DC Comics Must Clarify Its Origins as Superman Looks to the Future

As we approach the theatrical debuts of Superman in 2025 and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in 2026, excitement surrounding the DC Universe (DCU) is intensifying. The overwhelming interest is evident, marked by over four million views on Superman’s trailer alone. At the comic shop where I work, discussions about these beloved characters and their cinematic adaptations are at an all-time high.

From the moment the Superman trailer launched online, it became a hot topic among our customers. The energy around the related comics and adaptations is palpable, demonstrating a thriving demand that has been fueled by James Gunn’s transparency regarding the comic sources influencing these projects.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, The Authority, and All-Star Superman Have Experienced a Surge in Sales

James Gunn’s DCU Acknowledges the Comic Origins of Its Films and Shows

Following Gunn’s announcement of the DCU’s first chapter, he highlighted key titles including Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and The Authority from WildStorm. This recognition catalyzed a sell-out of these DC comics across various online platforms. Additionally, Gunn pointed to All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, significantly boosting its sales in comic shops. In my professional experience, I have never witnessed such a spike in interest for this classic Superman title.

In response to the excitement generated by Gunn’s Superman trailer, we decided to create a dedicated section in our store for the comics he mentioned, along with other relevant titles. This decision proved successful, as the section quickly became a bestseller.DC is also recognizing the impact of Gunn’s promotion by set to release a box set on June 25th, 2025, featuring the comics that served as inspiration for his film.

Superhero Movie Enthusiasts Seek Comic Book Suggestions

Providing Guidance for Optimal Comic Purchases

Agatha Harkness in the 1700s in Agatha All Along

New readers often arrive seeking guidance on comics related to the films they love. For instance, fans of Thor: Ragnarok are directed toward Planet Hulk, one of the film’s direct influences, along with titles like Beta Ray Bill that encapsulate the movie’s vibrant genre essence.

However, this isn’t always straightforward. A customer recently inquired about a specific Agatha Harkness comic series, hoping to find something closely resembling the Agatha All Along storyline. Unfortunately, her character does not possess a dedicated series, so we recommended works such as James Robinson’s run on Scarlet Witch and other independent comics featuring magical themes that align with the story explored in the Disney+ show.

James Gunn Establishes New Standards for Comic Adaptation

How Studios and Filmmakers Can Better Support Comic Readers and Shops

It’s reasonable for newcomers to the comic genre to feel lost regarding which titles influenced their favorite shows and films. Many adaptations either draw from multiple sources or create original stories featuring comic book characters. Gunn’s openness about the source material is refreshing for both new readers and retailers alike. Moreover, creators have expressed their appreciation for this transparency, such as Chip Zdarsky, who highlighted the importance of filmmakers acknowledging the comics that inspire their work in an interview with CBR.

James is a real bright spot, isn’t he? Years ago, he tweeted some nice words about my Howard The Duck run and was kind enough to answer some questions when I was pitching the movie with Lea Thompson. The fact that he took the time to respond to a comic creator and does the same for others in the comic industry really speaks to his character. He’s a fan and uses his platform to spread the word about how great comics can be. I can’t think of a better ambassador.

Direct adaptations of comics are not a necessity; many successful films and shows, like The Dark Knight trilogy and the Guardians of the Galaxy, stand as testaments to this versatility in storytelling. Nevertheless, when comics serve as touchstones for inspiration, it’s beneficial for filmmakers and studios to be transparent about their sources. This practice provides guidance to new readers and ultimately supports local comic shops and the comic industry as a whole. The buzz surrounding Superman has undoubtedly amplified this sentiment among our customers.

The highlighted DC Comics are readily available, especially at your local comic book store!

Source: CBR (1, 2)

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