Superman has always stood for "truth, justice and the American way." That is until Action Comics #900 was released. We reported Superman's decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship and there was a bit of discussion on the matter. Basically the cry went out that Superman was being un-American. How could he turn his back on the country that had been his home since he arrived in his spaceship from Krypton?
Whether it was a coincidence or lack of communication, the good news is Superman still believes in America. Despite apparently turning his back on the United States, he revealed this week in Superman #711 that he still believes it the ideals of America.
== TEASER ==
Going back to Action Comics #900, several comments dealt with whether or not Superman was a U.S. citizen to begin with. Questions of his birth certificate came up among readers. Obviously Superman does not have a birth certificate. The U.S. citizenship was bestowed upon him.
Does Clark Kent have a birth certificate? I would say definitely yes. Originally when Jonathan and Martha found baby Kal-El, they immediately took him to an orphanage. Shortly after, they adopted him. In other tellings of Superman's origins, they simply told everyone that Clark belonged to Martha's sister and they were going to raise him as their own. If they weren't able to come up with a birth certificate for Clark, you can bet anything that Batman has obtained one for him.
But what about Superman's little speech. It does make sense what he said. The way I took it was not that he was turning his back on the United States. He is not just looking to protect the U.S. but instead is a savior for the world. And if Superman is chasing a deadly villain like Doomsday or Eclipso and happens to cross into a foreign country, why should it be perceived as an attack by the United States. Superman shouldn't be a representative of the country. He is invested in saving all lives.
It's up to readers to interpret his decision however they see fit. I'm not sure if it's possible that this current speech of still believing in the U.S.A. was quickly added to calm people down and reassure that Superman is still patriotic (how far in advanced to comics need to be printed to reach comic shops?). This doesn't mean he's trying to reclaim his U.S. citizenship. Who knows how much stock we should even put into a back-up story in an over-sized issue? Regardless, U.S. citizens across the country can now sleep safely knowing that Superman still believes in the foundation that our forefathers set in place.
Did you lose your faith in Superman or does it even matter if he's a U.S. citizen or not?