What to expect from James Gunn's Superman through the lens of All-Star Superman

Superman! Superman! Superman! The world echoes with the iconic name, set to the soaring strains of John Williams' legendary score. A bold new vision for the DC Cinematic Universe bursts onto the screen in the first trailer for James Gunn's *Superman* film.

James Gunn's *Superman*, starring David Corensworth, takes flight in theaters July 11, 2025. Gunn serves as both writer and director, a role he initially wasn't planning on taking on, initially intending only to pen the script.

Gunn's script draws inspiration from the critically acclaimed *All-Star Superman* comic book, a 12-issue miniseries penned by the masterful Grant Morrison. This iconic story follows Superman as he reveals his deepest secrets to Lois Lane and confronts his own mortality. Gunn, a lifelong comic book enthusiast, has openly acknowledged the comic's influence.

Based on arguably the greatest Superman comic ever written, what can we expect from this faithful adaptation? Let's delve into what makes *All-Star Superman* so exceptional:

Table of Contents

1. One of the greatest…
2. Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller
3. The door to the Silver Age of superheroes
4. This comic is an inventively told good story
5. It's a comic book about people
6. A story about our relationship with the past and the future
7. This comic breaks down the boundaries between the narrative and the reader
8. It's a story about boundless optimism

Image: ensigame.com… *All-Star Superman*, by Morrison and Quitely, stands as one of the greatest, if not *the* greatest, Superman comics of the 21st century. For those unfamiliar, let's explore its captivating elements, especially relevant in this exciting new era of the DCU. And for those who've shelved this masterpiece years ago, let's reignite that enthusiasm!

Warning: While I'll strive to avoid major spoilers, the discussion will touch upon key plot points. Images and examples are drawn from across the entire series and may reveal elements some readers prefer to discover on their own.

Here's why *All-Star Superman* deserves all the praise:

Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller

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Morrison masterfully weaves the narrative, humanizes the characters, and even depicts Superman's sun-dipping journey in the very first issue—all while expertly reminding us of the core Superman mythos within a remarkably concise space. This economical storytelling deserves a closer look.

The first page, with its eight words and four illustrations, encapsulates Superman's origin story with breathtaking efficiency. It's a miniature masterpiece, perfectly conveying love, a new home, hope, and faith in progress. Eight words, four images—a testament to the power of concise storytelling. Comparing this to the inevitable film adaptation highlights the challenge of translating such elegant minimalism to the screen. The film might inadvertently portray Superman as culpable in certain events due to the merging of scenes.

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Morrison's minimalist approach persists throughout the series. The confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor in issue #10, where Superman expresses his belief in Luthor's inherent goodness, is a prime example. The centuries-long conflict is distilled into a few impactful panels.

Similarly, the difference between Jor-El and Superman is brilliantly conveyed in just two panels—Jor-El carelessly tosses a heavy key, while Superman instantly springs to aid his struggling sidekick. Morrison's dialogue, while not always concise, is remarkably potent when at its best, as seen in *All-Star Superman*. He notably highlights the haiku about unified field theory, showcasing his meticulous word choice.

The door to the Silver Age of superheroes

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Recent decades of superhero comics have been a continuous attempt to escape the long shadow of the Silver Age, and the ramifications of that struggle. Navigating the complexities of decades-spanning timelines is challenging; grappling with the "silver" aspects is even more so.

The Silver Age Superman, under editor Mort Weisinger, faced absurd foes, acquired bizarre alien pets, and found improbable escapes from ludicrous situations. How do we reconcile this legacy?

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We can't simply return to the Silver Age. Reading those old comics today is a vastly different experience than it was for past generations. We see different things: simpler plots, naive morals, outlandish characters. A museum isn't a time capsule; it's a tool for learning and understanding. Morrison understands this, capturing the essence of the Silver Age and translating it for a modern audience. He uses the Silver Age as inspiration, skillfully incorporating its techniques and spirit into a contemporary narrative.

This comic is an inventively told good story

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Superman comics face a unique challenge: Superman rarely *needs* to fight. Most superhero stories utilize physical conflict to explore various themes, but Superman's overwhelming power renders such conflicts anticlimactic. Morrison cleverly circumvents this by focusing on other aspects of storytelling.

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Many conflicts are resolved quickly, with the emphasis shifting to problem-solving, mystery, and even rehabilitation. The confrontation with Lex Luthor, for instance, focuses on Superman's desire to reform the villain, rather than simply defeating him. Even battles are cleverly handled, often ending swiftly, focusing on the emotional stakes rather than extended fisticuffs. This inventive approach demonstrates Morrison's mastery of the medium.

It's a comic book about people

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What occupies Superman's thoughts as he faces his mortality? Not his accomplishments, but his loved ones. *All-Star Superman* shifts the focus away from Superman's exploits and onto the people in his life—Lois, Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor, and the supporting cast of the Daily Planet. We see Superman's impact on them, their reactions to him, and their attempts to protect and save him.

The absence of Superman's friendship with Batman is notable, underscoring the story's focus on the human element. This reflects our own relationship with Superman; we're less interested in his victories and more captivated by his impact on the world and the people he touches.

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 inherently deal with chronology; events build upon each other, creating a continuous narrative. Morrison uses this to show how the past shapes the future, and vice versa, demonstrating that neither escaping nor clinging to the past provides true liberation. Learning from the past and building upon it is key.

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

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Morrison's work often blurs the lines between the narrative and the reader. *All-Star Superman* is no exception. The comic directly engages the reader, creating a sense of intimacy and participation. It's not just about observing; it's about experiencing the story alongside the characters.

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This interaction culminates in the final issue, where Lex Luthor directly addresses the reader, prompting reflection on the nature of the universe and our connection to the story. The reader is not merely a passive observer but an active participant, experiencing the world through Superman's eyes.

It's a story about boundless optimism

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The comic explores the process of canon formation in superhero narratives. Superman's twelve feats, scattered throughout the story, become a canon that the reader constructs, mirroring the way we build our own understanding of Superman's mythology. This meta-narrative element adds another layer of depth and engagement.

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These twelve feats—conquering time, traveling to alternate universes, creating life, overcoming the sun itself—ultimately reveal that *All-Star Superman* is not just a story; it's an epic testament to hope and optimism. It's a story that inspires and challenges, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

This summer, James Gunn has the opportunity to capture the spirit and heart of this masterpiece, delivering a bold and unforgettable cinematic experience.