The new version of Superman ’78 takes an unexpected turn with the surprises of Krypton in the Christopher Reeve saga.
Just when we thought we knew every detail of the Man of Steel legend, the Superman 78 universe surprises us with a mystery that will pique the curiosity of fans. In the new episode Superman 78: Metal Curtain we move to the Cold War, where a Kryptonian ship mysteriously lands in the Soviet Union. This event opens the door to speculation about the residents, perhaps waiting for Supergirl to enter the Superman 78 canon, but also refresh the legend of the hero as we know it through Christopher Reeve.
The original comic book movie template remains the same
In the year Since its debut in 1978, the first Superman film has marked a before and after in superhero cinema. Directed by Richard Donner and starring such icons as Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman, the film was not only a box office success, but set a model to follow. Now, DC has taken on this legacy in Metal Curtain, promising to add new layers to Reeve’s iconic character.
The first issue of Superman 78: Metal Curtain, with a script by Robert Venditti and art by Gavin Guidry, initially teased us with the familiar narrative: the explosion of Krypton and a ship fleeing a doomed planet. But the ship does not carry Kal-El, but ends up in the Soviet Union, where it is found by a farmer, which makes us wonder: who is the mysterious Kryptonian passenger?
The new face of Krypton on Earth
The arrival of a new Kryptonian ship to Earth opens up a variety of narrative possibilities. We are not only facing the potential introduction of a new character with roots in Krypton, but we are also experiencing the opportunity to expand the universe of Superman in unexpected ways. The plot of who this mysterious Kryptonian might be brings us back to the rich mythology surrounding The Last Son of Krypton, a mythology that has featured other survivors over the years such as Supergirl and Krypto the Superdog.
DC’s ability to weave past stories into new plots is key in this new chapter. Comparing it to other adaptations like the popular Smallville series or the Man of Steel movie, we see how each issue seeks to celebrate the identity of the hero, while exploring new perspectives. Superman 78: Metal Curtain is not only a tribute to what Reeve stood for, but a gateway to future stories that could rewrite what we know about Superman’s legacy.
The Cold War and the New Nuclear Threat
By setting the story during the Cold War, Superman 78: The Metal Curtain not only sets a tone of urgency in light of the current threat of nuclear annihilation, but also creates a dramatic setting: What if the Soviet Union had its own Superman? Although the idea of a Soviet Superman is not new, the story here promises to introduce a new Kryptonian, possibly Superman’s cousin, to match the American hero.
The answer to this Kryptonian mystery is revealed throughout the Metal Curtain. What’s clear is that DC Reeve wants to enrich the character of Immortality, providing a narrative that promises to be as compelling as the original. “Superman 78: Metal Curtain #1” is now available, inviting readers to immerse themselves in an adventure that could shake up the world of Superman as we know it.
This new story arc not only adds to the Mysteries of Krypton, but also to the “what if” stories of the long-running story. Just as Superman: Red Wind explored a Superman raised in the Soviet Union, Iron Curtain may present an alternate scenario with a new Clark Kent. Regardless of Superman’s geopolitical context, his ability to evoke universal ideals underscores his role as a cultural icon. It’s exciting to see how this narrative develops and its impact on the established Superman canon, which promises to be an interesting ride for fans and followers of the Reeve saga.