James Gunn's Superman: Insights from All-Star Superman

The world is buzzing with excitement as fans chant "Superman!" in sync with John Williams' iconic guitar cover, heralding the arrival of the first trailer for James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman film. Set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, this new DC Cinematic Universe project stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, with Gunn taking on both writing and directing duties. Initially, Gunn had planned to only pen the script, but his passion for the project led him to direct as well.

Gunn's screenplay draws heavily from the acclaimed comic book series "All-Star Superman," a 12-issue miniseries crafted by the renowned Grant Morrison. This series follows Superman as he reveals his secrets to Lois Lane and faces his impending mortality. Gunn, a lifelong comic enthusiast, has expressed his admiration for Morrison's work, setting high expectations for this cinematic adaptation.

Given the source material, what can fans anticipate from Gunn's film? Let's delve into the essence of "All-Star Superman" and why it's considered a cornerstone of Superman lore.

One of the greatest...

Grant Morrison's "All-Star Superman" is often hailed as one of the best Superman stories of the 21st century, if not ever. Co-created with artist Frank Quitely, this series not only captivates long-time fans but also aims to reignite interest in those who may have set it aside.

Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller

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Morrison's storytelling prowess shines through in "All-Star Superman." From the first issue, he masterfully introduces the plot, humanizes characters, and encapsulates the essence of Superman's mythos within a concise narrative. The series' opening page, with just eight words and four illustrations, effectively tells Superman's origin story, embodying themes of love, hope, and progress.

Morrison's minimalist approach continues throughout the series. For instance, in issue #10, Superman's visit to Lex Luthor in prison and the subsequent interaction speak volumes about their century-long rivalry in just a few frames. Morrison's dialogue, particularly the "haiku about unified field theory" mentioned in the first and last issues, showcases his ability to convey profound ideas with brevity.

The door to the Silver Age of superheroes

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"All-Star Superman" serves as a bridge to the Silver Age of comics, a period known for its whimsical and often outlandish storytelling. Morrison acknowledges the influence of this era while translating its essence into a modern context, making it accessible and relevant to today's readers. By doing so, he pays homage to the past while ensuring its legacy informs the future of superhero narratives.

This comic is an inventively told good story

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Superman's stories often face the challenge of maintaining tension when the hero is nearly invincible. Morrison navigates this by focusing on non-physical conflicts, such as solving mysteries or re-educating villains like Lex Luthor. The series' most memorable moments often come from these intellectual and emotional confrontations, rather than traditional battles.

It's a comic book about people

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At its core, "All-Star Superman" is about the people around Superman. As he faces his mortality, his thoughts turn not to his adventures but to his friends and loved ones. Morrison shifts the focus to characters like Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and even Lex Luthor, exploring their reactions to Superman's presence and his impending fate. This human-centric approach resonates deeply with readers, emphasizing the impact of Superman's actions on those around him.

A story about our relationship with the past and the future

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"All-Star Superman" reflects on how the past influences the future and vice versa. Morrison uses the series to explore the concept of superhero chronology, showing how past stories shape the narrative present. By doing so, he encourages readers to appreciate the history of comics while building upon it, rather than being constrained by it.

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

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Morrison's work often blurs the line between the story and the audience. In "All-Star Superman," this is evident from the first cover, where Superman looks directly at the reader. Throughout the series, Morrison engages readers directly, making them feel part of the narrative. This culminates in the final issue, where Lex Luthor's realization about the universe's structure is shared with the reader, creating a powerful connection.

It's a story about boundless optimism

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"All-Star Superman" embodies the spirit of optimism that Superman represents. Morrison uses the concept of Superman's twelve feats not just as plot points but as a metaphor for how readers construct their own understanding of the character's canon. These feats, ranging from defeating Time to creating life, underscore the epic nature of Superman's journey and Morrison's narrative.

As fans eagerly await Gunn's film adaptation, it's clear that "All-Star Superman" offers a rich tapestry of themes and storytelling techniques. Gunn has the opportunity to translate Morrison's vision into a cinematic experience that not only honors the source material but also boldly reimagines it for a new era of superhero storytelling.