DC Isn’t “Back” — It’s Finally Arrived with James Gunn’s Superman

Let me get this out of the way: I’m a DC fan. So yes, there’s some bias baked into what you’re about to read. But I promise to keep you, the skeptical, Marvel-loving, or just cautiously optimistic reader, in mind as I explain why James Gunn’s Superman feels like the true beginning of the DCU we've all been waiting for.

The internet, especially X (formerly Twitter), is buzzing with “DC IS BACK!” energy. But as a longtime DC fan, I have to ask: back from where exactly? Let’s not rewrite history. The so-called "DC vs Marvel" movie war hasn’t been a war at all. Marvel’s been running laps, dropping crowd-pleasing hit after hit. Meanwhile, DC has been fumbling in the dark, bogged down by misfires and muddled direction. Sure, Aquaman made money, but one bright spot doesn’t erase a string of confusing narratives and half-baked cinematic attempts.

Honestly, it’s felt like DC handed Marvel a whole generation of fans without much of a fight. Outside of Batman, who always seems to land on his feet, the DCEU has struggled to bring its other heroes to life. Meanwhile, Marvel’s been turning lesser-known characters into box office juggernauts. So no, I can’t jump on the “we’re so back” bandwagon just yet. Not when DC’s cinematic wins have been so few and far between. And for the record, I’m talking about movies. Don’t hit me with Max or HBO Max, or whatever we’re calling it now.

But James Gunn’s Superman? It hits different.

Before production even began, Gunn made it clear he was drawing inspiration from All-Star Superman, the 12-issue masterpiece by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. And wow, did he follow through. He didn’t just reference it. He understood it. The film finally lifts Superman out of the shadowy, heavy tone that’s weighed him down for too long. No shade to Zack Snyder (I loved the Snyder Cut), but Metropolis shouldn’t feel like Gotham. Gunn gets that. From the very first posters, it was obvious this Superman would feel bright, hopeful, and most importantly, human.

One of my favorite touches was how Gunn portrayed the Fortress of Solitude. It had that brilliant sci-fi energy with its care-driven robot assistants, balancing wonder with warmth. But more than any visual, it’s Gunn’s take on Clark Kent, or Kal-El, that stands out. He nails the emotional weight Superman carries. The loneliness of being an alien on Earth. The responsibility of being its protector. The tug-of-war between saving the world and simply loving Lois Lane. This is Superman at his best: inspiring, vulnerable, and unshakably good.

What’s more, Gunn seems to be signaling a quiet challenge to Marvel. Instead of overloading audiences with content, he's emphasizing quality over quantity. That philosophy feels like a breath of fresh air after Marvel’s recent oversaturation.

And here’s what’s wild. This kind of crossover rescue has happened before.

I’ve been listening to Business Wars by Wondery, a podcast that breaks down the rivalries between big brands; Coke versus Pepsi, Nike versus Adidas, and yes, Marvel versus DC. If there’s one thing that history shows, it’s that both companies have always borrowed from each other’s talent pools to reinvent themselves. James Gunn is just the latest name in a long list. Peter David, Scott Snyder, Gail Simone, Jim Lee, George Pérez, Neal Adams, all creatives who left a major imprint at one company before being tapped to breathe new life into the other. It’s basically tradition at this point.

So if DC needed a spark to compete, going across the street to grab Gunn wasn’t just smart. It was necessary.

Of course, not everyone’s going to be on board. Some folks will never believe DC can make a good movie. Others are too loyal to Marvel to give credit where it’s due. Then there are the burned-out DC fans who’ve been disappointed too many times. And the contrarians who just love to hate. But here’s the thing. Early reactions are strong. Exclusive screenings and advanced previews have been met with mostly positive reviews, and the buzz is building in the right direction.

If Warner Bros. is serious about building something real, they need to give James Gunn the space to do James Gunn. He clearly understands the assignment. Not just to make good superhero movies, but to reestablish what DC stands for.

And one last thing, without spoiling too much . the post-credit scenes are cool. But it’s the final scene of the movie that really sticks the landing. That’s the one fans will be talking about.

‍