2004 Comic Book News Archives

Superman: Birthright #10

March 11, 2004: Mark Waid Says “Birthright” New Official Superman Origin

ComicBookResources has conducted an indepth interview with "Superman: Birthright" writer Mark Waid, and asked him all about the 12-part series, how it impacts on the regular Superman comics and what fans can expect in up-coming issues. Here's an important excerpt from the interview...

    The one thing that hasn't been clear to fans, new and old, is the place of "Birthright" in the Superman mythos. DC has never commented publicly on whether or not this 12-issue series is the new Superman origin or just a new take to see if readers enjoy it. Ponder this no longer, as Waid himself admits that "Superman: Birthright" is the new official origin of Superman and a "calculated" reboot. "If by 'calculated' we mean 'thought out in great detail to the Nth degree by creators who love the character,' then yes. Accept no substitutes-'Birthright' is officially the DC Comics Origin of Superman. I wish we could have simply said that up front nine months ago when the series began, but overall plans for Superman in 2003 were still somewhat in flux, so DC decided to be a little more circumspect about it and instead surprise fans with the building falllout to 'Birthright' as it pops up in the regular ongoing Superman monthlies. Readers seem very surprised, in a very good way. 'Birthright' is very much the foundation of everything DC's planning for Superman in the future. It was our job to pave the way, it is essential Superman reading, and it's an honor to present it."

Another interesting quote from the interview...

    Part of looking forward entails adapting aspects of characters to modern times and one of these added nuances that seem to upset some vocal fans was the decision to show Clark Kent as a vegetarian. "I was pretty shocked, as well, to be honest, but I think the reason some fans seemed 'offended' by it was because one or two vocal Internet 'fans' with axes to grind tried to paint this as some sort of preachy moral issue, which it simply isn't," says Waid in response to the rude comments put forth regarding the creator's intentions.

Say good bye to Clark's favorite dish and he and the Kent's secret code of "beef bourguignon with ketchup"...

Read the complete interview at the CBR website.

If, like me, you have questions regarding the impact "Birthright" has on past continuity and other generally accepted portions of the Superman mythos, then feel free to submit a question to Superman comics editor Eddie Berganza in the "Ask Eddie" Fan Forum.



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