Superman is a highly anticipated movie with a lot riding on it. Among them is how people look at the future of James Gunn’s DCU. So far, the reviews have been promising, with fans saying it’s one of the best live-action Superman projects. Sadly, people are complaining that the story is “too woke” because it focuses on Kal-El being an immigrant in America.
The funny thing about this narrative is that this has been a major part of Clark’s story since his debut. Seeing it on screen may be new to some, but it’s well-known to anyone who’s read a comic book that featured Superman. It’s not something he’s hidden. In fact, it’s something he’s proud of.
Because of the negative talk, it seemed like a good time to bring up other popular heroes and villains who aren’t from America. Because not being American and immigrating isn’t something that should be talked about negatively.
Alfred Pennyworth
We start with a character without superpowers, but the super-ability to turn scared boys into one of the greatest heroes ever. I give you the man who raised Bruce Wayne after his parents died, Alfred Pennyworth.
Aflred’s origin didn’t start with him being around when Thomas and Martha Wayne were alive. Thankfully, that idea was retconned. It makes more sense that he’d be closer to Bruce since he’d known him before the tragedy. Otherwise, Alfred becoming a trusted advisor and a father figure to the entire Bat Family would have been weird.
Born in: England
Wolverine
Whenever someone tells Logan that he has the attitude of a typical American, he quickly reminds them that he’s Canadian. It’s something he’s proud of and has been a major part of his personality for decades. It’s why one of his nicknames is the “Ol’ Canucklehead.”
Born in: Canada
Magneto
Max Eisenhardt is a German-born Jewish man who, unfortunately, was one of the people who suffered during the Holocaust. While there, he learned a harsh lesson about how cruel humanity can be. This leads to him becoming a villain that many were sympathetic to.
Over the past two decades, Magneto has left his evil ways. He’s even learned that his methods of aggression aren’t being used well (read X-Men No. 35/Uncanny X-Men 700 for that story). He’s become a perfect example of how our past doesn’t have to define us.
Born in: Germany
T’Challa
T’Challa has always been miles ahead of his peers in a lot of things. Among them is intelligence. There are even times when geniuses like Reed Richards and Blue Marvel go to him for advice. Some of it is due to Wakandan technology vastly surpassing the rest of the world's advances. It’s also because T’Challa understands that magic and science can go hand-in-hand.
Born in: Wakanda
Martian Manhunter
J'onn J'onzz is another character who escaped hardship from their planet and found a home on Earth. He’s helped save the planet on multiple occasions, learned about the world’s culture, and remains one of the kindest people despite how he’s been treated. Sadly, he has to hide his true form because his appearance frightens people and makes them think he's a monster.
Born on: Mars
Black Widow
Never forget that one of the greatest Avengers of all time, Black Widow, was once a Russian spy. However, whether it’s the movies or the comics, Natasha doesn’t let her past define her. She knows that she can do and be better. So much so that people forget that she could have once been considered a villain.
Born in: The Soviet Union
Sarah Rogers
This is something that people may not know, but should be mentioned. Both of Steve Rogers’ parents (Joseph and Sarah Rogers) immigrated to America from Ireland. After Steve’s father dies, Sarah busts her butt to make ends meet. A lot of Steve’s hardworking and never-say-quit attitude came from seeing his mother doing whatever she could to provide for her son.
Born in: Ireland
Lady Shiva
There are only a handful of people in comics who are as deadly as Sandra Wu-San, aka Lady Shiva. She’s quick, deadly, and has zero remorse for most people in the world. There was even a time when it looked like she was willing to kill her daughter. No, she’s not a good person, but she’s an amazing character.
Born in: China
Omni-Man
Did you forget that the “Defender of Democracy” is an alien whose original purpose was to take over the world? Love Omni-Man or hate him, he came to Earth, lived in America, and planned to take over to prepare it for Viltrumite rule. But, as time went on, he learned to love humanity thanks to the kind people he met.
Born on: Planet Viltrum
Nightcrawler
Kurt Wagner has every reason to hate people. He’s a mutant that looks like a demon, and it smells like sulfur when he teleports. Yet, he’s the kindest soul in all of comics. His faith in God, mutants, and humanity, but he maintains his view that people are good.
Born in: Germany
John Constantine
The drinking, smoking, cursing magician is a Brit and has no problem letting people know. Actually, Constantine doesn’t bite his tongue about anything. It could be because he’s seen things that would leave a normal person insane. Or maybe it's because he doesn’t have much of a soul left. Regardless, you can’t deny that Constatine is one of the greatest comic book characters ever.
Born in: England
Thor
The God of Thunder is thousands of years old and doesn’t even see time the same way humans do. It’s one of the reasons he’s always excited to see Steve Rogers after they depart (read Thor No. 15 by Donny Cates for that story). He's stronger than most people, has the power to crack worlds in half, and will live to see the end of the universe. Nevertheless, no matter the many differences, Thor remains one of Earth’s greatest protectors.
Born in: Asgard
Wonder Woman
Diana is from Themyscira, a place called Paradise Island, and left it to protect the world. Let that sink in. She could have stayed somewhere that is literally called paradise, gets judged and persecuted, and still has faith in the world. In fact, in Tom King’s Wonder Woman, we see firsthand how much she’s hated because she’s a strong woman. But, she remains a woman of peace who’s more than willing to bring war.
Born on: Themyscira
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