DCEU: Why it’s the perfect time for a Black Superman

Credit DC Comics

Calvin Ellis Earth 23’s Superman

For those who weren’t aware, yes there technically is a black Superman in the comics. Writer Grant Morrison and artist Doug Mahnke made this hero possible. His name his Kalel aka Calvin Ellis. Like most depictions of Superman, Calvin was born on Krypton and sent to earth upon the destruction of his home planet. After being discovered by the Ellis family, Calvin was raised to fight for what he believed in and accept who he was. 

Like his counterpart, his main nemesis was Lex Luthor and he served as a folding member of the Justice League. Calvin fought for social injustices and became a savvy politician who eventually became President of the United States. On Earth-23 he has his own battles, the most famous being his fight against the evil Superdoom. Together with the Justice League and Lex Luthor they defeated said, villain. 

Despite there being a black Superman, it doesn’t mean that Warner Bros has to depict Calvin Ellis on the big screen. In fact, they can take simply take Clark Kent and make black, as expected. Although Clark is traditionally white, this gives fans a chance to see something new. There’s no rule that says every comic book character has to appear as they are in the comics on the big screen. In fact, Michael B. Jordan is perfectly capable of playing a similar type of brooding Superman that was set up by Zack Snyder. One thing’s for sure, Jordan can handle the backlash.