New Super-Man #5 (2017) – A Bold New Chapter in DC’s Global Superhero Saga 🇨🇳🦸
📚 Genre
Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Blending classic superhero tropes with modern Chinese culture, New Super-Man explores the rise of a reluctant hero amidst political tension, myth, and meta-human intrigue.
👤 Main Characters
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Kong Kenan / New Super-Man – A brash teenager from Shanghai who inherits powers similar to Superman’s, but with an unpredictable twist.
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Dr. Omen – The head of the Ministry of Self-Reliance, she’s both mentor and manipulator.
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Baixi / Bat-Man of China – A methodical and disciplined ally, often the brains of the team.
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Deilan / Wonder-Woman of China – A powerful warrior tied to mystical origins.
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Human Firecracker – A volatile and unhinged villain who wields destructive power.
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Starro Bomb – A catastrophic alien weapon that changes the battlefield entirely.
✍️ Writer
Gene Luen Yang
The award-winning author behind American Born Chinese, Yang brings depth, cultural nuance, and layered storytelling to Kenan’s evolution as a superhero.
🎨 Artist
Viktor Bogdanovic
Known for his dynamic lines and expressive character work, Bogdanovic delivers high-energy action with a distinct East-meets-West visual flair.
🖌️ Inker & Colorist
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Inker: Richard Friend
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Colorist: Hi-Fi
Their teamwork brings out the gritty, vivid contrasts in action scenes and emotional moments alike.
📝 Editor Details
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Editor: Paul Kaminski
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Assistant Editor: Jessica Chen
These editors helped shape a tightly woven narrative that balances humor, drama, and explosive action.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Published under the DC Rebirth imprint, New Super-Man represents DC’s initiative to revitalize legacy characters while expanding global representation.
📅 Release Year
2017
🧩 Brief Plot Summary
In Issue #5, Kong Kenan finds himself reeling from shocking truths about the so-called Chinese Freedom Fighters, a revelation that forces him to question everything he believes. As he teeters between national duty and personal morality, chaos erupts when the Human Firecracker sets loose a terrifying weapon: the Starro Bomb. This alien monstrosity threatens not just Shanghai but possibly all of China. Kenan must face the limits of his newfound powers and decide where his true loyalties lie. 💥🌌
🔥 Notable Arcs or Storylines
“Made in China” – Part 5
This installment is a crucial moment in the six-part “Made in China” arc, where Kenan’s identity, heritage, and heroism are put to the ultimate test. The arc redefines what it means to be a Superman in a globalized world.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Some fans speculate that the Starro Bomb may be a metaphor for external ideological control—symbolizing how foreign or ancient forces (like Starro) attempt to dominate national identity.
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Kenan’s unsteady powers are interpreted by many readers as an allegory for adolescence and self-discovery in a complex political landscape.
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Dr. Omen’s ambiguous morality has sparked theories that she may be manipulating events to create a controlled "Justice League of China" for her own ends.
⭐ Review Summary
New Super-Man #5 is a standout issue with smart writing, layered characters, and explosive visuals. Gene Luen Yang’s storytelling brings emotional weight and socio-political nuance, while Viktor Bogdanovic’s artwork crackles with kinetic energy. Kenan’s growth from cocky teen to conflicted hero is believable and compelling. The Starro Bomb adds a sci-fi punch that elevates the stakes without overwhelming character moments. This issue is a thrilling midpoint in the arc—gripping, bold, and refreshingly original. 🚀🧨
Whether you’re a long-time DC fan or new to the world of Eastern superheroes, New Super-Man #5 delivers action-packed storytelling with a unique cultural twist.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
