There's an episode in Justice league that perfectly sums up Superman. When Superman is trapped in a world where Krypton didn't explode, we get to see what Ka' El would have done if he wasn't super. And all he wants is a quiet life on a farm with a loving family. No domination, no limitless power, he just wants a normal simple life. And that's why Superman shouldn't be written as a villain. His character shows us the ultimate display of humanity, sympathy, and generosity.
I've always liked that story, both for what it says about Superman, and how it contrasts the Alan Moore story its based on -- Moore's version is the Silver Age Superman, who remembers Krypton and has even visited it thanks to time travel, and misses it. Hence, his ideal world is living in a big city in Krypton that he knows existed, surrounded by people he knows lived before the planet exploded. The DCAU version, on the other hand, has no real memory of Krypton and doesn't really care about it -- hence his illusionary Krypton is just Kansas with red skies, and his family are mostly composites of people he knows on Earth.
I disagree, on the last part. Superman being written as a sort of villain who thinks he’s doing right and has become deluded in his own power is an interesting story. Something that will always be apart of his character. Considering he grew “superior” than everyone else. If hadn’t had these powers it wouldn’t be part of his character, but since they are, it makes an interesting story to explore them in separate universes with different circumstances.
Mr. Fox: All these wasted years, what were you looking for, Rat? Rat: Sssss … Ash: He's trying to say something, Dad. Rat: Cider. Mr. Fox (scooping up a handful of a thick, dark, syrup): Here you are, Rat. A beaker of Bean's finest secret cider. Rat: Like melted gold.
@@cookiess5049 To purify metal you gotta melt it down to get all that bad stuff out and it floats to the top you can take it pull it out so its gold with none of that bad stuff its the purest form but I am not a blacksmith or anything so I am not sure
@@monitor-mindtheover-void6712 brah That line is present in batman v superman so I just mentioned it plus thats exactly what he is in bvs so whats the problem....ah shit here we go again
Frank Miller did an All-Star Comic that read more like a parody of his own work. Grant Morrison did an All-Star Comic that is nothing less than perfection.
@@RickReasonnz I still wonder what made Frank Miller jump off the deep end I remember watching The Spirit commentary and hearing him talk so far up his own ass and was just sitting there thinking when he went looney
Such an interestingly bittersweet dichotomy. Both artists great when they play to their strengths right. But it’s so funny how one line of comics was equally telling of how beautiful an approach like Morrison’s can be when undertaken with purity & empathy, with heart, and how wrong Miller’s approach can be when undertaken carelessly, and without conscience. I mean it almost feels like Miller was trying to commit career suicide with that one.
The moment will treasure from this series is when he rescues that girl from suicide by giving her a hug and reassurance. It's comforting that no one is insignificant, especially to a being of immense power like Superman.
@@Toomin70 Yea, they could have made something great even better if they would have taken the time to really give the full experience of the comic instead of being Hollywood rewriting things into a lesser work.
@@itsjustvin7630 That's fair, I do like the ending of the movie as well, I was mostly talking about the other things that got striped out. I think it would have been better as a mini-series. I really would have liked to see the Superman-Lex angle explored more as well. Their last exchange was quiet profound for that relationship as well. Lex: "If it wasn't for you, I could have saved the world." Superman: "If it had mattered to you, Luthor... you could have saved the world years ago!" Lex: "You're right..." If Superman was not around to absorb so much glory and praise, is it possible that Lex would have been a good guy? Or at least not such a bad guy because he was so envious of Superman? I greatly enjoy exploring things like that.
I loved when the two Kryptonians who tried to kill him once he saw they were dying and tried to cure them to which one says "After all we did you still help us" Superman said "My father taught me forgiveness" Then he sends him to the Phantom Zone so they won't die
@@buhnana6117 MOS explores a more flawed (therefore more human) superman pa kent doesn't have the answers to everything but what he does know is that he wants to protect his son and he fears that if his powers arr revealed he'll be rejected. He is proven right in bvs
@@thomasdemarteau6367 bro ma and pa kent encouraged clark to use his powers for good. So pa kent telling clark that he should’ve let innocent children die knowing full well he could have and should have saved them is a large misunderstanding of his character.
@@buhnana6117 he said maybe and that he doesn't know. He doesn't want clark to reveal his powers because he's afraid of how to world would react and he's proven right in bvs
There's really no better way to sum up this story other than it's about "Superman simply BEING Superman". Grant Morrison also talked about doing a series of specials that followed different generations of Superman, but the closest we got to that was his run on Action Comics during New 52 that reimagined Golden Age Superman. It's stories like this that are really inspiring and showcase that Superman will ALWAYS work. Yes, the stories can be pretty outlandish, but that's kind of the fun of it. And there can be dark and grim stories featuring Superman and even he can be dark and grim at times, but in the end he never loses sight of who he is, what he does, and why he does it.
This is THE Superman story. It showed both his human, compassionate and vulnerable side and his inspiring ultimate paragon of heroism side really well, paying tribute to all of Superman's history and his relationships with other characters. Grant Morrison proved you didn't have to greatly reduce the character's power, confidence or morality to make an iconic Superman story. I hope the people over at WB learn this soon. With Death of Superman getting two adaptations, I say why not give All Star another? Maybe one that includes the Jonathan Kent and the Reagan girl this time. Two moments that really made me and a lot of people love this story on an even more personal level.
This really resonated with me. My mother was diagnosed with cancer last year and we went through facing the eventuality that she was going to die. Tied up loose ends, went on intimate adventures and spoke candidly like never before. Worked through ceremonies on Ayahuasca and saw the fabric of life and the tapestry of existence. Just like Lex. All-Star Superman is my favorite comic story of all time. It speaks to how stifling, fickle and meaningless our ego-glorifying, secrets really are and the freedom of honest intimacy.
There is a light that never goes out. The light of hope. In "All-Star", Superman always seems to have an aura of a man who sees the bigger picture and just knows that things will somehow be okay in the end, he has a very calming presence. I love that book, it's such a light read too, which shocked me from a Grant Morrison book. Great video, Owen!
Jose 84 oh hell yeah and it's a damn shame too there is one director I can think of tht I think can do it and that's Brad Bird I think he can do a terrific job with Superman
This is the superman we are finally going get on the big screen, since its mainstream people are going to finally realize who superman really is the hero that started it all, the one that all superheros wish to be, Superman is the SuperHero.
All-Star Superman is actually the first graphic novel I bought when I was eighteen. To this day, it's still my favorite Superman story that I've ever read.
Superman isn't a god, he doesn't think he's above anyone and he doesn't protect the Earth out of any obligation. He is Clark Kent, a dork kid with strong morals who grew up in rural American and believes in Santa. People need to stop removing the humanity from this character
I see that image of of Superman sitting down while looking over his shoulder in peace has become iconic. Seen it in several videos. I think its a testament to this book as well as a powerful image.
There was a very exact moment where Superman became my favorite superhero. In the year or so building up to the release of ‘man of steel’ I decided to get more aquatinted with his books having been a member of the ‘Batman is way better Superman sucks’ club, I was about 16/17 at the time. My mom had just had a seizure for reasons we didn’t know at the time and while she was in the hospital my sister and I spent a few days with my grandma. While with her I bought that cheap Superman 4 film collection, the one with all the originals on 2 double sided DVDs. We got my mom back home and I was watching the first one when just as Pa Kent falls to his knees from a heart attack I heard my younger sister scream out in fear as my mom fell to the floor from a second seizure. And it was like that I just felt so connected to him and he became so relatable. There would later be other things about him that would cause me to favor him more and more but that moment will always be something that I remember. I love supes and I’ll always argue against those who say he’s boring or not relatable. He’s a treasure of a character and wish more people saw it.
My favorite comic ever made. And I’m known by everyone near me as a Batman fanboy. I prefer Batman 99% of the time, but this story means more to me than words can tell alone.
