FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING: How Alan Moore Breaks Superman

[@MattDraper]

What do you get for the man who has everything? Maybe this complete written version of the video on Comic Book Herald: www.comicbookherald.com/for-the-man-who-has-everything-how-alan-moore-breaks-superman/

[@magdavillafuerte505]

Hi ¿could you do an analysis on "give me liberty" by frank miller, i think it's a really underrated story.

[@MikeOrtego]

Thank you Matt Draper! Seriously! This is the first time since my eight year old son passed away in 2019 that I've thought about the scene of Superman saying goodbye to his son....I needed a good cry!

[@ULTROXBLAST]

Which interview is this quote from that Moore gave for this comic?

[@Firstborn0Raz]

I wonder what your analysis on Alan Moore’s Miracle man would be like?

[@jordanthomas4379]

Is this a sequel to ‘whatever happened to the man of tomorrow’?

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

Remember kids, the JLU episode based on this book is the only official adaptation that has Alan Moore's blessing.

[@frankendorfer]

I was just gonna say this.

[@2jebeal]

Oh I remember this episode well from Justice League unlimited Superman beat the living hell out of mongul that was amazing

[@Steve_P_B]

Except it doesn't have Jason Todd's Robin

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

@@Steve_P_B Who was never necessary for the story

[@Steve_P_B]

@@sebastienvondoom8615 he was sort of the perspective of the average person. Someone who was the weakest person there who had to step up and do something meaningful in grabbing hold of the very dangerous plant which brought Superman to his knees and saving them all by dropping it on Mongul. It was the weakest one among them who finished the fight.

[@kingsadvisor18]

Fun Fact: the animated adaptation of this story in the second episode of the first season of Justice League: Unlimited is the ONLY adaptation of an Alan Moore work that Alan Moore actually likes

[@daelen.cclark]

Last I heard, he also liked that Watchmen saturday morning parody.

[@morganrobinson8042]

@@daelen.cclark Does self-parody by an adaptation count as adaptation itself? I feel like the added layer makes it it's own work.

[@rmglover3191]

Shout out to Eric Roberts as the voice of Mongul. "He wants - to know - about - the ~plant~...!" Oh, and, uh - Wonder Woman's Zangief critical art suplex. Classic episode.

[@mechajay3358]

He actually allowed his name to be on the credit of the episode.

[@taegotkash]

Then I know he must hate that killing joke animated movie atrocity.

[@benwasserman8223]

Always loved Batman’s diss at Mongul’s Black Mercy dream at the end of the animated episode.”Whatever is, it’s too good for him…”

[@eldiablodelsur]

Ben, that episode is one of the very best of the JLU series. Superman's humanity is a pivotal characteristic of the hero. His humanity keeps him in check and makes him such an iconic character. In the comics, humanity, in general, should be indebted to the "humanity" of John and Martha Kent. Their influence on young Clark(Kal) is what allows him to focus on the "man" more than the "Super." Once again, Matt Draper, another excellent analysis of a beautiful Superman story.

[@smashmaster521]

To be fair, Batman had to go through a Black Mercy dream himself on top of seeing his best friend get put through that. He wasn't feeling particularly nice towards Mongul after that.

[@juliantapia1407]

@@smashmaster521 and I love how you can Hear that hatred in his voice during that line. No mercy

[@speeddemonji9547]

@@eldiablodelsur describing Superman‘s nuance as his “humanity” honestly seems like a very shallow description to me

[@Emike-nc9ew]

Alan moore maybe cynical and all like people say but im happy he apreciates superman alot and has wrote some of the most iconic histories for the character. And the JLU adaptation was godlike.

[@smashmaster521]

A lot of cynical writers seem to make Superman the exception to their dislike of superheroes. Alan Moore, Mark Millar, and even Garth Ennis all have a soft spot for the Man of Steel.

[@rbourne35]

@@smashmaster521 I think it is a mistake to say they have a dislike of superheroes. They got into writing comics for a reason. But they tend to be good writers who can tell different stories with different types of characters. The Killing Joke was dark but even after being tortured and forced to look at pictures of his naked, bleeding daughter Gordon insisted Batman just restrain the Joker. He may sometimes tell stories in which the hero gives in and takes revenge but that isn't Gordon or Batman. So he has them hold on to who they are and be an example of restraint.

