Steampunk Superman Reboot?

Steampunk Superman Reboot?

If they are gonna reboot the Superman franchise, this is what i would like to see...

Editorial Opinion
By valeriesghost - Nov 12, 2009 09:11 PM EST
Filed Under: Superman

Being such a huge fan of Superman, all the talk of whether to reboot Superman or to continue what Singer started has a fanboy like myself a bit confused. I'm one of the few who enjoyed Superman Returns, and I will also be one of the first to admit that it dropped the ball when it came to action. The question is if it was bad enough to scrap all together and go in a new direction, or continue this story and hope it will get better. This very debate has accumulated at least 2000+ hot and passionate "IMHO"'s regarding were Supes should go, what he should do, what should he look like, who should he fight, should he go dark, and last but not least, who should play him.

As I was reading TheDurkinKnight's article, "What I Can Live Without in a New Superman Movie!" I began to think about who the character is and not where he came from, but WHEN he came from. I think that the only reboot that would work, and the only thing that would make supes fresh in the eyes not only to us as fans, but to the the Matrix generation, is to set the story in the 1930's. How awesome would it be to see Clark Kent and Superman in the time period they where created for? It would solve a lot of our issues with the character that we know today. You could be an ace reporter for a major newspaper and nobody would know what you look like because media was a different animal in the 30's. Maybe, with camera technology from the 30's nobody has a clear picture of his face so a secret identity isn't that far fetched. He could have his iconic suit and it would finally fit in that universe, the spit curl would be fashionable, and Lois could be the dame that we all want her to be. How would a 1930's America handle an alien from another planet? How would he, as a god-like figure, deal with a more conservative/ religious America? These are all things that can be explored and used to create depth to a set of characters that have grown stale.

steampunk superman


The best part would be Lex Luthor. I'm with everybody else who says that Lex has been beat to death and we should have a different villain, but if we brought Lex back to the basics and made him the Super genius/mad scientist that he is supposed to be, not the rich real-estate mogul he is now, some very cool and interesting things can be done with that character. Imagine Lex luthor hunkered down in a dirty, beat up garage making his own Steampunk version of his super-suit. He would finally have character and for once be interesting to watch. Or if we keep Luthor as a secondary character, how cool would it be to see an alien such as Brainiac or Darseid reek havoc on a pre-WWII America?

I doubt this version of Superman would ever happen, but I can dream. What do you guys think of this approach to O.G.?

Thanks for reading! Peace out

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valeriesghost
valeriesghost - 11/12/2009, 9:44 PM
;0)
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 11/12/2009, 10:07 PM
@ valeriesghost

it could definately be interesting if presented as an "Elseworlds" movie, with the "real" supes franchise going on as well. i wouldn't be happy with it being the only supes movies being made, but then again, i think it would be cool if WB/DC made an Elseworlds franchise.

