With the announcement that Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck will return to the DCEU, Warner Bros. has a wealth of stories to draw on for new films. While Batman will likely be the flagship hero for the DCEU, Superman's return has been the news evoking the best response from fans. Superman's on-screen presence has been a mixed bag so far, with varying opinions on Cavill's performance under Snyder's direction.
While the stories have drawn heavy inspiration from the divisive New 52 era, DC has plenty of great stories from before and after that period which could add fresh layers to the Man of Steel's journey. Whether it's an action-packed epic or a fan-favorite team-up story, many of Superman's best stories have yet to find life on the big screen, despite fans being hungry for them. Incorporating his best qualities, these stories show fans why Superman is such a key figure.
10 Crisis On Infinite Earths Would Be Difficult But Worth A Try
Crisis On Infinite Earths — by Marv Wolfman, George Pérez, and many more — would be a good story to adapt into a major DCEU event. However, a lot of investment would be necessary, and the story would ultimately be best as a late-stage movie, similar to the MCU's Avengers Endgame.
The story's best value would be as a climax down the road after many characters and plots had been established. Despite the build-up required on the front end, the opportunity to showcase DC's heroes would be worth the wait. Crisis On Infinite Earths would also prove a pivotal moment for Superman and the entire multiverse.
9 Infinite Crisis Could Balance A Good Superman With Audiences Who Want Evil Superman
Crafted by Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, Jerry Ordway, and more, Infinite Crisis was the sequel to Crisis On Infinite Earths and explored the fate of alternate versions of the DC universe. Following the return of alternate DC heroes, the story depicted a battle for survival launched by heroes whose worlds had been erased.
Infinite Crisis gives a conclusion to the original Golden Age Superman of Earth-2, creates a new villain in Superboy Prime, and showcases a range of heroes. In the DCEU, however, it will make better sense as a future story rather than one taking place in the current era.
8 Reign Of The Supermen Could Bring In More Darkseid
While the original "Death of Superman" story led into "Reign of the Supermen," the story created by Gerard Jones, Dan Jurgens, Karl Kesel, Jerry Ordway, Louise Simonson, and Roger Stern has everything needed for a solid adaption. The idea of Superman's absence leading the creation of new contenders for the mantle, each with different motivations, creates intriguing possibilities for the DCEU.
Not only would the story act as a way of enhancing Darkseid's threat to Earth, but it would introduce the likes of Steel, Superboy, and Cyborg Superman. Mirroring the success Superman & Lois had with Steel, Clark Kent asserting himself as the true Superman and forging new allies would be a welcome DCEU development.
7 A Version Of All-Star Superman Would Put Some Heart Into DCEU's Superman
All-Star Superman is one of the greatest Superman stories ever told. Written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Frank Quitely, the story highlights what makes Superman the man he is and pulls readers into his journey. The story also emphasizes the Man of Steel's dedication, intelligence, and compassion.
A classic hit among fans, All-Star Superman deserves a live action interpretation. With many feeling Snyder's version of Superman is "too dark," a heartfelt story like this could be a breath of fresh air for the franchise.
6 Dan Jurgens Made The Return Of Doomsday Work Well
In DC's Rebirth era of 2016, Dan Jurgens returned to a Superman vs Doomsday story almost twenty years after "The Death of Superman." Created by Dan Jurgens, Art Thibert, Stephen Segovia, Tyler Kirkham, Patrick Zircher, and Ryan Sook — the story "Path to Doom" took place in the immediate aftermath of DC's Rebirth event and saw the pre-New 52 Superman return.
Since Warner Bros is now under new management and the Snyder DCEU has been scrapped, a continuity reboot makes a lot of sense. Having a story that restores a more classic interpretation of Superman defeating Doomsday feels like a fantastic starting point.
5 Last Son of Krypton Can Still Work Without Zod
While Zod already died in the DCEU, the Superman mythos is full of other villainous survivors from Krypton. Any of these characters can take Zod's place in order to create a live action adaptation of "Last Son of Krypton," by Geoff Johns, Adam Kubert, and Gary Frank.
"Last Son of Krypton," which was co-authored by Superman (1978) director Richard Donner, became one of the best comics to showcase Superman and Lois as parents. A story like this would go a long way to giving moviegoers a more relatable and down-to-Earth version of Clark Kent.
4 Public Enemies Could Make For The Perfect Batman/Superman Team-Up Movie
Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness' debut story for the 2003 Superman/Batman series, "Public Enemies," remains a well-received team up between Batman and Superman. The story has already been adapted into animation, but it could easily find a place in the DCEU's larger narrative.
Not only does "Public Enemies" emphasize Batman and Superman's friendship, but it also features a myriad of DC heroes and villains. The story will provide the perfect opportunity to expand the roster characters within the DCEU and build on the heroes' history.
3 The Warworld Saga Would Be A Science Fiction Epic
2022's Action Comics "Warworld Saga" story arc — by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Tom Taylor, Sami Basri, Adriana Melo, and Miguel Mendoca — has been one of the most epically scaled Superman stories in years. Much as the MCU successfully depicted Hulk and Thor as gladiators leading their own revolt, Superman would do well to have a similar story.
However, Superman's story would call for a little more seriousness and a careful hand to show the full scope of the "Warworld Saga." If faithfully and skillfully adapted, a Warworld movie could immediately become the absolute peak of superhero cinema.
2 Brainiac Showcased Superman's Most Formidable Enemy
Geoff Johns' and Gary Frank's story in Action Comics "Brainiac" re-introduced the menacing android to the Superman mythos. Not only was it a great showcase of one of comics' greatest villains, but it was also a great reintroduction for Supergirl into the world of DC.
"Brainiac" would serve as the perfect place for Supergirl to make her entrance into the DCEU, since she played a key role in understanding and defeating the robotic villain. The story could also make meaningful callbacks to Krypton's history and bring Kandor into Superman's world.
1 Kingdom Come Should Appear In The DCEU In Some Form
One of the more difficult stories to adapt, especially with its vast range of characters, Kingdom Come would likely require some major changes in order to sync with the current DCEU. However, the underlying story deserves representation in DC's live-action universe.
The story throughout Kingdom Come is a brilliant demonstration of Superman's importance, superhero ethics, and Clark Kent's place in the world. The story, created by Mark Waid and Alex Ross, would be just as iconic in live action as it has remained among comic fans since 1999.