[@thecollector4332]

@@smashmaster521 The only exception is Frank Miller who has an odd hatred for Superman and shows a deep misunderstanding of the character in every single story he has written that involves him.

[@DrakeBurroughs]

I was only expecting it to be great and they knocked it into another universe. I couldn't fault any of the alterations in DeMatteis' script.

[@JohnSmith-yd5wq]

Alan Moore is a hack and his most favorite stories are with characters he didn't create. BTW yes this book V and Watchmen except for the ending are good. Alan Moore hates his comic fans.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

I’ll be honest I never realized this was an Alan Moore script. Classic tale.

[@Madheim777]

funny thing: the animated version of this comic was the only one Moore has approved.

[@Ashguy733]

Unpopular opinion, I actually like this story more then Whatever Happened to The Man of Tomorrow. I love how this shows Kal-El's human side, and I always point to this story to people who say Superman isn't a conflicted character or not vulnerable emotionally.

[@rawalshadab3812]

Same here. I always thought "Whatever Happened" tries way too hard to be the final chapter so its ends up doing too much stuff. Still a good story, but this one is just more heart-breaking and laser-focused.

[@ryanoseguera1207]

I’m with you man!

[@johnsavard7583]

I quite agree, this was a great story. Even if the... situation... was taken from an earlier Superman story, in Superman #132.

[@raeldrews1187]

Popular opinion

[@Ashguy733]

@@raeldrews1187 It is? I always thought everyone enjoyed Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow more then this.

[@alexandrefrauches132]

Stories like this really shows how a lot of the criticism towards Superman, that he is boring "too perfect" and "nothing affects or goes wrong with him" are 100% wrong. Just like any super hero, Superman went through alot in his life. He had moments of tragedy (he lost his planet, never got to know his bilogical parents, lost his adoptive father, etc...) and sometimes struggles to be a hero and be present for people close to him. In the JLU episode that adapt this story, he even says that "the city is a good place to visit", showing that he doesn't even like to live in the city but does so he can help more people. Just like Spider man, Superman true power is his selfless and willing to make the hard choices and do the right thing no matter the cost, acting as symbol of what defines a super hero.

[@markmolino679]

So true.I could never wrap my head around those criticisms .Superman is a hero we'll thrived to be.

[@samuraijacques952]

People who make that criticism don't know what the hell they're talking about

[@kingartifex]

I don't really like superman, not because he is too invincible, but because he is too goody-goody. If you watch the boys, they pulled off a good "evil superman" and (un)surprisingly it wasn't boring

[@rdk9773]

@@kingartifex just because you know it’s an evil versión of the character you know so you say “this a very realistic Superman because he can’t be that good with all that power”. It’s like what Green Goblin said, people love to see the fall of a heroe more that the heroe itself and seeing an evil verssion of the character it’s seeing the fall that you’ve been expecting. This also happens with sports stars, when one is too good that never fails and always lands an almost perfect mark people become eager to see them failling just once. Don’t know if it’s envy but it can apply on both examples.

[@kingartifex]

@@rdk9773 indeed, well it is what it is, we are human and that's the way we tick. But we also like the opposite, when there is a rebound or a hero rises from defeat. I guess what we really like in a story is change and the absence of certainty

[@yoshidinono8095]

The animated episode of this story broke my heart. Superman having to see his son and world die; and Batman having to re-live the night his parents were shot.

[@lewisaino]

In the end they sacrificed their happiness for the greater good.

[@bobbyshewan4229]

Superman’s humanity has always been the best part of the character, and the best writers on him have always explored this. This one also gave birth to my all time favorite Justice League episode and for that I am eternally grateful

[@eliandervalderen5849]

The problem with most of today's Superman stories as I see it is that a lot of people just don't understand the character that they're trying to write. And some of the ones whose think they do are trying to destroy him I mean look up what they're doing to him in the current comics It's just sad

[@stevereynolds5684]

Currently yes, but if anyone wants a good “humanized” Superman, the first year of Rebirth Superman with him, Lois, and Jon are great. Just run away screaming when the Dark Days of Bendis show up.