each movie could be different characters. i don't know if you read a lot of comics, but have you read Superman: Red Son or Batman: Gotham By Gaslight? those would make awesome movies. but i definately like your pic and ideas as something along those lines! very cool, and different. different is good when presented right! very cool man
valeriesghost
valeriesghost - 11/12/2009, 10:17 PM
This wouldn't be an else world, it would just be going back to the original source material. I have read Red Son and Gaslight, but i really don't think Red Son would be the comic to go with. If i couldn't see a 30's version, I think Mark Millars treatment or Birth Right would be the best bet.
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 11/12/2009, 10:29 PM
yeah i know thats where the original source material came from, but those times are also LONG forgotten. these characters have changed so much over the years that something like this would almost HAVE to be Elseworlds material. its not a bad idea at all, i like it actually. but to put this out and not have the superman everyone knows and loves going on at the same time would be a little weird to me, and i think most others as well. (maybe i'm wrong in that statement). and i wouldn't want to see a JL movie set in the 30's. so it would need two franchises. i definately would like to see this though.
thwhtGuardian
thwhtGuardian - 11/12/2009, 10:37 PM
I'd certainly like to read a steampunk superman book, or even see a cartoon of it, but I'm not sure about a live action movie. I love that suite in the picture though!
valeriesghost
valeriesghost - 11/12/2009, 10:40 PM
I"m not really saying that the Movie would be a SteamPunk movie, just a period peace with steampunk elements to spice it up just a little. (Luthors suit could have Gatlin guns attached to it) Maybe i should have been more clear about that.
valeriesghost
valeriesghost - 11/12/2009, 10:43 PM
i guess my title for the article is a little misleading, then. Sorry.
Spilox
Spilox - 11/13/2009, 2:11 AM
Steam punk wouldn't realy work for superman, since it's a mix between victorian architecture and futeristich design. Something similar did work for Burtons Batman, but that was more of a mix between Barok an futuristic design.
Still i'm a bit sick of all these reboots, but with superman i'm not that sure. I think it could use one :P
fadawn
fadawn - 11/13/2009, 7:43 AM
That pic looks like superman meets dr who lol
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 11/13/2009, 8:02 AM
Great article @ VAL! But im on the ROUTH VS DOOMSDAY bandwagon lol! Kudos though man, great read!! ; )
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 11/13/2009, 8:04 AM
This would be a fantastic movie though if it was made an ELSEWORLDS movie (in the title), anyway, i'll give it a thumbs up coz i really enjoyed it!!
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 11/13/2009, 8:05 AM
But NO to REBOOT!!! ; D
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 11/13/2009, 9:19 AM
@ multi

Lex has used an iron man type suit before. his battle suit thingy. its not really THAT far fetched
Betty
Betty - 11/13/2009, 9:46 AM
CorndogBurglar-- True, my first memories of Lex is in that purple and green suit with the rings on each finger. Did it have rings?

Steam Punk is a very nice style but it has it's place and that place is nowhere near Superman. It is a whored out look thanks to convention attendees.

I DO agree, however, that a 1930-50s take on Supes would be KILLER! I think that style is called mid-century modern/art deco/art nuevo. They could use the Max Fliesher cartoons as their model. Oh that would make my vagina eat Oprah Winfrey!
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 11/13/2009, 9:58 AM
BETTY @ It would be a killer man!! But it'll still would have to be noted or titled as a ELSEWORLDS movie!!

But i'd luv to see this!
Tenaciousbt
Tenaciousbt - 11/13/2009, 10:48 AM
I hate this idea. We need to take Superman into the future and bring in Darkseid, enterdimensional travel, ect... I think they should go into the total opposite direction and set it in the future a bit.
invalensname
invalensname - 11/13/2009, 10:51 AM
I absolutely love this idea. Love love love!
TheHardGospel
TheHardGospel - 11/13/2009, 11:17 AM
I like the idea, but I also like the idea of Red Son. Both are amazing. However, people tend to often forget. Superman is the man of tomorrow. Which means he needs a movie set at least in the present time. I'm pretty much done with reboots. It's bs that writers get to start over all the time and not take responsibility for past mistakes. A good writer can write himself out of any situation.
Shaman
Shaman - 11/13/2009, 11:38 AM
You know what i love??? I love this SUIT!!! That's a nice ass sketch right there is what it is ;)
BillyBlack
BillyBlack - 11/13/2009, 11:39 AM
The lexo-suit

He's used it in 100 different versions of the story, most recently in Superman/Batman Public Enemies.

This is such a difficult topic. As much as I would like to see a Superman movie done right, it seems like they constantly go in the wrong direction. I really liked Millar's take, but another reboot of the series? There's gotta be an acceptable middle ground.
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 11/13/2009, 11:46 AM
SHAMAN @ I dunno about the stripes lol, he looks like a Super-clown! ; D
vonstallin
vonstallin - 11/13/2009, 11:54 AM
I wish they would finaly get rid of the superman in draws outfit for good....

