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What I Can Live Without in a New Superman Movie!

These are some things about Superman that have bothered me because they have become increasingly nonsensical as the years go by, and I hope whatever brave soul takes on the next Superman movie has the stones to update it a bit.
Christopher Nolan streamlined Batman by making changes to aspects that logic dictated must be changed (like the Joker not falling into corrosive acid that merely made him smile instead of melting him. With this in mind, these are the issues I feel take away from Superman and I think should be jettisoned into deep space with Doomsday. I'd like to know if any of you share my frustration as well as excitement about the prospect of ditching these dated characteristics. I will present each problem, then suggest MY approach to fixing it, but I want to hear what you guys think.

Okay, the following are these aspects of Superman that are considered "untouchable" and yet have become ridiculous.

1) The f***ing Secret Identity of Clark Kent
There is no way on Earth that this would ever fly. Stop saying, "Well if he alters his body language, and makes his voice higher than maybe..." No. Stop. We live in the age of facial recognition software and cell phone cameras. If that weren't enough, Clark is a celebrity in his own right. He's an "ace reporter" for the mother of all newspapers in the super-city of DC Comics. So that shit has to change asap. Seriously.

There are only a few alternatives really: Clark either keeps such a minimal profile, perhaps working as a FREELANCE reporter who has no co-workers, and works online contributing from Smallville instead of living in Met. This obviously is problematic as Clark is integral to the story and having his character relegated to a bit part, or not interacting with the Daily Planet crew makes about as much sense as his identity being shielded by a pair of glasses.

Next solution: More plausible, if Jor-El could catapult his infant son across the galaxy and have him arrive on a planet that is not only agreeable with his alien physiology, but empowers him because of it, then it's HIGHLY likely that Clark could procure some Kryptonian tech that would somehow prevent recognition of him when wearing the costume. Something subtle yet eloquent as was said about "the force," prior to the dumb freaking mito-whatsis explanation.

2) The spit curl
Why would Superman sport a style that died fifty years ago? Answer: He wouldn't.

That's easily fixable: just get rid of it.

3) The Lois and Clark relationship
Say what you want about Smallville, but their approach to the Lois/Clark thing is unique. In THIS telling, Lois is a bit trampier, a bit rougher and a bit more salt of the Earth. However, she falls all over Clark, for the very same reason that her predecessors in TV and movies kind of disregarded him. He's a plain, geeky farmboy who really can't compete with big city yuppies or more refined reporters, but he's a good guy.

The stupidity reached a climax in Superman Returns where Lois seemed to not even realize that Clark was gone for five years, and when he returned, barely spoke to him. I don't think the audience has the patience for a whole rehashing of that relationship...or another bitchy, shallow Lois who, at the first chance she might die, the audience would REALLY be chanting DONT SAVE THAT B*TCH, SUPERMAN!!

Solution: Give Lois some depth, and don't have her be another girl gone wild for Superman. Show Clark some love.

4) "Ace Reporter
Instead of being this AMAZING reporter, why can't Clark be just a good reporter, and Lois too. I have yet to see a practical portrayl of a reporter on screen and I can't imagine they all act the same way in real life. Right?

5) The super-undies
Would anyone have any objections to the underwear being removed from the OUTSIDE and being placed INSIDE the supertights?

All right guys, tell me where I'm going wrong!
image from google
6 Yes
19 No
TheDurkinKnight
11/11/2009

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98 Comments

I don't think you can touch the Clark Kent identity any more than you can change Bruce's origin in Batman. As for the voice modulations, and posture thing as ridicules as it sounds I've seen it work. I've seen this play called the cube and in it this one guy played four roles, and if I didn't have a playbill I honestly wouldn't have known. There were a few times where I started to think he was similar but I quickly pushed it out of my mind because it wasn't a peter pan kind of play where having one actor playing two characters has a metaphorical purpose, the director was doing it just because he could.
This kind of thing has never actually been done on screen though, usually clark and superman are fairly similar in voice. If you actually got an actor who really tried I think it could work.

However you're dead on about lois in superman returns, it was weird that an ace reporter wouldn't have a thousand questions to ask a friend who was gone for five years.

And as for the costume I've seen it with out the red underoos in the books sometimes and I think it looks pretty good.
thwhtGuardian - 11/11/2009, 7:59 PM
This costume would work

Photobucket
SHHH - 11/11/2009, 8:21 PM
@Guardian...I don't doubt that it could work in certain circumstances with gifted actors, but I think using Krypto tech would just be so much easier to digest. That way, Clark and Supes are both untouched...the people who encounter them just have something temporarily shorted out that prevents their mind's association of Clark and Supes.

Totally glad you feel me on Lois too, because I think the character has not aged well apart from Smallville.

@Shhh...yes, I've seen that, it's badass!!
TheDurkinKnight - 11/11/2009, 8:44 PM
where is that picture from? I've seen it around before.
thwhtGuardian - 11/11/2009, 8:56 PM
@thwhtGuardian

Google alternate superman costume.
SHHH - 11/11/2009, 9:27 PM
how about, Clark Kent: Gas Station Attendant? lol, serioulsy though, i think it will be hard to change the reporter side of things. you mention facial recognition technology, which is valid, but in all honesty, he wears glasses...and thats it. no one needs facial recognition technology to see that he's F'ing superman, lol. thats something that will never go away, its part of the hokieness of the character that i don't ever see changing. and you can't change the costume. its the most iconic costume in comics, it can't be changed. every time they've tried, it has failed. unfortunately superman is one of those characters that people will not be happy with any changes.
CorndogBurglar - 11/11/2009, 9:30 PM
Change his attitude, make him rougher, differnt costume see above.
SHHH - 11/11/2009, 9:33 PM
I know it's an alternate but it looks like a promotional art piece, was it ever used in a story?
thwhtGuardian - 11/11/2009, 9:35 PM


CorndogBurglar - 11/11/2009, 9:47 PM
that's amazing cdb!
thwhtGuardian - 11/11/2009, 11:52 PM
@thwtGuardian, That picture is from an old issue of Wizard magazine. They did an article giving their ideas for "ultimizing" the DC universe similar to Marvel's then new Ultimate Universe.
Geek4Life - 11/12/2009, 3:14 AM
whtguardian

lol, classic SNL skit lol
CorndogBurglar - 11/12/2009, 5:07 AM
@thwhtGuardian - I think that Christopher Reeve did a pretty good job of portraying Clark and Superman differently in the voice aspect, but usually you are correct that is rarely addressed or portrayed on screen.

I think that the Superman Birthright comic does a pretty good job of making the glasses and posture thing work, and explaining why it works.

I do agree with the undies being inside. The above Ultimate Superman pic would be the right way to go IMO. It's different but not drastically, and I think it looks more like what the Kryptonians actually wore.
Bohemiben - 11/12/2009, 9:00 AM
Yeah yeah yeah !!!! : D


Anyways, ROUTH IS SUPERMAN!!! And throw in.....

