2004 Comic Book News Archives

Action Comics #815

March 23, 2004: Chuck Austen Talks “Action Comics”

ComicBookResources caught up with writer Chuck Austen to talk to him about his up-coming run on "Action Comics". Here's an excerpt from the article...

    Austen is a huge fan of Superman and when asked what makes the character so unique, and not able to be duplicated by "similar" characters, those keeping score at home will need pen and paper. "What makes him so unique? Dude. Everything. He's the original. The first. There were no super heroes before Superman. He is the most unique. He created this genre, and everything that came after him is simply an attempt to do something as interesting as him. But Siegel and Shuster got it right the first time. Superman is the greatest super hero, ever. The reason characters like Supreme can't replicate him is because of that, because of the elegance and beauty of his basic concept. From Clark to Lois to the job at the Daily Planet and finally Superman himself. Anything else is just an attempt to 'replicate' him. To improve upon the original.

    "Can't be done. Superman is the one-and-only. There is no replicating him. Even Spider-Man owes a debt of gratitude to Superman."

    Every writer who approaches superheroes from both DC and Marvel looks for an "in" to the character, something that clicks with them and opens up worlds of possibility. With Austen, it's as simple as, "He's the best," states the scribe. "It doesn't matter if there are stronger, more powerful, more flashy or intense super heroes out there. Superman is the greatest. It's because of who he is, his charm, his sense of honor and duty, his humanity and zest for life. He's the hero for the ages, the champion of the little people, unafraid in the face of death and danger, and ready to stand in against all odds. And people like him. They like him a lot."

Read the complete interview at the CBR website.



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