Superman versus the Ku Klux Klan: The True Story of How the Iconic Superhero Battled the Men of Hate

This was a very informative read from a trusted source, viz., National Geographic. In a lively series of chapters, a radio program recounting the adventures of a popular fictional character is revealed as the main weapon able to counter the resurgence of the KKK in post-WW II America. All the main characters in this real-life drama are introduced and their roles described in what seems to be a dramatic story taken right from the pages of a comic book!

If you loved the old TV show or radio show or even the current versions of Superman or just love comic book history, you will love this book. It is right up your alley of interest.

I found this a very readable, fascinating account of the creation of Superman and how this fictional superhero was used to fight the Ku Klux Klan. I've heard the story of Superman's creation before but not in as complete a fashion as is explained here. It's an interesting story about two Jewish teenagers growing up during the Great Depression who desperately wanted to join the comics industry. But neither could ever imagine their creation becoming the phenomenon it did. Unfortunately for them, they turned the copyright over to DC Comics (normal procedure at the time) and as a result didn't receive the benefits they should have. But Superman has throughout his history provided not only entertainment but the idea that good can defeat evil, even the real thing. The Ku Klux Klan may not have started out as an organization of evil but it certainly became one. What I didn't know was that it petered out after their extreme acts of violence got out of control. Reading about the deliberate reincarnation of the organization was a bit sickening, but ironically it seems that the people responsible for its recreation were more interested in money than ideology. Unfortunately, many of those who joined the organization did fully buy into the hate and fear that the organization encouraged and often acted on it, violently. Seeing these two stories come full circle when the Superman radio show decided to have Superman face an organization that clearly represented the KKK. This book represents the impact that even a fictional character can have on the history of a nation. The power of propaganda for good or evil can easily be seen in this story, a story that happens to be true. A great example of the kind of history book that children will want to pick up and read. There is however a lot of text here, more photos and extras would have been nice. But the story is compelling enough to make up for that, but reluctant readers will be put off by the amount of text. A great read though for more advanced readers.

The 1915 revival of the Klan was as much a business enterprise as it was one of hate. It’s sickning to think that as a non-profit shouldn’t be allowed to promote hatered. 80% of the KKK’s revenue went to a PR firm in Atlanta. And that is just in section 2. There is so much more. A very interesting book that weaves the history of the US,, the KKK, Superman, and WWII into a very interesting narative. They helped create many childrens programming techniques that we take for granted today. Well worth reading — easy to read.

Really eye opening and a great telling for an important moment in history.

Keeeeeeeee we e e e e w w w w w e e e we e e e e we e e e x t z

More adult than the title would suggest. Interesting reading.

Actually entertaining and interesting to read! Would recommend to any age group that's interested in either comics or the downfall of the kkk in America.

Entertaining and information.

Incluye el origen de Superman (los hechos que llevaron a su creación) así como el de sus creadores; el origen del KKK y el paralelismo de ambos hasta su colisión. Muy bueno.