Superman! Superman! Superman! The world echoes with the iconic name, set to the soaring strains of John Williams' legendary score. A bold new vision of the DC Cinematic Universe bursts onto the scene in the first trailer for James Gunn's Superman.
Mark your calendars! James Gunn's Superman, starring David Corensworth, takes flight in theaters July 11, 2025. Gunn serves as both writer and director, a role he initially hesitated to take on, focusing first on crafting the script.
Gunn found his inspiration in the pages of All-Star Superman, the acclaimed 12-issue miniseries penned by the visionary Grant Morrison. This graphic novel masterfully portrays Superman revealing his secrets to Lois Lane as he confronts his own mortality. Gunn's lifelong love of comic books shines through in this adaptation.
Based on arguably the greatest Superman comic ever created, what can we expect from this faithful adaptation? Let's delve into what makes All-Star Superman so extraordinary:
Table of Contents
- One of the greatest…
- Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller
- The door to the Silver Age of superheroes
- This comic is an inventively told good story
- It's a comic book about people
- A story about our relationship with the past and the future
- This comic breaks down the boundaries between the narrative and the reader
- It's a story about boundless optimism
Image: ensigame.com…This Morrison and Quitely collaboration stands as one of, if not the best, Superman comics of the 21st century. For the uninitiated, let's explore its captivating allure, especially in the context of the new DCU era. And for those who’ve shelved this gem, let's reignite your passion for it.
Warning: I won't shy away from discussing All-Star Superman's plot points. The thrill isn't in the suspense of the unknown, but in the masterful storytelling itself. While I'll avoid unnecessary retelling, accompanying images and examples span the entire series and may contain spoilers.
Here's why All-Star Superman deserves its accolades:
Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison masterfully unveils the plot, humanizes characters, and even depicts Superman's sun-dive—all within the first issue, while seamlessly weaving in core Superman mythology. This economical storytelling deserves close examination.
The first page, featuring just eight words and four illustrations, encapsulates Superman's origin story with breathtaking efficiency. It's a microcosm of the comic's brilliance: love, a new home, hope, and faith in progress. Eight words, four images—a testament to the power of concise storytelling. The subsequent detail adds depth and complexity to these foundational elements.
The film adaptation highlights the challenge of Morrison's minimalist approach. In one instance, the merging of two scenes inadvertently portrays Superman as culpable in several deaths.
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison's minimalism persists throughout. Issue #10's prison scene between Superman and Lex Luthor, a centuries-long conflict condensed into a few panels, is a prime example. Similarly, the profound difference between Jor-El and Superman is elegantly conveyed in just two panels—a testament to Morrison's storytelling prowess.
While not always the most concise dialogue writer, Morrison's peak is evident in All-Star Superman. He meticulously chooses each word, taking pride in moments like the "haiku about unified field theory" in issue one and Lex Luthor's closing remarks in issue twelve.
The door to the Silver Age of superheroes
Image: ensigame.com
Decades of superhero comics have strived to escape the shadow of the Silver Age. Navigating its lengthy and often peculiar chronology presents a unique challenge.
The Silver Age, with its outlandish villains, bizarre alien pets, and improbable escapes, presents a unique challenge. All-Star Superman acknowledges this legacy, demonstrating that even the most seemingly ridiculous elements can contribute to the overall narrative.
Image: ensigame.com
We can't simply revisit the Silver Age; our perspective has changed. Morrison doesn't dismiss it, but uses it as a teaching tool, translating its essence into a contemporary language. The Silver Age's influence is subtly woven into the narrative, demonstrating a deep understanding of comic book history.
This comic is an inventively told good story
Image: ensigame.com
Superman comics face a unique challenge: Superman rarely *needs* to fight. Most superhero narratives rely on physical conflict, but Superman's overwhelming power renders such battles anticlimactic. Morrison cleverly circumvents this, focusing on other forms of conflict.
Image: ensigame.com
Many conflicts in All-Star Superman are resolved quickly, emphasizing problem-solving and moral dilemmas over brute force. Even the confrontation with Lex Luthor prioritizes redemption over annihilation. The only opponent decisively defeated is Solaris, a choice informed by established DC lore.
Morrison's genius lies in packing the grandeur and classic elements of Superman into a concise narrative. Superman saves lives, competes with heroes, and solves mysteries, all within the confines of a single comic.
It's a comic book about people
Image: ensigame.com
In All-Star Superman, Superman's reflections on mortality focus on his relationships, not his accomplishments. The narrative prioritizes the perspectives of Lois, Jimmy Olsen, and Lex Luthor, showcasing the impact Superman has on those around him.
The focus on supporting characters mirrors our own relationship with Superman. We're less interested in his battles than in the lives he touches. The story cleverly uses Superman as a catalyst for exploring human relationships and emotions.
A story about our relationship with the past and the future
Image: ensigame.com
All-Star Superman masterfully explores the interplay between past, present, and future. It showcases how past experiences shape the future, and how future events can influence our understanding of the past. The comic uses chronology as a storytelling device, making it a powerful reflection of our own relationship with time.
This comic breaks down the boundaries between the narrative and the reader
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison's work often blurs the lines between the narrative and the reader. All-Star Superman employs this technique masterfully, creating a sense of direct interaction between the characters and the audience.
Image: ensigame.com
The comic directly addresses the reader, placing us within the narrative. The final issue's climax features Lex Luthor looking directly at the reader, prompting reflection on the nature of storytelling and our connection to the characters.
It's a story about boundless optimism
Image: ensigame.com
All-Star Superman explores the concept of canon formation, highlighting the subjective nature of interpreting a character's history. The twelve feats Superman undertakes throughout the story become a meta-narrative, inviting the reader to actively participate in shaping the story's meaning.
Image: ensigame.com
The narrative's inherent optimism underscores the enduring power of hope and the importance of leaving a positive legacy. It's a story that transcends the superhero genre, offering a profound message about life, death, and the enduring human spirit. This is the epic Gunn should aim to capture this summer.
