Superman (2025): James Gunn's film versus the comics

The first film in the new DC cinematic universe, Superman reaffirms the character's founding values. It draws heavily on the classic and modern mythology of the Man of Steel. Source-by-source decryption.

As in each article in this series, only verified information (creators, distribution, dates, comic numbers) is stated; the comparative analysis is ours, without reproducing dialogue or protected images.

Action Comics #1 (1938): Superman, the founding myth

Superman revives the Man of Steel, appearing in Action Comics #1 (1938), created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The first superhero in history, the last son of Krypton raised under the name Clark Kent in Kansas, Superman possesses immense powers – flight, superhuman strength, invulnerability, thermal vision – and embodies hope, justice and goodness. His dual identity, journalist at the Daily Planet and protector of Metropolis, as well as his unshakable moral ideal are at the heart of his myth. A symbol of the highest values, Superman is also, from the beginning, an allegory of the immigrant: a being from elsewhere who finds his place and puts himself at the service of his adopted country. This dimension, present from its creation by two authors who are the sons of immigrants, is at the foundation of the character.

James Gunn's film resolutely emphasizes this idealism and humanity. David Corenswet plays an established Superman, already active for several years, which allows the film to free itself from the original story so many times brought to the screen. The film retains the essential elements – the powers, the dual identity, the Daily Planet, Lois Lane, Metropolis, the Kryptonian origin – and above all the moral heart of the character: his goodness, his faith in humanity and his refusal to renounce his values. This fidelity to the spirit of Superman, rather than to a specific arc, anchors the film in the most classic and purest tradition of the Man of Steel.

An idealistic Superman in the spirit of “All-Star Superman”

The film draws less from a specific story than from the overall spirit of the great Superman comics, notably the luminous idealism of stories like Grant Morrison's "All-Star Superman" (2005). Where several recent adaptations had favored a tormented and dark Superman, James Gunn's film assumes an optimistic and warm tone, celebrating the fundamental goodness of the hero. Superman is presented as a deeply benevolent being, whose strength lies as much in his compassion as in his powers. This approach reconnects with the essence of the character as he was conceived: a symbol of hope and a moral model, guided by the conviction that every life has value.

This idealistic orientation meets the expectations of many readers, attached to a Superman embodying the best of humanity. By highlighting his kindness, his empathy and his refusal of cynicism, the film honors the classic vision of the character. It also explores the dimension of the immigrant, a founding theme, through a Superman torn between his Kryptonian heritage and his earthly belonging, seeking his place in a world that sometimes views him with suspicion. This reflection, anchored in Action Comics #1, particularly resonates in contemporary times. For the reader, the film is an invitation to (re)discover the great idealistic stories of Superman in the comics, where the Man of Steel has embodies, since 1938, hope and goodness, timeless values ​​at the foundation of the most emblematic character in the entire DC universe.

Krypto, the super dog from the comics

One of the pleasant surprises of the film is the presence of Krypto, the super-dog, who appeared in Adventure Comics #210 (1955). A Kryptonian dog endowed with the same powers as Superman – flight, strength, invulnerability – Krypto is a faithful and emblematic companion of the Man of Steel in the comics, particularly during the Silver Age. A character both endearing and spectacular, he embodies the family and sometimes lighter dimension of the Superman universe. His presence in the film demonstrates James Gunn's desire to draw on the richness of the Man of Steel mythology, including its more fanciful elements, often neglected by previous adaptations.

The integration of Krypto illustrates the film's approach, which fully embraces the comic book universe in all its diversity, without fearing its more colorful aspects. Far from the austere realism of certain adaptations, the film assumes the marvelous and fantastic dimension of Superman, of which Krypto is a symbol. The super-dog brings a touch of humor, emotion and spectacle, while anchoring the film in the tradition of comic strips. For the reader, this presence is a delightful nod to a little-known part of Superman mythology. It reminds us that the universe of the Man of Steel is not limited to its epic battles, but encompasses a rich and varied gallery of characters, from Krypto to Supergirl, who provide the richness and warmth of a world built for nearly nine decades in the pages of comics.

The characters, from paper to screen

• Clark Kent / Superman— The idealistic Man of Steel, faithful to Action Comics #1.
• Lex Luthor— The manipulative genius, sworn enemy of Superman.
• Lois Lane— The journalist from the Daily Planet, Clark's partner.
• Crypto— The Kryptonian super-dog, faithful to Adventure Comics #210.
• The “Justice Gang”— Other DC heroes, starting the new universe.

