Does Clark Kent sound like the name of a Black Man?

A couple of months ago, a viral Photoshop image of actor Michael B. Jordan surfaced online. The photo was of Jordan dressed in a Superman costume. The origin of the photo most likely came from a fan. Some of the internet community began to survey: “what if Jordan portrayed Superman in future DC Comics films?” As a result, a campaign was started, petitioning that Henry Cavil, who is the current actor that plays Superman, ought to be replaced by Michael B. Jordan. The idea sparked outrage.

An online debate spawned on whether or not DC Comics should entertain the idea of turning one of their most popular and iconic characters into a black man. Some people felt that it was a good idea because of diversity. The majority of their characters are white, so why not switch it up and have a black man be at the forefront to be the face of DC Comics?

As expected, hardcore Superman fans were outraged. Superman was the first superhero that DC Comics produced. The look of Superman has remained consistent for the past 50+ years. Randomly deciding to change his race just to spike box office sells and positive critic reviews seems desperate and illogical.

For me personally, I am a Marvel fan, but I do support various material of DC Comics. I am very familiar with various characters and their story-lines. I believe that entertaining the idea of having Michael B. Jordan or any prominent black actor to portray Superman is a horrible idea.

If DC Comics wants to take the initiative to demonstrate diversity, converting Superman into a black man is not the way to do it. I strongly believed the motivation behind this idea was caused by witnessing the success of Marvel’s Black Panther. Black Panther debuted at number one in the box office generating a total of $1.347 billion dollars. The film became the ninth highest-grossing movie of all time. A black super hero was the face of one of the best and successful movies of 2018. It is important, however to understand Marvel’s method.

Marvel did not convert their most popular characters' ethnicity and identity from the comic book cannon when it was time for them to start making films. Ironman was not introduced to the big screen in 2008 as a black man. To demonstrate diversity within the M.C.U, Marvel pushed one of their lesser-known black characters to the forefront. At the time, Black Panther was well-known by loyal comic book readers only. He was “popular” to Avenger fans, but the character was not as known globally. Black Panther’s popularity was not on the same level as Ironman, Thor, Captain America or the Hulk. The character was pushed into the front. Black Panther was first introduced in Captain America: Civil War. His cameo created momentum for people wanting to know more about the character. When the time came for his solo project, Marvel fully invested their resources into making sure that Black Panther’s story was authentic and told properly. Now when people think of the Avengers team, Black Panther maybe the first name that some people may think of.

Michael B. Jordan is a very gifted and critically acclaimed actor. If DC Comics wants to consider Jordan to portray one of their characters, then they need to dedicate their energy into making one of their less popular black heroes have their story told. There are three DC Comics characters that Michael B. Jordan would be perfect for:

I can see Jordan portraying one of the Green Lanterns by the name of John Stewart . The John Stewart character is vaguely known. Majority of the people may know the character from the Justice League animated series that aired on Cartoon Network for five years. John Stewart has the power of a Green Lantern, which is a mystic type green energy in the form of a ring that he can utilize to create whatever he pleases. Aside from Stewart fighting crime, and his relationship with Hawkgirl, the animated series did not explore his origins of how and why he became Green Lantern. Comic readers know, but for the rest of us, this would be a perfect opportunity for Michael B. Jordan to bring the character to life and bring depth to the character's story.

Another black character of the DC Comics universe that Jordan would be perfect for is Icon. I was introduced to Icon through the animated series Young Justice. His outfit is cool, he is well spoken, and another character within the animated series stated that he just as strong as Superman. He appeared in a total of approximately five episodes, and his maximum screen time was no more than four minutes. If Icon is reference to be Superman’s equal in terms of strength, then have Jordan portray him. Icon would be the Black Superman that some fans were rooting to see. I would love to know more about his powers, his origin, and his personal life. Jordan being the vessel of showcasing Icon's story would be a win.

J’onn J’onzz, also known as the Martian-Manhunter is the third option. He is a black hero that possess super strength, telepathy, shape shifting abilities, and a strong intellect. J’onn is a definition of versatility. I can definitely see Michael B. Jordan, who is a modern renaissance actor, portraying Martian-Manhunter, who is a character of many talents. J’onn is one of the original seven members of the Justice League, yet DC Comics chose not to have him featured in the films. The character has only appeared in the animated series of Justice League and Young Justice. I think having Jordan introduce this character to the big screen would also be monumental.

Jordan sat down with Oprah Winfrey to address the rumors during a Super Soul taping. Oprah asked him would he like to be Superman, and his response: “I think there is a huge upside to it, but being under that microscope of just being picked apart, and compared to so many different versions of Superman, I would rather do something original.”

Jordan then reference Calvin Ellis who is another black character of the DC Comics. Calvin Ellis is an alternate version of Superman from a different timeline; Jordan stated that he would not mind portraying that character. He says: “I think the comic book purists can accept that role more than me being Clark Kent.” I could not agree more. There is no need to white-wash the most popular character of the DC Comics universe when there are various of black characters that deserve to have their story told in the theatrical world. Utilizing Jordan's talent to tell Calvin Ellis' story, or the story of the three characters I suggested is the best option for DC Comics to demonstrate diversity properly.