Prior to the release ofSupermanby director James Gunn in 2025, eager fans can turn to the comics to get their Clark Kent fix. While there are many options to pick from, one comic is perhaps the simplest and tastiest book to turn to, especially for a more light-hearted read:Superman vs. Meshiby Satoshi Miyagawa and Kai Kitago.
In the 2020s, DC Comics decided to break into the manga market, which later inspired other DC Comics projects. Along with 2024’s manga-sizedDC Compact Comics, the publisher released three manga titles featuring DC characters in 2023 in a partnership with manga publisher Kodansha. Among those successful titles,Superman vs. Meshiis all about the Man of Steel’s love for international cuisine, specifically Japanese food.
Superman vs. Meshiis a more relaxed read than DC’s other manga, but it still captures Clark Kent’s love for humanity, as well as his own humanity.
Superman vs. MeshiDelivers a Slice-of-Life Superman (and Friends)
DC’s Original Manga Highlights Superman’s Humanity Through Food
Superman vs. Meshifeatures a sillier Superman who uses his powers for a very human desire: to eat good food. Seeing one of the most powerful superheroes in history use his powers to treat himself to lunch overseas puts him in a more human light, much likeTatsu fromThe Way of the Househusbandby Kousuke Oono. Both figures could be incredibly imposing, butthrough their mundane actions, they come off as some of the most endearing, lovable characters. Plus, readers see how deeply Clark Kent appreciates humanity through his love of food, from the art of cooking to the act of sharing meals with loved ones.
It’s not easy to figure out where to start with the Man of Steel. At the time of writing,Superman is featured in several American monthly series, includingSuperman,Action Comics,Absolute Superman,Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, andJustice League Unlimited. Along with those comics, there are many graphic novels and trade paperbacks collecting Superman’s adventures over the decades, many of which feature intense plots tied to decades of continuity.
Superman vs. Meshifeatures a sillier Superman who uses his powers for a very human desire: to eat good food.
Superman vs. Meshi, on the other hand, is not aiming to be a plot-heavy book. Instead,each chapter acts as a vignette dedicated to a different kind of cuisine Superman indulges inasthe Man of Steel grabs lunch in Japan. This structure lends itself to the slice-of-life genre, and it feels more in line with manga titles likeThe Way of the HousehusbandorMr. Villain’s Day Offby Yuu Morikawa, as opposed to shonen series likeMy Hero Academiaby Kohei Horikoshi that feel more akin to classic American superhero comics.
Superman vs. MeshiCould Make More Manga Readers into DC Fans
American Comics and Manga Are Not So Different From One Another
Along with being a fun Superman manga that captures the heart and fun of the character,Superman vs. Meshican bridge the gap between comic and manga readers. Whilethere are many differences between comics and manga, like how manga traditionally have a set creative team and comics from Marvel and DC have rotating creative teams, at the end of the day, manga are a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels.
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Superman is primed to have a banner year in 2025, with one of his best stories acting as a perfect gateway for new fans to learn about the character.
Superman vs. Meshiis a manga, even though it features Superman, who is, of course, an American superhero comic character. As such, this book could get manga readers interested in Superman, as well as other American comic characters featured in the series, like Batman or Aquaman. Meanwhile, longtimeSupermanfans may pick up this series and develop an interest in other manga within the slice-of-life genre.
Superman vs. Meshiis available now from Kodansha.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
