The Unknown

In Chris Gavaler's assessment of superhero literature addresses the treatment of foreign nations and cultures by authors of the genre. In his article "The Imperial Superhero" he theorizes that the superhero genre's origin of Spring Heeled Jack in 19th century colonial britain set the stage for imperial tendencies to become a recurring aspect of superhero literature throughout the following century. The Superman chronicles are a major indication of this pattern, associating the superpowers of Superman with the mysterious origin of a foreign planet Krypton, giving readers a curiosity of foreign mysticism. In the unity of Krypton with urban life through the presence of Superman in Metropolis, the bonding between two alien cultures in fictional literature benefits the image of colonialism viewed by the general population.

Although the intention of maintaining propaganda of imperialism is not clear in the texts of superhero comics, there are multiple of examples in "Supermen!" in which the interactions between Western and Eastern nations refer to the perception of Eastern civilization in the eyes of American culture. A major example of this relationship is seen in the depiction of "Daredevil" in which the supervillain deemed The Claw demonically rises out of an Asian (Tibetan) crockpot of devil worship and sinister tribalism. Daredevil's alter ego, Bart Hill, is introduced at the beginning of Daredevil's story in this example, shown to be living peacefully in the countryside as the savage brutallity of The Claw rudely interrupts in innocent civilization of American from underground. His symbolic gesture of rising from beneath the Earth as a final affirmation of demonic characterization is only marginal compared to the images of tribal cult followers dancing around The Claw's throne engulfed in flames. The ultimate demonization of this figure is expressed with an alternative title given to the villain: God of Hate.

The intensity with which the creators of this comic describe the hellish features of The Claw and his followers creates a dramatic atmosphere in setting up an epic battle between good vs. evil. The multiple associations between this demonic figure and Eastern culture, however, imply to readers that people of Eastern nations may contribute to evil practices like the worshippers of The Claw. Although no reference to American colonialism of undemocratic lands is made in the text, the propaganda seen in other part's of society become reaffirmed through these images.

The propaganda incorporated by political figures to influence the minds of American citizens is easily accomplished in certain superhero characters; namely Captain America. As a comic that was published in 1941, the fight against German spies in America makes its way into this popular comic and ends with the enlistment of a youthful sidekick to assist Captain America in his battle against evil. The message from this story seems to encourage kids around the country to fight against German spies and be vigilant of evil that may lurk behind every corner.