Posted on December 31, 2024 by Neil Cole
The year 2024 has been an incredibly eventful one for Superman fans, with numerous exciting developments spanning film, television, comic books, and more. From filming taking place on the 2025 Superman movie to the release of a highly anticipated documentary, the Man of Steel's presence in pop culture has been felt across multiple platforms. Here's a rundown of the major Superman-related stories that defined 2024:
Director James Gunn officially began filming on Superman (2025) in and around Cleveland, OH, in 2024 and it will undoubtedly be remembered as a nostalgic moment for fans and locals alike. The production brought the iconic superhero back to life with the promising talents of David Corenswet as the Man of Steel and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Cleveland's rich architecture and diverse landscapes served as the perfect backdrop for Metropolis, creating a striking juxtaposition of modern city life with timeless superhero action.
For residents, seeing Corenswet, Brosnahan, and other cast and crew members filming scenes throughout the downtown area added a layer of excitement to everyday life. The city embraced the production, which captured a sense of hope and nostalgia, reminding fans why Superman remains an enduring symbol of strength and courage. With the stars giving memorable performances, the filming of Superman in Cleveland will surely be a cherished chapter in the history of the city's film legacy.
The animated series My Adventures with Superman returned for its highly anticipated second season in 2024, delighting fans with more adventures of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen. This season continued to explore the early days of Superman's career, with a focus on Clark's relationships and growth as both a reporter and a superhero. The season featured dynamic new storylines that introduced fan-favorite characters, including a deeper exploration of Superman's rogues' gallery and his challenges as the protector of Earth.
The show's blend of humor, heart, and action, along with its vibrant animation style, helped cement it as a standout in DC's animated lineup. Superman's struggle with balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his Earthly life continued to resonate with audiences, offering a fresh perspective on his character while remaining true to the core of the Superman mythos.
2024 also saw the release of Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life and legacy of the late actor who portrayed Superman in the 1970s and 80s. Reeve's portrayal of the Man of Steel set a standard for the character, and his tragic accident and advocacy work following his paralysis added an additional layer of inspiration to his iconic role.
This heartfelt documentary not only delved into his time playing Superman but also highlighted his impact on popular culture and the real-world heroism he displayed after his life-changing accident. Fans of Reeve's work, both as Superman and as a public figure, were moved by this poignant tribute to his life and legacy.
2024 marked the conclusion of Superman & Lois, the beloved live-action television series that first premiered in 2021. The series' final season brought an epic end to Clark Kent and Lois Lane's journey as parents, superheroes, and human beings struggling to balance their dual identities. With the show's final episode, the series managed to tie up its major storylines while delivering emotional depth and powerful action sequences.
The show's portrayal of Superman as a father, a hero, and a husband resonated deeply with fans, and its final season offered a fulfilling conclusion to this modern take on the iconic character. The series may have ended, but its impact on the Superman mythos will continue to be remembered.
In 2024, DC Animation released the Crisis on Infinite Earths animated trilogy, an ambitious adaptation of one of the most significant storylines in DC Comics history. The story, which originally spanned across multiple comics in the 1980s, was given a new life in animated form, featuring Superman alongside other iconic DC heroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash.
The trilogy explored the multiverse's collapse and the devastating consequences for the universe, with Superman playing a central role as the beacon of hope in the darkest of times. The stunning animation, engaging voice performances, and complex narrative delivered a treat for long-time fans of the Crisis saga and for those new to the storyline.
The release of the first teaser trailer for Superman: Legacy in 2024 further amplified excitement for the upcoming 2025 film. The trailer showcased breathtaking visuals, including Superman soaring through the skies of Metropolis, engaging in intense battles, and offering glimpses of his heroic moral compass. The teaser also hinted at the presence of a new villain, further ramping up anticipation for the film's official release. The promising visuals and hints at a darker, more complex Superman left fans buzzing for more, fueling discussions across social media and igniting renewed interest in the character.
2024 also saw the release of Superman: The Definitive History, a comprehensive hardcover book that traces the evolution of Superman from his creation by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938 to his modern-day portrayals in film, television, and comics. This richly illustrated book delved into the character's cultural significance, its influence on superhero storytelling, and the various reinventions of Superman across multiple media.
For Superman fans and collectors, this book became an essential addition to their libraries, offering an in-depth look at the legacy of the Last Son of Krypton and celebrating his enduring place in popular culture.
In 2024, DC Comics continued to expand and innovate its Superman-centric storytelling, offering fans a range of captivating titles that explored new arcs, reimagined classics, and revisited legendary storylines. A number of these comics showcased the iconic hero in fresh and exciting ways, marking another notable year for the Man of Steel.
Kneel Before Zod emerged as one of the standout mini-series of the year. Spanning several issues from January to June, the series delves deep into General Zod's backstory, showcasing his rise to power and his complex relationship with Krypton's legacy. Each issue built on Zod's character, with the final chapter, Kneel Before Zod #8, bringing the saga to a thrilling conclusion.
Meanwhile, Superman '78: The Metal Curtain provided a nostalgic yet fresh continuation of the Superman '78 universe, blending the classic charm of Christopher Reeve's Superman with new threats and high-stakes challenges. The six-issue run concluded in April, with Superman '78: The Metal Curtain #6 delivering a satisfying resolution to this alternate reality adventure.
Superman's ongoing battles with Metallo and his own identity were central to Action Comics, which consistently delivered gripping narratives throughout the year. Issues like Action Comics #1061 and Action Comics #1062 set the stage for larger story arcs that touched on everything from Superman's vulnerabilities to his enduring commitment to justice.
In addition to Superman's solo adventures, Batman/Superman: World's Finest maintained its popularity with multiple issues, including #23 to #32, offering an exciting team-up between the Dark Knight and the Last Son of Krypton. This series focused on their partnership, drawing from their rich shared history and their unique dynamic as two of DC's most powerful heroes.
Superman fans also saw major collections of classic and contemporary tales. Superman: Lost, a compelling miniseries that ran through the first half of the year, was compiled into a collection in August. This arc explored the emotional toll of Superman's absence from Earth and his journey to rediscover his place in the world.
Another highlight was Superman: The Silver Age Omnibus Vol. 1, a hardcover collection that served as a tribute to the early days of Superman, showcasing the character's origins and evolution in the 1950s and 1960s. For fans of more modern takes, Superman by Kurt Busiek Book One brought a new perspective on the character through a contemporary lens, reviving Busiek's celebrated writing style.
Power Girl also played a significant role in 2024, with her own series running through issues #5 to #14. This exploration of her character expanded her narrative, providing both action-packed stories and moments of introspection as she grapples with her own identity in the DC Universe.
The year was also marked by the release of several key anniversary collections, including The Death and Return of Superman 30th Anniversary Collection, offering fans a chance to revisit one of the most pivotal moments in Superman's history. This was accompanied by a series of new hardcover editions, such as Superman: Kryptonite - The Deluxe Edition, celebrating Superman's enduring legacy.
As we bid farewell to 2024, it's clear that the Man of Steel remains as relevant as ever, continuing to evolve while staying true to the timeless values that made him an icon in the first place. From the excitement surrounding Superman: Legacy to the dynamic storytelling in comics and TV, 2024 was a year that celebrated Superman's rich legacy while setting the stage for his bright future. For fans, it was a year to remember - and one that will no doubt lead to even greater adventures for the world's greatest hero.
×
×
English (US) · 