Jermaine McLaughlin was a special guest on “Superman Homepage Live!”, joining hosts Steve Younis, Michael Bailey, and Marc Lax to discuss his new book, “Superman: The Official Cookbook”.
Jermaine McLaughlin’s Background
McLaughlin revealed he has been a DC and comics fan since he was very young, recalling his first comic memory as a 25-cent copy of “Justice League #200” with a George Pérez jam cover. This lifelong passion led him to an internship at DC Comics in 1997, which became a full-time job in 1999, where he stayed for 16 years. When DC moved to California, he decided to try his hand at writing, leading him to this cookbook project.
Inspiration and Narrative Approach
The unique narrative approach of telling the cookbook from Martha Kent’s perspective was suggested by McLaughlin’s editor. Initially, McLaughlin tried to propose other characters, finding little in common with a “loving elderly mother from the Midwest”. However, his editor was determined to go with the Americana feel, which ultimately “really, really made so much more sense”. McLaughlin describes the book as “essentially a love letter from Martha to Clark and Jon and the rest of the extended Super family,” highlighting Clark’s importance to her life and the world. The book’s structure progresses through recipes from Smallville, then Metropolis, followed by recipes from Superman’s Justice League friends, and finally Krypton, with earthly equivalents for Kryptonian dishes.
Collaboration with Elena P. Craig
McLaughlin collaborated with recipe developer Elena P. Craig. He explained that Craig, a chef who knew only the “bare bones” of Superman, was given a “crash course” in Superman lore. This included guiding her through the DC Universe Infinite app, focusing on Silver Age, Pre-Crisis, New 52, Rebirth, the animated series, and “Superman & Lois”. This collaboration led to moments of inspiration, such as Lois Lane’s Lavender Latte, which Elena P. Craig developed after noticing Lois’s deep lavender eyes in an episode of the animated series. The recipes are presented as if Ma Kent is transcribing them with the help of Krypto, who acts as a “universe’s most able-bodied… assistant/android”. This dynamic provides “fun comic relief moments” and combines Superman’s Kryptonian and Earthly sides.
Character Inclusion and Martha’s Voice
McLaughlin drew inspiration from his own mother’s perspective on her son’s friends to craft Martha’s voice. Martha “will always see the good in all of these people,” offering a “different perspective on certain Leaguers”. Some characters and their associated recipes “picked themselves,” such as Green Arrow’s chili recipe, which has been a staple across many Green Arrow iterations. Other inclusions were chosen to find the “humanity” in characters, like Cyborg’s tailgating food reflecting Vic Stone’s football background, or Martian Manhunter’s Chocos.
Specific Inclusions
- Lex Mix Trail Mix: This is presented as Lex Luthor’s childhood “brain food”. Martha gently navigates Lex’s “darker commentary”. The concept relies on the comics’ continuity where Clark and Lex knew each other as kids, allowing for subtext for long-time fans while also working for general Superman fans who know Lex is the bad guy.
- Alfred Pennyworth: McLaughlin particularly enjoyed including Alfred, noting the unique bond between Martha and Alfred as parents worrying about their world-saving children. Their conversations about food become a “love language,” allowing them to find comfort in sharing recipes for their respective charges.
- Plurb: This alien cuisine, which Clark reportedly missed from space, was Elena P. Craig’s fixation after McLaughlin showed her the “Comfort and Joy” Christmas episode of “Justice League Unlimited”. McLaughlin then wove a narrative around it, even merging it with the “Superman Exile run” where Clark had a beard and a cape as a sash, to create an Earth approximation of the dish.
Research and Relatable Moments
McLaughlin’s process involves a mix of research into Silver Age comics and drawing from his extensive personal knowledge as a long-time fan. He looked for “intimate, relatable moments” like Clark’s X-ray vision finding a lost cornbread recipe card, a detail inspired by Superman’s pre-Byrne “full powers” as a boy. He also pulled from “overall memories” like the John Byrne years, specifically Clark’s invulnerability when he fell in front of a wheat thresher as a boy, to set the mood for Smallville recipes.
Target Audience and Hopes for the Book
McLaughlin hopes the cookbook offers “a little something for everyone,” whether they are long-time fans who remember specific eras (Silver Age, Triangle Era, Rebirth) or newer fans interested in John Kent or “Super Friends”. He aims for the book to be “nice and nostalgic” for existing fans and for new fans to “come for the food [and] stay for Superman,” encouraging them to explore the character’s history.
Recipe Inclusivity
Regarding dietary restrictions, McLaughlin stated that the book includes vegan and sugar-free alternatives for many recipes, and variations can be made to accommodate different nutritional needs, reflecting a goal of being “as inclusive as humanly possible”.
Types of Recipes
The cookbook offers a full course of eating experiences, including breakfast, dinner, dessert, shakes, cocktails, mocktails, cookies, and cupcakes. Specific recipes mentioned include Green Arrow chili and Beef Bourguignon.
A Meal with Martha Kent
If McLaughlin could sit down for a meal with Martha Kent, he imagines she would cook “down-home” American food like mashed potatoes, fried chicken, and gravy, and he “wouldn’t push away from any of it”. His primary question to her would be: “What was it like to raise such an amazing kid?” He’d want to know the “ups and downs” of raising a child who could fly across the county in seconds and see through walls.
“Superman: The Official Cookbook” is available now through Amazon.