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 scene in the first trailer for James Gunn’s *Superman* film.

James Gunn’s *Superman*, starring David Corensworth, soars into theaters July 11, 2025. Gunn serves as both writer and director, a role he initially wasn’t planning to take on, initially focusing solely on scripting the film.

Gunn’s script draws heavily from the acclaimed *All-Star Superman* comic book, a 12-issue miniseries penned by the celebrated graphic novelist Grant Morrison. This iconic story sees Superman reveal his deepest secrets to Lois Lane as he confronts his own mortality. Gunn himself has openly acknowledged his lifelong love for comic books.

Inspired by arguably the greatest Superman comic ever created, 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… One of the greatest, if not *the* greatest, Superman comics of the 21st century is Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's *All-Star Superman*. For those unfamiliar, let's explore its brilliance, especially in the context of the new DCU era. And for those who've read it and shelved it, let's reignite that enthusiasm.

Warning: I won't shy away from discussing *All-Star Superman*. The excitement lies not in the mystery, but in the experience. While I'll avoid unnecessary retelling, accompanying images and examples are drawn from across the series and may contain spoilers.

Here’s why *All-Star Superman* deserves its acclaim:

Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller

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Morrison masterfully unveils the plot, humanizes characters, and even shows Superman flying towards the sun—all within the first issue, while deftly weaving in essential elements of the Superman mythos. This economical storytelling deserves close examination.

The first page, with its eight words and four illustrations, encapsulates Superman's origin story—a concise yet powerful narrative. It’s a potent blend of love, new beginnings, hope, and faith in progress. Eight words and four images—that's all it takes, though Morrison expertly expands on this foundation.

Comparing this to film adaptations highlights Morrison's skillful minimalism. In contrast to the movie, where the pacing might create a jarring effect, Morrison's storytelling is seamless.

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This minimalist approach continues throughout. The confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor in issue #10, for example, is masterfully condensed: Superman's simple statement of faith in Luthor, met with Luthor's contemptuous silence, speaks volumes. Similarly, the difference between Jor-El and Superman is beautifully captured in just two panels, highlighting their contrasting approaches to challenges.

While not always the most concise dialogue writer, Morrison’s skill shines in *All-Star Superman*. He takes pride in the subtle details, like the haiku about unified field theory.

The door to the Silver Age of superheroes

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Decades of superhero comics have attempted to escape the shadow of the Silver Age, but Morrison embraces it. The Silver Age, with its sometimes outlandish plots and characters, presents a unique challenge. How do we reconcile the past with the present?

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Morrison doesn't dismiss the Silver Age; he uses it as a foundation, translating its spirit into a modern context. He understands that the past, even with its flaws, informs the present, and that by acknowledging and learning from it, we can build something new.

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 use physical conflict to express other conflicts, but Superman's overwhelming power changes the dynamic. Morrison cleverly navigates this, focusing on other types of conflict, like solving mysteries or saving those he cares for.

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The confrontations in *All-Star Superman* are less about physical battles and more about moral dilemmas, psychological struggles, and the complexities of human relationships. This inventive approach keeps the story fresh and engaging.

It's a comic book about people

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While Superman is the titular character, *All-Star Superman* focuses heavily on the people around him. We see the world through their eyes, experiencing their reactions to Superman and his actions. This emphasizes the human element of the story, reminding us that Superman's impact extends far beyond his superhuman feats.

A story about our relationship with the past and the future

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*All-Star Superman* explores the interplay between past, present, and future. It shows how the past shapes the present and how choices made in the present influence the future. It's a story about legacy and the enduring impact of our actions.

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

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Morrison masterfully blurs the lines between the story and the reader. The comic directly addresses the reader, creating a unique sense of intimacy and involvement. It's a metafictional experience that draws the reader into the narrative in a profound way.

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This interaction culminates in the final issue, where Lex Luthor's poignant reflection invites the reader to contemplate the true meaning of the story and their own place within it. The narrative becomes a shared experience.

It's a story about boundless optimism

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Morrison uses the concept of canon formation as a metaphor for the construction of meaning itself. The twelve feats Superman undertakes become a framework for the reader's own interpretation, making the story a truly collaborative experience. It’s a testament to the enduring power of hope and the possibility of positive change.

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Ultimately, *All-Star Superman* is more than just a comic book; it's an epic, a testament to the enduring power of hope and the enduring legacy of a true icon. Here's hoping Gunn's adaptation captures this essence.