Superman intends to give up his US citizenship, a story in the new issue of Action Comics declares.
"I'm tired of having my actions construed as instruments of US policy," the character says in a story that sees him flying to a Tehran protest.
Adopted by an American family, Superman decides he is better-off serving the world.
Though he only talks about his plans to give up citizenship, the story has been criticised by commentators worldwide.
The superhero, originally from the fictional planet Krypton, does not clearly renounce his citizenship in the issue.
Action Comics co-publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio said: "Superman announces his intention to put a global focus on his never ending battle, but he remains, as always, committed to his adopted home and his roots as a Kansas farm boy from Smallville."
The disputed story sees the hero standing silently at the protest, wanting to show demonstrators that they are not alone.