DOOMSDAY!!!

EPIC BLOCKBUSTER in the making!!


LEEE777 - 11/12/2009, 9:36 AM
1 - no secret identity
2 - different hair cut
3 - A different kind of Lois than on the big screen
3 - not an ace reporter, just a guy in the bull pin
4 - different costume

Sounds like you want to watch Smallville. Don't be ashamed, I love the show too.
YogiDonnie - 11/12/2009, 9:40 AM
I'm totally with ya here, Durkin. The whole glasses and postering thing is stupid, I agree. Sure, it may work on people, but as you pointed out, any mechanical device would be able to capture an image that can easily be led back to Clark. And I know this is shallow, but I could really care less about his 'reporter' side. Superman is a man of action, and any reporter work in the comics is just filler between the next sequence. Just cut out the filler. Give him drama or character development, though.
Shadowelfz - 11/12/2009, 9:44 AM
Ya superman would not need a secret identity he's [frick]in superman and anyone who has learned to walk has the smarts to see that's its the same guy there's no way nowadays that people are so dumb to where he would look totally different with glasses and a higher voice and that new costume is badass
SabretoothTiger - 11/12/2009, 9:55 AM
SHH - I like that costume. I'm not a big fan of capes.
SirPrize - 11/12/2009, 9:55 AM
Hello, new poster and I love this site. I agree some changes would be cool, but if you tug on Superman’s cape too hard, you will end up just like Brian Singer. Hated! Don’t try to fix something that isn’t broken. Get a kick ass script with lots of fight scenes and for God’s sake! Don’t use Lex Luthor as the main villain again. I’m sick to death of that character. I get it! He’s is evil, bald, and has a fetish for acquiring real-estate.
Insomnia101 - 11/12/2009, 10:06 AM
I've seen the suit without the underwear also I think it would look more modern without actually changing the uniform. Haircut change would be find it really doesnt matter to me one way or the other. Clark shouldnt be on prime time tv however this isnt the 1930's when the character was created. Unless Clark is making his face muscles move at hyper speed(lol) to alter his appearance while in the glasses with today's tech how do you explain that no one knows he Superman.

Lois needs a overhaul I think developing her relationship with Clark makes more sense than her ocassional re-ins with Supes that's causing all the LOVE. If she's going to be used then let's get atleast 5minutes of explaining who she is and how she became a reporter.

As for a villian someone with atleast one super-power and no Lex as A MAIN VILLIAN .although I do believe he should have some time in a remake\reboot.
BLADE4040 - 11/12/2009, 10:24 AM
I agree with the costume comment. I always liked the suit the evil future Superboy wore in the Teen Titans 'Titans Tomorrow' story. Just a red belt, no underwear. A subtle change, but enough.
rkal51 - 11/12/2009, 10:29 AM
maybe this costume without Brandon Routh as Superman


jazzman - 11/12/2009, 10:39 AM
Smallville TAKE NOTES!
SHHH - 11/12/2009, 10:44 AM
cool costume...how about the lame-ass 'kiss to make lois forget' in superman 2..and reversing time in superman 1..that was awful
Anil Rickly - 11/12/2009, 10:46 AM
i'd change the costume to the one he wears in the ACTUAL COMIC, the spit curl should go, more Tom Welling style hair, a SEXIER Lois, keep the secret identity,
give the film a little more sci fi and give him a REAL fight!
rosco71 - 11/12/2009, 10:46 AM
looks like he stepped out of a TRON film, whats with the white lines?
it also looks like he's wearing armour, why?
rosco71 - 11/12/2009, 10:48 AM
or


Photobucket
SHHH - 11/12/2009, 11:00 AM
You don't tug on Superman's cape. In other words: You don't F with his costume. If it's good enough for the comic's for over 70 years (and it is), then it's good enough for any film.
niknik - 11/12/2009, 11:05 AM
Pehaps to help with his identity, he can manipulate his facial appearance slightly. Just a thought.
As far as the suit goes, it shouldn't matter if the audience understood that his suit was a variant of Kryptonian garb worn by nobles (Namely from the house of El). He wears it to honor his Kryptonian heritage. He does explain to Lois that he is from another planet called Krypton and that his clothing reflect this.
I don't see your issue with him being a crack reporter. This is detective comics. Most of the characters would solve problems with their investigative skills.
Spit curl is not an issue to me.
Phinehas - 11/12/2009, 11:10 AM
Durkin - I totally agree with most of your points, except (MAYBE) the 'super-undies'. The Big Blue Schoolboy's costume is the MOST recognizable thing about Supes. While all of the suggestions are fantastic (I really dig SHHH's entry), I dunno if the general public is ready for that kind of change. Case in point - everyone remember when Superman split into 'Red' and 'Blue' Superman? Aside from a ridiculous plotline, there was a huge backlash over the new costume designs (they WERE pretty stupid looking).

Hey, it could be worse - with Singer being such a geek for the Donner films, let's all be thankfull that at least Superman didn't "throw the 'S'" in 'Superman Returns'! Although... who know WHAT Singer actually filmed - maybe we'll find out (god forbid) if WB decides to release a director's cut of the film...
loganoneil - 11/12/2009, 11:18 AM
@Niknik...it IS good for comics, but that doesn't mean it can't be updated a bit for the film. Not everything looks as good on the silver screen as it does in ink. Look at Batman. And besides, changing the placement of one pattern isn't that drastic.

@Phinehas...What I'm saying is that if they want to ground this movie in reality a bit more (I know some of you protest this, so I'm saying IF) then why can't he simply be a reporter, and not THE STAR REPORTER? It's a subtle but understandable change.

@Shhh...love it
TheDurkinKnight - 11/12/2009, 11:20 AM
@Logan, good point, and I wouldn't lose sleep over the costume IF the other changes were met...ie a plausible way of concealing his identity. Why is it so much harder to except the implementation of alien tech over "the glasses hide everything!"?
TheDurkinKnight - 11/12/2009, 11:22 AM
I never got the impression that his fame exceeded that of Lois Lane's. I didn't percieve his as a star, just really good at what he does. That's not an issue to me, do away with his fame as Clark Kent. Actually it would make for a better story if they did! Clark Kent would decrease and Superman would increase. The person he grew up as is actually becoming more insignificant. Having Superman/Kal El/Clark Kent come to terms with that reality would be some good ethos.
Phinehas - 11/12/2009, 11:31 AM
Heres a question guys if they do a Superman Reboot should they have a different theme music?

