The Ministry of Self-Reliance has recruited Kong Kenan, a teenager from Shanghai. Imbued with the powers of a Kryptonian, he declares himself the New Super-Man. Fighting alongside Bat-Man and Wonder-Woman, can he protect China from a rash of new “super villains”?
Art Style
Overall, I enjoyed this aspect of the work. I loved the action and bright colors, although the art felt more muted as the story progressed. Bogdanovic’s faces looked off to me in certain panels. A character can look completely different from one panel to the next. I find myself distracted.
This really competed with the artwork from Son of Superman.
Did I put it down?
Yes, and I almost did not pick it back up. I could not find a reason.
Content
The main character bullies others throughout the story. Beyond this, we see comic violence.
Would I recommend Made in China?
No, I would not. I wanted more ties to the Superman title. I suppose that is a personal preference, but the story did not know where it was going. The arc was too short for what they tried to include. Is this a political piece? Are we focusing on Kong Kenan’s family or his new allies? Why is everything so derivative of the American Justice League? Nothing felt developed enough.
I am going to give the second volume a try. Even with everything I said above, this was an ambitious title, and I know that Gene Luen Yang is a talented storyteller. I am looking forward to seeing what he can do with the title moving forward.
Check out the title here.