Draw on characters never made sense to me...

onesies are great...
gibbyblaylock
gibbyblaylock - 11/13/2009, 12:01 PM
I love birthright. It makes junk make sense. I love the idea of the SUPERMAN costume being traditional Kryptonian garb and that Supes wears it in honor of his fallen kinsmen. It COULD look cooler though.

I think it would make more sense if Jor-El sends his Kryptonian uniform with Kal-El in the space pod as a reminder and that Clark decides to wear it. The whole bit about Ma Kent sewing the costume out of fabric she has lying around the house is dumb.

Plus, the costume being of Kryptonian origin could help to explain why it doesn't get damaged when Supes gets shot and 'sploded and stuff.

In the first Superman movie the symbol was sort of a family crest and it was cool that they explained it in that way. But I like Birthright's explanation of the symbol being sort of an official Kryptonian seal.
Dmon
Dmon - 11/13/2009, 12:13 PM
I would love to see this but in an animated film.
TheHardGospel
TheHardGospel - 11/13/2009, 12:48 PM
@gibbyblaylock, I like all of your ideas. Though some have suggested that the reason that Superman's outfit doesn't get damaged is because his aura is so strong.
gibbyblaylock
gibbyblaylock - 11/13/2009, 12:51 PM
WeakMusic...

Yeah, I've heard that explanation before too. It's lame.
TheHardGospel
TheHardGospel - 11/13/2009, 1:20 PM
Yeah, well my Dad can beat up your dad!
flames809
flames809 - 11/13/2009, 1:26 PM
i dnt like the idea of going back to the 1930's were superman was made and do a movie about superman in th 1930's. i would like to see a modern version of it since they doing a modern version of green lantern, they did batman modern version and if you want to see a justice league movie to be with the new batman,green lantern you need a modern version of superman
Betty
Betty - 11/13/2009, 1:45 PM
WeakMusic4--lol!
valeriesghost
valeriesghost - 11/13/2009, 3:12 PM
Okay guys and gals, I may or may not have been under the influence of an organic substance when writing this article last night. Thats all i'm saying. I still think its a rad-ass idea.

@Bohemiben, I haven't done another FanBoy Avenger because almost nobody seemed to respond to the second one, i didn't figure you guys were that interestedI'll do another one though, if you guys want me to. Just say the word.:0)

You guys really don't think seeing a Lunitic Luthor and Darkseid tearing through middle America circa 1936 would be [frick]ing awesome!?

well, know worries, nobody's gonna be doing this version anyways. But thanks for the love, Betty, LEEE777,Dmon, WeakmusicforThomas,and invalensname!!

RockNRollCC
RockNRollCC - 11/13/2009, 4:52 PM
i wanna see suuperman vs bizaro th most, but im afraid itl turn out like incredible hulk (even tho it wasnt that bad)
KUSlacker
KUSlacker - 11/13/2009, 4:57 PM
I would like to see him beat sumthing up next time..that's all i ask...I do not want to pay to see him lift big rocks
anathem
anathem - 11/13/2009, 5:37 PM
I like the idea, it's a great way to solve many of the problems previously mentioned. It would not be my first option for a major motion picture of Supes, but with the right script and style, I could be sold.

The Dark version or the Dark Knight treatment is not the way to go, keep Supes similar and familiar...modify his circumstances in such a way that it invites acts of desperation. Let him struggle to maintain a sense of "truth and justice in the American way!"

I challenge the story makers to dig deep and come up with an inspiring story that sets the standard. Innovation in the story, but keep the character familiar. And yes, enough of Lex Luthor.
valeriesghost
valeriesghost - 11/13/2009, 6:10 PM
@teabag Thanks!

@anathem, I think that SR touched on the Art deco, (thanks BEtty) look of the thirties, and i liked that, the look of SR was great.


@KUSlacker, i absolutely, completely, 100% agree!!
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