remember Batman theme music has been changed for so many years why not Superman.
jazzman - 11/12/2009, 11:37 AM
Providing that it exceeded John William's classic score, I don't mind. But I must admit, I would not mind if that were the only thing saved from the previous films. That music is GREAT! It should be as much as a part of Superman as his "S" is.
Phinehas - 11/12/2009, 11:43 AM
The spit curl I agree with (not that you see it that much, anymore). The other stuff, though, 1: Superman is an actor, whether he realizes that or not. A lot of REALLY good actors are are VERY awkward, but on stage or on screen they slip into a character so completely that a great performance makes you forget who you're watching behind the role. As for the 'facial recognition', who uses that unless they're obsessed with security? Most stick with finger prints. 2: Since they're married now in the comics and Lois knows the secret, why does it matter? Every writer has they're own take on the personalities of these two, some work, some don't. Superman Returns felt too cynical, so it didn't work (so does most of the movie, anyway). Read Richard Donner's Superman: Last Son (yes, he's written some really good Superman comics, lately.) THAT interpretation works. 3: If you mess with an image too much you risk losing your fan base. Superman's been around for 70 years, his is officially a classic. Why touch it? About the 'undies', how do you know it's not just a pair of boots, pants and a long sleeved shirt (yes, probably spandex, but he makes it work)? Besides, red, blue and yellow are brighter, more optimistic colors. Nobody's explained it one way or the other, so, it's open to interpretation. Changing stuff like this could work if you're talking about future descendants of the character (DC 1,000,000)
Wesley Colvin - 11/12/2009, 11:46 AM
Durkin - Hey, it works for me! If 'Star Trek' can sell the idea of a 'universal translator', why can't the folks at DC/WB use your idea of Krypontian technology to disguise Clark/Superman's appearance? It would also make for an interesting plot twist if it either broke down or didn't work for some (a few) people. Imagine the crap Kal would have to deal with if he were recognized because his universal disguise-thingie wasn't so 'universal' after all...

Jazzman - HELL YES! If they're going to break clean from the Donner/Singer stuff, they'd HAVE to come up with some new music.
loganoneil - 11/12/2009, 11:48 AM
SHHH @ Very nice PICS man!!!


LEEE777 - 11/12/2009, 11:57 AM
Regarding your list:

Clark is a must for me. It just wouldn't be the same character if they threw out the Clark persona.

I can definitely live without the spit-curl.

Lois and Clark is another must for me. It's a staple of the Superman mythos as a whole, but, like you said, they need to give her some depth and not make her such a bitch.

He doesn't have to be an ace reporter, a good one (like you said again) would be just fine, but I want Lois to be better than good, not perfect, but definitely one of the best.

Super-undies, I don't know. No comment :)
InTylerWeTrust82 - 11/12/2009, 12:19 PM
Do we need another Superman movie? Why? Everyone knows his origin and story. Just leave him alone until a JLA movie. Then they don't have to touch on his relationship with Lois or the Clark Kent persona. Even those who want to see Doomsday in a movie have to remember that he was a JLA villain, not just Superman.

Leave the suit alone too. It's been redone and redone; every time they change it they go back to the original.

All the changes you've suggested just sound like Smallville: The Movie
MultiPurposePoni - 11/12/2009, 12:23 PM
I dont really think that any of these changes would make the next Superman movie better - why complicate things with his identity when its been that way in the comics for 70+ years!?!

Just make a Superman movie with some action that isnt a nostalgic pile of crap like Singer's was and you have a recipe for a decent Superman movie! :)
JoshW - 11/12/2009, 12:30 PM
U know good point maybe he needs to be overhauled, I here u on the Glasses thing, & people able to tell the difference, But not even Smalleville people have seen him up close,He is still the Blurrr. Do u remember after Supes Death he totally transformed, I have this comic Autographed personally in Mylar plastic: The no underwear thing is still a good idea. But with out it is good to.


Spock - 11/12/2009, 12:36 PM
Spock, I've got the same book, the cover glows in the dark. I hated the costume and story though.
Stumblin - 11/12/2009, 1:00 PM
Stumblin I thouth the costume rocked but story wasn't that great.
Spock - 11/12/2009, 1:09 PM
@Josh, I don't see it as complicating it really...Superman has been told and retold in movies and on tv, more times than any other Comic character. Yet ANOTHER retelling of the same story while not even TRYING to add plausability where it could be welcomed would be merely retreading the same ground again.

I think that's what made Nolan's movies so great, because he took on the nuts and bolts. PLUS...the more PRACTICAL and REALITY-BASED the REST OF THE WORLD is in a new Superman movie, the more FANTASTIC he comes across. If the world itself is not held to any kind of "realness" then his appearance LOSES something...you know?
TheDurkinKnight - 11/12/2009, 1:35 PM
I agree with you Durkin!
Leave the undies,I like your second idenity choice
though.
Brandon Routh for Superman!
NightAvenger4 - 11/12/2009, 1:42 PM
OK the drunkennight@ You don't know your ass from a hole in the ground!!!! >:0 U know nothing about superman

your number one thing clark kent} Ok the glasses do work this one time i went to work with no glasses on had my hair down and diden't have my hat on witch i always have on and people diden't know it was me and it's in the comics.

The curl!?!?!????} really this bothers you? who gives a shit!!!! >:0 as long he's flying around saveing the day who cares about his hair. I mean come on really?!?!?!!!! >:0 >:0 >:0

lois and clark} you just had to go there! >:0 now im really offended >:0 that has to be the most stupiest show on the planet. This SHIT! >:0 show shoulden't be in the same breath as superman. For the love of Mike if theres anybody reading this thats makeing a superman movie don't listen to thais Jack Ass! he's no fan. And F shitville!!!! >:0 >:0 >:0



Logan-X - 11/12/2009, 2:08 PM
@TheDurkinKnight@

They need to inject some life into some of the superman villians, they have done a piss-poor job with the villlians now lex luthor has been re-used and re-told. Put superman back in space, like what they are doin with the green lantern movie, Supes is supposed to be God-like, hollywood has made him weak.
SHHH - 11/12/2009, 2:22 PM
I think Tom Welling is the poster boy for Superman. He's got the physique and the boyish, innocent yet masculin look going for him.

ALSO... how about we stay away from Lex Luthor? Or, if you have to use Luthor, don't make him the main villain, just a supporting character.


AdamMichaels - 11/12/2009, 2:30 PM
I dont want them to touch the Clark Kent Identity. That is part of what makes superman. If you read the recent comics youll see how much more enjoyable having them in daily planet really is.

What they need to do is find someone who can perfect the differences between the roles of Superman and Clark Kent, as well as looking different.
I'm one of those guys that REALLY does look like an entirely different person with and without my glasses. Even people who know me have mistaken me when wearing them. But my attitude and bearing brings everyone back. He needs to be a GOOD reporter, but barely noticeable when not superman. The comic "Birthright" does an incredible job showing how people perceive superman and clark kent. Also in the comics, for years, most people didn't think superman had a secret identity because he was everywhere at once. in a few of the issues in the early 90's people are shown to ask how he could have the time to do all that he does. They conclude that he is superman all of the time.


I agree that the next installment of the superman franchise definitely needs a re-imagining, but they can't change the core details. That is where all of the failed films went wrong in my opinion.

