ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the US in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War as it underwent the problematic processes of resettlement. The major challenge for superheroes in the immediate post-war world was the navigation of a world where American forces had overcome what had previously seemed like unthinkable evil. Superheroes were confronted with true superpower, and morally problematic superpower at that. The front cover of Captain Marvel Adventures #23 demonstrated clearly how Steamboat draws on racist caricature for his appearance. After Superman's brief flirtation with contemporary politics, the only topical reference in Superman #39 is to the Superman radio show, which began in 1940 but, by 1946, was enjoying some critical acclaim for its progressive liberal storylines. During the Second World War, superheroes had clearly articulated an 'American' approach, at times offering clear guidance on what a post-war America should be and how it should act in the world.
