How to Perfectly Portray Superman: Insights from a DC Comics Legend

Grant Morrison, the influential co-creator behind one of the most celebrated Superman narratives, has shared enlightening insights regarding the enduring appeal of the iconic superhero. Having captivated audiences for nearly a century, the essence of the Man of Steel remains a topic of fascination that few have been able to fully articulate.

However, Morrison, famed for the acclaimed All-Star Superman, has brilliantly captured the essence of this character. Nearly two decades ago, Morrison contributed to crafting one of the seminal stories of the Man of Tomorrow, and a recently surfaced quote underscores their beliefs about Superman’s lasting significance.

Grant Morrison: The Myth Shapes the Man

Superman’s Rich History: The Foundation of His Iconic Status

In a thoughtful Reddit post, a selected quote from Morrison’s extensive interview with Newsarama sheds light on their creative journey while developing All-Star Superman. Prior to engaging with this monumental story, Morrison dedicated significant time to reassessing Superman’s character and what uniquely propels his appeal. They conceded that while fans connect with the character for various reasons, they posit that the mythology surrounding Superman is the core of his identity.

Morrison asserts that the most remarkable writers who have tackled Superman hail from the ’50s and ’60s, primarily during the Silver Age, a period characterized by the establishment of Superman’s rich mythology. They specifically commend writer Otto Binder for introducing essential elements to Superman’s lore, such as Supergirl, Brainiac, and Jimmy Olsen—elements that Morrison expresses a fondness for due to their whimsical nature. Furthermore, Morrison highlights Binder’s innovations like the Phantom Zone and the Legion of Super-Heroes, acknowledging that Binder’s imaginative prowess similarly shone in his work on Captain Marvel.

While admiring Binder’s ingenuity, Morrison candidly reveals their envy for Binder’s creative vision. They claim that their work on All-Star Superman sought to capture the spirit of what Binder and his contemporaries achieved while also scrutinizing Superman’s mortality. Remarkably, Morrison suggests that All-Star Superman is not entirely an original creation but a narrative built upon the existing mythos. They conclude their reflections with an homage to Binder, asserting he “deserves immense recognition for endowing Superman with such distinctiveness.”

Superman’s Mythology: An Invaluable Asset

Creativity: The Cornerstone of the Man of Steel

Superman and his supporting characters in DC's Silver Age Superman comics.

Morrison’s insight is punctuated by the recognition that the Silver Age was an extraordinary era for Superman. During this period, Superman not only developed new abilities but also faced some of the most outrageous challenges devised by writers and artists. The willingness of creators like Otto Binder to explore imaginative avenues resulted in a robust mythology that has withstood the test of time and continues to inspire contemporary creators working on Superman narratives.

While Morrison’s jest about envying Binder’s creativity perhaps underplays their own impact, All-Star Superman is frequently lauded among the finest modern interpretations of the character. The narrative is replete with inventive concepts—like Superman’s long-lost ancestors, Bar-El and Lilo, and Zibarro, a unique Bizarro character—that echo the whimsical spirit of Silver Age storytelling. This illustrates Morrison’s central premise: the mythology forged decades ago serves as a wellspring of inspiration for today’s comic book creators.

It’s important to note that Superman’s perseverance isn’t solely contingent upon the reimagining of past characters and concepts. Icons like the Phantom Zone, the Bottle City of Kandor, along with characters such as Supergirl and Krypto, have integrated so thoroughly into the Superman narrative that they are as fundamental as his powers and his compassion for humanity. To craft a compelling Superman narrative, creators must engage with and honor this rich mythology, a pivotal component defining the essence of Superman.

Superman’s Mythology: A Testament to Pure Creativity

The Lore: A Gateway to Innovative Storytelling for the Man of Tomorrow

Golden Age Superman lifting a heavy object in the Golden Age DC comics

Is Superman a challenging character to write? Undoubtedly. Yet, examining the inventive additions made during the Silver Age reveals that creators like Binder thrived when they allowed themselves the freedom to imagine wildly. They introduced grand concepts—such as a miniaturized city and a super-powered dog—that eventually became integral elements of Superman’s legend. Morrison’s astute observation reinforces the notion that it is the mythology surrounding Superman that contributes significantly to his lasting appeal.

Source: Reddit

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