SIDE NOTE: Superman returns was originally supposed to be MUCH more like the game. Metallo was supposed to team with Lex. Lex was really after the crystals for the military applications to Kryptonian Technology. AND MOST IMPORTANT!- LEX DID NOT WANT ANOTHER REAL ESTATE SCAM! The island was supposed to be a base of operations made of kryptonite to keep superman away and power metallo constantly! In the original draft Lex made up the story about Krypton not being destroyed to get superman to go away. One more reason to hate Bryan Singer!
superman7 - 11/12/2009, 3:02 PM
I could live without the spit curl too. But im not going to lie, if done right, it could look cool. If you google Alex Ross's Tom welling superman image, it actually looks REALLY good with the hair.

Red undies just have to be done right as well. Jim lee makes them look cool in his comics. They need to be trimmed so it just looks like part of his costume and not like Red Underwear. So if thats what you meant then i whole heartedly agree. But a red area around the crotch is necessary. (that came out wrong)



Lois needs to show Clark some F*CKING love now. Its getting old watching Lois be nothing more than another Superman Groupy chick! being bitchy is definitely necessary for lois, but in a hot bitchy kind of way. Like Megan fox in transformers. HOT BITCHY!
And like you said. Have her fall for Clark because he's a good guy. She notices him because despite being so mild-mannered he is a damn good reporter/writer who is an exceptionally good guy. Have the nice guy finish first for once when it comes to the ladies in his case.


superman7 - 11/12/2009, 3:10 PM
how do i post a picture?
superman7 - 11/12/2009, 3:17 PM
The key is subtle changes. First off you need to decide if your going to reboot the franchise or continue from Superman Returns.

If you make it a continuation then you could out him to his immediate group and make the story somewhat more plausible.

I would prefer to see a complete reboot. With the first movie starting on Krypton, centering around JorEL, and ending with Clark's journey towards Earth. You could ground Superman's abilities more in science than in make believe by doing that. Second movie, would essentially be the 1976 Superman movie and so on and so forth.

As for the changes:

1.) You can't do away with the secret identity. You might change some specifics about the secret identity. Perhaps make him less visible to the public. Perhaps take a more Smallville approach and have people helping him keep it secret, but you have to have it. The love triangle between Lois, Clark, and Superman is half the story. Plus if you need proof that it only requires a slight change in appearance to hide. Look at the following:





2.) Hair curl. Agreed, again though subtle changes.

3.) Agreed

4.) Again agreed. Clark of course is going to have a real good source for major events being that he is Superman, but he doesn't have to a top reporter. However, how many of us could point out the top reporters for the major newspapers around the country?

5.) Agreed, but then again it doesn't have to be a major change. You can keep the look and delete the shorts. Take a look at the following:



Finally, give Superman some more backbone. The best events I can remember in his comic is when he is pushed to his breaking point and is no longer hold anything back. He doesn't have to be Batman, but it isn't realistic to believe there are no casualities from anything he does. The original depiction of Superman had him dropping people from high altitudes. I don't suggest a return to that, and I am not suggesting he put people in the graveyard, but a few in the icu would be ok.





musictech - 11/12/2009, 3:21 PM
superman7

Are u serious? I HATE BRYAN SINGER forever! That could or been epic.
SHHH - 11/12/2009, 3:21 PM
@superman7

register with photo-bucket first, upload your picture then copy and paste HTML code to comment box.
SHHH - 11/12/2009, 3:27 PM


Photobucket
SHHH - 11/12/2009, 3:31 PM
Superman was the character that eventually led me to read comic books. I owe him that much, but he’s a difficult character for a movie. For starters I’m not a fan of Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Louis or most of his support cast. Many of his enemies are just plain stupid (Toy Man, Bizarro, Mr. Mxyzptlk, etc.). His costume is an icon, but it makes no sense.

But to me a costume change or a secret identity change are not priorities. The problems I see are Superman’s adversaries. With the exception of Zod, the rest of the villains have been lame.

To me a cool Superman movie would be a science fiction epic; with a lot of Superman and very little of Clark. He should fight against extraterrestrial beings, like Darksaid, Mongul or Branic. He’s enemies should represent a threat for the planet, and Superman would be our only hope. The villains should be a physical match for him, so we could watch a fight of epic proportions on the big screen.

Luthor could be there, not as the main antagonist, but as an unconventional ally, like he was in Our Words at War story line. That would be a Superman movie worth an Imax ticket.

Verdugo - 11/12/2009, 3:45 PM
superman is just one of those characters that you can't change. he's an icon in every way. its what makes him superman. changing anything will seriously piss people off. they've tried it many times, and ya know what? it pissed people off.
CorndogBurglar - 11/12/2009, 3:55 PM
@Logan, I'm glad I could write on an issue that obviously means so much to you! However, three quick critiques of YOUR critique:

1-Spell check...you type like a drunk monkey.

2-I said the RELATIONSHIP of Lois and Clark on Smallville was great because it was not merely a REGURGITATION of prior material.

3-I'm glad that you showed that if YOU do YOUR hair differently, and don't wear your glasses, people don't recognize you...HOWEVER...Superman is supposed to be the most well known man on EARTH...I don't think YOU are the most well known man on Earth, therefore it's not too surprising that people may not recognize you with subtle changes to your appearance, but it IS unlikely that ANYONE would fail to recognize the most powerful man in the world, glasses or not, when his face is EVERYWHERE.

4-Furthermore junior, you can make your point JUST as clearly without saying "ass" or "jackass". You want to talk with the big boys, then talk LIKE a big boy.
TheDurkinKnight - 11/12/2009, 4:15 PM
i think they need a REBOOT I KNOW ALOT OF YA DONT LIKE REBOOT BUT SUPRMAN NEEDS IT. HAVE LEX IN IT BUT NOT AS THE MAIN VILLAIN HE COULD BE LIKE SCARECROW WAS IN BATMAN BEGINS IT COULD START OUT WITH PEOPLE AND REPORTERS SAYING THEY SAW A MAN FLYING AND SAVING PPL AND THEY DESCCRIBWE HOW HE LOOKS LIKE AND THE OUTFIT HE WEARS.

