The world roars "Superman!" in time with John Williams' epic guitar riff. A hopeful new DC Cinematic Universe dawns in the first trailer for James Gunn's *Superman* film. On July 11, 2025, James Gunn's *Superman*, starring David Corensworth, soars onto the big screen. Gunn penned the screenplay and directs, a departure from his initial plan to solely write the script.
Gunn's inspiration? The acclaimed *All-Star Superman* comic book, a twelve-issue miniseries by Grant Morrison. This iconic story finds Superman revealing his secrets to Lois Lane as he confronts his own mortality. Gunn's lifelong love of comics clearly shines through.
Based on arguably the greatest Superman comic ever, what can we expect from this film adaptation? Let's delve into what makes *All-Star Superman* so special:
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… *All-Star Superman*, by Morrison and Quitely, ranks among the greatest, if not *the* greatest, Superman comics of the 21st century. For the uninitiated, let's explore its captivating power, especially in the light of the new DCU era. And for those who've shelved this masterpiece, let's reignite your enthusiasm.
Warning: I won't shy away from discussing *All-Star Superman*. The excitement lies not in the mystery of what's to come, but in the experience itself. While I'll avoid unnecessary retellings, images and examples span the entire series and might spoil some surprises.
Here's why *All-Star Superman* resonates so deeply:
Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison masterfully unveils the plot, humanizes characters, and even depicts Superman's sun-flight—all within the first issue—while deftly reminding us of the core Superman mythos. This economical storytelling deserves discussion.
The first page, with eight words and four illustrations, encapsulates Superman's origin story—one of the most concise and impactful in modern comics. It evokes love, a new home, hope, and faith in progress. Eight words, four images—a testament to the power of minimalism. The subsequent detail adds depth and layers to this foundation.
The stark contrast between this comic's approach and potential film adaptations is striking. In one instance, the merging of two scenes unintentionally portrays Superman as responsible for deaths.
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison's minimalism persists. In issue #10, Superman's encounter with Lex Luthor in prison—a centuries-long conflict condensed into a few panels—is breathtaking in its simplicity. Similarly, the difference between Jor-El and Superman is beautifully illustrated in two panels, showcasing their contrasting actions.
Morrison's dialogue, while not always concise, is remarkably impactful when at its best. He's particularly proud of 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
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Decades of superhero comics have strived to escape the shadow of the Silver Age. Managing the chronology and the inherent "silver" aspects presents unique challenges. The Silver Age, with its outlandish villains and improbable escapes, presents a unique challenge.
The implication is that we all stand on the shoulders of giants, regardless of how we perceive those giants. Understanding the past, even if it seems silly by today's standards, is essential. Just as we don't need to love Dostoevsky, understanding his legacy enriches our appreciation of art's evolution.
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However, we can't simply revisit the Silver Age. Our perspective differs. We see naive morals and ridiculous characters. Morrison understands this, and *All-Star Superman* acts as a bridge, translating the Silver Age into a language we understand. It cleverly uses Silver Age techniques and tropes, creating a modern classic.
This comic is an inventively told good story
Image: ensigame.com
Superman comics face a unique challenge: Superman rarely *needs* to fight. Most superhero stories use physical confrontations to explore conflicts. But Superman's overwhelming power changes the dynamic.
Morrison tackles this cleverly, limiting himself to what's theoretically possible in a Silver Age comic. Fights often end quickly, and intense confrontations are often non-physical, focusing on mystery-solving or moral dilemmas. In the "new defenders of Earth" arc, the challenge isn't defeating Kryptonians, but saving them.
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The confrontation with Lex Luthor highlights this. Luthor seeks Superman's demise, while Superman aims for redemption. Only Solaris is simply defeated, reflecting established canon. This exemplifies Morrison's skill: cramming the grandeur and classic elements of Superman into a concise narrative.
It's a comic book about people
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As Superman faces his mortality, his reflections focus on friends and loved ones, not accomplishments. The story prioritizes the perspectives of Lois, Jimmy Olsen, and Lex Luthor, showcasing Superman's impact on their lives. We see him inspire and motivate, and the supporting characters are richly developed.
The absence of Batman's friendship, a significant aspect of Superman's mythology, is telling. The focus shifts to the human element. Superman's exploits are significant only when they involve saving people.
A story about our relationship with the past and the future
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*All-Star Superman* explores the interplay between past and future. Superhero comics thrive on chronology, and *All-Star Superman* acknowledges this. Morrison demonstrates that neither escaping, denying, nor blindly adhering to the past is sufficient. Learning from the past and building upon it is key.
This comic breaks down the boundaries between the narrative and the reader
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison's work often engages in metafiction. *All-Star Superman* directly addresses the reader, blurring the lines between narrative and audience. Lois's "Let's go!" and Jimmy's plea are directed at us, not just the characters. The final issue features Lex Luthor looking directly at the reader, questioning our perspective.
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The reader repeatedly experiences the world through Superman's eyes, culminating in Luthor's final reflection. This creates an intimate connection, transforming the reader into an active participant.
It's a story about boundless optimism
Image: ensigame.com
The comic reflects on canon formation, presenting Superman's twelve feats as a canon we construct ourselves. The narrative becomes a "variant canon," adding "Superman According to Morrison" to existing interpretations. These feats—conquering time, traveling to other universes, creating life—culminate in a powerful, optimistic message.
Image: ensigame.com
Morrison crafts not just a story, but an epic, one that hopefully Gunn will successfully translate to the big screen this summer.
