Tony Black Reviews New Super-Man #3…
“MADE IN CHINA” part 3! When Kenan Kong decided to out the Justice League of China to the world, he was just trying to impress people, not start a revolution! But the damage is done, and the fallout turns deadly as these heroes come face to face with Flying Dragon General and the Freedom Fighters of China!
The opening tale for New Super-Man, ‘Made in China’, continues in its third part as incumbent Far Eastern Man of Steel, Kong Kenan, must face the consequences of recklessly revealing his identify to Laney Lan live on air, not to mention the existence of the Justice League of China. Gene Luen Yang continues his cod-satirical examination of Chinese superheroes and deconstruction of the American superhero construct by exploring the joint naivete, arrogance and sensitivity of Kong all in one foul swoop, thanks to some skillful writing which balances character work and story to a stronger degree than the previous two parts.
We even get brief flashes of what the American Justice League think of Kong’s outburst, before he is hauled over the coals not just by his Chinese facsimiles – the portly Bat-Man primarily – but the sinister Doctor Omen of the Ministry, who is now very much out for the blood. Luen Yang is managing to begin weaving the previously established story elements together here with the combination of Kong blending in with his JLC team mates, discovering new ground with them, the overarching machinations of Omen, the mysterious element of Kong’s father and the brand new enemy element who begin appearing in the picture toward the end. It’s a strong blend of growing plot and character beats, infused with wry humour and plenty of knowing referencing of American superhero tropes. Oh and they fight a dragon – what’s not to love?
Right now the biggest stumbling block to you enjoying New Super-Man could well be the main guy himself, with Kong remaining a very marmite character, but that’s very much the point – he’s growing into becoming China’s Clark Kent and he continues to need time. The constituent elements around him right now are worth the investment.
Rating: 8/10
Tony Black
Originally published October 3, 2016. Updated April 16, 2018.