WHEN THE PICTURES COME OUT IN THE NEWS PAPER THIS GET LOIS INTO WANTED TO MEET THE GUY. SO SHE TELLS JIMMY TO HIDE IN A BUILDING AND TAKE PIC OF THIS HERO GUY WHILE SHE GOES ON A ROOF TOP AND THROWS HER SELF AND SCREAMING FOR HELP THINKING THAT HOPEFULLY SUPERMAN WILL CATCH HER. AT FIRST JIMMY DOSENT LIKE THE IDEA BUT THEN LOIS PERSAUDES HIM TO DO IT AND HE ACCEPTES. SO THE PLAN GOES ON SHE THORWS HER SELF SUPERMAN HEARS HER SCREAMING AND SAVES HE(THE FIRST TIME THEY ACTUALLY SHOW SUPERMAN) JIMMY TAKES THE PIC SUPERMAN PUTS HER LOIS DOWN SHE SAYS THANX. THE NEXT DAY THE PIC GO ON THE NEWSPAPER AND THE THE TITLE FOR THE NEWS PAPER IS WE FINALLY SEE OUR SUPERMAN, MEAN WHILE CLARK IS AT HOME WITH HIS DOG( FIRST TIME YOU SEE CLARK NOT SUPERMAN). THE DOG BRINGS HIM THE NEWS PAPER HE SEES HIM SELF IN THE NEWS PAPER as superman AND he SEE WHAT THEY CALLING HIM HE STARTS READING OF WHAT THEY WROTE ABOUT HIM WHEN HE IS DONE HE read the person name WHO TOOK THE PIC AND IT SAYS BY JIMMY OLSEN FROM metropolis. THEN WE FINALLY SEE LEX HE IS ALSO READING THE NEWS PAPER HE WANTS TO MEET THIS SUPERMAN GUY SO HE COULD HELP HIM WITH A SUPERSOILDER PROJECT WHIICH TURNS OUT TO BE A BIG MISTAKE LATER ON IN THE MOVIE.

LEX FINALLY GETS TO MEET THIS SUPERMAN AND HE ACCEPTS SINCE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THEY MEETING AND HE THINKS LEX IS A GOOD PERSON. HE DOES THE EXPERMENT BUT NONE OF THE NIDDLE WILL WORK BUT LEX HAS A GREEN kryptonite ROCK THATS NEXT TO SUPERMAN HE SEES THAT THE KRYPTONITE ROCK IS HURTING HIM SO HE USES IT IN THE NIDDLE AND IT WENT THREW SUPERMAN SKIN(THIS LETING PPL KNOW SUPERMAN WEAKNESS).LATER ON LEX MAKES A A SUPERMAN CLONE THAT DOSENT COME OUT RIGHT HE TRYS TO DESTROY IT BUT THE CLONE ESCAPES IT GOES IN TO THE CITY DESTROYING EVERYTHING IN HIS WAY SUPERMAN FINDS HIM HEADING TO THE DAILY PLANET AND STOPS HIM THERE TRYING TO TLK TO HIM BUT Bizarro FIGHTS HIM THINKING HES SUPERMAN AND CALLING THE REAL SUPERMAN A FAKE THEN LOIS COMES OUT SCREAMS TO BIZARRO THAT HES NOT SUPERMAN AND PPL ARE CONFUSSED. BIZARRO AND SUPERMAN HAVE A BIG SHOWDOWN THEN SUPERMAN WINS AND ASK IZARRO WHERE DID HE COME FROM BIZZARRO TELLS HIM AND SUPERMAN GOES TO LEX LAB WHERE HE FINDS ALOT OF CLONES OF HIMSELF HE ASK LEX WHAT HE DID.

LEX TELLS HIM THAT HE USED HIM TO MAKE CLONE SO HE COULD TAKE OVER THE WORLD MAKING SUPERMAN THE CAUSE OF EVERYTHING AND THAT HE THANX SUPERMAN FOR HELPING HIM SUPERMAN WAS ABOUT TO PUNCH LEX UNTIL LEX OPENS THE FLOOR WHICH HAS ALOT OF GREEN KRYPTONITE ROCK MAKING SUPERMAN WEAK LEX STARTS PUNCHING SUPERMAN BUT LOIS SNEAKS BEHIND LEX KNOSCK HIM OUT TAKES OUT SUPERMAN OUT OF THE LAB WITH THE HELP OF JIMMY. SUPERMAN THEN START TO FEEL BETTER THEN BRIZZARO FLYS INSIDE AND TAKES OUT LEX TAKING TO MUH GREEN KRYPTONITE BIRZZARO TURNS OUT OF CONTROL AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP HIM IS KILLING HIM SUPERMAN KILLS HIM WELL HE THINKS HE DID AND THEN SUPERMAN STARTS TO DESTROY THE LAB FROM THE OUTSIDE FIRE DROP ON LEX HAIR THEN SUPERMAN BLOWS IT AWAY. LATER ON YOU SEE CLARK INALLY GETTING A JOB AT THE DIALY PLANET HE FIRST MEETS JIMMY THEN JIMMY INTRODUCE HIMS TO LOIS WHICH SHE TURNS OUT TO BE A BITCH. THEN YOU SEE LEX IN HIS MANSION TOUCHING HIS BOLD HEAD AND THINKING ABOUT HWAT HAPPEN TO HIS HAIR AND HE BLAMING SUPERMAN FOR IT.

LATER ON LEX WILL BE A SUPPORTING VILLAIN MAKING VILLAIN OR TRYING TO TEAM UP WITH THEM
flames809 - 11/12/2009, 4:25 PM
I think if they reboot it would be interesting if they set it in the 1930's. Make it a period piece and any supervillian can go steampunk. I just think that would be rad.
valeriesghost - 11/12/2009, 4:27 PM
I agree with you about the glasses aspect.
Maybe the glasses are actually the Kryptonian tech. So when he is wearing the glasses they emit some kind of field that alters his appearance slightly. When he removes the glasses, the effect is also removed.

How do you hide a cape under a shirt? Especially a red cape under a white shirt? Clark would have to wear a lot of dark shirts.
6of13 - 11/12/2009, 4:28 PM
@flames - Two things.

First off, the caps lock button is on the left side of the keyboard. It will allow you to not use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS AND LOOK LIKE YOUR SCREAMING MAD. Also, paragraphs and punctuation are your friends.
musictech - 11/12/2009, 4:35 PM
i believe that in the current run of superman comics mon-el is using something to blur his face when he is saving people and then when he is not playing the superhero part people see him normally. something like this could be used in a current superman movie.
also they should definately use a superpowered villain in the movie.lex luthor can be used as a smaller villain like many other people have stated but they need someone that superman can just let loose on like darkside or braniac.
the spit curl and the red underwear doesnt really bother me. like the majority of people it is just the image i associate with him ever since my father bought me my first superman comic.
i personally like the way lois lane is portrayed on smallville...she isnt the total damsel in distress and doesnt always rely on superman being there to save her.
lexkal66 - 11/12/2009, 4:39 PM
SHHH @:

Yes... long story short i just found all of that stuff out! Thats kind of why the game was so spotty. SO pissed!
And thanks for the tip!
superman7 - 11/12/2009, 4:52 PM
@ logan-x

if you want people to take you seriously then don't try to talk down on them and call them names. i don't agree with what durkin is saying here either, but i was able to tell him that without being a total cock. but then again, what should we expect from you, really?

@ flames

dude, seriously?? your post makes me go cross eyed. i'm not reading that jumbled mess. use periods, commas, and new paragraphs please.

