The Comics That Influenced David Corenswet’s Superman

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Summary

  • The new Superman movie draws inspiration from various comic book eras, combining elements from different timelines.
  • David Corenswet’s Superman suit pays homage to classic designs, including curly hair and classic red boots.
  • The first trailer suggests that Superman will explore the iconic hero’s connection to Earth and Krypton, possibly featuring Kelex as a significant character.

As a long-time fan of the Man of Steel, I find it absolutely thrilling to delve into the intricate web of comic book influences that James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film seems to be weaving. Having grown up with stories like Kingdom Come and DC’s The New Frontier, it’s fascinating to see how these classic tales are being reimagined for a modern audience.

Fans were treated to a glimpse of James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman, featuring David Corenswet in the lead role. The debut trailer, poster, and insights shared by the cast and crew suggest that this new Superman will draw influences from various iterations of the character throughout his 80-year history, rather than strictly adhering to a single version.

David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman has brought back memories of the original comics for many fans, whether it’s his outfit, his actions, or certain storylines that are starting to emerge. However, not everyone is familiar with the vast world of Superman comics, so some aspects in the trailer might be unexpected for those viewers.

7. The Man Of Steel

The Golden Standard That Is Still Relevant

  • Comic: The Man Of Steel
  • Creators: John Byrne, Dick Giordano

As a die-hard movie fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for the timeless Superman, particularly Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of him. The original Superman films left an indelible mark on pop culture and comic books during the Silver Age. When Superman was rebooted post-Crisis On Infinite Earths in The Man Of Steel, penned by John Byrne, his design took a cue from Reeve’s likeness – a trend that has influenced every live-action casting since.

The revamped Superman costume worn by David Corenswet sports the wavy hair that’s characteristic of the character in the comics, particularly during the ’80s when John Byrne redesigned him for a fresher look. Notably, it includes the traditional red boots with a chevron pattern at the top, which bear a striking resemblance to those worn by Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh in their costumes.

6. All-Star Superman

David Corenswet Makes The Clark Kent Disguise Believable

  • Comic: All-Star Superman
  • Creators: Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely

The heartfelt comic book series, “All-Star Superman,” penned by Grant Morrison, is cherished for its author’s deep affection for Superman and his ideals. Although David Corenswet’s Clark Kent doesn’t appear to be influenced by the All-Star Superman, there are several striking resemblances between them, particularly in how they contrast significantly from their Superman personas.

Despite towering above many residents in Metropolis, David Corenswet’s character, Clark, proves his acting skills by portraying a bumbling yet endearing man from Kansas. He’s timid, uncoordinated, and somewhat clumsy, ensuring that he appears nothing like Superman. This suggests that his disguise is much more than just a pair of glasses.

5. Action Comics #1

The Original Still Influences All Superman Portrayals Today

  • Comic: Action Comics #1
  • Creators: Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster

David Corenswet’s suits stand out vividly, with the suit’s hue resembling the deep blues of the skies he traverses, and yellows that would make even a Green Lantern wince with their brilliance. This is reminiscent of when Superman made his initial appearance in Action Comics #1, all the way back in 1938, as well as when Superman #1 was first published in 1939.

As a film enthusiast, I find it fascinating that the House of El crest in the upcoming project sports a yellow trim instead of the usual red. This design choice deviates significantly from the traditional symbols seen since Superman’s early days more than 80 years ago, making it a refreshing change from previous live-action portrayals. What’s more, this decision showcases director James Gunn’s admiration for maintaining the integrity of the character’s rich history.

4. The New 52

The Armor Padding Comes From DC’s 2011 Reboot

  • Comic: Justice League #1
  • Creators: Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Scott Williams

In 2011, when DC refreshed its universe through the The New 52 comics, Superman underwent one of his most significant transformations. His suit was no longer the traditional red and blue but a darker sapphire blue, and it was designed to resemble armor from Krypton. This new design included a high collar and shoulder pads, giving him a regal, warrior-like appearance reminiscent of a character from a science fiction tale.

David Corenswet’s suit shares several armor-like fabric traits reminiscent of the New 52 design, particularly the collar. But what sets it apart is the more vibrant blue hues and the retention of red trunks with a yellow belt instead of red, reflecting James Gunn’s creative inspiration drawn from various periods in the character’s history.

3. Superman: The Man Of Steel #100

That Robot Might Be Clark’s Last Connection To His Homeworld

  • Comic: Superman: The Man Of Steel #100
  • Creators: Mark Schultz, Pablo Raimondi, José Marzan Jr.

In a new twist, director James Gunn hints that the upcoming Superman film will delve into the complex relationships of Superman – not just his Earthly bond with the Kents, but also his ties to his home planet, Krypton. A possible clue to this dual heritage could be the potential appearance of Kelex, a character first introduced by John Byrne and who has since appeared in various comics such as “Superman: The Man of Steel”.

In simpler terms, Kelex serves a role similar to Alfred Pennyworth for Superman, being his robotic confidant and protector within the Fortress of Solitude. Although he shares characteristics with the mechanical allies Superman has in the comics, called Superbots, it appears that Superman is grieving over Kelex in the latest trailer. This could hint that Kelex might be Clark Kent’s primary living link to his home planet, Krypton, aside from the Fortress itself.

2. DC’s The New Frontier

The Loose Look Of The Suit Is Intentional

  • Comic: DC’s The New Frontier
  • Creator: Darwyn Cooke

David Corenswet’s costume choice for the character he plays could have been similar to The New 52 design, but the actor preferred a more authentic portrayal of Superman as an alien while avoiding any fear among Earth’s inhabitants. Consequently, David Corenswet proposed not using muscle suits and incorporating red trunks reminiscent of circus wrestlers, which were also the original inspiration for the trunks in 1938 and in DC’s The New Frontier – a concept that James Gunn acknowledged as an influence on his new universe.

In addition to its own distinct identity, “The New Frontier” exhibits significant influences from both the Silver Age and Golden Age in terms of its world and narrative style. Similarities can be drawn between Superman’s struggle to uphold heroism amidst cynicism, which mirrors elements seen in “The New Frontier,” and it also incorporates fantastical elements such as Superman battling colossal monsters and the coexistence of various superheroes like Mr. Terrific, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl within this universe.

1. Kingdom Come

The Symbol Is Taken Straight Out Of Alex Ross’ Artwork

  • Comic: Kingdom Come
  • Creators: Mark Waid, Alex Ross

Just like Batman, each cinematic portrayal of Superman offers a unique twist on the legendary chest badge. In David Corenswet’s depiction of Superman, the symbol is inspired by the renowned Elseworld comic, Kingdom Come. This tale centers around an older Superman who re-emerges from retirement to confront a world filled with overconfident young heroes who seem to have lost touch with the essence of being a superhero.

The symbol’s angular shape gives it an otherworldly appearance reminiscent of aliens, yet it remains recognizable as an S. A significant change is that the film adaptation replaces the original black highlights with vibrant yellow ones. This modification aligns well with the new Superman’s character, who embodies a contrast to the Kingdom Come concept where Superman is a youthful hero inspiring hope amidst a backdrop of disillusioned older heroes.

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2024-12-23 10:34