When Rebirth shook issues up within the DC Universe in 2016, a refreshing twist on one of many writer’s iconic characters got here with it. The New Tremendous-Man, Kong Kenan, burst onto the superhero scene in his very personal solo sequence. Author Gene Luen Yang introduced the younger hero to life in a 24-issue comedian full of explosive motion and household drama, all with a definite cultural twist that was utterly new to DC.
“This new Tremendous-Man grew out of an concept that Jim Lee had,” Yang wrote in 2016. “Who can say no to Jim Lee?” (Be sure you take a look at final 12 months’s interview with Yang commemorating AAPI Heritage Month for extra on his outstanding work.)
I’ll admit that I used to be pretty unfamiliar with Kong Kenan, however this 12 months’s AAPI Heritage Month felt like the right time to vary that. I began at the start, studying New Tremendous-Man Vol. 1: Made in China as a method of getting acquainted with Kenan and the spectacular Justice League of China. New Tremendous-Man could be completely different from his namesake in a myriad of how, however there’s multiple strategy to be a hero.
Because the story begins, we meet common teenager Kong Kenan. He’s a highschool pupil who lives in Shanghai. Kenan is conceited, self-centered and reckless. And, if we’re being sincere, he’s a little bit of a bully. He torments his classmate Lixin, the son of a wealthy airline CEO, and Kenan would in all probability argue that he deserves it.
In the event you’re considering, “He sounds nothing like Clark Kent,” you’re not unsuitable. Kenan, estranged from his father after his mom’s dying, tends to suppose solely of himself. That’s, he did, till the day a super-villain named Blue Condor tries to abduct Lixin from town streets. Kenan makes use of the one weapon he has—a soda can—and knocks the villain upside the pinnacle with a properly timed toss. Blue Condor retreats and his classmate is protected.
Nonetheless, Kenan’s noble (if admittedly silly) act of bravery is observed by greater than the native media. He attracts the eye of Dr. Omen, a shadowy Ministry of Self-Reliance scientist who presents Kenan the prospect to turn out to be an actual superhero full with powers—Superman’s powers. In the event you’ll recall, simply previous to the beginning of Rebirth, the New 52 Superman gave his life in a ultimate, selfless act of heroism. Dr. Omen devised a strategy to imbue a topic with that Superman’s qi, or life drive. The experiment is successful and Kenan turns into New Tremendous-Man, esteemed member of the Justice League of China.
Or he could be if his powers weren’t always on the fritz.
Whereas he has Superman’s talents, New Tremendous-Man can seemingly solely use them separately. And even then, they’re not dependable. He’s benched for the group’s first mission collectively for his personal security, though he leaps into motion as simply plain Kenan to avoid wasting one other harmless life. Sadly, as soon as once more within the highlight, Tremendous-Man can’t resist instantly revealing his secret id and the existence of the Justice League of China to the general public.
New Tremendous-Man additionally finds himself at odds together with his father Zhongdan, who reveals that he’s a “super-villain” himself. Zhongdan is a part of the rebellious Freedom Fighters of China, who espouse reality, justice and democracy. Kenan’s loyalties are torn between his father and the federal government company that gave him his powers.
“Fact, justice, democracy—I don’t even know what these phrases actually imply!” Kenan cries. “The one factor I do know for certain is that I don’t need you or anybody I care about to get damage.”
“That’s a superb place to begin, Tremendous-Man,” his father replies.
New Tremendous-Man and Superman don’t appear to have something in widespread past their powers… or do they? In a uncommon second of candor, Dr. Omen tells Kenan she selected him for her venture as a result of he has the guts of a hero. It won’t be as large as Clark Kent’s but, however Kenan Kong’s coronary heart is in the correct place. He’s selfless when he must be. He’s always rising as a hero and an individual, studying to take heed to and belief his teammates. (Even when he gained’t admit it.) Sure, Kenan is a jerk, however he’s a likeable jerk. You may’t assist rooting for him.
Whereas he may need began his superhero profession for questionable causes, Kenan Kong is a implausible reminder {that a} hero doesn’t must look and even act like Superman to be tremendous. Heroes are available all shapes, sizes and even personalities. Being a hero merely requires the bravery to do the correct factor.
New Tremendous-Man Vol. 1: Made in China by Gene Luen Yang, Viktor Bogdanovic and Richard Pal is on the market in bookstores, comedian retailers, libraries and as a digital graphic novel. Learn the whole New Tremendous-Man sequence proper now on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE!
Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DCComics.com and her writing may also be seen on IGN, Nerdist and extra. Comply with her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to speak superheroes, comics and popular culture.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed on this characteristic are solely these of Kelly Knox and don’t essentially replicate these of DC Leisure or Warner Bros.
