Superman! Superman! Superman! The world echoes with the iconic chant, set to John Williams' legendary guitar riff. A hopeful new DC Cinematic Universe dawns in the first trailer for James Gunn's Superman film.
James Gunn's Superman, starring David Corensworth, blasts into theaters July 11, 2025. Gunn serves as both writer and director, a role he initially hesitated to take on, initially focusing solely on the script.
Gunn's script draws heavily from Grant Morrison's acclaimed All-Star Superman comic book, a 12-issue miniseries. This masterpiece features Superman revealing his secrets to Lois Lane and confronting his own mortality. Gunn's long-standing love for comic books is evident in this adaptation.
Inspired by arguably the greatest Superman comic ever? Fantastic! But what can we expect from a film adaptation so closely tied to its source material?
Table of Contents
- One of the greatest…
- Grant Morrison: A Masterful and Concise Storyteller
- A Gateway to the Silver Age of Superheroes
- An Inventively Told Story
- A Comic About People
- Exploring Our Relationship with the Past and Future
- Blurring the Lines Between Narrative and Reader
- A Testament to Boundless Optimism
Image: ensigame.com… All-Star Superman, by Morrison and Quitely, stands as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Superman comics of the 21st century. For the uninitiated, let's explore its appeal, especially in the context of the new DCU. And for those who've shelved it, let's reignite that enthusiasm.
Warning: I won't shy away from discussing All-Star Superman's plot points. The thrill isn't in the unexpected twists, but in the journey. While I'll avoid unnecessary retelling, accompanying images and excerpts span the entire series and may contain spoilers.
Here's why All-Star Superman resonates:
Grant Morrison: A Masterful and Concise Storyteller
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Morrison masterfully unveils the plot, humanizes characters, and depicts Superman's sun-dive—all within a remarkably concise page count. This efficiency deserves discussion.
The first page, with eight words and four illustrations, encapsulates Superman's origin story—a concise masterpiece. The core elements—love, a new home, hope, and faith in progress—are powerfully conveyed. While the writers expand upon this foundation, the initial impact is undeniable. The film adaptation's comparative wordiness highlights Morrison's skillful minimalism.
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This minimalism persists throughout. The confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor in prison, a decades-long saga condensed into a few panels, exemplifies this approach. Similarly, the difference between Jor-El and Superman is subtly yet powerfully illustrated in just two panels.
Morrison's dialogue, while not always concise, is remarkably impactful when at its best. He notably highlights the "haiku about unified field theory" exchanged between a Quantum scientist and Lex Luthor.
A Gateway to the Silver Age of Superheroes
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Modern superhero comics have long strived to escape the shadow of the Silver Age. Navigating this complex history is challenging. The Silver Age, with its outlandish villains and improbable escapes, presents a unique challenge.
The comic suggests that we build upon the shoulders of giants, even if those giants seem absurd by today's standards. Understanding the past, even if we don't fully embrace it, provides valuable context.
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We can't simply return to the Silver Age. Yet, Morrison and Quitely translate its essence into a contemporary language, using its tropes and techniques in a fresh and insightful way.
An Inventively Told Story
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Superman comics face a unique challenge: Superman rarely needs to fight. Most superhero stories utilize physical conflict to express various themes. But Superman's inevitable victory necessitates creative storytelling.
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Morrison masterfully navigates this, often resolving conflicts swiftly. The tension lies not in physical combat, but in problem-solving and moral dilemmas. The story highlights Superman's desire to save and rehabilitate, rather than simply defeat.
This is the genius of Morrison's work. He manages to capture the grandeur and classic elements of Superman within a concise narrative.
A Comic About People
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As Superman faces his mortality, his reflections center on his relationships, not his accomplishments. The comic focuses on the perspectives of Lois, Jimmy, Lex Luthor, and other supporting characters, showcasing Superman's impact on their lives. The absence of Batman, a notable omission, underscores this focus on human connection.
The story uses Superman as a catalyst to explore what-if scenarios, mirroring the Silver Age's explorations of alternative realities.
A Story About Our Relationship with the Past and Future
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All-Star Superman explores the interplay between past and future. The comic's inherent chronology forces readers to consider the implications of past events. Morrison demonstrates that neither escaping nor clinging to the past offers true liberation; rather, learning from it is key.
Blurring the Lines Between Narrative and Reader
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Morrison's work often incorporates elements of postmodernism, creating a direct interaction between the narrative and the reader. The comic doesn't just break the fourth wall; it actively engages the reader.
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The final issue culminates in a powerful moment where Lex Luthor, with tears in his eyes, looks directly at the reader, prompting reflection on the nature of the universe and our shared humanity. Throughout the series, we experience the world from Superman's perspective, blurring the lines between reader and character.
A Testament to Boundless Optimism
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The comic explores the process of canon formation, highlighting the subjective nature of creating a cohesive narrative from diverse sources. Superman's twelve feats, while not explicitly defined, become a framework for the reader's interpretation.
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Morrison's All-Star Superman transcends a simple story; it's an epic exploration of optimism and the enduring legacy of a timeless hero. Gunn's adaptation has the potential to be a bold and impactful cinematic statement.
