San Jose comics creator Gene Luen Yang — author of the groundbreaking and award-winning graphic novels “American Born Chinese” and “Boxers and Saints” — was announced as the new writer of “Superman” by DC Comics on Friday morning. Being handed the reins of the most famous superhero in history is quite a thrill for Yang, who will be paired with artist John Romita Jr. on the series starting in June.
“It’s an honor to work on a character with such an influential legacy, but it’s also gut-wrenching,” Yang said in an email Friday. “My stomach has been acting up and I can’t tell if it’s excitement or fear. Probably both.”
Neil Farris, owner of San Jose’s Hijinx Comics, which has hosted appearances and signings by Yang, is one fan looking forward to seeing what Yang can do with the Man of Steel. “I anticipate it will be a quality run,” Farris said. “I don’t think he’s been associated that much with this kind of work before, so it should be interesting. And I think it makes sense for them to try to change their landscape and become more diverse.”
Yang has dipped his toe in the superhero pool already, having created an Asian American superhero with illustrator Sonny Liew in his most recent graphic novel, “The Shadow Hero.”
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