Recently the comic world is all abuzz over the fact that Superman #712 was replaced by a fill-in. Superman #712 was originally to feature a story about the Man of Steel teaming up with Sharif, a young super hero coping with the fact that the public may not accept a Muslim superhero. DC's official response to the issue was as follow:
"This fill in issue contains a lost classic, Lost Boy: A Tale of Krypto the Superdog, set shortly after Superboy died in Infinite Crisis and Superman went missing.
DC Comics determined that the previously solicited story did not work within the 'Grounded' storyline. However, Chris Roberson [writer], will be back for the final two issues of Superman's year long walk across America. As we near the conclusion, catch up with Superman next month as he makes stops in Portland and Newberg, OR."
No one is buying this flimsy excuse. DC was simply afraid of public backlash. But call me crazy, this problem is exactly what Superman should combat. He's supposed to stand for truth, honor, and the American way. Helping a Muslim hero gain acceptance from the public is exactly the sort of thing I would expect Superman to do. Furthermore, the character actually has a back story within DC's history, stretching all the way back to the Death of Superman story arc:
Created by William Messner-Loebs and Curt Swan in 1990, Davood Nassur [Sharif]was an immigrant from the fictional Arab country of Qurac -- DC's go-to stand-in for the Middle East -- who came to America and discovered that he possessed super-powers. After meeting Superman, he was inspired to use those powers for good, to the point where even as a kid, he was one of the characters who stepped up to protect Metropolis in the aftermath of Superman's (temporary) death.
Personally, I am disappointed in DC. This could've been a standup moment for Superman. A chance to gain national attention and make a cultural gesture that extends far outside the world of comics. Instead, this just turns into more negative press for the Man of Steel.
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