Love when Lois tells Clark not to watch her taking a shower and he says her name like a quirky kid who basically says "How dare you"😂 That's Clark a very shy geeky farm boy who's still a gentleman
I'm overjoyed that you're finally covering this amazing book. It was my favorite Superman story for several years until the excellent Peter J. Tomasi run on Rebirth (which I greatly miss).
I'd like to imagine that Grant Morrison is this Earth's Lex Luthor, where without superheroes to challenge him, he ended up living a normal life writing some of the greatest stories about the fictional heroes this world desperately needs
This video is gold. I've always loved The Lord of the Rings and Superman, both. Their stories and messages are both fundamentally part of my life. This video really articulates why that is in a broader sense. They help us believe that maybe people are good and maybe it'll be enough to save the day and at least get us to tomorrow.
I watched this video before reading the book and then decided to buy it. Just finished reading the trade paperback and the ending left me so emotional like I never felt before while reading a comic. I texted my girlfriend as soon as I finished it and dumped all my thoughts about it and immediately after that I came back to rewatch this video. Thank you, Owen. You’re an amazing creator and I wish you all the best!
Superman shouldn't be the man who has to snap a persons neck because "there was no other option. " Superman shouldn't be an angsty dark borderline antihero. He should be the one to talking people out of suicides, the one to take cats out of trees and the one who can always find "another way", not a Jesus-esque god like being who let's a bomb go off in a building and stands brooding after he didn't even try to save them.
"Superman shouldnt be the man who has to snap a persons neck because...." you sound incredibly entitled. Instead of whinning about directors putting your beloved characters in REALISTIC situations you dont want to see him in, how about trying to appreciate the creativity behind it. "God like being who lets a bomb go off" you are also very ignorant. Superman said he couldnt see the bomb because it was concealed in led. Maybe if you stopped complaining and actually paid attention youd notice these things
@@elijahlee3610 ah yes very realistic man that came from space. The bomb thing idk but if you want to show the world what super man is all about, the director could find another way. Zach snyder dosen't understand batman or superman in the slightest.
@@elijahlee3610 why didn't superman fly awat with zod? Or block zods rays with his body? Or better yet take the fight somewhere else where nobody sets hurt.
@@birdsamora9925 when i said realistic i was unclear i meant logical, reasonable, understandable etc. Its logical for people to fear superman, even JLU got this plot development right. Its logical and reasonable for superman to feel lost and in despair when thr people who he sacraficed his entire race for turn against him. The world gave its nukes to Reeve, meanwhile the world threw their nukes at cavil. Even still he gave his life for the planet. "The director could find another way...." im open to suggestions, because zack already did a decent job. Cavils had been saving people from even before he put on the suit, and there is a whole montage of him saving people in BvS
I love the story, the art isn't for me personally but it's a case of the writing is so amazing that it transcends the art. I really love the book and how it really makes us question what it means to be Superman and the affect he really does have. I love how silly it is but each moment still has a mature feel to it but overall I think the story achieves what every Superman book should do. Inspire, even when at his lowest point, Superman will always be there, physically or not to inspire all around him and all who read him.
This is such a beautiful letter to Superman, I've seen the term 'Emotional; Intelligence' used to describe this Supes and I think that is very apt. The panel with Regan can be a hallmark all its own, never felt just shoed into the story. It's a loving expression of Superman and his personality Also to the same, the interaction with the Kryptonians and his resolution with them.
10:27 since purchasing All Star Superman (comic) back in 2016 & this year; I had something of a revelation about Lex Luthor... Though the villain precedes it, Lex is essentially an Objectivist! A believer in the "Virtue of Selfishness" how it is the individual who makes the world better, everything about the world could, should & MUST revolve around Lex Luthor! Clark Kent/Kal El/Superman is the total utter opposite! True, pure, genuine altruism to give the people a symbol to become in their own way. For Lex; this revolts & bamboozles him!! For over 50+ years; Lex has wondered how, how, HOW can a physical god be genuinely good!?? & it's here Grant Morrison utterly deconstructs Lex's whole beliefs with the epiphany of having Superman's powers (temporarily) For all the stories of Evil Superman style characters (which recently I'm going to say aren't my favourite stories but can respect them) why wouldn't a near physical god/Goddess use such power for humanity's betterment? Personally; after so many works on deconstructing superheroes.... Isn't it high time that writers deconstruct Supervillains? On how their selfish, monstrous, destructive, jerkish behaviour dooms them to failure.. For me; this part is one of the many genius points this monumental story has..... & lastly how in issue 10 "Neverending" actually saved lives! INDEED, we're all much stronger than we think we are.... Thanks for reading.
This is one of the best comic books I’ve ever read, and one of my favorite out-of-continuity stories. When you think of definitive stories to recommend to someone new to a character, this comes to mind for Superman even faster than Long Halloween or Year One comes to mind for Batman. It’s also my favorite Grant Morrison story. Not always a fan of his style, but here, with such an archetypal character and the context - the wild stuff from the odes to Silver Age Supes, Bizarroworld, etc. - is the perfect outlet for Morrison’s trippier impulses. Just a masterwork, and one of the most visually beautiful comics I’ve ever read.
Just one correction, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow by Moore and Swan is the ending of the Silver Age Superman. Golden Age Clark would have his ending in Infinite Crisis. Also I love that this story is essentially a prequel to DC One Million, and that both of these stories have similar endings. This was my first Superman story, it got me out of thinking he was lame, and made me invested in this character. Secret Origin is my favorite story, but All-Star still holds a special place as my first.
I think you could say it was the ending of the Golden, Silver and Bronze Age Superman. Although the Golden Age Superman was later retconned to have happened on Earth-2 there was never any hard reboot of the character (although several minor changes along the way) as there was with the 1986 or the New 52 reboots. Ah, probably splitting semantics. Anyway your review was quite good and I do thik this is a good story to direct people to who want to see the heart of Superman.
I got All-Star Superman a few days ago and I finished it this morning. I have three other Superman comics all of them a part of the Superman: Earth One series, and All-Star Superman is my favorite Superman comic of all time!
We need a Superman movie written and directed by someone who understands and respects the character, not by someone who thinks he's lame and needs to be all dark, broody and a murderous psychopath in order to be cool.
I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments here Owen. Superman is my all time favorite, and this epic modern myth encapsulates his essence entirely. Both cosmic and Earthly, an intergalactic legend, and a wholesome farm boy. I asked for this for Christmas, and pick it up again from time to time whenever I want to feel that warm goodness that inspires one to be the best version of themselves. To paraphrase Luthor’s interpretation of Clark’s perspective: We’re all we’ve got. Great video man, always love your work, keep it up!
My interpretation was that the second superman being teased at the end of the story wasnt a clone. Rather the new superman was the son of clark and lois. If you notice earlier in the book he gives Leo Quimtim two vials. One with his "s" logo and another that has the same "s" logo that lois was wearing. Superman gave Leo samples of his own DNA and Lois's DNA so that Leo could make a new superman.
I wish we could get less Injustice Superman and more of this Superman, Everyone likes to ride Zack Snyder's jock for his vision on the Man of Steel but to be honest he's got it all wrong.
@Luc Germain nah, Snyder cultist won't accept any other superman than m.o.s superman. And honestly, most people don't even understand what made the og and injustice superman even good in the first place
I liked IJ Super-Man… As long as it’s the Injustice universe, y’know, IJ is it’s own thing, and it’s pretty good for what it is, and I personally enjoy it as that… But as long as that line is made between that version of Super-Man and what Super-Man truly is… Because at its core, something like All-Star Super-Man *is* what Super-Man is, and what a large majority of DC Super-Man stories should strive to be,
@@Theleaver5088 The most hilarious thing about the Snyder cult is them thinking not wanting a miserable selfish Superman means people somehow want a permanently happy and smiling one. Characters with emotions other than anger and angst aren't edgy enough for them.