The launch of a new DC universe

Superman has special significance as the first film in the new DC Cinematic Universe, overseen by James Gunn. After several years of productions with uneven success, this film marks a reboot, laying the foundations of a coherent shared universe, like what has been built elsewhere in the genre. The film presents a world where superheroes already exist, with the appearance of other DC characters forming an embryonic team, the "Justice Gang". This choice of starting with an established Superman, without an origin story, allows us to dive directly into the action and introduce a rich universe, the promise of future developments.

This founding dimension makes the film a strategic milestone for DC. By placing Superman, the publisher's most emblematic character, at the heart of the launch, the studio affirms its desire to return to the classic values ​​of the hero to build its universe. The optimistic and faithful tone of the comics reflects a new direction, focused on hope and heroism. For the reader, this launch is an invitation to rediscover, on the big screen, the spirit of DC comics, with their galaxy of characters and their idealism. He recalls that Superman, since 1938, remains the cornerstone of the DC universe, the founding hero around whom the entire mythology of the publisher revolves. By putting it back at the center, the film honors this legacy and opens a new chapter for DC adaptations to cinema.

Lex Luthor, the sworn enemy at the heart of the story

The film features Lex Luthor, who appeared in Action Comics #23 (1940), Superman's sworn enemy. A criminal genius devoid of superpowers but endowed with formidable intelligence and excessive ambition, Luthor embodies the antithesis of Superman: where the Man of Steel represents altruism and hope, Luthor embodies pride, manipulation and the thirst for power. His hatred of Superman often arises from jealousy and the belief that humanity should save itself rather than rely on an alien. A complex character, Luthor frequently sees himself as the true protector of humanity, which makes him one of the most fascinating villains in comics.

Played by Nicholas Hoult, the Lex Luthor of the film takes on these essential traits: his intelligence, his manipulation and his obsessive jealousy towards Superman. The film explores the philosophical rivalry between the two characters, pitting the goodness of the hero against the calculating cynicism of his enemy. This dynamic, faithful to the comics, is at the heart of the story: Luthor seeks to demonstrate that Superman represents a threat, playing on distrust towards the being from elsewhere. This dimension resonates with the theme of the immigrant and acceptance, central to the film. For the reader, this modern Luthor is an invitation to discover one of the greatest antagonists of comics, whose rivalry with Superman, born in 1940, embodies the eternal clash between idealism and pride, confidence and fear, at the very foundation of the mythology of the Man of Steel.

Where to start reading

To extend the film, Action Comics #1 (1938) features the first appearance of Superman. “All-Star Superman” (2005) by Grant Morrison perfectly captures the idealism of the hero, in the spirit of the film. “Superman: Birthright” (2003) and “Superman for All Seasons” explore his humanity. Adventure Comics #210 (1955) introduces Krypto. This journey reveals the spirit of the film.

Chronology of comics to know

• 1938— Action Comics #1: Superman's first appearance.
• 1955— Adventure Comics #210: Krypto's first appearance.
• 2005— “All-Star Superman”: the idealistic story that inspires the spirit of the film.

Collection side: what numbers to aim for after the film

Superman points to the absolute key to comics.Action Comics #1(1938, first appearance of Superman) is the most sought-after and expensive comic book in history.Adventure Comics #210(1955, first appearance of Krypto) is a key to the Silver Age that has been sought after since the super-dog appeared on screen. Collections like “All-Star Superman” are accessible targets. These numbers cover extreme budgets. As always, condition and gradation determine value; relying on real recent sales is strongly recommended.

Its place in the saga and for the collector

Superman will remain as the founding film of the new DC universe, having put the Man of Steel at the center with an idealistic tone faithful to the comics. For the collector, it reinforced interest in Action Comics #1, the supreme key, and rediscovered Krypto via Adventure Comics #210. It illustrates the return to the classic values ​​of the hero. Beyond speculation, the film invites us to discover the idealism of Superman in the comics, from Action Comics #1 to “All-Star Superman”. By celebrating his goodness, he reminds us that Superman remains the founding symbol of hope for the entire DC Universe.

The verdict: a faithful return to the hero's idealism

• Loyalty:Superman, his idealism, Lex Luthor, Krypto, the Daily Planet, Lois Lane, Metropolis and the immigrant theme come from comics.
• Freedoms:the relaunched DC universe, an already established Superman without an origin story, an original plot, the appearance of other DC heroes, a bright and optimistic tone.
• Collectible numbers:Action Comics #1 (Superman), Adventure Comics #210 (Krypto).

Superman relaunches the Man of Steel at the heart of a new DC universe, with an idealistic and luminous tone, facing Lex Luthor and accompanied by Krypto. Faithful to the classic spirit of the hero, to his goodness and his dimension of immigrant rather than to a precise arc, the film celebrates the founding values ​​of Superman. For the reader and the collector, it is an invitation to discover Action Comics #1 and “All-Star Superman”.

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