[@zerosaber257]

@@eliandervalderen5849 gay eco activist superboy

[@eliandervalderen5849]

@@zerosaber257 even worse than that and one of the stories Superman is supposedly detailing when he was trapped in the country that has seeded Kryptonite all over the place and was essentially beaten and it's implied sexually assaulted from what I've Been Told. I haven't actually found the issue so I can read it myself but it sounds horrible I mean I saw the first chapter but there's like a few more of them to get

[@speeddemonji9547]

@@zerosaber257 “eco activist” more like liberal lol. Superman is more eco-activist than the sign waver.

[@Crimson28]

“Happy birthday, Kryptonian. I give you oblivion.” “BURN!”

[@pdzombie1906]

It goes to show you how easy is to present a very human Superman, and how amazingly Warner and Snyder failed to portray one in the DCEU... Great video!!! Thanx!!!

[@heyarnold7256]

Man, why can't people tell compelling Superman stories like this anymore?

[@mayotango1317]

Because Snyder ruin Superman.

[@katmore9]

@@mayotango1317 nah

[@smashmaster521]

Because it's apparently easier to write stories about brooding, cynical anti-heroes than upbeat, optimistic heroes.

[@EnerKaizer]

Read Tomasis Superman run. That is legit one of the best Superman runs ever written. It also was the run with my personal favorite Superman quote of all time. here it is, just a bit paraphrased for context: "If the world is as dark as you say we all just need to shine brighter"

[@StudioInkblot]

They....do though? There are still plenty of interesting Superman stories

[@yoh6382]

I have such a soft spot for this comic that it was one of the reasons I fell in love with Superman as a character. Thanks for the video.💖

[@kingbash6466]

I remember the JLU adaptation of this story being one of my favorite episodes of the show. It really shows how complex Superman’s character actually is.

[@The_Man_Who_Sold_the_World.]

Ayyee, wassup man

[@larniieplayz6285]

Indeed it does

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

If only Zack Snyder had read this instead of The Dark Knight Returns.

[@Frogman1212]

If only DKR and Watchmen weren't the only things he read.

[@Bat-Twenty-Two]

He probably would've found some way to make things "kewl" and miss an essential point, like he did with Watchmen's ending.

[@gc3k]

It doesn't really make sense that Clark's dream is to have a family on Krypton. He's an Earthling despite his Krypton heritage, that he knows little to nothing about, depending on the writer. Would Clark prefer to just be human?

[@infinityalbi9840]

​@@gc3k tl;dr Pre-Crisis Superman used Clark Kent as a disguise and not as who he viewed himself as, so it makes sense he wants to live among his people. This is a question to pose about the JLU version more than this. This is still the Earth-One Superman who doesn't view himself as Clark Kent. Up until the 1986 Man of Steel series, Clark was the disguise, so in this context, it makes sense that Supes would want to live where he thinks is his home. The JLU version is based on the Post-Crisis Superman who does view himself as Clark Kent more than Kal-El or Superman, which is why in that version it's weird that he wants to live on Krypton. However, the writers do balance things out by having Kal-El be a farmer in his fantasy with his wife being a fusion of Lois and Lana and not a random Kryptonian actress. It's a fusion of his life on Earth and desire for being with his own people.

[@gc3k]

Thanks for the information, the original story makes sense for pre-crisis Superman if he identifies with his Kryptonian heritage. For the modern incarnation who's genetically Kryptonian but culturally human, "his people" are on Earth. it's like Spider from Avatar 2 where his home isn't Earth even though he's human

[@person14876]

One of the best comics I read. I gave it to my dad and now he’s convinced superman isn’t jut some dude in tights but the man of steel Also your music choices are great. Many like the midnight have become some of my favourite songs to put on while I grind out homework

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I love putting together the music for my videos and getting people into new artists.

[@magnusprime962]

Props to Eric for that spot-on George Newburn impression when reading for Supes in this! When it started I actually thought for a couple seconds that Matt had just used an audio clip from the Justice League episode! Oh, and great review as always, Matt!

[@matheuszache7943]

Amazing video. It's like you said, despite Moore's disillusioned view on heroes he always wrote Clark with nothing less than reverence and respect.