It's all subjective. However Zack Synder wants his Superman to be, whether he is vulnerable, confused, troubled yet powerful and influential, is how it should be. It's okay to see different perspectives. That's the glory of Comic Book Superheroes. Everyone feels differently about them, so the stories we get are endless.
There's nothing wrong with Snyder's Superman, he only humanized him to a larger degree than many are accustomed to but he's the same character at his core. I dislike the Injustice Superman because Superman, in any universe, shouldn't be a villain to that extent, who knowingly throws away his ideals and purposefully commits evil acts. Even the Communist and Nazi Supermen are usually depicted as wanting to do good at their core but were misguided and manipulated, due to the influences of their upbringing. The only "Superman" that should be a complete villain is Ultraman, for example, because he's not Kal-El/Clark Kent. And even then, Ultraman and the Crime Syndicate Of America should essentially be "good" because, as depicted in Grant Morrison's JLA Earth 2, in their universe "good" and "evil" are reversed and the JLA's attempts to impose their universe's culture onto the Crime Syndicate's universe are futile.
Here are some small little things that made me love All Star Superman even more: I like that Clark is more introverted, underspoken. He doesn't have to speak all the time, you can just feel what he's feeling, he's really calm and so is the story. It's genuinely refreshing to read, I can read any chapter any day and feel good. I really like how every issue is about all the different iconic abstract ideas of Superman, and it explores it so wonderfully, there are all these super underground characters which help the narrative flow naturally. The episodic storytelling really compliments All Star Superman, because it feels like it all is leading to a resolution with each issue still being a self contained story. Every issue has a great resolution, along with a path of continuation. This is just really heartfelt, All Star Superman is about death, identity, humanity, hope but more importantly a better tomorrow. I found myself listening to a song from Bo Burnham: Inside which is perfect for this, the song is Any Day Now. Which is about the future and how the pain will end any day now, or the world will end any day now. This is like that succint recapitulation of a possible ending of a life.
The movie/novel made me gain an undying love and respect for Superman I mean I always liked Supes but it wasn’t until the movie/novel that I loved him I legit cried by the end lol
This is what the WB comic movies are missing. Their endless chase to make money like marvel has overshadowed the number one thing that kept their comics alive…the human element and the relatability of these god like characters
I never liked superman or understood him before but I started watching justice league animated and ultimate and really like superman on that show he is powerful but not all powerful and can still be hurt he is stronger than everyone on the team but cannot snap his fingers and save the day. The best part is how he seems to be a generally good guy and so I decided to read Doomday clock and was even more intrigued by superman and saw his importance to comics so then I decided to read this and now I would call myself a superman fan and I understand him, he is literally your neighbor or that guy you always count on he is more than a hero, he is a friend that scene where he saves the girl from killing herself by talking to her and she hugs him is so powerful plus when he visits the kids in the hospital, I totally understand superman and even like him. The wacky adventures even in all star like him arm wrestling those 2 dudes for lois or when he gives lois powers for a day its so other worldly and doesn't at all focus on things like real world details but the wonder of the story and the characters are experiencing it's kinda amazing and shows why this character has stood the test of time as one of the most greatest and recognizable superheros ever. Superman has had happen to him what star trek has where people try too hard to add darkness to it cause they dont understand the point and wonder of it. There are few heros who have character defining stories like this, dark knight returns, spideman life story, or hell spiderverse is pretty good, fantastic four and xmen, even a very popular character like wonder woman doesnt have this it really is incredible.
I wasn't particularly a fan of some of the issues (the contest with the time travelers and the Jimmy Olsen stuff felt like wacky for the sake of wacky filler), but the overall arc is fantastic.
Try reading some of Morrison’s 12 part interview about this story for Newsarama (I think), they might change your perspective on these issues. He definitely planned each one to reflect important aspects of Superman’s life, history and personality. I personally love the Jimmy issue!
Agreed felt just dumb and almost like a childish fanfic “superman faces time traveler to have his girl and kiss her” compared to other story such as when has to deal with the death of his parent
The older I get the more Superman becomes my favourite character in D.C. there’s something about wanting a quiet happy life and doing what’s right that is really appealing and now needed more than ever especially with how fucked our world is right now.
@@MutantsInDisguise ahh well ageing poorly or not, it had a huge impact on the comic industry at the time. I doubt that all star superman has come even close to it's influence on comics and pop culture in general how ever superior it is.
@@matthewtorres9075 and yet, no one has the guts to do anything new in superhero comics. Moralless and psychotic heroes like Batman, Wolverine, and The Punisher helped destroy the comic book industry by the mid-90's. If you like nihilistic superheroes who constantly scream we are all just animals who deserve death, read something else.
@@MutantsInDisguise ahh well I mostly stopped buying them when they started getting expensive I mostly read the graphic novels at the library or find 5them cheap on amazon or used book stores.but from 17 (87) till about 40 I collected them and I was probably influenced into getting back into comics because of tdkr
You Can't Help But Be Good... Last night I watched All-Star Superman and actually liked it quite a bit, so much so that it was the last thing I thought about before falling asleep and the first thing that came to my mind this morning when I woke up. Superman stories are very hard to write. The man is perfect, with no physical defects or even mental ones. He is not greedy or conflicted, he is not jealous or envious. He does not hunger for recognition or fame. He is immune to power or money. He did not suffer trauma, he had a good home, loving parents, was not wronged by anybody and seeks no revenge. A character arch for Superman is impossible. Superman is good at the start of the movie and he will be equally good at the end of it. His superpowers are his...he did not trained nor earned them. He is in effect a Mary Sue. He is what he is. The movie and comic are 10 years old, so spoilers are fair now. If you have not seen it, it's because you don't care. Just as I did not care. I only watched it because I was curious because I also watched a couple of Batman's animated movies (The Dark Knight Returns and Assault on Arkham) and enjoyed them, too. Anyhow, so not being a particular fan of Superman, I thought that the hour long movie was fine...but actually falling short when compared to DKR, BUT....BUT.....BUUUUUUT.... ...in the last minutes of the movie, Lux Luthor (along with the viewers) has a realization moment.... It is such interesting writing that we (or at least I) are able to reach a deeper understanding of Superman not by hearing an epic speech given by Superman or by seeing him display his powers but by seeing his nemesis react when he understands what Superman understands. Had we been given a few more seconds of this scene, I say we would have witness evil genius Lex Luthor become good. Not become good for a practical reason or for his benefit or temporarily; but become good and noble the same way that Superman is good and noble. If we were to see what Superman sees and understand what Superman understands, we might not have any other choice but BECOME SUPERMAN.....or at least be like him.
Superman is ordinary who lives an extraordinary life. He is a man that always does what's right now matter the cost or the sacrifice and all star Superman is a testament to why
All star superman shows what lots of people forget superman is human and is more human then some of us that where born in earth he isn’t just a god without emotion he feels sad,shy,happy,mad and many other emotions it’s also such a good story as of it shows something that’s a real thing our fate many of us can relate as some of us have faced stuff like this whether it’s with our parents or grandparents many of us have had to come to terms with the mortality of someone
I truly believe that All Star Superman goes toe to toe with any great comic book runs. Right up there with The Sandman Chronicles best, Hellblazer’s best, Watchmen, Saga, Fables. Things that are considered “graphic novels”. Simply put, it just captures all of the most important aspects of Superman. And this video is a beautiful breakdown of how incredible he can be when written correctly.
Personally I don't think this is the quintessential Superman story that is For all seasons. But I really appreciated the weird but a natural Superman story grant Morrison told. Loved the design cause it's so timeless. Also books for retrospect I'd suggest would be arkham asylum: a serious house on a serious earth, Spider-man: Blue, Spider-man: life story and Superman: For all seasons ofcourse.
For All Seasons is a great choice, I can't argue with you there. And it's funny you mention Spider-Man: Life Story, as it'll be something I make a video on soon.
