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The Religious Affiliation of Comic Book Character
Hubert van Klyk
millionaire hermit, apparent Hindu swami


Hubert van Klyk is a minor character who appeared in a single panel (and was referred to in a few other panels) in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #42.

Hubert van Klyk is referred to in the text as a "millionaire hermit." Based on the illustration depicting him, he appears to be a Hindu swami. Hindu swamis were a common pop culture icon during the 1960s when this story was first published. During this time, many people, particularly members of European and American intelligentsia, including wealthy nominal Christians and pop icons such as the Beatles, flocked to swamis for spiritual advice or in search of new and novel experiences.

Hubert van Klyk is clearly Causasian, with a European (pseudo-Dutch?) name. He is presumably a convert to Hinduism, or to a swami-taught spiritual path derived from Hinduism, even if it is not overtly named as such.

From: "Perry White, Cub Reporter!", originally presented in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #42 (January 1960), pages 4-5; written by Robert Bernstein, pencilled by Curt Swan, inked by John Forte; reprinted in Superman: The Daily Planet (DC Comics: New York, 2006), pages 30-31:

Hubert van Klyk: millionaire hermit, Hindu swami

Webpage created 20 May 2006. Last modified 20 May 2006.
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