The world echoes with the cry of "Superman!"—a chant synchronized to the epic guitar riffs of John Williams' iconic score. The first trailer for James Gunn's *Superman* film has arrived, unveiling a hopeful new dawn for the DC Cinematic Universe. Starring David Corensworth and hitting theaters July 11, 2025, this film marks Gunn's dual role as writer and director—a departure from his initial plan to focus solely on the screenplay.
Gunn's script draws heavily from Grant Morrison's acclaimed *All-Star Superman* comic book, a 12-issue miniseries exploring Superman's revelation of his impending death to Lois Lane and the sharing of his deepest secrets. Gunn, a longtime comic book aficionado, has openly acknowledged the comic's profound influence.
Inspired by arguably the greatest Superman comic ever created, what can we expect from this faithful adaptation? Let's delve into the reasons why *All-Star Superman* remains a masterpiece:
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… Among the greatest, if not *the* greatest, Superman comics of the 21st century is Morrison and Quitely's *All-Star Superman*. For those unfamiliar, let's explore its enduring appeal, particularly in the context of the new DCU era. 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. The excitement lies not in the unexpected, but in the masterful storytelling. While I'll avoid unnecessary retelling, images and examples span all issues and may contain spoilers.
Here's why *All-Star Superman* resonates:
Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison masterfully unveils the plot, humanizes characters, and depicts Superman's sun-flight—all within the first issue, while seamlessly weaving in essential elements of the Superman mythos. The first page, with its eight words and four illustrations, encapsulates Superman's origin story with breathtaking brevity and impact. It's a powerful reminder of the core elements: love, a new home, hope, and faith in progress. The simplicity highlights the power of effective storytelling.
Image: ensigame.com
This minimalist approach continues throughout. Issue #10's prison scene between Superman and Lex Luthor—a decades-long conflict condensed into a few panels—is a testament to Morrison's skill. Similarly, the difference between Jor-El and Superman is elegantly conveyed in two panels, highlighting their contrasting approaches to problem-solving. Morrison's dialogue, while not always concise, is deliberate and impactful, as exemplified by the "haiku about unified field theory."
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. Morrison acknowledges this legacy, understanding that even seemingly ridiculous elements of the past inform the present. *All-Star Superman* doesn't simply revisit the Silver Age; it recontextualizes it, translating its essence into a contemporary language. It's a respectful homage, demonstrating how the past can inform and enrich the present.
Image: ensigame.com
The comic serves as a bridge, connecting past and present, allowing readers to appreciate the evolution of the superhero genre without dismissing its origins. It's a lesson in how to learn from the past without being bound by it.
This comic is an inventively told good story
Image: ensigame.com
Superman's inherent power presents a unique challenge for storytelling: he almost always wins. Morrison cleverly navigates this by focusing on conflicts that don't rely solely on physical confrontation. The tension arises from moral dilemmas, mysteries, and the emotional stakes involved. The story prioritizes character development and thematic depth over simple action sequences.
Image: ensigame.com
Even confrontations with villains are approached with nuance. The focus is on redemption and understanding, rather than simple defeat. This innovative approach to storytelling makes *All-Star Superman* a refreshing take on the superhero genre.
It's a comic book about people
Image: ensigame.com
While Superman is the central figure, the narrative expands to encompass the perspectives of his supporting cast. Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Lex Luthor are given depth and agency, enriching the overall narrative. The story explores their relationships with Superman, highlighting the human connections that shape his life and legacy. It’s a reminder that even a godlike being is profoundly affected by human relationships.
A story about our relationship with the past and the future
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The comic explores the complex interplay between past and future, showing how past events shape the present and future choices. It demonstrates that neither escaping nor clinging to the past is a solution; rather, learning from it and building upon it is crucial for growth and progress. This thematic element adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative.
This comic breaks down the boundaries between the narrative and the reader
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison masterfully blurs the lines between the narrative and the reader. The comic directly addresses the reader, creating a sense of intimacy and engagement. This innovative approach draws the reader into the story, fostering a unique connection between the narrative and its audience. The ending, with Lex Luthor's poignant reflection, is a powerful example of this technique.
Image: ensigame.com
The reader isn't merely observing; they are actively participating in the experience, making it a truly immersive and memorable read.
It's a story about boundless optimism
Image: ensigame.com
The comic explores the very idea of canon formation, reflecting on how individual stories contribute to a character's overall narrative. The twelve feats Superman undertakes become a meta-narrative, engaging the reader in the process of constructing meaning and understanding. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to shape our perception of reality.
Image: ensigame.com
Ultimately, *All-Star Superman* is an epic tale of hope and optimism, a testament to the enduring power of the Superman mythos. It's a story that deserves to be reimagined for a new generation, and I believe Gunn's adaptation has the potential to be a bold and impactful statement this summer.
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