Great video as always Owen. Also, thank you very much for AHCC! The week before it occurred I was telling my wife how excited I was as I have never been to a comic con in person. A week afterwards, on my birthday, she surprised me with tickets for me and my two best friends for Dragon Con in Atlanta. I’m not sure if it will still happen, but my fingers are crossed. My wife is amazing! Please give her a shoutout if it’s not too much trouble and thank you again for your involvement in AHCC. It was a very nice early birthday present.
@ I didn't read the last part... but nobody complaining about Goku being Universe - Level. At least this dude giving me hope when I hit the Rock bottom
Absolutely fantastic as usual!!! Probably my favorite comic ever!!! Great analysis Owen, thanks for the content! This kind of Superman fan is what gives me hope in this world full of “that boy scout isn’t relatable, MOS is the only version that works in the modern times”...
@@JohnSmith-be1vl anti hero? He is a full on hero. He shows remorse after killing Zod. All damage caused is accidental. And he isn’t devoid of hope. He is in a harsher world but still resembles the symbol of hope for them.
All Star Superman is without a doubt my all time favorite Superman story, because it focuses on his character, his humanity, and explores what really makes him tick. For this reason it is absolutely one of if not THE best Superman story ever told, up there with Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow & What’s So Funny About Truth Justice, and The American Way.
"Like it's all just us, in here, together. And we're all we've got." I know this video is about Superman. But that quote from Lex (which admittedly was influenced by Superman) is a predominant philosophy of life for me. It's a true statement. I truly believe we can work together to build something grand in our lives. We already have to some degree. And we're still making progress. Humanity has the potential to do great things and help each other experience what life is all about.
When my friends tell me, a dark-haired Methodist kid from Kansas with a generally optimistic outlook and sometimes a sense of deep loneliness, that Batman is better because he's more relatable, I just can't take them seriously.
Great video. It’s about time you covered what many consider to be the definitive Superman story. I wish was All Star Batman and Robin was just as Awesome/epic
its just probably one of the most quintessential super hero comics ever. It shows the audience who a true hero is. Superman is always helping people, he goes from saving the world to stopping a child from killing themselves. While he is unable to rid himself of his illness, he is able to cure all those children of cancer. When he saved those two kryptonians who were so rude to him, he had no reason to help them other than doing so because it was right. When he sent them to the phantom zone it truly brought a tear to my eye, its just such a beautiful story
The cancer idea reminds me of the Mar-Vells last story. I don't know if Morrison was also inspired by this even without knowing it, but the idea is similar, it's about that even the ones who have superpowers, will sometime die.
One of my favorite moments is when Superman is given a piece of black kryptonite that strips him of his humanity. After he goes on a rampage jimmy Olsen takes a chemical that effectively turns him into doomsday. He takes on Superman and almost kills him. When Superman who is now in a highly drained mental state (sounding more like bizzaro then Clark) starts begging for his life, jimmy glets a glimmer of his humanity back and urges the cops whom Superman was attacking to not tell anyone about what had happened. Too maintain the symbol that Superman represents.
I can’t get enough of this Superman’s story. Superman is humanity’s values and virtues concentrated in one man. All Star Superman’s ending is basically what any virtuous human being would do in order to save the Earth, thus, humankind.
Of all the great quotes of this comic the one that always comes to my mind is when the substitutes supermen are about to be send to the Negative Son so they can have a minimal chance at living and one of the last things they say is how the Great Hearts of Krypton still lives within Clark. And thats all it's needed: the great beating heart of the Hero
Had the pleasure of getting to know Jerry Ordway (co-writer of The Death Of Superman and writer/painter of The Power of Shazam) from frequenting the same comic shop as him while in my high school years. What a joy of a person and a blast to talk comics with. Hope he’s doing well.
Thank you Owen. That was a brilliant analysis. All Star is one of the very best stories. I also love the animated movie even if it does condense the story somewhat. The sheer majesty of the series is something only Grant Morrison could conceptualise. I'm reading his autobiography and he truly is the Sid Vicious of comic books.
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Who’s the kryptonian at 13:48 at next to Superman prime one million
There's an episode in Justice league that perfectly sums up Superman.
When Superman is trapped in a world where Krypton didn't explode, we get to see what Ka' El would have done if he wasn't super.
And all he wants is a quiet life on a farm with a loving family.
No domination, no limitless power, he just wants a normal simple life.
And that's why Superman shouldn't be written as a villain. His character shows us the ultimate display of humanity, sympathy, and generosity.
I've always liked that story, both for what it says about Superman, and how it contrasts the Alan Moore story its based on -- Moore's version is the Silver Age Superman, who remembers Krypton and has even visited it thanks to time travel, and misses it. Hence, his ideal world is living in a big city in Krypton that he knows existed, surrounded by people he knows lived before the planet exploded.
The DCAU version, on the other hand, has no real memory of Krypton and doesn't really care about it -- hence his illusionary Krypton is just Kansas with red skies, and his family are mostly composites of people he knows on Earth.
And if you do, you need to make it directly tied to an event that truly shaped his morals. Think being raised in a prison or the woods.
I disagree, on the last part. Superman being written as a sort of villain who thinks he’s doing right and has become deluded in his own power is an interesting story. Something that will always be apart of his character. Considering he grew “superior” than everyone else. If hadn’t had these powers it wouldn’t be part of his character, but since they are, it makes an interesting story to explore them in separate universes with different circumstances.
@@captainguyman7382 ITS BEEN DONE MULTIPLE TIMES
@@captainguyman7382 this is the same thing that made supermans popularity go down
All Star Superman is his purest form like melted gold
Mr. Fox: All these wasted years, what were you looking for, Rat?
Rat: Sssss …
Ash: He's trying to say something, Dad.
Rat: Cider.
Mr. Fox (scooping up a handful of a thick, dark, syrup): Here you are, Rat. A beaker of Bean's finest secret cider.
Rat: Like melted gold.
@@thepaper888 I am so happy someone finally got my little reference
Wtf do you even mean about melted gold being purest
@@cookiess5049 To purify metal you gotta melt it down to get all that bad stuff out and it floats to the top you can take it pull it out so its gold with none of that bad stuff
its the purest form but I am not a blacksmith or anything so I am not sure
Just like Jor-El said: But the best of us, the Gold in us, will survive in you.
Superman isn’t an alien. He isn’t a god. He’s just a dude from kansas doing the right thing
KAPTAINKRISTIAN
I like that version
Batman v superman?
@@thabreez456 that sucks, don't mention it in a conversation of the best version of superman
@@monitor-mindtheover-void6712 brah That line is present in batman v superman so I just mentioned it plus thats exactly what he is in bvs so whats the problem....ah shit here we go again
Frank Miller did an All-Star Comic that read more like a parody of his own work.
Grant Morrison did an All-Star Comic that is nothing less than perfection.
Let's... not mention THAT All-Star comic. PLEASE!
@@RickReasonnz I still wonder what made Frank Miller jump off the deep end I remember watching The Spirit commentary and hearing him talk so far up his own ass and was just sitting there thinking when he went looney
But it’s the goddamn comic book!
Such an interestingly bittersweet dichotomy. Both artists great when they play to their strengths right. But it’s so funny how one line of comics was equally telling of how beautiful an approach like Morrison’s can be when undertaken with purity & empathy, with heart, and how wrong Miller’s approach can be when undertaken carelessly, and without conscience. I mean it almost feels like Miller was trying to commit career suicide with that one.
Frank Miller can't do Superman right
The moment will treasure from this series is when he rescues that girl from suicide by giving her a hug and reassurance. It's comforting that no one is insignificant, especially to a being of immense power like Superman.
Wish they would have included that scene in the animated film
@@Toomin70 Yea, they could have made something great even better if they would have taken the time to really give the full experience of the comic instead of being Hollywood rewriting things into a lesser work.
