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2011 Comic Book News Archives

July 22, 2011: SDCC - Superman Panel Report

The Superman Panel at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con was hosted by Matt Idelson with Grant Morrison, Scott Lobdell, J. Michael Straczynski, John Cunningham, and Mike Johnson.

In regards to "Action Comics", Grant Morrison said he'll be exploring how Superman got the costume and why. Clark knows he's an alien but not that he's from Krypton. Initially he'll be very young and brash. "Action Comics" is more thematically similar to "All Star Superman", if not directly tied to it. Superman will not be like Batman. He will not be brooding... but he will "kick more ass". Morrison also mentioned that Lex Luthor is an up and coming rich kid who sold some patents and is kind of the good guy. There are no plans for either Lionel Luthor or Chloe Sullivan. Jimmy Olsen is Clark's pal, not Superman's. Look to "Action Comics #3" to learn about Jor-El and Lara, and the Fortress of Solitude.

Matt Idelson's comments about "Superman" were that he's "not a boy scout" and has "no trophy wife" (!!!). The Daily Planet is not a hallowed newspaper, bought by media conglomerate. It is made up of both a newspaper, TV station and Web content. Lois Lane is an equal in position to Perry White, runing the TV/Web section while Perry runs the newspaper.

JMS spoke about his progress on "Superman: Earth One - Part 2". We'll see Clark's first apartment and how he fits in. We'll be introduces to his neighbor Lisa, who adores him. A flashback to a "birds and bees" talk with Jonathan Kent. Superman will come across the Parasite who drains him. And we'll discover Clark's missed opportunity at a sexual experience.

Scott Lobdell spoke about "Superboy", saying Conner was kidnapped before the book opens, being reverse engineered screwed him up and he's been wiped clean. However this is the same Conner from the last 15 years.

"Supergirl" writer Mike Johnson noted that Supergirl isn't someone you want to piss off. She's finding her way in the world and what happened to her. She doesn't know where she is or how she got on Earth. She does not know Superman. The writers want the readers to experience everything Kara does as it happens to her. Johnson wants Supergirl to be fun, and not just angsty. She will exhibit differet powers, and different power levels and manifestations.

On the topic of Digital Comics, JMS thinks audio needs to somehow be included. To hear the characters as you read.

On the topic of armor, Matt Idelson said it's possible for Superman to be hurt and thus he needs armor. Grant Morrison noted that Superman's cape is the one thing he has from Krypton, and he's had it with him all his life.

In reference to continuity for "Superman", the "Death of Superman" story still happened.

Steel is still in "Action Comics", but has very different role.

Superman's past with the Legion is still there, but different.

Most of Conner's past is intact up until he joined the Teen Titans. Villain for first year of the new "Teen Titans" comic is Superboy.

As with the 1986 relaunch and the "Man of Steel" series by John Byrne, DC Comics did think about doing a "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow" type farewell but decided not to.

If you're exhausted by Superman origin stories, "take a break from comics", says Morrison.

"Action Comics" and "Superman" will be all ages books.

Check out some new artwork revealed during the panel via DC Comics' website.

2011 Comic News

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2011 Comic Book News Archives

July 22, 2011: SDCC - Superman Panel Report

2011 Comic News

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