@ durkin

more power to you man. i agree that superman is outdated, but he's just not a character that can be changed. in the comics, they've tried more times than any of us can count, but it just never flies with the fans.
CorndogBurglar - 11/12/2009, 5:03 PM
I wanna see supes kick a villians ass!
SHHH - 11/12/2009, 5:19 PM
I haven't read all the comments yet, but I want to put in my .02

You cant change Supermans secret identity, and trying to explain why it works only opens the whole thing up to more specific scrutiny. He is Clark Kent, that is just part of the character. Leave the "how" up to the viewer, sort of like the zombies in a Romero movie, if you don't try to explain it then no one can poke holes in the idea.

Smallville does have the best Lois and Clark relationship depiction I've seen, it is mostly due to Welling and Durance's on screen chemistry, but them being written as equals definitely helps things work.

Superman is an ace reporter for the same reason Peter Parker gets such great shots of Spiderman, he is always first on the scene of the big news making events because he is the big news making event.

The costume could use some updating, but I would start with casting a more Supermanly actor for the role, none of the actors that have portrayed Superman are actually built like comic book super heroes. When Tom Welling eventually puts on the suit he will be the first one that is actually buff and won't look like he is wearing footsie pajamas. Again, I thin the underwear on the outside are art of the character, at the most I would do like SR and tweak the colors to be a little less bright, but switching the underwear is such a big change that it should probably be written in to a sequel or something, don't just throw it in to the first installment, look at what changing the costume did to SR, and those weren't even very big changes.

Also, a new movie needs a worthy adversary, we have the technology now to put any villain that has ever graced the pages of a DC comic on the silver screen, so for god's sake give us one that isn't just an actor in off the shelf clothes.

HarrisonBergeron - 11/12/2009, 5:26 PM
@ MusicTech...Great pic! That would be the most accurate way to portray Supes. That costume looks of alien orgin

@ SHHH...Great options as well, and MisterUndies is a contender too.

Superman should be a private detective/citizen who listens to the police scanner or just hovers at altitude listen for sirens and screams. A freelance reporter like Peter Parker could work too. Yeah, needs a new Lois. Its time to for him fight Metallo or Doomsday or General Zod again on the big screen.

Brandon Routh is not a good Superman!...
CROVL - 11/12/2009, 5:47 PM
@CROVL: FYI, Peter Parker is a photographer, not a reporter. And having Superman sitting in a room listening to a police scanner is pointless. Did you forget he has super hearing?
MultiPurposePoni - 11/12/2009, 6:22 PM
@Corndog...thanks for getting my back man and I understand the conflict you're addressing.

@Lexkal...that's more in the realm I'm talking about (an explanation apart from the glasses)

@Harrison...yes, Welling and Durrance have the best chemistry and Welling DOES look the most like Supes as far as build and natural appearence (I've see the paparazzi pic where he looks like hell guys, no need to repost it, talkin bout generalities here and certainly NOT saying [at least officially] that Welling should be Supes on the Silver Screen]).

@Everyone else...it seems like at least a good PORTION of you at least agree that in an IDEAL situation, Supes could be tweaked, but it seems that 95% of you, even aforementioned, don't think that tradition would allow this...does that sum it up?
TheDurkinKnight - 11/12/2009, 6:50 PM
So, let me get this straight. You want to take everything about Superman that lends ANY depth to his character and totally strip it away, effectively making him completely one dimensional.

All spectacle, no subtext. No soul. No character.

This is exactly why everybody hated:
Ghost Rider
Fantastic Four
Wolverine
Daredevil
Elektra
Catwoman
Batman and Robin
X-men 3
The latest Punisher movie
etc

Get a clue. Nolan didn't omit Batman's greater character elements, he simply displayed them from an innovative perspective. But it's all still there. The cave, the butler, the car, the playboy millionaire persona, the villains, the ORIGIN!!!!

P.S. It's called 'suspension of disbelief'. Look into it.

gibbyblaylock - 11/12/2009, 6:52 PM
Well put, gibbyblaylock. I guess this sparks a good debate, but come on, seriously? I'm totally cool with tweaking the idea of superman, but changing the fundamental elements that make him who he is? I don't care about the costume design, or any of the specifics... I just think it's vital to have him be an interesting well-rounded character for a movie to stand the test of time, and I don't think you can have that without Clark Kent... or good writers.
kryptoRK - 11/12/2009, 8:47 PM
@ thedurkinknight

anytime man :) [frick]in haters...
CorndogBurglar - 11/12/2009, 10:09 PM
You seem to attack much of the dressing of Superman as fault of the character in film. In truth, its the interpration you probably have trouble to accept. The exact character of Superman/Clark is beyond goodie-two-shoes. I have heard folks state that there is no way he would not use his powers in a selfish way. That very element is what gets the Superman Returns film in trouble. Without the pure of heart character, its just not Superman. He is beyond "absolute power corrupts..." because of the responsiblity of his actions and powers much like Peter Parker has learned over and over "with great power comes great responcibility."
These concepts are what try writers and producers in creating a film. In our current Dark Vigilanty obsessed age, folks don't want to believe or trust such values without suspicion. Just because Superman can do a thing doesn't mean he will do such a thing. Its a moral fiber thing.

BTW, the origin of the "outside undiees" comes from Circus Strongmen. The style reflects a garment that helped these performers from possibly popping a herniea and to provide support like a weight belt. Dated? Sure, but I don't think it detracts from the character anymore than the "spit curl". What matters is how he is written and portraid.
JYCowboy - 11/12/2009, 10:19 PM
Well said, JYCowboy!
Phinehas - 11/12/2009, 10:53 PM
Superman's S is the second most recognizabe symbol. Just behind Jesus's cross.
ksquarek - 11/13/2009, 7:09 AM
@Durkin: thanks for bringing up the most important debate in CBM! Personally, I think it's time for the superman suit to get an upgrade (without the underwear). If you look at other characters in the DCU, many have had changes made to their outfits. Batman is the first to spring to mind, as the belt, cowl, colors etc. have all been chaged over the generations to reflect changing cultures and demands. People who aren't comic fans think they know everything there is to know about Superman because he always looks the same.

To me, Superman is a decent character in the DCU, but he becomes one of the most interesting characters only because of the Justice League. I think the Clark Kent/ Daily Planet aspect of his stories are fine and all, but its his role in the JL that really sets him apart from other characters. People who are not comic fans don't see what we see in Superman because they aren't as exposed to the Justice League as we are. It's a big part of his story and it hasn't been shown in movies yet. So I think the next phase in Superman movies should focus on his role the JL.
GreenLantern416 - 11/13/2009, 7:51 AM
I don't think you can have superman conceal his identity when he isn't clark kent. this just confuses the whole aspect of superman putting on a costume to fit in. the whole obscuring supermans face idea would just confuse that. I'm not sure what you could do to fix the hokieness of the glasses though. the red undies thing though i dont think is that big of a deal as long as you have the S, the cape, and the red yellow and blue color scheme.
sympathy4thedyl - 11/13/2009, 8:53 AM
He's going to need that S-curl. Either that or he's going to have to be played by Ryan Reynolds.
Expirasin - 11/13/2009, 9:35 AM
Damn, I got to this one late!

