Superman, A Moa, And A Message

What happens when Superman comes face to face with one of Aotearoa’s most iconic extinct species? The answer lies in a surprising 1973 comic book that will enjoy the spotlight at Whanganui Regional Museum’s next Taonga o te Marama /Object of the Month talk.

At 12.15pm on Friday 17 April, Kaihāpai Taonga / Curator, Images and Manuscripts, Sandi Black, will discuss The Last Moa on Earth, a story published in DC Action Comics in July 1973, and written by Cary Bates. Blending classic superhero drama with a powerful environmental message, the comic imagines a dramatic encounter between Superman and the last surviving moa.

Set partly in Taranaki, the story follows a hunter who unknowingly causes the extinction of the final moa, before attempting to reverse his actions. When a mysterious egg hatches, Superman is drawn into a battle with a creature transformed by strange forces — a lost species that ultimately wants to return home.

While the premise may seem far-fetched, Sandi says the comic reflects a very real moment in history. ‘This story was created during a time when environmental awareness was rapidly growing. Beneath the action and spectacle is a clear warning about humanity’s impact on the natural world — a message that still resonates today.’

Published in the ‘Bronze Age’ of DC Comics, when social and political themes became more prominent, the story echoes the concerns of its time — from pollution to species extinction. The author Cary Bates often wrote about pollution and nuclear war and his messages cautioned his audience to be aware of their environmental impact. The central idea of the moa story remains strikingly relevant: unlike Superman, we cannot undo the damage once it’s done.

Visitors attending the talk will gain insight into the cultural context of the comic, its connection to New Zealand, and the enduring role of popular culture in shaping conversations about conservation.

The original comic is currently on display in the Museum’s Moa Gallery, offering visitors a rare chance to see this unusual intersection of global pop culture and local natural history.

Taonga o te Marama/Object of the Month is held on the third Friday of every month and offers a fresh way to connect with the Museum’s collections. Each session follows a popular 15-minute lunchtime format.

Sandi’s talk will take place at 12.15pm on Friday 17 April at Whanganui Regional Museum. Visitors are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early.

Attendance is free and open to all. No booking is required. Koha to support the Museum’s ongoing heritage preservation work is warmly welcomed.

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