[@SAPProd]

Great video. I love this story both in comic form and the JLU episode. I always have to mention an amazing touch that the cartoon has: Joe Chill is voiced by Kevin Conroy. There’s two ways of looking at this: 1) they were simply being economical and just had Kevin give a quick thug voice to cover a few lines. He’s provided throwaway lines before (he’s the first to speak in On Leather Wings but not as Bruce). 2) they purposefully had Kevin voice it as a statement that Bruce subconsciously feels responsible for his parents’ deaths. I truly believe it’s the latter. It’s also telling that, unlike in the comic and unlike Clark living his perfect life, Bruce never leaves the alley. Superman lives the full life he always wanted if the greatest tragedy of his life was averted, but it was a tragedy he doesn’t personally remember and has no guilt over, but Bruce, who has lived every day since then with survivor’s guilt, seeing that man’s face whenever he closes his eyes, does not move one second further from that moment. He sees his father not simply deflect the fatal shot, but answers back with fists. We flash away to what’s happening outside of the fantasy, and when we come back, we’re still there, and Thomas, a doctor, a man sworn to “do no harm”, is continuing to beat on the shooter, while Bruce gleefully shouts “get him dad! Get him!” This is the single happiest moment of Bruce’s life since that moment, and he has never allowed himself to go past this moment. It’s heartbreaking, and all the more so when the realization begins to dawn on him as Wonder Woman rips the Black Mercy off, and we see Joe Chill’s shadow push Thomas away, the camera zooming towards Bruce’s face has he tries to look at his living father as long as possible, fighting not to look away, but closing his eyes the instant the blast comes. It is quite possibly the single thing I would call an “improvement” over the original piece.

[@vaggelisbaousis1756]

I remember watching the JLU episode when I was 10 in Greek tv. Incredibly moving. Since then, I have such a deep appreciation of Superman and what he represents and this comic holds a special place in my heart.

[@Marabcd315]

it may not be from a superman movie but this quote comes to mind "I believe there's a hero in all of us that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams."

[@sheeth9878]

God bless Aunt May And God bless raimi for Spider-man 2

[@Douglasman123]

This is one of my all time favorite Superman stories!! So glad to see it covered on this video!! I have seen the JLU adaptation and the somewhat similar premise on Supergirl and other shows . But really nothing has come as close as the original

[@owensreviews625]

I remember the first time I really experienced this story was when Justice League Unlimited adapted it into an episode. And I just find it amazing how well it was able to maintain the spirit of Alan Moore’s original story.

[@glennhodges]

Not only one of the best Superman stories even written, but one of the best comic book stories ever written .

[@Dhampir101980]

The Superman and Lois episode, “A Brief Reminiscence In-Between Cataclysmic Events” did its variation of this story. However, it reverses the scope, and has Superman’s captor wonder why the hell would someone with his powers, possibly want to settle down and create a family with Humans. Clark’s response is simply fantastic and demonstrates that the man is far more important to him than the “ super”. It’s interesting that this annual story highlights a desire that Clark wouldn’t get to fulfill until decades later. This Clark would probably think that the chance of him having a biological son would be impossible, which makes the story even sadder. That’s why Peter’s Tomasi’s Superman was so great. It allowed Clark to actually live his dream.

[@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259]

THANK YOU. I will watch it

[@Okkotsu86275]

One of the best Superman tales ever created. Clark Kent is a very compelling hero, who is more layered and complex then average Joe gives credit. Moore really did his thing on this story.

[@criticalrants]

Man, you and Aeric both killed it in this video! You really captured what makes this story so powerful despite its short length, and Aeric’s VO just elevated your work further. Amazing stuff!

[@Catkeeper]

This is my all time favourite Superman story, possibly even Super Hero story. Reading it, watching the JLU episode, and even this recap gives me chills.

[@thephoenixwars]

Seeing clark hold his son as he denies his dream will always get me

[@Tadicuslegion78]

I think this is what Alan Moore and the writers of the Justice League Unlimited episode understand about Superman that so many get wrong, at the end of the day, Superman's greatest wish is to be Clark Kent/Kal-El happily living on the farm with his family. Not some messiah figure, not the Superman who saves the world, he just wants to be a normal guy living in peace.

[@thewanderingronin5433]

And this DC is how you write superman. This story completely changed the way I looked at what was once my number one character

[@castironchaos]

It wasn’t until several re-reads later that I understood the scene when Wonder Woman presents her gift to Superman, and he rushes away and puts something in a locker. It’s actually the same thing: a sculpture of the city of Kandor. In other words, he already had one.

