James Gunn's Superman: Expectations Through All-Star Superman Lens

The world is buzzing with excitement as the chant of "Superman!" echoes to the rhythm of John Williams' epic guitar cover. The anticipation is palpable with the release of the first trailer for James Gunn's Superman film, signaling the dawn of a hopeful new DC Cinematic Universe.

Scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, James Gunn's take on DC Comics' Superman will feature David Corensworth in the titular role. Gunn, who initially planned to only write the script, has stepped up to direct this much-anticipated film. His inspiration stems from the acclaimed "All-Star Superman" comic book series, a 12-issue miniseries penned by the renowned graphic novelist Grant Morrison. In this series, Superman shares his secrets with Lois Lane and grapples with his impending mortality, a narrative that has deeply resonated with Gunn, a lifelong comic book enthusiast.

Drawing from what many consider to be one of the greatest Superman comic books, the film promises to capture the essence of this iconic tale. Here's what fans can anticipate from a movie inspired by this exceptional source material:

Table of Content

• 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 Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely stands as one of the most celebrated Superman comics of the 21st century. For those unfamiliar with this masterpiece, it's an opportunity to reignite interest, especially with the new DCU era on the horizon. For long-time fans who've placed this gem on a distant shelf, it's a chance to rediscover its magic.

Warning: I believe the essence of "All-Star Superman" lies not in suspense but in its storytelling. While I'll strive to avoid unnecessary spoilers, images and references from all issues may be included, potentially affecting your experience if you haven't read the series.

Here are my reasons for adoring "All-Star Superman":

Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller

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Morrison masterfully condenses the essence of the Superman mythos into a concise yet profound narrative. From the first issue, he introduces the plot, humanizes the characters, and captures iconic moments like Superman's flight to the sun, all while reminding readers of his origins in just eight words and four illustrations. This brevity is a testament to Morrison's storytelling prowess, especially when compared to potential film adaptations where nuances can be lost.

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Throughout the series, Morrison's minimalist approach shines. In issue #10, a simple scene where Superman visits Lex Luthor encapsulates their century-long rivalry in mere frames. Similarly, issue #9 highlights the contrast between Superman and Bar-El with just two panels, showcasing Morrison's ability to convey depth without verbosity.

The door to the Silver Age of superheroes

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Navigating the legacy of the Silver Age is a challenge for modern comics. The era, characterized by Mort Weisinger's fantastical tales, is both celebrated and critiqued. Morrison embraces this legacy, using it as a foundation to explore contemporary storytelling. The Silver Age is not just a nostalgic nod but a teaching tool, helping readers understand the roots of superhero narratives.

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We cannot return to the Silver Age, but Morrison and Quitely's work translates its essence into a language that resonates with today's audience. It's a bridge between past and present, acknowledging the giants on whose shoulders modern comics stand.

This comic is an inventively told good story

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Superman's invincibility poses a unique challenge for storytellers. Morrison navigates this by focusing on non-physical conflicts, often resolving fights swiftly to emphasize deeper themes. In the "new defenders of Earth" storyline, the challenge isn't defeating foes but saving them, showcasing Morrison's innovative approach to storytelling.

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Even in confrontations like those with Lex Luthor, Morrison shifts the focus from combat to redemption. The only straightforward battle is with Solaris, reflecting Morrison's strategic narrative choices that prioritize character development over traditional superhero battles.

It's a comic book about people

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At its core, "All-Star Superman" is about human connections. As Superman faces his mortality, his thoughts turn not to his superhuman feats but to his friends. Morrison's narrative often shifts focus from Superman to those around him, like Lois, Jimmy, and even the Daily Planet staff, emphasizing how Superman's actions impact the people he cares about.

This focus on human relationships reflects our own connection to Superman. His stories are compelling not for the battles but for how he touches lives and inspires hope.

A story about our relationship with the past and the future

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"All-Star Superman" explores how the past influences the future and vice versa. Morrison uses the comic's chronology to weave a narrative that respects its history while pushing forward, illustrating that understanding our past is crucial for shaping our future.

This comic breaks down the boundaries between the narrative and the reader

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Morrison's work is known for its postmodern flair, and "All-Star Superman" is no exception. From the first issue's cover where Superman looks directly at the reader, to moments where characters address us directly, Morrison blurs the lines between story and audience. This culminates in the final issue, where Lex Luthor's realization of the universe's structure seems to include the reader, creating a profound meta-narrative experience.

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It's a story about boundless optimism

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The concept of canon formation is another theme Morrison explores. Superman's twelve feats, subtly woven throughout the series, invite readers to form their own canon as they read. This process reflects the larger narrative of how stories evolve and intertwine over time.

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In essence, "All-Star Superman" is not just a comic but an epic, a celebration of the character's enduring legacy. As James Gunn prepares to bring this story to the big screen, fans can look forward to a film that not only honors the source material but also reimagines it with bold optimism and a deep respect for Superman's history.