'Truth, justice and the American way - it's not enough anymore,' Superman

'A slight on the US': Superman to RENOUNCE his American citizenship in a new storyline

Last updated at 11:55 PM on 28th April 2011

Superman has outraged fans as he renounces his US citizenship in this week's comic

He has always been the most patriotic of superheroes as the champion of truth, justice and the American way.
But Superman has sparked a whirlwind of controversy by renouncing his US citizenship in a shocking twist in the Action Comics' record 900th issue this week.
The Man of Steel is not giving up his nationality because of heavy taxes or health care reforms. He makes the move after being caught in the middle of a diplomatic row between Washington and Tehran.
But it effectively leaves him as an illegal alien.
The storyline has incensed some comic book fans who claim it is a slight on the US.
'Besides being riddled with a blatant lack of patriotism, and respect for our country, Superman's current creators are belittling the United States as a whole,' Hollywood publicist and Republican activist Angie Meyer told FOX411's Pop Tarts column.
'By denouncing his citizenship, Superman becomes an eerie metaphor for the current economic and power status the country holds worldwide,' she added
In the story, Superman gets panned for making an appearance in Iran to support the country's rebel protests. It mirrors the comic book trend to mirror real life events.

OUTRAGE: The hero renounces his U.S. citizenship in front of the United Nations in a diplomatic row, not over domestic or foreign policy

But it is still a radical departure for the character in his iconic red, white and blue suit, first created in 1938 by Jerry Stiegel and Joe Shuster.
'Truth, justice and the American way - it's not enough anymore,' Superman tells the president's National Security Advisor in the new issue.
'I intend to speak before the United Nations tomorrow and inform them that I am renouncing my US citizenship.
'I'm tired of having my actions construed as instruments of US policy, he adds, explaining that he wants to help wherever and whenever he's needed.
'I've been thinking too small. I realize that now.'
But DC Comics co-publishers Jim Lee and Dan Didio insisted Clark Kent's alter ego is not turning his back on America.

It is a radical departure for the character in his iconic red, white and blue suit, first created in 1938 by Jerry Stiegel and Joe Shuster

'Superman is a visitor from a distant planet who has long embraced American values. As a character and an icon, he embodies the best of the American Way,' they said in a statement to the New York Post.
'In a short story in Action Comics 900, Superman announces his intention to put a global focus on his never ending battle, but he remains, as always, committed to his adopted home and his roots as a Kansas farm boy from Smallville,' the statement added.
He is not the only comic book character to be swayed by politics. Captain America briefly hung up his cape because he was frustrated with the level of corruption before returning as the star-spangled avenger to defend the American dream rather than the US government.
'Superman has always been bigger than the United States. In an age rife with immigration paranoia, it's refreshing to see an alien refugee tell the United States that it's as important to him as any other country on Earth -- which, in turn, is as important to Superman as any other planet in the multiverse,' wrote Wired blogger Scott Thill.
'The genius of Superman is that he belongs to everyone, for the dual purposes of peace and protection,' Mr Thill added. 'He's above ephemeral geopolitics and nationalist concerns, a universal agent unlike any other found in pop culture.'

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