[@Nova7o9]

I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I didn't know this was a comic before it was an episode. But thanks to you I'm going to definitely find it and read it!

[@comickebs748]

Hands down my favorite adaptation from comic to TV. THANK YOU!

[@tyrontheconqueror6625]

i was rewatching the JLU episode while on a road trip. In the car with my parents, headphones on, watching a children's show from my childhood, and weeping as krypton explodes. Such a great episode, and show. That is what I think of, when I think of that incarnation of superman.

[@azaanyasir2811]

A fantastic comic, and I always loved how the JLU episode is the only adaptation Moore let his name on

[@carlosrvra]

I ONLY knew about and consumed the JLU episode. So cool that it was based on one of Moore's stories, AND that Moore liked it enough that he gave it his rare blessing. No surprise it's a great ep of a "kids" show.

[@doujinloverXD]

This was so beautifully put i can see your love of Moore and Superman.

[@kingcyrusthegreat3887]

THIS is the reason why IMO Mongul is the better comparison in terms of Superman's most dangerous foe. He is imo what is the equivalent of what Bane is for Batman in Knightfall. I will always be puzzled by why Doomsday became that comparison and I am glad Mongul is finally returning back to be a Superman villain like he was before DC decided to make him a GL rouge for some reason in the New 52. I like how unique Mongul is compared to folks like Darkseid or Thanos, Thanos madness and obsession with Death or Darkseid love and need to be the ULTIMATE totalitarian in using the anti-life equation. Mongul whole thing that makes him unique from the Galactic conqueror types is his unique brand of Sadism. Mongul stood out to me because he was a sadist who loved violence and combat. Mongul in many ways (especially Mongul of this era was more powerful if not matched to Silver Age Superman) is a representation of that impulse Superman doesn't have with his godlike ability, pure Hedonistic endeavors. Mongul being a conqueror but also throwing these gladiatorial death matches fits perfectly to his character and in many ways is another dark mirror to Superman in a sense that this is Superman without a care for anyone or anything just his own pleasures.

[@rb1691]

An idealized life. Like in WandaVision. 8:39 "Years of life implanted in Superman's consciousness..." Like Star Trek TNG The Inner Light Without doubt many other viewers have had the same realizations.

[@aurahoneydew9607]

They really got to bring back that Wonder Woman look both suit and how they draw her.

[@MegaAngryspoon]

Superman 141 can almost be seen as a sort of prequel to this, it introduces Lyla Lerrol which has an actual love interest for Superman which makes this story hit even harder, it's definitely worth reading and this issue is all you really get as a follow up to that story.

[@senmonkashonen5875]

10:48 waaaaaw! i needed this. thanks for this, I really appreciate this channel and this video for bringing this jem of wisdom here.

[@zemox2534]

Happy new year Matt. I watched the JLU adaptation before reading the comic, and I loved it. The scene where Clark says goodbye to his fantasy son was heartbreaking but it shows why he Is a great hero.

[@roshanchachane142]

One of my favourite stories of Superman ever.

[@lynnkain]

Enjoyed the review. I still have this comic in my collection from when I pied it up off the rack. I remember reading it and thinking this guy gets Superman. He knows how to write a Superman story. I was “super” impressed that one story was being played out for the reader had superhero action the other was a family oriented tale. Both were interesting. Your interpretation gives me a greater understanding and appreciation for it that my younger self did not pick up.

[@TorchlightCinema80]

This channel has taught me more about storytelling than the film school I dropped out of. You’re underrated man.

[@DrakeBurroughs]

My favourite single issue superhero story. Moore and Gibbons intertwine so completely they become one person. A staggering number of powerful and poignant scenes and prose (DeMatteis also had some corkers in the JLU adaption): "Think clean thoughts, chum." "I don't think you're real." "I give you oblivion." -"Burn." "Not a mistake that I'll make, I assure you." I've always loathed how so many writers indulge and exaggerate Superman's super speed - someone knocks at his apartment door as he flies back in through a window, and he then fully cleans the apartment, reads the Complete Works of Shakespeare and changes into Clark Kent's clothes, before answering the door in a second - but in the following caption, Moore fully justifies it, as he captures the colossal power and rage of a distraught Superman, who has experienced his home planet destroyed for a second time, and he actually makes me afraid for Mongul! You can feel the urgency, and perhaps a scintilla of panic, as Mongul seeks to activate his defensive systems: "He knows that he has perhaps less than half a second in which to defend himself..." This is a fantastic appraisal of the work and has made me appreciate it even more.

