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

The world is buzzing with excitement as the chant of "Superman!" echoes to the rhythm of John Williams' epic guitar cover. The first trailer for James Gunn's Superman film has unveiled a promising new DC Cinematic Universe, set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. Starring David Corensworth, this film is both written and directed by Gunn, who initially planned only to write the script but ultimately took the helm as director.

Gunn's script draws inspiration from the acclaimed "All-Star Superman" comic book series, a 12-issue miniseries by the renowned Grant Morrison. In the comic, Superman shares his secrets with Lois Lane and learns of his impending death. As a lifelong comic book fan, Gunn's choice of source material reflects his deep appreciation for the character and the genre.

Given the rich narrative of "All-Star Superman," what can we anticipate from its film adaptation?

One of the greatest…

Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller. His ability to convey the essence of Superman's mythos in a concise yet impactful manner is unparalleled. Morrison's storytelling opens the door to the Silver Age of superheroes, paying homage to the era while translating its essence into a modern context.

This comic is an inventively told good story, focusing on human elements and relationships rather than just the action. It explores our connection to the past and the future, breaking down the barriers between the narrative and the reader. Above all, it's a story about boundless optimism, celebrating the enduring spirit of Superman.

Image: ensigame.com

"All-Star Superman" by Morrison and Frank Quitely is often hailed as one of the greatest Superman comic books of the 21st century. Whether you're a newcomer or a long-time fan, this series offers a fresh perspective on the iconic hero, especially relevant in the dawn of the new DCU Era.

Warning: While I will discuss the "All-Star Superman" storyline, I believe its essence lies in its themes rather than in plot twists, so I won't shy away from details.

Here are my reasons to love "All-Star Superman":

Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller

Image: ensigame.com

In the first issue, Morrison masterfully introduces the plot, humanizes the characters, and sends Superman to the sun, all while encapsulating the essence of the Superman mythos in a few pages. The opening page, with just eight words and four illustrations, encapsulates Superman's origin story brilliantly.

Comparing the comic to its potential film adaptation highlights the challenge of maintaining Morrison's minimalism. For instance, a scene where two micro-episodes are combined could lead to unintended consequences, such as portraying Superman as responsible for deaths.

Image: ensigame.com

Morrison's minimalism continues throughout the series. In issue #10, a simple exchange between Superman and Lex Luthor encapsulates their century-long rivalry in just a few frames. Similarly, issue #9 contrasts Superman with Bar-El in a mere two panels.

Morrison's dialogue, when at its best, is precise and impactful. He takes pride in moments like the "haiku about unified field theory" in the first issue and Lex Luthor's echo of it in issue 12.

The door to the Silver Age of superheroes

Image: ensigame.com

The Silver Age, with its often ridiculous plots and characters, has long cast a shadow over modern superhero comics. Morrison acknowledges this history, recognizing that we all stand on the shoulders of giants. Understanding the Silver Age's legacy helps us appreciate the journey of comic art from then to now.

Image: ensigame.com

We can't return to the Silver Age, but Morrison and Quitely translate its essence into a language we can understand today. This approach respects the past while making it relevant for modern readers.

This comic is an inventively told good story

Image: ensigame.com

Superman's unique challenge is that he doesn't need to fight; we know he'll win. Morrison navigates this by focusing on non-physical conflicts and moral challenges. Most fights end quickly, and the most intense confrontations are about solving mysteries or saving lives.

Image: ensigame.com

In his confrontation with Lex Luthor, Superman aims to reform rather than defeat him. The only opponent he simply beats is Solaris, reflecting a narrative choice that aligns with the broader story arc.

It's a comic book about people

Image: ensigame.com

At the end of his life, Superman thinks of his friends, not his feats or the worlds he's visited. Morrison's focus is often on characters like Lois, Jimmy, and Lex, showing how Superman impacts their lives. Even the Daily Planet's editorial team plays a crucial role in the narrative, emphasizing the human element.

Superman stories are ultimately about people. His actions matter most when he saves individuals or humanity. The comic also explores alternate scenarios, questioning what would happen if Superman's life had taken different paths.

A story about our relationship with the past and the future

Image: ensigame.com

"All-Star Superman" delves into how the past influences the future and vice versa. Superhero comics often continue characters' lives, and Morrison shows that to move forward, we must learn from the past without being bound by it.

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

Image: ensigame.com

Morrison's work often engages directly with the reader, breaking the fourth wall. In "All-Star Superman," this begins with the cover of the first issue, where Superman looks directly at the reader. Throughout the series, characters address us, and the narrative invites us to see the world through Superman's eyes.

Image: ensigame.com

The climax comes in the final issue when Lex Luthor looks at us, questioning the nature of the universe and our role within it. Morrison's approach creates a profound connection between the reader and the story.

It's a story about boundless optimism

Image: ensigame.com

The process of forming a canon from various stories is often random, but Morrison's "All-Star Superman" reflects on this process. The twelve feats Superman is prophesied to accomplish become a framework we, as readers, seek out, even if Superman himself doesn't focus on them.

Image: ensigame.com

These feats, from defeating Time to finding a cure for cancer, elevate the narrative to an epic scale. Morrison's work becomes a "variant canon" of Superman, adding to the character's rich tapestry.

As we anticipate James Gunn's adaptation, we hope he captures the essence of Morrison's epic, reimagining it for the screen and making a bold statement this summer.