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

Unleash the power of Superman! The world echoes with the iconic theme as James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman film is unveiled in its first trailer.

James Gunn's DC Comics Superman, starring David Corensworth, blasts into theaters July 11, 2025. Gunn serves as both writer and director, a role he initially didn't plan on taking, initially only intending to pen the script.

Gunn's script draws heavily from the acclaimed All-Star Superman comic book, a twelve-issue miniseries penned by Grant Morrison. This seminal work features Superman revealing his secrets to Lois Lane and confronting his impending mortality. Gunn's long-standing fandom clearly influenced this choice.

Based on arguably the greatest Superman comic ever, what can we expect from this faithful adaptation?

Table of Contents

• One of the greatest…
• Grant Morrison: A Masterful, Concise Storyteller
• A Gateway to the Silver Age of Superheroes
• An Inventively Told Story
• A Story About People
• Exploring Our Relationship with the Past and Future
• Blurring the Lines Between Narrative and Reader
• A Testament to Boundless Optimism

Image: ensigame.com… All-Star Superman, a collaboration between Morrison and Quitely, stands as one of, if not the best, Superman comics of the 21st century. This analysis aims to reignite enthusiasm for this masterpiece, both for newcomers and those who may have forgotten its brilliance.

Spoiler Alert: This discussion delves into All-Star Superman's plot, including images and excerpts from various issues. Reader discretion is advised.

Here's why All-Star Superman resonates:

Grant Morrison: A Masterful, Concise Storyteller

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Morrison masterfully unfolds the narrative, humanizes characters, and even depicts Superman's sun-flight within the first issue, all while encapsulating the essence of the Superman mythos in remarkably few pages. The opening page, with its eight words and four illustrations, provides a concise yet complete origin story—a testament to Morrison's skill. This contrasts sharply with the film adaptation, highlighting the challenge of translating such nuanced storytelling to the screen.

Morrison's minimalist approach persists throughout. The confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor, spanning nearly a century in the broader narrative, is condensed into a few impactful panels. Similarly, the differences between Jor-El and Superman are elegantly conveyed in two panels, showcasing Morrison's ability to communicate volumes with minimal dialogue.

While not always the most concise dialogue writer, Morrison's work in All-Star Superman exemplifies his talent for precise word choice. He highlights the "haiku about unified field theory" as a point of pride.

A Gateway to the Silver Age of Superheroes

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Modern superhero comics have largely attempted to distance themselves from the Silver Age, yet Morrison acknowledges and embraces this legacy. He cleverly utilizes elements from this era, translating them into a contemporary context. The Silver Age, with its outlandish villains and improbable scenarios, is not dismissed but rather recontextualized as a foundation upon which modern narratives build. Morrison demonstrates how to learn from and build upon the past rather than simply rejecting it.

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The comic acts as a bridge, translating the Silver Age's style and themes into a language accessible to modern audiences. The Silver Age's influence is subtly woven throughout, demonstrating a deep understanding and appreciation for comic history.

An Inventively Told Story

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A unique challenge in Superman narratives is the inherent knowledge that he will ultimately triumph. Morrison cleverly navigates this by focusing less on physical confrontations and more on intricate plots and character interactions. Most conflicts are resolved quickly, highlighting the emotional and intellectual challenges Superman faces rather than solely relying on brute force. The focus shifts to problem-solving, moral dilemmas, and character development.

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The confrontation with Lex Luthor, for example, becomes a test of Superman's ability to inspire change rather than simply defeat his enemy. This innovative approach showcases Morrison's storytelling prowess.

A Story About People

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All-Star Superman prioritizes the human element. While Superman is the central figure, the narrative often shifts to explore the perspectives of Lois, Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor, and other supporting characters. Their reactions to Superman's actions and his impending demise are central to the story's emotional core. This emphasizes the impact Superman has on the lives of those around him.

The story delves into the relationships Superman cultivates, highlighting the importance of his connections to others. This approach mirrors the reader's own relationship with Superman, focusing on the human impact of his extraordinary abilities.

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. The narrative acknowledges the weight of history and the importance of learning from past experiences while simultaneously shaping the future. It's a story about legacy and the enduring impact of actions.

Blurring the Lines Between Narrative and Reader

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Morrison masterfully breaks the fourth wall, engaging directly with the reader. The narrative addresses the audience, drawing them into the story and fostering a sense of intimacy. This technique enhances the immersive quality of the reading experience.

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The final issue culminates in a powerful moment where Lex Luthor, filled with newfound understanding, gazes directly at the reader. This interaction underscores the collaborative nature of storytelling and the reader's active participation in shaping the narrative's meaning.

A Testament to Boundless Optimism

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All-Star Superman reflects on the process of canon formation in superhero comics. The twelve feats Superman undertakes become a framework for the reader to engage with the narrative, actively participating in shaping their understanding of the character. This meta-narrative element adds a layer of complexity and encourages critical engagement.

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Ultimately, All-Star Superman is not just a story; it's an epic. It's a testament to the enduring power of hope and optimism, even in the face of mortality. It's a story that resonates deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. This is the legacy Gunn aims to capture in his film adaptation.