Warning! Spoilers ahead for Green Lantern #11!Yes, Superman has seriously inspired his own religion in the DC Universe. A trip to Las Vegas reveals that there is an officially recognized religion modeled after the life and exploits of the Man of Steel, raising some interesting interpretations about how the hero is perceived in the world.
In Green Lantern #11 by Jeremy Adams, Xermánico and Amancay Nahuelpan, former Star Sapphire Carol Ferris is preoccupied with thoughts about Hal and impulsively springs the idea of marriage onto her boyfriend, Nate. Nate agrees and the two head out to Vegas to tie the knot.
The two make it to Vegas and head to a venue called the ‘Chapel of Solitude’, a place fully decked out with Superman merchandise. Nate asks if this place is actually licensed to marry people and the attendant guarantees that members of the Church of Krypton are recognized in the state of Nevada and can officiate marriages.
To say that Superman is an inspirational figure in the DC Universe is underselling just how beloved the Man of Tomorrow really is. For years, Superman has been the leading figure of the superhero community. He’s at the forefront of every crisis and catastrophe Earth encounters and he’s saved more lives than many of the DCU’s best put together. Superman is, of course, a humble man and wouldn’t dare consider himself any kind of prophet or spiritual leader. He’s just a man out to do the most good possible and help anyone in need of Superman’s aid.
It’s no wonder a religion would form around a hero as big and beloved as Superman. The Church of Krypton was even hinted at in Future State Superman: Worlds of War #1 when a potential future showed small, cult-like followings start to spring up in the wake of Superman’s absence. But as this issue of Green Lantern shows, people in the DC Universe can join a religion inspired by Superman. Of course, this is Vegas, and the chapel seems like a novelty. But the idea of Superman as a religious figure shows just how important he is to the world.
For all his power, Superman isn’t a god and he’s the first person to say that. Truth be told, there are plenty of worse heroes that could inspire a religious following (just imagine a cult founded on praising the glory of Booster Gold). Superman, at the very least, is a good and honorable man who practices what he preaches and simply wants two things: To do good and for others to do good. The Church of Krypton might not be something Superman exactly wants, but if it earnestly helps people, then what’s the harm?
Green Lantern #11 is available now from DC Comics.