🧵 Introduction: More Than Just a Cape

For over 85 years, Superman has been both a symbol of hope and a mirror of society’s ideals. In 2025, James Gunn revitalizes the icon—not by retelling his origin, but by reaffirming his humanity. This post explores Superman’s journey from Action Comics #1, to radio dramas, animations, iconic TV shows, and finally Gunn’s blockbuster reboot. We’ll also dive into the controversy around review-bombing and celebrate the film’s resounding success.

📚 Comic Origins to Broadcast Airwaves

• 1938: Action Comics #1 introduces Kal-El—Superman’s legacy begins.

• 1940s: Superman dominates radio, with morning broadcasts stirring imaginations nationwide.

• 1950s: Adventures of Superman on TV stars George Reeves, solidifying the suit and the moral compass.

• 1978: Christopher Reeve launches the modern cinematic legend with Richard Donner’s Superman.

🎬 Enter James Gunn: Comic Geek Turned Filmmaker

James Gunn’s pre-Superman career? Guardians of the Galaxy, Peacemaker, Creature Commandos—all rooted in his comic-book passion. Gunn’s Superman isn’t just another reboot; it’s a declaration of intent:

“I’m happy to have made a movie that focuses on the ‘man’ part of the equation,” Gunn said, emphasizing the championing of kindness as the ultimate power ComicBook.com.

His approach borrows from All-Star Superman (Grant Morrison), Superman: The Animated Series, and past film scores—honoring the mythos while refreshing its essence .

🎭 Review Bombing & Toxicity

Before its release, posts emerged encouraging fans to review-bomb the film simply for not being Snyderverse compatible:

A viral Reddit post urged fans to “sabotage Superman through review bombing…”, which Gunn replied to dismissively:
“lol I think we’ll survive… I’m not sure the eight people that listen to that guy … are going to impact the course of events.” AP News+15Fiction Horizon+15SuperHeroHype+15

Gunn’s stance contrasts sharply with the toxic reality of fandom warfare, proving kindness wins—not cynicism.

🏆 Critical Acclaim & Box Office Success

Critics & Fans Agree

• 82–85% on Rotten Tomatoes; “A+ CinemaScore” Vulture+9Reuters+9Polygon+9.

• IGN praised it as “wonderfully entertaining and heartfelt” Fiction Horizon+15Men's Journal+15ComicBook.com+15.

• Forbes commended its emotional core and vibrant visuals Polygon+15Forbes+15Indiatimes+15.

Box Office Numbers

• US/Canada: $122 M opening (Thursday previews hit $22.5 M) .

• Globally: $217–232 M total in opening weekend ComicBook.com+13Axios+13Cinemablend+13.

• CinemaBlend: “Superman proves the hero DC needed… positions it as a successful franchise relaunch” AP News+15Cinemablend+15トレンドサラダ+15.

• India opened at ₹7.25 Cr, with strong weekend hits, cementing global appeal Indiatimes.

✨ Why This Superman Works

🕊️ A Hopeful Turn for DC Studios

This isn’t just a winning Superman movie—it’s the launchpad for DC’s future:

• New character spinoffs: Superwoman, Peacemaker season 2, Lanterns, and the DC Universe slate ComicBook.com+15Wikipedia+15People.com+15VG+12collider.com+12ComingSoon+12DC UPDATES - ALL ABOUT DC!+3NRIGlobe+3Axios+3NRIGlobe+2Polygon+2トレンドサラダ+2MensXP.

• A Justice League movie on the horizon, with Superman as the moral compass.

Gunn’s debut symbolizes more than myth—it’s a mission to reboot with integrity, solidarity, and hope.

🏁 Final Word

From radio dramas to Kenner collectibles, Superman has evolved—but always stayed true: Earth’s guardian, symbol of compassion, beacon of hope. With James Gunn at the helm, the new film honors legacy while launching an inclusive, emotionally rich direction for the DC Universe. It proves that kindness—big or small—is a hero’s greatest superpower.