and (perhaps) executioner?
Rather than take such direct action, “Superman-Blue” instead chooses to lead by example. He uses his great powers for benevolent purposes, hoping to encourage a sense of justice and fairness in others. By improving the lot of mankind in general, everyone is given a chance to transcend poverty and injustice - a “blue” philosophy that President Lyndon Johnson packaged as “The Great Society.”
In the course of the story, each Superman is given the chance to apply his philosophy to the counterpart’s world. Interestingly, both meet with complete and utter failure.
Even more significantly, both emerge from the experience with an even greater commitment to their respective slants. Neither Superman blames his failure on a narrow-minded vision; rather, it is the inherent corruption of the other’s world that leads to tragedy.
The story ends with both Supermen locked in eternal, mortal combat.
As a legitimate American icon, Superman - more than nearly any other comic-book hero - can be used as a means to reflect the values of our own society. From the “New Deal” Superman of the late ’30s to the more domesticated rendition of the ’50s to the angst-filled modern hero, the fictional tales of a near-godlike Kryptonian can tell us much about ourselves if we’re willing to listen.
Taken in this context, Kelly’s message is not pleasant. However, given what we all read in the paper each day, it is far from inaccurate.