[@GuessWho7197]

For the Man Who has Everything is perhaps my favorite Superman story of all time. The only close contender being What's so Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American way. Reading Moore's Superman always makes me regret we never got some long run on the character from him like he did with Swamp Thing, though his run on Supreme does scratch that itch somewhat. Great first video of the new year, Matt!

[@zemox2534]

Morre writing a Superman ongoing would have been awesome.

[@josephmorelli3408]

Can't tell you how much I LOVED this video. Just Awesome.

[@TheDrewjameson]

This story reminds me of "My Blue Heaven" the Swamp Thing story. Moore did such an astounding job of writing characters who were godlike, inhuman, but deeply wanted to be human.

[@julio.dealmeidabranconeto5831]

You could also do some Fantastic Four comics. I would recommend Jonnathan Hickmann's Run on the characters.

[@Justin-M]

This video was an absolute grand slam. Your work has only improved with time and in excited to see anything and everything you keep putting out.

[@ScottWaa]

Being a watchman fan and knowing of the fallout between Moore and DC, I was pleasantly surprised that Allan approved the JLU episode!

[@hjcasella]

This comic made me cry. I'm struggling with lots of emotions coming from a mourning process and this story and video help me a lot. Thanks.

[@billmorse5724]

I first read this in the Titan collection of Moore's Superman stories, in black and white, for an overnight flight. I had it memorized by the time I arrive in the states. It always feels weird to see it in full color.

[@andrewdarrow4542]

There’s a couple runs I really want you to cover in case you thought they were good -Gail Simones Secret Six -Jeff Lemires Moon Knight -Warren Ellis’ Thunderbolts -J Michael Stracynski’s Spiderman -Punisher MAX Wanted to know if they’re worth reading.

[@katmore9]

That animated JLU episode might be the best, most accurate adaptation of Alan Moore's stellar work.

[@MaggieCandy999]

This is by far my absolute FAVORITE Superman story ever. Bar none.

[@nicknight1728]

2 of my favorite things. Old school comics & Synthwave. Thank you Matt.

[@DeathAlchemist]

Great video, Matt. Much like you, I saw the justice league episode first, but when I learned that Moore wrote this comic, it was a pleasant surprise. The krypton on the verge of collapse is far more pronounced here than the justice league episode and it shows how superman subconsciously fighting the constructed dreamworld. Including his dad was wrong about krypton being destroyed was a great touch, revealing how Clark doesn't idealize his parents. You are also spot-on in regards to Moore at the end. I can only hope the one Marvel event with Miracleman finally let Neil finish the stories he wanted to tell when Moore handed off the book to him. One correction though, Miracleman (formerly known as marvelman) is a captain marvel insert that original creator Mick Anglo was tasked creating for British market and Moore's run goes with that premise (fawcett comics are even shown in the text). It's more commentary on the Nietzschean idea of the superman and the contrast between man and god which could have only been done using the body replacement idea from captain marvel. This isn't to say superman had no influence since more said he was inspired by the mad parody story "Superduperman", but the transforming is essential to miracleman.

[@ssjdeadpool]

Holy shit The Justice League Unlimited episode adapted from this is like a perfect one-to-one adaptation, I had no idea this was a comic, it's awesome!

[@AlbertChalmers]

I just thought of this but do you think the "indestructible flower" from New Krypton in All-Star Superman was a reference to the flower Batman was going to give him in this story? Would be an interesting connection.

[@jaysgamingcorner8539]

I'm a longtime viewer of your channel and this may be your best video yet. Superman is such, by some people, a misunderstood character. Calling him too perfect or hard to relate to portrays him all wrong. As you said, Superman is an ideal. Great vid, keep up the awesome work. This one made me subscribe, should've done it long ago.

[@TheWinterMan]

I think Superman like many traditional/classical heroes, isn't liked or admired because he is relatable. He's a fulfilled aspiration of a character. Both morally & physically. That is why we root for & admire him. His altruism, truthfulness, honor, loyalty, & long list of incredible powers & abilities. He simply is & does so many things we normal folk can't, &/or won't do, or we would be easily corrupted by said powers & abilities.

