Unleashing the Epic: A Supercharged Take on Superman: Legacy Beyond All-Star Superman

James Gunn's new DCU will begin with "Gods and Monsters," starting on July 11, 2025, featuring Superman: Legacy, a unique interpretation of the beloved superhero. Gunn previously shared a selection of comics in February that will serve as inspiration for this initial series of films. One of these comics, All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison, will be the foundation for Superman Legacy. Morrison's book has consistently been praised by Superman enthusiasts as one of the finest in the character's extensive history. So, what exactly makes All-Star Superman so adored, and which aspects of its plot and tone should Gunn incorporate into the upcoming movie?

What Is The Plot of All-Star Superman?

Superman Legacy is not expected to be a direct adaptation of Morrison's comic, as the storyline revolves around Superman organizing his affairs before his impending demise. The action commences with Dr. Leo Quintum and his lunar-based research team, P.R.O.J.E.C.T, embarking on an exploratory mission to the Sun. However, the mission is sabotaged remotely by the incarcerated Lex Luthor, who has struck a deal with the U.S. government to serve his sentence luxuriously. Superman comes to the rescue and saves the mission, but in the process, he becomes supercharged by the Sun, enhancing his Kryptonian cells and powers.

Although Superman draws strength from the Sun, the direct infusion of solar energy overwhelms his body. His newfound power comes at a great cost - he is dying, and there is no way to save him. After being condemned to death, Luthor reveals that Superman's illness was part of his plan all along, and he takes solace in knowing that he has finally triumphed over his archenemy. While these events set a narratively rich foundation, the remainder of the story delves into Superman's completion of Twelve Labors, which will shape his legacy for generations to come.

The dynamics between Superman and his supporting characters remain largely unchanged. Taking place during a later stage in Superman's career, there are only a few new faces, including Dr. Leo Quintum's team and a handful of villains. Clark Kent, in the eyes of the world and especially Lois Lane, is still perceived as a clumsy yet endearing individual. Luthor's bitterness towards Superman persists, as he reveals during a death row interview that he despises the hero because he believes he could have become humanity's ruler if Superman had never arrived on Earth. However, one significant difference is that Superman finally reveals to Lois that he has been Clark all along. The reaction from Lois and the moments they share become some of the most memorable aspects of the story.

Morrison's book encompasses the entire spectrum of Superman's adventures, offering a definitive narrative that appeals to both devoted fans and casual readers. From rescuing Earth from the clutches of the Bizarro World to liberating the shrunken inhabitants of Kandor (the sole remaining city of Krypton, diminished and encased by Brainiac as a trophy), from unraveling the unanswerable riddle of the cosmic Sphinx to restoring order in the Phantom Zone, and even delving into the creation of life itself, All-Star Superman sees our hero tying up all loose ends. It is precisely because of this that the book's storyline may not be as informative for Gunn as its visual style and overall atmosphere.

How Will All-Star Superman's Tone Help Superman: Legacy Stand Apart?

For all its accolades, Zack Snyder's Man of Steel faced criticism for being excessively dark, both in its visuals and overall tone, which deviated from the traditional Superman film. Whether or not this critique holds merit is subjective, but one thing is certain - All-Star Superman is a comic book that can resonate with both fans and detractors of Man of Steel. Grant Morrison, the writer of All-Star Superman, has never shied away from exploring dark and emotionally complex themes. However, unlike Man of Steel, the weightiness of these moments is never overshadowed by the story's awe-inspiring and fantastical elements.

All-Star Superman exemplifies the essence of Superman beyond his immense strength and speed. He takes on the role of an explorer, venturing into both the familiar and the unknown realms of the universe. This sci-fi hero's adventures often delve into the realm of speculative absurdity, reminiscent of Star Trek. Overcoming the challenges he encounters requires not only physical prowess but also a sharp intellect. All-Star Superman strikes a delicate balance, portraying its hero as unwaveringly optimistic, intellectually brilliant, and inherently human.

The narrative fully embraces the quirkiness of Golden Age comics, infused with just enough emotional depth and modern sensibility to captivate present-day audiences. This is a feat that Gunn himself has proven capable of accomplishing, as evidenced by his recent works. Peacemaker, The Suicide Squad, and Guardians Vol. 3 all embody fantastical and outlandish tales, complemented by stunning visual effects and captivating storylines that tug at the heartstrings, ultimately leaving viewers empowered. This delicate balance, long mastered by comic books, is still a challenge for comic book-inspired media. Gunn's innate understanding of this balance has been instrumental in his ongoing success.

All told, Morrison and Gunn appear to be an ideal combination, a partnership that the filmmaker is eagerly looking forward to exploring. This may explain why Morrison's influence will also shape Gunn's fresh interpretation of Batman. For fans who can't bear the wait until 2025, they can dive into Morrison's extensive body of work right now and experience that iconic magic in print before Gunn brings it to life on the silver screen.