Richard Donner Writes Comics

Superman, I’m going to take every chance I can to write about him. He is without a doubt the greatest superhero ever. I’ve loved him since I was a little kid running around in a cape. He’s always been my favorite and always will be. People complain that he’s too good, and too powerful… I think that’s where the charm is for me. I don’t want my favorite superhero to be some I can relate to, I want him to be someone I can look up to. Superman is that character, he’s got no flaws; he’s the ultimate good guy. That’s why I, and millions like me love him.

 

Recently we saw the release of the latest piece of Superman mythology, the movie Superman Returns. I saw it twice… I don’t say that proudly though, it was actually a defeat, I wish I could have been at the theater every day of its North American release. Alas, it was not to be. It would seem that “the new Superman movie is out” is not a good enough excuse to shirk all responsibility including bills, work and family obligations. I know, I know, it shocks me too. I loved the movie though. It got flamed a lot for being too boring and not action packed enough, but that’s why I thought it was great. Superman’s strong and can defeat any physical attack - save kryptonite and magic - but emotional trauma, that gets to even the Man of Steel. That’s really what the movie’s focus was and I loved every second of it.

 

Before Bryan Singer’s version of the Last Son of Krypton there was Richard Donners. I know he didn’t get to really work on 3 and 4, and they originally scrapped his version of 2. As far as I’m concerned though, the credit for the success of all of those movies belongs to him, and Christopher Reeve and the amazing legacy they created in the first movie. The Richard Donner’s Cut of Superman II was recently released, I have yet to see it but hope to soon, I’m sure it will be spectacular.

 

Also recently released – and the real reason for this article – is Action Comics 844, written by Richard Donner and Geoff Johns, with art by Adam Kubert. This is a fantastic issue. If the entire arc keeps this tone, it’s really going to turn Superman’s world on its head. I’m very curious to see where it goes. It’s nice to see Richard (and Geoff’s) take on the characters too. Perry White is his back to his expected hard boiled, grouchy, yelling and screaming self. Clark seems to be the quite, shy, bumbling fool we’ve all come to love and adore. So far we have the excellent story telling and character development you’d expect from a talented writing team up like this. I’m sure the story will continue to unfold wonderfully.

 

 Adam Kubert does a great job with the art too, it’s much more raw than his brother Andy’s work, but it’s really beautiful stuff. His characters have real life on the page, and show very genuine emotion. I also like the way the characters seem to stand out on each page. I think that may have just as much to do with Dave Stewart’s masterful coloring as it does Adam’s art. It’s a very interesting blend of light colors, dark outlines on characters, and what is either color trapping or no inking in the backgrounds. I’m having a rough time telling. If someone out there wants to fill me in that’d be great? Each page is very beautifully crafted. I especially like the long shot of Clark holding the ship and seeing inside for the first time, great image! Another interesting little artistic tidbit for this issue… it’s the first time we see the Superman Returns costume in a comic that doesn’t relate directly to the movie. I like it. The change is small and subtle but I think it works.

 

The issue is really quite good, and if nothing else it will have a great deal of collector value to it. Just a note: if you want some major collector value, there is an Andy Kubert 1 in 10 variant cover available too. I’ve seen both covers though and I really like the Adam Kubert one the best. So enjoy the issue if you pick it up. I liked it, and I really can’t wait to see Superman II, the Richard Donner Cut. It’s going to be very cool.