@@Toomin70 All Star should have been a series not a movie
@@CD-vb9fi eeeeh idk the movie ending felt better than the comics
@@itsjustvin7630 That's fair, I do like the ending of the movie as well, I was mostly talking about the other things that got striped out. I think it would have been better as a mini-series. I really would have liked to see the Superman-Lex angle explored more as well. Their last exchange was quiet profound for that relationship as well.
Lex: "If it wasn't for you, I could have saved the world."
Superman: "If it had mattered to you, Luthor... you could have saved the world years ago!"
Lex: "You're right..."
If Superman was not around to absorb so much glory and praise, is it possible that Lex would have been a good guy? Or at least not such a bad guy because he was so envious of Superman? I greatly enjoy exploring things like that.
Wait a second, you're telling me Owen liked comics this whole time?
Honestly, I can't believe it either.
@@OwenLikesComics the plot twist we never saw coming
All-Star Superman is awesome. He died with no regrets, instead doing what he did best: the right thing.
I loved when the two Kryptonians who tried to kill him once he saw they were dying and tried to cure them to which one says "After all we did you still help us" Superman said "My father taught me forgiveness"
Then he sends him to the Phantom Zone so they won't die
Just read all 12 issues 10/10
"the morals his parents instilled in him from a young age":...played over footage of Pa Kent saying maybe he should've let the bus full of kids drown
*simply saying "maybe" in response of Clark's subversion of discussion about keeping his status quo a secret
I dont know how people can watch that and say MOS is a good movie.
@@buhnana6117 MOS explores a more flawed (therefore more human) superman pa kent doesn't have the answers to everything but what he does know is that he wants to protect his son and he fears that if his powers arr revealed he'll be rejected. He is proven right in bvs
@@thomasdemarteau6367 bro ma and pa kent encouraged clark to use his powers for good. So pa kent telling clark that he should’ve let innocent children die knowing full well he could have and should have saved them is a large misunderstanding of his character.
@@buhnana6117 he said maybe and that he doesn't know. He doesn't want clark to reveal his powers because he's afraid of how to world would react and he's proven right in bvs
“As long as there is good in the world. There will always be Superman” earned my subscription :)
There's really no better way to sum up this story other than it's about "Superman simply BEING Superman". Grant Morrison also talked about doing a series of specials that followed different generations of Superman, but the closest we got to that was his run on Action Comics during New 52 that reimagined Golden Age Superman.
It's stories like this that are really inspiring and showcase that Superman will ALWAYS work. Yes, the stories can be pretty outlandish, but that's kind of the fun of it. And there can be dark and grim stories featuring Superman and even he can be dark and grim at times, but in the end he never loses sight of who he is, what he does, and why he does it.
This is THE Superman story. It showed both his human, compassionate and vulnerable side and his inspiring ultimate paragon of heroism side really well, paying tribute to all of Superman's history and his relationships with other characters. Grant Morrison proved you didn't have to greatly reduce the character's power, confidence or morality to make an iconic Superman story.
I hope the people over at WB learn this soon. With Death of Superman getting two adaptations, I say why not give All Star another? Maybe one that includes the Jonathan Kent and the Reagan girl this time. Two moments that really made me and a lot of people love this story on an even more personal level.
This really resonated with me.
My mother was diagnosed with cancer last year and we went through facing the eventuality that she was going to die.
Tied up loose ends, went on intimate adventures and spoke candidly like never before.
Worked through ceremonies on Ayahuasca and saw the fabric of life and the tapestry of existence.
Just like Lex.
All-Star Superman is my favorite comic story of all time.
It speaks to how stifling, fickle and meaningless our ego-glorifying, secrets really are and the freedom of honest intimacy.
There is a light that never goes out. The light of hope.
In "All-Star", Superman always seems to have an aura of a man who sees the bigger picture and just knows that things will somehow be okay in the end, he has a very calming presence. I love that book, it's such a light read too, which shocked me from a Grant Morrison book. Great video, Owen!
This book should be used as the basis for the next superman movie!
One can dream!
Not gonna happen, ever.
Hollywood thinks this (and Superman in general) is "dated and boring".
Jose 84 then those idiot executives truly do not get Superman at all
@@AlejandroGonzalez-gh1to they dont! Only Donner got it 40 years ago.
Jose 84 oh hell yeah and it's a damn shame too there is one director I can think of tht I think can do it and that's Brad Bird I think he can do a terrific job with Superman
This is the superman we are finally going get on the big screen, since its mainstream people are going to finally realize who superman really is the hero that started it all, the one that all superheros wish to be, Superman is the SuperHero.
All-Star Superman is actually the first graphic novel I bought when I was eighteen. To this day, it's still my favorite Superman story that I've ever read.
Superman isn't a god, he doesn't think he's above anyone and he doesn't protect the Earth out of any obligation. He is Clark Kent, a dork kid with strong morals who grew up in rural American and believes in Santa. People need to stop removing the humanity from this character
Humanity really did win the lottery when it was Jonathan and Martha Kent who found him.
They just did a good job raising a kid.
Grizzly I agree
@@buihelgason
Agreed
To be fair Santa is real in the DC universe
I see that image of of Superman sitting down while looking over his shoulder in peace has become iconic. Seen it in several videos. I think its a testament to this book as well as a powerful image.
It's such a simple yet powerful image. I love it.
There was a very exact moment where Superman became my favorite superhero. In the year or so building up to the release of ‘man of steel’ I decided to get more aquatinted with his books having been a member of the ‘Batman is way better Superman sucks’ club, I was about 16/17 at the time. My mom had just had a seizure for reasons we didn’t know at the time and while she was in the hospital my sister and I spent a few days with my grandma. While with her I bought that cheap Superman 4 film collection, the one with all the originals on 2 double sided DVDs. We got my mom back home and I was watching the first one when just as Pa Kent falls to his knees from a heart attack I heard my younger sister scream out in fear as my mom fell to the floor from a second seizure. And it was like that I just felt so connected to him and he became so relatable. There would later be other things about him that would cause me to favor him more and more but that moment will always be something that I remember. I love supes and I’ll always argue against those who say he’s boring or not relatable. He’s a treasure of a character and wish more people saw it.
That is a moving story. I thank you for sharing it and I can relate to it.
@John Smith thank you man. He’s still my favorite. And whatever it is that helps you relate to my experience I hope it’s worked out for the better
My favorite comic ever made. And I’m known by everyone near me as a Batman fanboy. I prefer Batman 99% of the time, but this story means more to me than words can tell alone.
Love when Lois tells Clark not to watch her taking a shower and he says her name like a quirky kid who basically says "How dare you"😂
That's Clark a very shy geeky farm boy who's still a gentleman
Superman is the father we all deserve, so it makes sense they made his send off majestic... Godspeed Superman, and to all those who need him right now
Another amazing video! Loved how you dug down into the emotional weight and meaning of one of the greatest comics of all time.
Two of my Favorite Content Creators.
I'm overjoyed that you're finally covering this amazing book. It was my favorite Superman story for several years until the excellent Peter J. Tomasi run on Rebirth (which I greatly miss).
Both are amazing Superman stories! I need to cover the Tomasi series on the channel eventually.
@@OwenLikesComics please do it because mr. Bendis is ruining Superman.
All-Star, Kingdom Come, and the Tomasi/Gleason run easily made Superman not only my favorite Superhero, but my favortie fictonal character ever
@@dcmarvelcomicfans9458 I had huge expectations for his run and he totally let me down
I'd like to imagine that Grant Morrison is this Earth's Lex Luthor, where without superheroes to challenge him, he ended up living a normal life writing some of the greatest stories about the fictional heroes this world desperately needs
I mean he does also kinda look like him lol
This video is gold. I've always loved The Lord of the Rings and Superman, both. Their stories and messages are both fundamentally part of my life. This video really articulates why that is in a broader sense. They help us believe that maybe people are good and maybe it'll be enough to save the day and at least get us to tomorrow.
What happens when unstoppable force meets immovable object?
Superman: They surrender
tries not to cry throughout...
"As long as there's good in the world, there will always be Superman"... Tears
Just finished reading it.