Durkin-- Many fine points you have. I agree with everything but the suit. It seems to work ok and it didn't make me laugh in Returns. What I didn't like about the Returns suit was that they went TOO far with it's design. They laser etched tiny Superman S's all over the blue part of his suit. I think they thought it would give him a glow but it looks more like a color bleed when I watch the dvd. And no it is not my tv.

Also, Superman:Birthright gave a great portrayal of Supes as a real reporter and its importance to the story.

Why do they make Lois a kunt all the time? Supes needs some tenderness down there on his indestructible balls. Do we need a Super being that has pent up aggression from not getting a nut? Hell no! See what happened in Irredeemable?
Betty - 11/13/2009, 10:03 AM
My only concern is that the original essence of the character might get lost in a 're-imaging'. The appeal of Superman is that he's just a really decent guy (with or without the suit) living in an indecent world. His image as a big blue 'Boy Scout' isn't necessarily true (that moniker truly belongs to Captain Marvel). The draw is that his views are a bit out of sync with 'big-city' life, and as an 'earth-bound god' he has to find balance between what is 'right' and what is 'reality'. As long as that is kept intact, Kal should be fine.
loganoneil - 11/13/2009, 10:16 AM
Tie together the identity with the costume. Say that the dated costume somehow alters how people perceive his appearance. This way it would justify both that people don't recognize him as well as justify his having to wear his dated costume in the first place.
deudaemon - 11/13/2009, 10:54 AM
Sorry, but I have to disagree with this list.
1) Superman needs a secret identity. Period. The whole point of Clark Kent is that, that's who he really is, Superman is the tool he uses to be able to help people. Without Clark Kent, there can be no Superman. Now I agree that the whole reporter thing is getting a little dated because so much has changed in technology, etc. But, the empahsis of the CK identity is that people will see what they want to see in others, and it is possible to hide in plain sight.
2) Yeah the spit curl is very outdated, but it works as long as it's not overly emphasized. I don't even notice it anymore.
3) Lois and Clark is essential. Granted, the past few incarnations of Lois have been pretty bad. But,. I would argue the writers have missed the point on that too. Lois is like another extension of the secret identity. She moons over Superman, while ignoring CK. Again, seeing what she wants to see and not what's in front of her. Her personality should be somewhat the opposite of the CK persona; a bold, outspoken, willfull character to Clark's meek and almost invisible alter-ego. Unfortunately, writers have taken it too far in their interpretations and instead made her a b****h and unlikeable.
4) If Lois is an Ace reporter than CK has to be one too. It's a further extension of them being equals, just with diefferent styles. But this too is a bit antiquated. Who cares which reporter is writing a news story? Can anyone even name a single newspaper reporter?
5) The undies are lame, I'll give you that. But, for Superman, it works. I have yet to see a single re-boot of the costume that doesn't look cheap or generic. It's classic for a reason.

Superman Returns sucked because Bryan Singer spent so much time and energy trying to pay homage to the Donner movies, that he completely neglected making his movie compelling on its own. There was no character development, no sense of fear of the villain, wonder of Superman, and it wasn't exciting because the script didn't make you care about any of the characters.
He said he didn't want to make a reboot a-la Batman Begins, but that's exactly what should have been done.
jaysin09 - 11/13/2009, 11:02 AM
musictech- it dosent matter if i wrote it with captial letters. and i put them in to paragraphs

CorndogBurglar- dude if you see there periods, some commas and i put it in paragraph and idc if you do read it or not im just saying what they could do if they reboot it and what chararcters i think will be good for a reboot and they are brizzaro and lex.

TheDurkinKnight- i agree with you in everything. and espically the costume it needs a big change.
flames809 - 11/13/2009, 12:48 PM
I USED TO READ THE SUPERMAN COMICS ALOT ALMOST EVERY ONE FROM 1989 TO 2000. AND I DONT EVER REMEMBER READING THIS IN THE COMICS OR IF MAYBE SOME OF THE WRITERS HAVE JUST SAID THIS BUT WITH GLASSES THING I HAVE HEARD THAT THEY ARE MADE OF A SPECIAL GLASS THAT SOME HOW HYPMOTIZES PEOPLE OR DISTORTES CAMERAs AND THE WAY PEOPLE SEE CLARK. I HAVE ALSO HEARD THAT HE HAS MINIOR TELEPATHY THAT ALSO DOES THIS. BUT I THINK I LIKE THE IDEA OF SPECIAL GLASS IN HIS GLASSES THE BEST.
Dmon - 11/13/2009, 12:51 PM
I want to see the underwear expanded to cover his whole body. Well i guess that would be most super suits. then i want to see a mostly red superman with a little teck on him so he starts to look more like a commander in a high tech space military for the people. no antennas though or ear pieces and no more bumbling Luthors.... please no more luthors with skipping walks and stupid expressions on their face!
shibazz - 11/13/2009, 1:53 PM
SORRY FANS OF SUPERMAN, Brian Singer destroy SUPERMAN FOR 15 YEARS MINIMUN.
OSCURO - 11/13/2009, 2:20 PM
might I suggest this for realists watching Superman... suspension of disbelief... superman is an alien white male who should in theory either be extraordinarily tall or short due to the lack of gravitational resistance on his growing bones. when he reversed the earths orbit to go back in time and save Louis, he didn't have to stop the missiles again, Nuclear Man is stupid and he doesn't just wear a lead suit full time, which would defeat his only true weakness, besides magic. which makes me think;if kryptonite is so rare why does every villain and their mother have a stone... suspension of disbelief...
Godl1ng - 11/13/2009, 4:54 PM
The Jazzman pic is what I was hoping for in a costume. They really should have done that. The underwear edition is iconic, but makes no sense anymore.

There are a lot of things I agree with in the article, but only one I do not. I like Clark as an ace reporter. I really really do. It is like Superman cannot even be average while trying to BE average.

