In a new interview with ComicBookResources.com, the “Superman” creative team of Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason speak about why Superman’s comic books have regained a lot of popularity in recent months, the inspiration behind the “Return to Dinosaur Island” story, and much more. Here’s part of the interview…
Readers are talking about Superman for the first time in a long time. Why do you think comic book readers – and the industry – needed this version of Superman at this time?
Gleason: Dan Jurgens really got the ball rolling in “Superman: Lois and Clark.” That was something that I picked up early on. And I think we just wanted to take it and run with it. We had this great opportunity to make this the real, ongoing Superman. We could say: “This is Superman. And this Superman is for everybody.” That was a conversation that Pete and I had very early on. It was important that we didn’t alienate readers. People that read “Superman” would continue reading it. It would be a fresh, new take on a character that they were familiar with. And one that new people could relate to and come in and read it. And I think Clark and Jon’s relationship is a big part of that. And I also want to bring in Lois, because everybody always leaves out Lois. She’s a big part of our story, and writing her is just as much fun as writing Jon.
The family dynamic is something that pretty much anyone can relate to – whether you’re a kid or a parent, a mother or a father. We’ve all been there in one way or another. And bringing that to the forefront puts Superman into a whole new situation. We know what he can do and what he stands for but now he has a family and that can throw a monkey wrench into things. At the same time, this family is likeable and it’s really about them and the world outside of them. They’re a real tight family unit and we want to see them stay that way.
I think people are hungry for that kind of stuff. We do like to see people get along sometimes. [Laughs] I know we’re going against the odds, but come on. When you think about “The Incredibles” or “Fantastic Four,” there is a lot of precedent for that. And that’s something that we talked about being missing.
I’m sorry- I just don’t think that making Superman’s backstory so convoluted can be in any way construed as “not alienating” to readers- or at least to new readers. I understand that they were trying to gain back readers they’d lost, but even after months of good stories with the new/old Superman, I remain totally unconvinced that they picked the right tactic to do it. Remember how much people liked how Superman was written in the “Final Days” arc? They could have just done that and told the kind of great, out-there SF story they’re telling right now, without killing… Read more »
Simple. People were tired of that “Superman” and don’t want to hear about him any more.
Following Jurgens lead, they are finally starting to get “it”. I couldn’t be happier.
I like what Jurgens set up, but I’ve been disappointed in his current Action run.
On the other hand, Tomasi is hitting it out of the park in his Superman title. Some of the best Superman comics I’ve read in years 🙂
Well, it’s been up to Jurgens to set the entire new direction up – the world-building is all on his shoulders. That allows Tomasi to just run with almost whatever he wants, so his would feel more “free/fresh” than what Jurgens is doing.
Jurgens is handling the Rebirth stuff, while Tomasi gets to write Dinosaur Island, No contest.
Well I’m definitely excited to read the Superman titles once again. So mission accomplished. I wasn’t sure of how a Superman with a son would work, but Jurgens and Tomasi have sold me on the idea.
Its a great feeling to look forward to a new Superman book every 2 weeks!
I love the new Superman books. I find myself excited for the Superman books again and I can’t begin to explain how happy I am that Superman is popular again. I don’t see this new retcon is a mess story wise it’s pretty easy to follow. I think that after six months to a year we will have the old status quo back i.e. Clark Kent and Lois Lane working at the Daily Planet again. They’ll have to take that long to be able to explain her absence at the planet, and the fact that she’s married now and has… Read more »
Kinda still just sticking my toe in the water at this point. DC spent so long obliterating my trust that even with the upswing I can’t help but wonder when the other shoe is gonna drop.
Also I’m inclined to agree to at least some extent with Adekis because the set up is inherently convoluted.