It truly is the greatest superman story ever told.
It's like liquid awsomeness, for 300 pages
This encompasses the true spirit of Superman. I would love to see a live action movie written with this same kind of consideration one day.
I watched this video before reading the book and then decided to buy it. Just finished reading the trade paperback and the ending left me so emotional like I never felt before while reading a comic. I texted my girlfriend as soon as I finished it and dumped all my thoughts about it and immediately after that I came back to rewatch this video. Thank you, Owen. You’re an amazing creator and I wish you all the best!
Omg this has made my day! Thank you so much, I'm overjoyed that I could influence you to pick up this wonderful book.
@@OwenLikesComics I’m glad I could make your day since whenever you post a new video it also makes my day! Wish you all the best, friend!
Superman shouldn't be the man who has to snap a persons neck because "there was no other option. " Superman shouldn't be an angsty dark borderline antihero. He should be the one to talking people out of suicides, the one to take cats out of trees and the one who can always find "another way", not a Jesus-esque god like being who let's a bomb go off in a building and stands brooding after he didn't even try to save them.
Normie Legion Thanks for saying all that that's one of the reasons I hate Snyder's Superman.
"Superman shouldnt be the man who has to snap a persons neck because...." you sound incredibly entitled. Instead of whinning about directors putting your beloved characters in REALISTIC situations you dont want to see him in, how about trying to appreciate the creativity behind it.
"God like being who lets a bomb go off" you are also very ignorant. Superman said he couldnt see the bomb because it was concealed in led. Maybe if you stopped complaining and actually paid attention youd notice these things
@@elijahlee3610 ah yes very realistic man that came from space. The bomb thing idk but if you want to show the world what super man is all about, the director could find another way. Zach snyder dosen't understand batman or superman in the slightest.
@@elijahlee3610 why didn't superman fly awat with zod? Or block zods rays with his body? Or better yet take the fight somewhere else where nobody sets hurt.
@@birdsamora9925 when i said realistic i was unclear i meant logical, reasonable, understandable etc. Its logical for people to fear superman, even JLU got this plot development right. Its logical and reasonable for superman to feel lost and in despair when thr people who he sacraficed his entire race for turn against him. The world gave its nukes to Reeve, meanwhile the world threw their nukes at cavil. Even still he gave his life for the planet.
"The director could find another way...." im open to suggestions, because zack already did a decent job. Cavils had been saving people from even before he put on the suit, and there is a whole montage of him saving people in BvS
I love all star Superman it was fantastic and tons of fun and a great Superman story.
👍👍
I love the story, the art isn't for me personally but it's a case of the writing is so amazing that it transcends the art. I really love the book and how it really makes us question what it means to be Superman and the affect he really does have. I love how silly it is but each moment still has a mature feel to it but overall I think the story achieves what every Superman book should do. Inspire, even when at his lowest point, Superman will always be there, physically or not to inspire all around him and all who read him.
That's how I feel with Ping Pong
Such a profoundly touching and human story. The reason why Morrison will always be my favourite writer.
This is such a beautiful letter to Superman, I've seen the term 'Emotional; Intelligence' used to describe this Supes and I think that is very apt.
The panel with Regan can be a hallmark all its own, never felt just shoed into the story. It's a loving expression of Superman and his personality
Also to the same, the interaction with the Kryptonians and his resolution with them.
10:27 since purchasing All Star Superman (comic) back in 2016 & this year; I had something of a revelation about Lex Luthor...
Though the villain precedes it, Lex is essentially an Objectivist! A believer in the "Virtue of Selfishness" how it is the individual who makes the world better, everything about the world could, should & MUST revolve around Lex Luthor!
Clark Kent/Kal El/Superman is the total utter opposite! True, pure, genuine altruism to give the people a symbol to become in their own way. For Lex; this revolts & bamboozles him!! For over 50+ years; Lex has wondered how, how, HOW can a physical god be genuinely good!??
& it's here Grant Morrison utterly deconstructs Lex's whole beliefs with the epiphany of having Superman's powers (temporarily)
For all the stories of Evil Superman style characters (which recently I'm going to say aren't my favourite stories but can respect them) why wouldn't a near physical god/Goddess use such power for humanity's betterment?
Personally; after so many works on deconstructing superheroes.... Isn't it high time that writers deconstruct Supervillains? On how their selfish, monstrous, destructive, jerkish behaviour dooms them to failure..
For me; this part is one of the many genius points this monumental story has.....
& lastly how in issue 10 "Neverending" actually saved lives! INDEED, we're all much stronger than we think we are....
Thanks for reading.
Superman wants to help. I don't think you know what Ayn Rand believes.
This is one of the best comic books I’ve ever read, and one of my favorite out-of-continuity stories. When you think of definitive stories to recommend to someone new to a character, this comes to mind for Superman even faster than Long Halloween or Year One comes to mind for Batman. It’s also my favorite Grant Morrison story. Not always a fan of his style, but here, with such an archetypal character and the context - the wild stuff from the odes to Silver Age Supes, Bizarroworld, etc. - is the perfect outlet for Morrison’s trippier impulses. Just a masterwork, and one of the most visually beautiful comics I’ve ever read.
Just one correction, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow by Moore and Swan is the ending of the Silver Age Superman. Golden Age Clark would have his ending in Infinite Crisis.
Also I love that this story is essentially a prequel to DC One Million, and that both of these stories have similar endings. This was my first Superman story, it got me out of thinking he was lame, and made me invested in this character. Secret Origin is my favorite story, but All-Star still holds a special place as my first.
Thank you, Jessie. I appreciate you pointing that out, I even wrote 'Silver Age' in the script so I'm not sure how that one slipped by me.
@@OwenLikesComics no problem man, you have some of the best and most informed comics videos on youtube, keep up the good work!
I think you could say it was the ending of the Golden, Silver and Bronze Age Superman. Although the Golden Age Superman was later retconned to have happened on Earth-2 there was never any hard reboot of the character (although several minor changes along the way) as there was with the 1986 or the New 52 reboots. Ah, probably splitting semantics. Anyway your review was quite good and I do thik this is a good story to direct people to who want to see the heart of Superman.
I got All-Star Superman a few days ago and I finished it this morning. I have three other Superman comics all of them a part of the Superman: Earth One series, and All-Star Superman is my favorite Superman comic of all time!
This is the superman we want in mos2.
We need a Superman movie written and directed by someone who understands and respects the character, not by someone who thinks he's lame and needs to be all dark, broody and a murderous psychopath in order to be cool.
@@horaciosi i think that zack snyder understands superman very well
@@thomasdemarteau6367 lol
@@thomasdemarteau6367 🤣🤣🤣🤣 *No he fucking doesn't!*
@@thomasdemarteau6367 No he doesn't. Are you blind?
I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments here Owen. Superman is my all time favorite, and this epic modern myth encapsulates his essence entirely. Both cosmic and Earthly, an intergalactic legend, and a wholesome farm boy. I asked for this for Christmas, and pick it up again from time to time whenever I want to feel that warm goodness that inspires one to be the best version of themselves. To paraphrase Luthor’s interpretation of Clark’s perspective: We’re all we’ve got. Great video man, always love your work, keep it up!
My interpretation was that the second superman being teased at the end of the story wasnt a clone. Rather the new superman was the son of clark and lois. If you notice earlier in the book he gives Leo Quimtim two vials. One with his "s" logo and another that has the same "s" logo that lois was wearing. Superman gave Leo samples of his own DNA and Lois's DNA so that Leo could make a new superman.
All Star Superman is IMO the greatest Superman story of all time.
I wish we could get less Injustice Superman and more of this Superman, Everyone likes to ride Zack Snyder's jock for his vision on the Man of Steel but to be honest he's got it all wrong.
