Troy Senik: Waiting for Superman ... to Leave

I can't decide if this is the most galling or the most superfluous piece of political agitprop in recent history. Either way, it's irritating:

The key scene takes place in "The Incident," a short story in Action Comics #900 written by David S. Goyer with art by Miguel Sepulveda. In it, Superman consults with the President's national security advisor, who is incensed that Superman appeared in Tehran to non-violently support the protesters demonstrating against the Iranian regime, no doubt an analogue for the recent real-life protests in the Middle East. However, since Superman is viewed as an American icon in the DC Universe as well as our own, the Iranian government has construed his actions as the will of the American President, and indeed, an act of war.

Superman replies that it was foolish to think that his actions would not reflect politically on the American government, and that he therefore plans to renounce his American citizenship at the United Nations the next day -- and to continue working as a superhero from a more global than national perspective. From a "realistic" standpoint it makes sense; it would indeed be impossible for a nigh-omnipotent being ideologically aligned with America to intercede against injustice beyond American borders without creating enormous political fallout for the U.S. government.

Put aside, if you can, the hilarious credulity of the narrative above (because we've all been dying for "realistic" interpretations of the geo-political ramifications of "nigh-omnipotent beings"). Doubtless, most people's first reaction will be revulsion at denationalizing an American icon. I share that chagrin.

What's really striking, though, is the thinness of the lefty, Turtle Bay gruel being served up here. Superman non-violently supporting protesters in Tehran? Superman renouncing his citizenship at the U.N. (how did he even get his papers in the first place? Follow-up question: was Clark Kent an anchor baby?).

The whole reason we have superheroes is because of our almost primal longing to transcend the strictures of law and order when they seem inadequate to the cause of justice. But this Superman is not a superhero. He is a college kid fresh off an internship with Amnesty International. Good riddance.