The Humanity of Superman: A Love Letter to Comics by James Gunn

Darkmeter 7.75 ⚫

Let’s talk about Superman.

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The new movie is, honestly, excellent. I loved it—deeply—and not in a fanboy way, but because it delivers something rare: a story that understands what a comic book actually is. A space to escape, imagine, and hope.

And James Gunn? He gets it.

James Gunn and the Spirit of the Comic Book

Ever since Guardians of the Galaxy, I’ve respected the way Gunn approaches stories. He doesn’t just direct superheroes—he connects them to something bigger: emotion, humor, pain, and above all, humanity.

So when I heard he was taking over Superman, I was genuinely excited. Not because I expected realism, but because I expected wonder.

And that’s what this movie gives.

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What We Want (and What We Don’t)

I’m not here for a bleak, gray, hyper-realistic Superman. I don’t want every vehicle and weapon explained like it’s an episode of MythBusters. I don’t care how the flying car works. It’s a comic. That’s the point.

What I do want is a guy in red trunks saving everyone he can—not just because he has the power, but because he wants to. And that’s exactly what this version of Superman delivers.

Krypto and the Soul of the Story

Let’s talk about Krypto for a second.

He’s one of the best decisions in the whole movie. Gunn has this ability to give heart and soul to characters that could easily feel like gimmicks. Krypto isn’t just a superdog. He’s a mirror of Superman’s core idea: the quiet nobility of helping because it’s the right thing to do.

And that’s what Superman is here.He may come from outer space, but he’s more human than most of us.

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Performances that Land

David Corenswet nails the role. He’s not imitating anyone—he is Superman. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane is sharp, grounded, and actually interesting to watch (finally). And Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor? Creepy, cold, and unsettling in the best way.

Every main actor brings something that works.

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Who Is This Movie For?

It’s not for kids. And that’s fine.

Not because it’s hyper-violent or full of swearing—but because this story is clearly aimed at people who’ve grown up with comics, games, movies, and still believe in them. People who can read between the explosions and catch the questions being asked.

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A Bit of Social Commentary (Without Losing the Magic)

There’s a very real message under all the action:Who’s more human—someone from Krypton raised with compassion and empathy, or someone born on Earth who hides behind a screen and doesn’t care who they hurt?

It’s subtle, but present.

The film touches on how easy it is to press a button and cause harm. How disconnected younger generations can feel behind digital walls. How easy it is to lose empathy.

And yet, in the middle of all that, it never loses its comic-book soul.

Color, Hope, and Comic Book Logic

This movie is bright, colorful, emotional—and yes, a little exaggerated. But that’s the charm. It feels like a comic. The lines, the action, the exaggerated poses, the glowing eyes. It doesn’t need to explain every detail.

Because it trusts the audience to remember what it’s like to believe in stories.

Final Thoughts

This is not just another Superman reboot. It’s a hopeful, vibrant, deeply human film that reminds us why this character has lasted for nearly a century. It’s not perfect—but it doesn’t need to be.

Because it has heart.

And in a world that’s often too cynical, that’s exactly what we need.