James Gunn’s Superman is lastly out. The wait is over. And sure, I’ve lastly had the possibility to take a seat down and test it out.
In relation to this explicit tackle the enduring blue Boy Scout, James Gunn has been open about which DC Comics tales impressed his hopeful, unabashedly corny imaginative and prescient of Superman. Actually, for nerds like me, he even went a step additional—publishing a curated Superman Studying Information made up of the tales that helped form his movie. Naturally, I dove in. And to my delight, not solely had been two of my private favourite Superman runs included, however I additionally lastly acquired round to studying just a few I had missed.
So, right here’s a complete overview of each Superman comedian Gunn cited as inspiration for his movie. Let’s get into it.
1. All-Star Superman (Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely)
First up—and possibly probably the most referenced of the bunch—is All-Star Superman, written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely. This 12-issue collection, which ran from 2005 to 2008, is taken into account a masterpiece. It was additionally the very first picture Gunn posted when he took over the DCU in 2022, and the story stays the movie’s main tonal and thematic touchstone.
However All-Star Superman doesn’t retread the origin story. As an alternative, it begins on the finish. Superman, after rescuing Dr. Leo Quintum throughout a failed photo voltaic mission, turns into overexposed to photo voltaic radiation. Sarcastically, the solar—the very supply of his energy—is now killing him. His cells start to deteriorate, and he learns that he’s dying.
Nonetheless, with this tragedy comes a short lived reward: enhanced powers and a type of kryptonite immunity. Superman is stronger than ever—however on borrowed time.
This results in what Morrison dubs “The Twelve Labors of Superman”—twelve world-shaping duties Kal-El desires to finish earlier than he dies. They’re not all clearly outlined, and even Clark isn’t certain what number of he’s accomplished by the top. However the level is obvious: it’s Superman on a mission to depart the world higher than he discovered it. It’s stunning, emotional, and at occasions, soul-crushing in one of the best ways.
Highlights embody Lois Lane getting short-term superpowers (due to a components derived from Superman’s DNA), and the 2 of them flying round and making out on the moon. It’s romantic, surreal, and comedian ebook bliss.
2. Lex Luthor: Man of Metal (Brian Azzarello & Lee Bermejo)
Whereas All-Star Superman defines the tone of the movie, Lex Luthor: Man of Metal shapes its villain. This five-issue restricted collection from 2005—written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Lee Bermejo—presents maybe the definitive tackle Lex Luthor. It was additionally my first time studying it, and wow, it’s good.
Right here, Luthor isn’t only a mad scientist or megalomaniac—he’s a calculated company manipulator waging a PR battle in opposition to Superman. His plan? To show public sentiment in opposition to the Man of Metal by creating his personal superhero: a genetically engineered champion named Hope. Alongside the way in which, Luthor makes use of figures like Toyman and a sinister operative named Orr to sow chaos and discredit Superman.
What I cherished about this one is the company thriller vibe. It’s much less supervillain, extra boardroom warfare. You actually get inside Luthor’s head—and perceive his inferiority advanced, jealousy, and ruthless drive. It’s clear that Gunn pulled closely from this model of Lex for the film.
3. Superman for All Seasons (Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale)
Now we get private. Superman for All Seasons is one in every of my all-time favorites, and arguably the Smallville of comedian books. This four-issue miniseries, launched in 1998, was my introduction to Superman comics. I learn it within the early 2000s, and it holds a nostalgic place in my coronary heart.
Every problem is structured round a season—Spring, Summer season, Fall, Winter—and every is narrated by a unique individual from Superman’s life.
- Spring is advised by Pa Kent and captures Clark’s small-town beginnings. We see him discovering his powers (like flight throughout a twister rescue), studying his origins, and in the end leaving Smallville, inspired by Lana Lang, to work as a reporter in Metropolis.
- Summer season shifts to Lois Lane’s perspective. It’s basic Superman—public rescues, newsroom bumbling, and Lois unaware that her awkward colleague Clark is identical man saving the world. There are shades of the Christopher Reeve movies right here, and it’s simply pleasant.
- Fall is Luthor’s chapter. On this one, Lex unleashes an airborne virus referred to as Toxin and manipulates a girl named Jenny Vaughn (who adores Superman) into changing into a monstrous weapon. Superman manages to avoid wasting town—actually making it rain medication—however not everybody survives. It’s heartbreaking.
- Winter, narrated by Lana Lang, brings the story full circle. After his failure to avoid wasting Jenny, Clark retreats house. Lana returns, confesses she all the time cherished him—earlier than he was Superman. However she doesn’t need to be with him anymore. She simply desires to be his good friend. After saving Smallville from a devastating flood, Superman rediscovers his function and heads again to Metropolis.
This collection is heartfelt, intimate, and gorgeously illustrated. Tim Sale’s art work? Chef’s kiss. It’s Americana mythology achieved proper.
Whereas different comics and characters helped form Gunn’s Superman, these three are the core substances—the temper board for each the movie and its emotional spine.
And actually? Studying these earlier than or after seeing the film makes the entire expertise richer. I preferred the movie on first viewing. Now I’m tempted to return and watch it once more with contemporary eyes.
Let me know which of those tales is your favourite—or when you’re planning to test them out. And if Gunn’s Superman acquired you again into comics the way in which it did for me… welcome again.
