Culture

New Super-Man writer Gene Luen Yang gets a MacArthur Genius Grant

The graphic novel writer and artist has most recently created a new version of DC's iconic Superman.

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Dan Ackerman

Sept. 22, 2016 8:43 a.m. PT

gallerycomics1920x108020160713nsmcv1573f629b9540b7-98419202.jpg — New Super-Man follows the adventures of a 17-year-old from Shanghai who inherits Superman's powers.
DC Comics

Among those name named just this week as new MacArthur Fellows by the Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is comic book writer and artist Gene Luen Yang.

Yang is known for his 2006 graphic novel American Born Chinese and his work on Superman. His latest project is a new version of Superman for DC Comics. Titled New Super-Man, it follows the adventures of a 17-year-old from Shanghai who inherits Superman's powers.

The MacArthur Foundation's website says that Yang's work, "demonstrates the potential of comics to broaden our understanding of diverse cultures and people."

Each of the 36 recipients of the MacArthur Fellowship receives a $625,000 grant, and the other 2016 honorees can be seen here.