5 Superman Stories That the DCU Should Adapt

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It seems like Superman is shaping up to be an ideal commencement for the DC Universe. Being the original superhero and boasting more than eight decades of history, Superman serves as a trailblazer in the realm of comic book heroes. His stories have paved the way for various superhero themes, making him a cultural icon.

In recent years, the DC movies haven’t had the smoothest sailing, but with such a rich history, there are countless compelling tales waiting to be adapted. The good news is that DC Studios is in capable hands, as it is headed by James Gunn, a passionate comic book enthusiast. Given his affinity for the source material, it’s safe to say that he will undoubtedly delve into the past of DC to unearth stories that fans will adore.

Reimagining Superman as the cornerstone of the DC Universe involves drawing inspiration from the most captivating Superman comic books. These compelling tales could serve as a fantastic basis for upcoming movies within the DCU. Here are five Superman stories that have the potential to create exceptional projects, enriching the emerging superhero cinematic universe with unforgettable narratives.

Grant Morrison’s Action Comics Run

The New 52 marked a significant overhaul of the DC Multiverse, with a less-than-stellar reputation overall. Yet, not every New 52 comic was subpar, and one particular series could serve as a fantastic DC Universe epic. Grant Morrison took charge of “Action Comics,” revamping Superman by returning him to his socially conscious roots from the Golden Age. Over the course of its 19 issues, this captivating narrative unfolds, subtly suggesting a sinister puppeteer lurking in the shadows, orchestrating all events that have transpired for Superman. Morrison’s run on “Action Comics” offers an intriguing exploration of Superman and his universe, taking readers to places seldom visited by other Superman tales. It delves deep into the DC mythos, particularly the Fifth Dimension, reimagining it in innovative ways. Although not every detail needs to be adapted for the big screen, the DC Universe could draw inspiration from Morrison’s “Action Comics” run—a continuous storyline—to create a stunning series of Superman films.

“Brainiac”

One significant villain in the Superman universe who has yet to appear in film is Brainiac. In the comics, Brainiac stands alongside Lex Luthor as one of Superman’s most formidable adversaries, often striking fear into even the Man of Steel. While there are numerous tales involving Brainiac, the story “Brainiac,” written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank, is particularly noteworthy within the DC Universe. This narrative serves as a reimagining of Brainiac’s origins, suggesting that every previous encounter between Superman and Brainiac was actually the hero battling one of the villain’s drones. The horror element in this story adds depth, underscoring why Brainiac poses such a threat to Superman. Additionally, Supergirl features prominently in this tale, potentially paving the way for both Superman and his cousin to share the silver screen together. “Brainiac” is considered a contemporary classic, and bringing it to life on the big screen could prove to be a winning formula.

“Warworld Saga”

The “Warworld Saga” fits perfectly within the DC Universe. This narrative centers around a struggling Superman, fearful of letting down Earth due to his diminishing powers, joining forces with the Authority to accomplish a critical task – liberating Warworld from Mongul’s grip. This plot setup is often praised for initiating the recent resurgence of Superman. “Warworld Saga” provides all the essential elements for a superhero film storyline: a collaboration between characters, a formidable adversary, heart-racing action, and storytelling that highlights why Superman is such an exceptional character. Although the Authority may not be getting their own movie as initially planned, they deserve a role in the DCU, and “Warworld Saga” serves as the ideal platform to introduce them.

Kingdom Come

The graphic novel “Kingdom Come,” penned by Mark Waid and illustrated by Alex Ross, offers a comprehensive look at the DC Universe, but for those who question whether it’s primarily about Superman, I suggest revisiting this masterpiece. This work stands among the finest modern Superman comics due to its exceptional portrayal of the character.

Set in a future where the previous generation of heroes has retired and been succeeded by a more violent group, “Kingdom Come” unfolds as Superman returns from retirement to demonstrate the essence of heroism following a catastrophic event in the U.S. However, there are hidden forces, both former allies and adversaries, who disagree with Superman’s approach.

Although “Kingdom Come” has not yet been adapted into a film, its realistic visual style would undoubtedly shine on the big screen. This story encapsulates the essence of Superman, showcasing his impact on the world, while also delving into the character’s complexities and his views of the world and himself.

Superman: Up in the Sky

Tom King, one of DC Comics’ most distinguished creators, raised some eyebrows among fans due to his unique approach to storytelling, particularly focusing on the emotional turmoil that comes with being a superhero – especially when it came to Superman. However, all apprehensions were put to rest upon the release of “Superman: Up in the Sky,” a collaborative work by King and artist Andy Kubert.

In “Superman: Up in the Sky,” Superman chooses to depart Earth on a mission to save a young girl from an extraterrestrial threat. The narrative takes readers on a cosmic journey, with each segment delving into the very essence of Superman. This tale is a masterful portrayal of Superman storytelling, skillfully blending various aspects of the character to create a compelling and accurate representation of who Superman truly is. “Superman: Up in the Sky” offers an excellent opportunity for audiences to understand the core values of Superman and the lengths he’s willing to go to save a life.

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2025-04-03 00:10