1. Supermans Journey
Popular opinion would have you believe that Supermans just a one-dimensional boy scout and a walking I want you poster for America. And theres always the inevitable comparison that hes just not as cool as Batman. While Batman may be a more inherently dynamic and fascinating character, Id argue that Superman has just as much inner conflict and an even more tortured background. Bruce Wayne lost his parents, Kal-El lost his parents along with his entire planet. Bruce Wayne grows up without his family, but early on he gains a sense of purpose, a mission in life to protect the innocent. Superman grows up with foster parents who instill in him a sense of honor and purpose, but Clark is still largely lost. Batman has never wavered in his career (well, mostly) but Superman constantly questions who he is, his purpose, why he was sent to Earth, why he should even stay. Superman actor Henry Cavill has said that this Superman will be unsure of himself, frustrated, angry and lost. Most interesting of all, David Goyer says Supermans conflict boils down to his being a man with two fathers. Im guessing that were gonna see a lot of Jor-El encouraging Superman to be humanitys savior, and Johnathan just wanting Supes to be himself. The conflict could prove fascinating, especially in contrast to Batman. He had one father with a very specific bit of wisdom for Bruce - Dont be afraid. Its largely these words that forever guide Bruce, and he never wavers from that concept, or in his belief in his father. With Man of Steel, Superman wont have a sure mission, he will only have two different forms of guidance, and his own ultimate decision. We will watch that decision unfold as the movie progresses, perhaps as he encounters dilemmas that bend his direction either way. Perhaps he saves a group of people from a burning building and begins to believe in his powers. Perhaps that same group consequently calls authorities on him and he wonders why he even bothered. Whichever way the story guides him, it will be a continuous conflict. Batmans internal conflict basically ended once he put on the mask, but Supermans looks to continue long after he takes up the iconic S shield. But beyond struggling with father wisdom, Superman's struggle is ultimately one that tests the difference between a man and a super man. The title Man of Steel refers to this inner struggle. It encapsulates the idea that Superman is indeed a man but simultaneously something different, something greater. Superman will have to wonder whether or not he truly belongs with the people he so closely resembles, but remains a world apart. Nolans Batman was, at the end of the day, still a guy from Earth. He may have been wearing a bat suit, but his problems were very much the worlds problems. Not so much with Superman. Humanitys resistance will also add to Zods mission to tempt Superman to join his side. It was a proposal that in Superman II held very little weight, but here could have some actual bearing on Supermans choices. Conflict, as they say, provides the best kind of storytelling, especially if its internal conflict, and there looks to be a ton of it in this movie. Batmans internal conflict quickly became absorbed by exterior conflicts with villains after Batman Begins, and it was never as deep as Supermans conflict to begin with. Supermans conflict is both internal and external, starting from within but growing to encase the entire world, leaving its fate to rest on his shoulders. If that doesnt make for some seriously epic storytelling, I dont know what does. Its worth mentioning too that there is a wealth of material for the filmmakers to draw from in shaping this iteration of Superman. As Batman Begins did with Batman: Year One, Man of Steel looks to primarily be culling its source material from Superman: Birthright, the 2005 retelling of his origin; particularly the idea that the Superman S shield is actually a Kryptonian symbol for hope (seen in the third trailer). Other elements that appear drawn from the 12 issue series include Supermans young exploits as a journalist in Africa, and the negativity and mistrust with which the general populace reacts to his strange powers. Birthright was a very character driven and emotionally harrowing version of Supermans origin, and if its utilized effectively for the film it stands to deepen the significance of Supermans quest to a level more powerful than what Nolan did for Batman (Birthright is also, in my opinion, a better book than Batman: Year One). And who knows what other sources Goyer and Snyder are utilizing in this retelling. Superman has been around since 1932, and has the longest run of any comic book super hero. With 80+ years of history, theres a nearly infinite well of different iterations the filmmakers could be drawing from. Nolan and Goyer made the first two Batman movies the masterpieces they were through a combination of both original and source material. Now they can do themselves one better with Man of Steel by taking the same approach, but perfecting it. But will they? Im sure Nolan, Goyer and Snyder know what theyre up against. Everyone is watching and waiting with hopeful skepticism, not really believing the movie can top The Dark Knight trilogy, but silently wondering if its a faint possibility. The Nolan team is aware of that possibility, and they would be foolish not to do everything in their power to make it a reality. Just imagine the buzz that will spread like wildfire when audiences emerge from the midnight screenings saying You know what, I actually liked that Superman movie better than those Batman movies. Its the reaction that Team Nolan needs, and the one we deserve. They can take the best of the Superman comics and build them up into something truly relevant. As David Goyer put it Superman is the granddaddy of all superheroes. Its time the king was returned to his throne. Its time for Superman to soar again. This time, on the wings of a bat.