@Luc Germain nah, Snyder cultist won't accept any other superman than m.o.s superman. And honestly, most people don't even understand what made the og and injustice superman even good in the first place
I liked IJ Super-Man… As long as it’s the Injustice universe, y’know, IJ is it’s own thing, and it’s pretty good for what it is, and I personally enjoy it as that… But as long as that line is made between that version of Super-Man and what Super-Man truly is… Because at its core, something like All-Star Super-Man *is* what Super-Man is, and what a large majority of DC Super-Man stories should strive to be,
@@Theleaver5088 The most hilarious thing about the Snyder cult is them thinking not wanting a miserable selfish Superman means people somehow want a permanently happy and smiling one. Characters with emotions other than anger and angst aren't edgy enough for them.
It's all subjective. However Zack Synder wants his Superman to be, whether he is vulnerable, confused, troubled yet powerful and influential, is how it should be. It's okay to see different perspectives. That's the glory of Comic Book Superheroes. Everyone feels differently about them, so the stories we get are endless.
There's nothing wrong with Snyder's Superman, he only humanized him to a larger degree than many are accustomed to but he's the same character at his core.
I dislike the Injustice Superman because Superman, in any universe, shouldn't be a villain to that extent, who knowingly throws away his ideals and purposefully commits evil acts.
Even the Communist and Nazi Supermen are usually depicted as wanting to do good at their core but were misguided and manipulated, due to the influences of their upbringing.
The only "Superman" that should be a complete villain is Ultraman, for example, because he's not Kal-El/Clark Kent.
And even then, Ultraman and the Crime Syndicate Of America should essentially be "good" because, as depicted in Grant Morrison's JLA Earth 2, in their universe "good" and "evil" are reversed and the JLA's attempts to impose their universe's culture onto the Crime Syndicate's universe are futile.
This story is a joy, and this analysis of it is a joy. Great video, Owen!
Here are some small little things that made me love All Star Superman even more:
I like that Clark is more introverted, underspoken. He doesn't have to speak all the time, you can just feel what he's feeling, he's really calm and so is the story. It's genuinely refreshing to read, I can read any chapter any day and feel good.
I really like how every issue is about all the different iconic abstract ideas of Superman, and it explores it so wonderfully, there are all these super underground characters which help the narrative flow naturally.
The episodic storytelling really compliments All Star Superman, because it feels like it all is leading to a resolution with each issue still being a self contained story. Every issue has a great resolution, along with a path of continuation.
This is just really heartfelt, All Star Superman is about death, identity, humanity, hope but more importantly a better tomorrow.
I found myself listening to a song from Bo Burnham: Inside which is perfect for this, the song is Any Day Now. Which is about the future and how the pain will end any day now, or the world will end any day now. This is like that succint recapitulation of a possible ending of a life.
The movie/novel made me gain an undying love and respect for Superman I mean I always liked Supes but it wasn’t until the movie/novel that I loved him I legit cried by the end lol
This is what the WB comic movies are missing. Their endless chase to make money like marvel has overshadowed the number one thing that kept their comics alive…the human element and the relatability of these god like characters
I like that in this issue, there isn't a big bad supervillain to face. Its just superman and he has to come to the terms of his death.
I never understood why this story was so well remembered but you have made me want to go back and read it. Give it another chance!
I never liked superman or understood him before but I started watching justice league animated and ultimate and really like superman on that show he is powerful but not all powerful and can still be hurt he is stronger than everyone on the team but cannot snap his fingers and save the day. The best part is how he seems to be a generally good guy and so I decided to read Doomday clock and was even more intrigued by superman and saw his importance to comics so then I decided to read this and now I would call myself a superman fan and I understand him, he is literally your neighbor or that guy you always count on he is more than a hero, he is a friend that scene where he saves the girl from killing herself by talking to her and she hugs him is so powerful plus when he visits the kids in the hospital, I totally understand superman and even like him. The wacky adventures even in all star like him arm wrestling those 2 dudes for lois or when he gives lois powers for a day its so other worldly and doesn't at all focus on things like real world details but the wonder of the story and the characters are experiencing it's kinda amazing and shows why this character has stood the test of time as one of the most greatest and recognizable superheros ever. Superman has had happen to him what star trek has where people try too hard to add darkness to it cause they dont understand the point and wonder of it. There are few heros who have character defining stories like this, dark knight returns, spideman life story, or hell spiderverse is pretty good, fantastic four and xmen, even a very popular character like wonder woman doesnt have this it really is incredible.
I wasn't particularly a fan of some of the issues (the contest with the time travelers and the Jimmy Olsen stuff felt like wacky for the sake of wacky filler), but the overall arc is fantastic.
Try reading some of Morrison’s 12 part interview about this story for Newsarama (I think), they might change your perspective on these issues. He definitely planned each one to reflect important aspects of Superman’s life, history and personality. I personally love the Jimmy issue!
Agreed felt just dumb and almost like a childish fanfic “superman faces time traveler to have his girl and kiss her” compared to other story such as when has to deal with the death of his parent
The older I get the more Superman becomes my favourite character in D.C. there’s something about wanting a quiet happy life and doing what’s right that is really appealing and now needed more than ever especially with how fucked our world is right now.
I just watched this film again for the millionth time and it still remains one of the most heartfelt Superman stories I’ve ever seen.
All-Star Superman > Watchman > Dark Knight Returns
Not sure if I agree. the dark knight returns was a comic book mile stone that changed the industry.i doubt all star superman had as big of an impact
@@matthewtorres9075 unfortunately, TDKR has aged so poorly.
@@MutantsInDisguise ahh well ageing poorly or not, it had a huge impact on the comic industry at the time. I doubt that all star superman has come even close to it's influence on comics and pop culture in general how ever superior it is.
@@matthewtorres9075 and yet, no one has the guts to do anything new in superhero comics. Moralless and psychotic heroes like Batman, Wolverine, and The Punisher helped destroy the comic book industry by the mid-90's. If you like nihilistic superheroes who constantly scream we are all just animals who deserve death, read something else.
@@MutantsInDisguise ahh well I mostly stopped buying them when they started getting expensive I mostly read the graphic novels at the library or find 5them cheap on amazon or used book stores.but from 17 (87) till about 40 I collected them and I was probably influenced into getting back into comics because of tdkr
You Can't Help But Be Good...
Last night I watched All-Star Superman and actually liked it quite a bit, so much so that it was the last thing I thought about before falling asleep and the first thing that came to my mind this morning when I woke up.
Superman stories are very hard to write. The man is perfect, with no physical defects or even mental ones. He is not greedy or conflicted, he is not jealous or envious. He does not hunger for recognition or fame. He is immune to power or money. He did not suffer trauma, he had a good home, loving parents, was not wronged by anybody and seeks no revenge.
A character arch for Superman is impossible. Superman is good at the start of the movie and he will be equally good at the end of it.
His superpowers are his...he did not trained nor earned them. He is in effect a Mary Sue. He is what he is.
The movie and comic are 10 years old, so spoilers are fair now. If you have not seen it, it's because you don't care. Just as I did not care. I only watched it because I was curious because I also watched a couple of Batman's animated movies (The Dark Knight Returns and Assault on Arkham) and enjoyed them, too.
Anyhow, so not being a particular fan of Superman, I thought that the hour long movie was fine...but actually falling short when compared to DKR, BUT....BUT.....BUUUUUUT....
...in the last minutes of the movie, Lux Luthor (along with the viewers) has a realization moment....
It is such interesting writing that we (or at least I) are able to reach a deeper understanding of Superman not by hearing an epic speech given by Superman or by seeing him display his powers but by seeing his nemesis react when he understands what Superman understands.
Had we been given a few more seconds of this scene, I say we would have witness evil genius Lex Luthor become good. Not become good for a practical reason or for his benefit or temporarily; but become good and noble the same way that Superman is good and noble.
If we were to see what Superman sees and understand what Superman understands, we might not have any other choice but BECOME SUPERMAN.....or at least be like him.
