"What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?" is a single-issue comic book story published by DC Comics in March 2001, appearing in Action Comics #775. Written by Joe Kelly with art by Doug Mahnke and Lee Bermejo, the story was created as a direct response to the rising popularity of more violent, morally ambiguous superhero teams in late-1990s and early-2000s comics, particularly The Authority.
The narrative centers on a philosophical and physical confrontation between Superman and a new team of super-powered vigilantes called The Elite, led by the telekinetic Manchester Black. While Superman adheres to his traditional code against killing, The Elite execute criminals and cause massive collateral damage, earning them public approval. The story climaxes with Superman demonstrating to The Elite—and the world—exactly why his restraint is not weakness, but a terrifyingly deliberate choice.
The issue was widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike for its thoughtful examination of superhero ethics in a changing cultural landscape. It has been reprinted multiple times in collected editions and is considered one of the definitive modern Superman stories, frequently cited in discussions about the character's moral core and relevance in the 21st century.