Everyone knows the iconic 'S' emblazoned across Superman's chest has at least one notable interpretation. But as New Super-Man #8 reveals, the 'S' can mean something else entirely to a young man attempting to grow in power and spirit.
It's easily one of the most identifiable emblems in the entire superhero : The bright red 'S' with dashes of yellow on a blue background. The symbol of Superman is something that has meant different things at various points in the hero's history. Originally, it simply stood for 'Superman', while later interpretations made it the official crest of the House of El. Now, the most common explanation is that it's the Kryptonian symbol for hope. Considering how Superman is looked upon as one of the greatest heroes of all time, it's an apt meaning. But like any other symbol, it can and has changed throughout the years.
And it seems that the 'S' has another meaning for another Superman. In New Super-Man #8 by Gene Luen Yang and Billy Tan, Kong Kenan, the Super-Man of China is studying under Master I-Ching in an attempt to better understand his powers. I-Ching has Kenan blindfolded and helps him activate his super hearing ability. Though Kenan successfully makes use of his new power, the burden becomes too much, and he contemplates quitting the Super-Man role. I-Ching asks Kenan if he understands why the 'S' on his chest is an octagon rather than a shield like Superman. The teacher informs his pupil that the shape is actually the 8 Trigrams, and that each section is related to a specific body part, and for Kenan, a specific power. I-Ching informs Super-Man that the 'S' doesn't just stand for hope, it's Kenan's guide to mastering his powers.
Superman's Symbol Takes On A More Personal Meaning
This is quite an interesting spin on Superman’s symbol and one quite unique to Kenan. Though the two heroes share a set of powers, Kenan was given his in an experiment that tied his qi, or life force, to Clark’s. Kenan was also younger and more immature than Superman and needed to grow in many ways before he truly understood the weight of his powers. For Kenan, this symbol was more than just his identifier as Super-Man, it was the path for him to better understand his powers and himself.
Kenan’s like any other young hero, and needs a path to show him the way. And there’s no better role model than Superman. But it's not enough for Kenan to just act like Superman. If he's going to have the Man of Steel's powers, he needed to understand them in relation to himself. Fusing the Superman insignia and the 8 Trigrams isn't just a clever twist on the 'S' shield, it's a great way of showing how a symbol can be reinterpreted for different people. Super-Man's 'S' acknowledges Superman's influence, while hinting at the path of growth Kenan has taken.
