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

Superman! Superman! Superman!

The world is chanting "Superman!" in time with John Williams' epic guitar cover. A hopeful new DC Cinematic Universe is fully revealed in the first trailer for James Gunn's Superman film:

On July 11, 2025, James Gunn's DC Comics Superman, starring David Corensworth, will be released in theaters. Gunn is the screenwriter and director. At first, Gunn only intended to write the script for Superman and had no intention of directing the film.

James Gunn drew inspiration for the script from the All-Star Superman comic book. It is a 12-issue miniseries written by renowned graphic novelist Grant Morrison. In it, Superman tells Lois Lane his secrets and finds out he is going to die soon. Gunn has acknowledged that he has been a comic book fan for a long time.

Drawing inspiration from possibly the best Superman comic book in history? Awesome! So what can we expect from a film adaptation based only on the source material?

Table of Content ---

One of the greatest… Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller The door to the Silver Age of superheroes This comic is an inventively told good story It's a comic book about people A story about our relationship with the past and the future This comic breaks down the boundaries between the narrative and the reader It's a story about boundless optimism 1 0 Comment on this One of the greatest…

Image: ensigame.com… Superman comic books of the twenty-first century, if not the best, is this one by Morrison and Quietly. For those who aren't interested in it, I'll try to pique their interest today. Especially in the dawn of the new DCU Era. For those who read this comic years ago and put it on the distant shelf, I also hope to revive their enthusiasm for it.

Warning: I don't consider the All-Star Superman storyline to be so important that I avoid discussing it for fear of "spoilerizing" it. What's exciting about this comic isn't that you don't know what to expect from the next page. I will try to avoid unnecessary retelling of the story, but the accompanying pictures and sample episodes are taken from all issues of the comic and may spoil some readers' enjoyment.

So, I have for you my reasons to love All-Star Superman.

Grant Morrison is a skilled and frugal storyteller

Image: ensigame.com

Morrison masterfully reveals the series' plot, humanizes the characters, and showcases Superman's iconic journey to the sun in the first issue, all while reminding us of the essential elements of the Superman mythos in a concise manner. This efficiency is a testament to Morrison's storytelling prowess.

The first page of the All-Star Superman series encapsulates everything we need to know about Superman's origin in just eight words and four illustrations. It's one of the most impactful and succinct origin stories in modern comics, evoking themes of love, hope, and progress. While the comic manages this brevity effortlessly, adapting it to film presents a challenge, as seen in scenes where the narrative demands more exposition, sometimes leading to unintended consequences.

Image: ensigame.com

Morrison's minimalist approach remains consistent throughout the series. For instance, in issue #10, the confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor is captured in just a few frames, encapsulating their century-long rivalry with poignant simplicity. Similarly, in issue #9, the difference between Bar-El and Superman is conveyed through two panels, showcasing their contrasting attitudes without lengthy dialogue.

Morrison's dialogue, while not always the most concise, is deliberate and impactful. He takes pride in moments like the "haiku about unified field theory" spoken by Quintum in the first issue and echoed by Lex Luthor in the finale, demonstrating his ability to craft meaningful exchanges.

The door to the Silver Age of superheroes

Image: ensigame.com

The legacy of the Silver Age has cast a long shadow over superhero comics, challenging writers to navigate its whimsical elements while respecting its influence. Superman's adventures in the late 1950s under editor Mort Weisinger were filled with outlandish foes, alien pets, and improbable escapes, which modern readers might find ridiculous.

However, understanding this era is crucial, as it forms the foundation of today's superhero narratives. Morrison and Quitely's All-Star Superman serves as a bridge, translating the Silver Age into a language that resonates with contemporary audiences. It's not about returning to the past but learning from it, much like understanding the works of Dostoevsky or Dickens to appreciate the evolution of art.

Image: ensigame.com

We cannot relive the Silver Age, as our perspective has evolved. Yet, Morrison and Quitely offer a respectful nod to this era, using it as a teaching tool rather than a time capsule to be ignored. They capture the essence of what it meant to live at the dawn of the Age of Heroes, integrating Silver Age elements with modern storytelling techniques.

This comic is an inventively told good story

Image: ensigame.com

Superman comics face a unique challenge: Superman's invincibility means traditional conflict resolution through physical combat often feels redundant. Morrison addresses this by focusing on non-physical confrontations and moral challenges. In All-Star Superman, most fights end quickly, emphasizing the hero's greater purpose—saving lives and inspiring others.

Image: ensigame.com

In his battle with Lex Luthor, Superman's goal is not to defeat his enemy but to redeem him, showcasing the hero's boundless optimism and moral compass. The only adversary he simply defeats is Solaris, a nod to the character's future in DC 1000000. Morrison's ability to weave these classic elements into a compelling narrative is what makes All-Star Superman a standout.

It's a comic book about people

Image: ensigame.com

At the end of his life, Superman's thoughts are not on his feats or the worlds he's visited but on his friends and loved ones. All-Star Superman shifts focus from Superman to those around him—Lois, Jimmy, Lex Luthor—highlighting their reactions and relationships with the hero. Even the Daily Planet's editorial team plays a crucial role, reflecting the impact Superman has on those around him.

This approach mirrors our relationship with Superman as readers. We're less concerned with his battles against villains and more with the human stories he inspires. The comic's brief mention of Superman's friendship with Batman underscores this focus on personal connections.

A story about our relationship with the past and the future

Image: ensigame.com

All-Star Superman is a meditation on how the past influences the future and vice versa. Superhero comics thrive on continuity, and Morrison explores how we can learn from the past without being bound by it. The series suggests that understanding and building upon historical narratives is key to moving forward.

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

Image: ensigame.com

Morrison's work often delves into postmodernism, and All-Star Superman is no exception. The comic engages readers directly, starting with the first issue's cover where Superman looks directly at us. Throughout the series, characters address the reader, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

Image: ensigame.com

The climax in the final issue, where Lex Luthor looks up at us, further breaks the fourth wall, inviting readers to reflect on their role in the story. Morrison's use of perspective, placing us in Superman's shoes, enhances this immersive experience, making the narrative deeply personal.

It's a story about boundless optimism

Image: ensigame.com

The concept of canon in superhero comics is often chaotic, formed by a collective effort of writers, editors, and fans. Morrison uses All-Star Superman to explore this process, introducing the idea of Superman's twelve feats, which readers are encouraged to identify and interpret.

Image: ensigame.com

These feats—from defeating Time to curing cancer—underscore the epic nature of Morrison's storytelling. As readers, we contribute to the canon, making All-Star Superman a dynamic and evolving narrative. Gunn's upcoming film has the potential to reimagine this epic, bringing Morrison's vision to the screen with a bold and optimistic statement.