[@robranney-blake8731]

I was a sixties kid, and gave up regularly buying DC comics after the Kryptonite Nevermore reboot. (Galaxy Broadcasting? Sheesh.) Then, years later, my boss’s son started handing me stacks of comic books to read. Elfquest. Cerebus. Sandman. And that muck encrusted mockery of a man, Swamp Thing. I was told, “keep reading, it gets better.” And Alan Moore showed up, with new artists, and it got way better. I did not know this Superman story, so thank you for sharing it so vividly.

[@alyssakensington9524]

So glad to see a bit of focus on Moore's Miracleman. it remains my personal favorite and is what solidified me as a comic book fan. Would love to see you tackle a standalone video on it!!

[@sudevsen]

Everything Alan Moore touches is so galaxy brain and genre bending.

[@nikos731]

2022 and it is still the best Superman story I have ever read.

[@Jay-my7ko]

Your perspective has opened my eyes in so many ways. Thank you for making my comic book hobby even more enjoyable.

[@zzeroara9511]

I wonder when a live-action movie will adapt this. It's really just such a good story and the JLU episode based on it is LEGENDARY.

[@bluemindstudios3256]

let`s hope James Gunn can bring us something like this. He's a good writer.

[@rugalthreesixteen6812]

WandaVision actually reminded me of this Alan Moore Superman Classic. And it's interesting to notice that as shown here, Subconsciously, Superman's True Love is Lyla Lerrol (from the 1960's Jerry Siegel four parter 'Return to Krypton') and not Lois Lane, though some nitpick, lyla is the same age as Jor El and Lara (as in that 1960s story) and here she's much younger (same age as Kal El) so from opening the first page and seeing her I knew something wasn't right. And The Black Mercy is probably a far off reference for the Metroids (in the Metroid Video Game)

[@Frogman1212]

You mean moore intentionally referencing metroids or vica verca? I highly doubt moore was conscious of video games and I doubt the nintendo guys were avid readers of DC comics.

[@rugalthreesixteen6812]

You're right, they just have the similarities in sucking the life out of their hosts, except Metroids don't provide an elegant dreamworld and Black Mercy doesn't have a weakness to Ice. hahaha Starro might be a distant relative.

[@MALITH666]

Best Superman story's are always the ones where he struggles with humanity within him. He might be a superhuman, but his human problems are also magnified to that same scale. Asking someone out, love, being a parent, holding back punches. Supes is the best.

[@davodshah8869]

consistently great videos essays, thank you

[@AlbertChalmers]

Always loved this one, and loved it as an episode of JLU. Probably my favourite Moore story.

[@ankityadav5184]

Love that Batman's fantasy isn't just his parents living, but his father beating the ever loving shit out of Joe Chill while young Bruce smiles. It's like he's still THAT damaged that his ideal scenario is still kind of messed up by his Batman side.Also I think the idea was that Superman gave up on his idealized vision of "What if Krypton survived?" due to realizing that there still would've been strife in the future- breaking the plant's function of providing a perfect life.To elaborate, the plant is supposed to provide a logical simulation of the host's desires for a happy ending, but from what Superman knew of Krypton, it couldn't create one that would last- Krypton was headed for disaster all the same. Superman basically followed his own AU to its logical conclusion, and since that conclusion isn't happy, the illusion broke

[@indieoddjobs4766]

Gosh such brilliant works. You do well outlining what makes them so great kudos dude!

[@XX-sp3tt]

I like the animated version removed the 'Krypton goes to Hell' aspect. As it makes it indeed Superman having to give up what he loves most, even within a fantasy, to save his friends.

[@mister_redgrave]

I genuinely did not know this story was an actual Superman Annual issue until I watched this video! I grew up watching JLU (and all the other DCAU shows) my whole life, but I always thought the episode this was based on was it's own original thing made for the show for the longest time! Learn something new everyday lol

[@shawnswint1521]

I Loved Both Media Versions of that Story. Both in Justice League Unlimited & Supergirl Season 1 ''For the Girl Who has Everything''. Here's Hopping that ''Superman and Lois'' will do an Episode that's Similar to the Classic Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons story.

[@escapistimpulse5379]

Fantastic start to 2022!!! LOVE your channel!