I would LOVE some sort of Kryptonian mind control angle for the whole Clark/Supes secret identity thing. That would be awesome.
Pariah - 11/13/2009, 5:26 PM
@ flames you put it in paragraph form AFTER people complain. thats a little different. the "edit" tool isn't a time machine.
CorndogBurglar - 11/13/2009, 6:40 PM
CorndogBurglar- i had periods ifyou saw it and commas if you read it i just put it in paragraph
flames809 - 11/13/2009, 9:04 PM
I am sooo ready for a 'new superman'. So sick of the christopher reeves version ( it was good for its era.. but I think it kinda sucks..lol!).
I vote for taking superman back to his roots - the first comics. Funny, random, not invincible, smart.. I love in the very first comic how supes jokes wit a criminal that he's flying round the city (above the skyscrapers) that he's gonna drop him, dropping him a few meters, catching him.. That's my idea of superman.
Don't make Superman invincible, its not believable if he can only die or be beaten by 1. kryptonte, 2. another alien. Make it a challenge for him.
Also on that, Superman is supposed to have a much higher 'IQ' than humans. What kind of genius can only be beaten by a mere mortal if he's tricked into opening a lead box containing kryptonite! C'mon! I'll cry if they remake superman and make him that dumb!
Also, keep the reporter Clark Kent. Superhero's should have a secret identity (protect those they love and all that jazz).
Lois - I agree, make her more like Smallville's Lois. Strong in herself & completly swept off her feet by both Clark & Supes. The woman Superman has to save because her gets herself in over her head because she thinks she can do it all herself. (BTW, i love smallville! Some of it sucks.. but this season and parts - the non-kristin parts- of last season were great!)
Back on Clark.. There needs to be either personality change between Clark and superman, or a change with Clark. Stuff the introspective, melodramatic superman! Leave the introspection for Clark.. maybe Superman at his 'deep & meaningful' moments.. Main point.. I hope they don't make him constantly look like he's about to cry!! Maybe make Clark emotionally stronger.. but he's still a gotta be a geek..
Appearance - somewhere there was mentioned bout Superman blurring his image so he's not recognised.. I like this idea. You can't put a mask on superman. Use that + Clark's hunch, glasses & slightly baggy clothes 2 hide the muscles, & I think it would work. On the muscles.. Superman should be more buff. Seriously. Brandon Routh looks like a twig in the last movie.. so not superman! Make him look strong!
The costume.. I wouldn't mind a cape-less superman.. but I dont mind. Dull the colours a bit.. less bright and plastic looking, maybe more metallic looking. Keep the S symbol..

That's all I can think of atm..
starfish89 - 11/14/2009, 7:39 AM
Oh, I forgot to add..
Who knows what reporters actually look like anyway, unless they're on the news?! Its only really his co-workers that need to be tricked about the secret identity, maybe the odd superman/clark hater or evil villian.. or scientists/govt's wanting an alien guinea-pig..
anyway.. My point is most everyday people wouldn't put 2 and 2 2gether anyway.
Oh yea.. I think I'll scream if there's a plot revolving around Clark/Superman losing his powers. Its not a magical gift! its part of his physical attributes! Taking away His powers is just stupid.. he's not a human who gained abilities he's an alien who is more evolved than the average human and is stronger in our galaxy. I'll scream if there's a 'reverse time' thing in there too.. Just give him the technology to bring people back to life! That's more realistic than spinning time back! LOL!
starfish89 - 11/14/2009, 7:48 AM
I would make only a few changes, and very slight ones, to Clark Kent. keeping him as a newspaper reporter, instead of moving him to television is a good thing. Second, maybe a temporary hair coloring to change the color of the hair, contacts to change the eye color, some facial appliances to change some of the facial structures, even something over the teeth to make them less white, or things like that. Maybe modernize the glasses, some, and maybe even do a Kryptonian trick to do all the changes to him. I would change a couple things about Superman, but I wouldn't change his powers, except maybe develop a couple that are not used a whole lot. Well, I'd also change his x-ray vision, as well. Or something else, to see into lead. That's been one of his weakest powers, or least developed, in the movies. I'd make a couple of costume changes. Either get rid of the bloody cape, or shorten it. Add a mask. In fact, even just an over the eyes type mask, with the ability to see into lead can be a good thing.
SirTwist - 11/14/2009, 11:17 AM
1. Clark must be relegated to a rarely used cover identity. Every second Superman goofs around as Clark means that he's letting people die. Read Astro City 1. The only respite a truly heroic, good character with the ability to hear and see EVERYTHING, with the ability to be almost anywhere on the planet within seconds, and importantly, with the ability to never need to sleep - will be when he's flying between incidents.

He certainly can't be a 9-5 working reporter (because that would imply he's wilfully letting people die). Reporters are also meant to be a reasonably perceptive bunch, with an investigative bent. Therefore Clark should never be at the Daily Planet in person, although I have no problem with him being a freelance, roving, internet reporter who posts in stories (for the contacts, to do good through the pen rather than the sword - and this wouldn't compromise his need to be everywhere at once - I assume he can type real fast...)

Some Krytonian disguiso-tech is moot in this scenario, because if he did use such tech to be Clark all the time, then it still means he's deliberately letting people die regardless of "how" he's being Clark.

It's going to mean a complete perspective shift on the character, but it's a necessary one. Being Clark for any extended period of time means that Superman would be evil - deliberately prioritising his own leisure time as being more important than the lives of others. This is inescapable logic.

2. Don't care. As long as the kiss curl is natural (or at least looks it for movie purposes) and not affected or gelled to look that way, then there's no reason why it shouldn't stay.

3. See 1 - Superman doesn't have time for a relationship.

I know it will take a lot of depth and story opportunities away from the character, but again, logic dictates that if he's goofing off wooing Lois, then he's letting people elsewhere die while he's doing it.

Is he selfish? Is he emotionally immature? Is he evil? Then he has to say, "Sorry Lois, I really like you and stuff, but I just can't... excuse me; disaster in Peru, gotta go." It's fine if you have Lois pine for him (and even him for her), but it MUST be unrequited. To be heroic, he must sacrifice such earthly pleasures and selfish desires.

4. He can be ace, not a problem with that, but he must be freelance as noted above.

5. As much as it could be argued that the suit is anachronistic, I think this and this alone is the one absolute untouchable. Small design changes might be ok (the 'S' has evolved considerably over the years, but even that has an accepted "proper" version (the two swimming fish - you know what I mean)), but the suit IS iconic and should stay relatively unchanging.

As a rule, all undies-on-the-outside heroes should put 'em on the inside, but Supes is the exception. Special case, yer honour.

I know some will call "blasphemy" over some of these changes, but simple logic dictates asking awkward questions which require answers and solutions that may go against the grain somewhat. Alan Moore did it in Superman Man of Tomorrow and they still haven't really been addressed in mainstream and/or movie continuity.

Time to do so, methinks.

Qualification:

Having said all the above, I actually would like to see the traditional Superman done properly on the movie screen. Donner came closest, but as good as it was, we know that it wasn't quite the "real thing". With modern technology they could really give us the definitive archetypical Superman story, and that would be really good to see.

THEN re-boot, re-imagine and restart.

KeithM - 11/18/2009, 8:31 AM
Scene: Clark Kent's interview for a job at the Daily Planet

INTERIOR; DAY: DAILY PLANET OFFICES

Clark bumbles and stumbles his way through the office towards Perry White's door. Other reporters glance at each other with "wtf?" expressions...

KNOCK-KNOCK

Clark enters Perry's office...

PERRY WHITE: Hey Superman. Love the disguise (with a look that suggests "lame"). What can we do for you?
_______

And let that be the end of the Clark Kent/Daily Planet fudge for all time.
KeithM - 11/18/2009, 9:14 AM

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