Superman is ordinary who lives an extraordinary life. He is a man that always does what's right now matter the cost or the sacrifice and all star Superman is a testament to why
Man, I cry reading this series every time.
All star Superman the animated film is my favorite Superman movie ever. Almost made me tear. We all love some Clark Kent
All star Superman was the first comic book and Superman story I had ever read, I found it beautiful and I’ve been hooked on comics ever since
One of the few comics that I like to revisit from time to time. Thanks Owen!!
All star superman shows what lots of people forget superman is human and is more human then some of us that where born in earth he isn’t just a god without emotion he feels sad,shy,happy,mad and many other emotions it’s also such a good story as of it shows something that’s a real thing our fate many of us can relate as some of us have faced stuff like this whether it’s with our parents or grandparents many of us have had to come to terms with the mortality of someone
To quote Batman V Superman:
'He's just a guy trying to do the right thing'
The comic that made me a Morrison fan there are few who understand these characters and the human core of superman more than them
I've read all star Superman two or three times and never quite gotten the love for it, but this has convinced me to give it another shot.
Not only is All-Star Superman an excellent series. I was very disappointed when it ended. It’s one of my all time favorite Superman stories !!!
I truly believe that All Star Superman goes toe to toe with any great comic book runs. Right up there with The Sandman Chronicles best, Hellblazer’s best, Watchmen, Saga, Fables. Things that are considered “graphic novels”. Simply put, it just captures all of the most important aspects of Superman. And this video is a beautiful breakdown of how incredible he can be when written correctly.
Yes, indeed!
All Star Superman is a gold standard Superman story.
I so love Morrisons opening quote man...just perfect.
Thank you! I searched through so many clips to try find something that would sum up the video's thesis, and that one was perfect.
This is my favorite Superman story!!
Top notch video. Subbed.
Also, Morrison/Quitely is the greatest creative team in comics.
Thanks so much!
Personally I don't think this is the quintessential Superman story that is For all seasons. But I really appreciated the weird but a natural Superman story grant Morrison told. Loved the design cause it's so timeless. Also books for retrospect I'd suggest would be arkham asylum: a serious house on a serious earth, Spider-man: Blue, Spider-man: life story and Superman: For all seasons ofcourse.
For All Seasons is a great choice, I can't argue with you there. And it's funny you mention Spider-Man: Life Story, as it'll be something I make a video on soon.
Secret Identity is my personal favourite followed by For All Seasons. Honourable mention to Superman Red Son. All great Superman stories.
Great video as always Owen. Also, thank you very much for AHCC! The week before it occurred I was telling my wife how excited I was as I have never been to a comic con in person. A week afterwards, on my birthday, she surprised me with tickets for me and my two best friends for Dragon Con in Atlanta. I’m not sure if it will still happen, but my fingers are crossed. My wife is amazing! Please give her a shoutout if it’s not too much trouble and thank you again for your involvement in AHCC. It was a very nice early birthday present.
Great to hear that, David! Hopefully once things are back to normal, you'll all have a great time at Dragon Con.
Uh, All star Superman. Also known as "how to write Superman: instruction manual" by Grant Morrison.
More like how to write parody/alternative version of Superman
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How to humanize Superman without making him dark and edgy
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I didn't read the last part... but nobody complaining about Goku being Universe - Level. At least this dude giving me hope when I hit the Rock bottom
Absolutely fantastic as usual!!! Probably my favorite comic ever!!! Great analysis Owen, thanks for the content! This kind of Superman fan is what gives me hope in this world full of “that boy scout isn’t relatable, MOS is the only version that works in the modern times”...
And always pissed me off when everybody said Man of Steel is the "only" one that made him relevant.
@@dcmarvelcomicfans9458 MoS gave superman more depth than reeves or routh did
@@elijahlee3610 Nah, he's just the usual shallow, broody, objectivist anti-"hero" we've seen a million times.
@@JohnSmith-be1vl imagine thinking a heroes struggle is shallow. Might want to take a look at the heroes journey again
@@JohnSmith-be1vl anti hero? He is a full on hero. He shows remorse after killing Zod. All damage caused is accidental. And he isn’t devoid of hope. He is in a harsher world but still resembles the symbol of hope for them.
the voice actor did great. the tone was so so subtle and conveying the end so so soulfully
All Star Superman is without a doubt my all time favorite Superman story, because it focuses on his character, his humanity, and explores what really makes him tick. For this reason it is absolutely one of if not THE best Superman story ever told, up there with Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow & What’s So Funny About Truth Justice, and The American Way.
What a masterpiece.
"Like it's all just us, in here, together. And we're all we've got." I know this video is about Superman. But that quote from Lex (which admittedly was influenced by Superman) is a predominant philosophy of life for me. It's a true statement. I truly believe we can work together to build something grand in our lives. We already have to some degree. And we're still making progress. Humanity has the potential to do great things and help each other experience what life is all about.
When my friends tell me, a dark-haired Methodist kid from Kansas with a generally optimistic outlook and sometimes a sense of deep loneliness, that Batman is better because he's more relatable, I just can't take them seriously.
Great video. It’s about time you covered what many consider to be the definitive Superman story.
I wish was All Star Batman and Robin was just as Awesome/epic
definitely my favorite superman story. if they actually did stop making superman stories after that it would seriously be a fitting end
I think its the artwork too its so calm in a way, cozy and nostalgic as well.
I had finished reading there a couple hours ago. A truly great ending to Superman’s character.
I just finished reading it for the second time and I wish I had the insight from this video going into it. Great vid!!
the real accomplishment is that the story is so good it overcomes that artstyle.
Beautiful analysis. Really well done.
Thank you!
its just probably one of the most quintessential super hero comics ever. It shows the audience who a true hero is. Superman is always helping people, he goes from saving the world to stopping a child from killing themselves. While he is unable to rid himself of his illness, he is able to cure all those children of cancer. When he saved those two kryptonians who were so rude to him, he had no reason to help them other than doing so because it was right. When he sent them to the phantom zone it truly brought a tear to my eye, its just such a beautiful story
The cancer idea reminds me of the Mar-Vells last story. I don't know if Morrison was also inspired by this even without knowing it, but the idea is similar, it's about that even the ones who have superpowers, will sometime die.
That's a good observation, actually!
One of my favorite moments is when Superman is given a piece of black kryptonite that strips him of his humanity. After he goes on a rampage jimmy Olsen takes a chemical that effectively turns him into doomsday. He takes on Superman and almost kills him. When Superman who is now in a highly drained mental state (sounding more like bizzaro then Clark) starts begging for his life, jimmy glets a glimmer of his humanity back and urges the cops whom Superman was attacking to not tell anyone about what had happened. Too maintain the symbol that Superman represents.
I thought Superman was gonna sing "Somebody once told me the wor-"
I can’t get enough of this Superman’s story. Superman is humanity’s values and virtues concentrated in one man. All Star Superman’s ending is basically what any virtuous human being would do in order to save the Earth, thus, humankind.
The world still need Superman indeed.
Love this series! A highly recommended story that needs to be read repeatedly!
Of all the great quotes of this comic the one that always comes to my mind is when the substitutes supermen are about to be send to the Negative Son so they can have a minimal chance at living and one of the last things they say is how the Great Hearts of Krypton still lives within Clark. And thats all it's needed: the great beating heart of the Hero
excited to see James Gunn take on this
Had the pleasure of getting to know Jerry Ordway (co-writer of The Death Of Superman and writer/painter of The Power of Shazam) from frequenting the same comic shop as him while in my high school years. What a joy of a person and a blast to talk comics with. Hope he’s doing well.
Thank you Owen. That was a brilliant analysis. All Star is one of the very best stories. I also love the animated movie even if it does condense the story somewhat. The sheer majesty of the series is something only Grant Morrison could conceptualise. I'm reading his autobiography and he truly is the Sid Vicious of comic books.
Just finished it today, a true masterpiece, loved it throughout
The first time I read All Star Superman I was moved to tears