[@SnapperChannel]

The whole criticism of "Superman's boring, he's the perfect hero, what's so interesting about him?" to me is such a misunderstanding of what makes Clark Kent not only DC's first hero but one of their most dynamic and layered characters. It's what makes me continue to not like how recent media has put so much emphasis on his god-like presence and what if he or adjacent-like characters turned, to quote Mermaid Man, "EEEEVILLLLL!!!" because it just loses what makes Superman unique: his humanity. It's him knowing he holds incredible powers but not letting it overcome that fact he was raised to be a good person. It's not to say any story of "What if Superman/Superman-like character turned evil?" is automatically bad (Omini Man in Invincible is a great example) but it's done so frequently and many times just don't do anything interesting. For the Man Who Has Everything proves that the best Superman stories are the ones that have Clark's humanity put center stage. Whether it's Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon's original story or the JLU adaptation it's a great story that offers that Superman may have everything but he's not perfect. Excellent start to 2022 Matt. Cheers to more videos

[@kingcyrusthegreat3887]

Well Omni Man I never saw him has a Superman allegory; Mark is in a sense. Omni Man and later Thragg fit the bill for General Zod with Omni Man kinda being a Vegeta/Zod thing and Thragg being very much classic General Zod. Its why I call Thragg and Invincible the BEST R rated Superman story ever told and the best General Zod story ever told for obvious reasons. Robot in MANY ways a stand in for Silver Age Lex Luthor.

[@joshheralal8758]

@@kingcyrusthegreat3887 Mark is definitely the Superman equivalent, at the start anyway.

[@Scornfull]

Him turning evil is interesting in the way of how do you stop Superman when he decides to turn on humanity?

[@RacsoHillgreen]

This was really fantastic! Happy 2022!

[@markodjuric4282]

I am looking forward to the continuation of your in depth analysis of Alan Moore's SWAMP THING

[@NatrixNate]

keep up the great work Matt! I look forward to seeing your videos every month. As someone who has been recently getting back into comics your channel is really helpful. Also do you plan on covering some more of Darwyn Cooke's books in the future?

[@Kozi15]

Wanda: My sons! Sups: Hold my plant

[@LuxuryPossum]

I just rewatched the JLU episode recently. I do like how they streamlined all the stuff on Krypton to make everything more idyllic, it does land more of a punch when Clark figures it out and has to tell his son that he's not real. I gotta read the original book now!

[@GreenArrowHunter]

Great review of my all time favorite Superman story.

[@cybergothika6906]

To be honest even in the cartoon I could sense some Injustice brewing, it was Kryptonian statues that stopped Sups from killing Mogul.

[@shoresean1237]

I always recall the Silver Age version of this. Superman sits with Batman and Robin in front of a simulator (later revealed as an AU portal) and sees his life on a Krypton where one of Jor's colleagues seizes on his research and saves the planet. Jor recalls Kal, and even eventually Krypto, and he and Lara eventually have a second son, Zal-El. Then, Lara, Jor and Zal are all killed in an accident, leaving Kal as the ward of the scientist, who has given himself powers as Futuro, hero of Krypton. There's more, but the thing I always ask is: Why craft the biggest AU Elseworlds in Superman history only to kill off the characters he mostly mourns in canon anyway, along with a little baby brother? That seems crueler than anything Moore ever did to him.

[@diegocorrea9327]

Hell yes! We need more Superman content dude.

[@nightshadeii9248]

I loved this JLU episode. So good!!

[@ginofrancejr555]

One of the definitive classic Superman stories

[@skywire444]

Brilliant ! Shows why we need a better modern Superman movie. Deeper ideas ...breakthrough screenplay.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for all the content Matt. Much ❤ as always

[@rustybuckets2143]

Love love love when you talk about Superman

[@brobert27]

Matt Draper the Man of Taste! Great comics with great music! Go get them, Matt!

[@markwuahlbuargg4780]

Never read this comic, but the Justice League episode that is based on it has always been one of my favorite.

[@raulryan9849]

I miss Alan Moore's time as a DC writer especially as a superman writer. Nowdays most people associates him with TKJ and Watchmen so that they can bash his works. It's truly sad that most of the time DC screws up their creative writers so badly that in the end it ruins promising stories.😓😓😓