A recent sneak peek at the forthcoming Superman film has highlighted intriguing elements of the lore that fans believe should be integrated into the DC Universe canon. The exclusive preview offered at CinemaCon for James Gunn’s reboot has ignited excitement, revealing fresh insights into the Man of Steel.
Fans have been longing for new content featuring Superman, and their wishes were granted last week with an extended sneak peek released by DC Studios, which can be viewed on YouTube. Although it was brief, the clip unveiled several surprising details, including the introduction of new helpers destined to support Superman in the Prime DC Universe.
Superman’s Robot Helpers Gain Fanfare in the Sneak Peek
Robotic Allies Assist the Man of Steel
The sneak peek begins dramatically with Superman crashing into the serene Arctic landscape, clearly battered from a recent battle. As he struggles for breath, he whistles for his loyal canine companion, Krypto. The eager pup comes bounding to his side, and once he recognizes the situation, Krypto seizes Superman’s cape to help pull him to safety.
Krypto drags Superman across the snow just as massive crystalline structures emerge from the ground, forming the Fortress of Solitude. With a bark, Krypto opens the door to reveal a team of Superman Robots within. Led by Superman Robot #4, this cohort helps carry Clark inside, where Superman expresses his gratitude. The robot responds, indicating that assisting him is their duty and introducing a new member, Robot #12.
As they lay Superman down to assess his injuries, the robots detect 14 fractured bones along with damage to vital organs. Despite the severity of his injuries, #4 informs Superman that his healing requires exposure to yellow sunlight. The robots position the Fortress to face the sun, preparing a device to amplify its rays for Superman’s recovery. With Clark held in place, the challenging healing process is set in motion.
Updating Silver Age Roots with Superman Robots
Historical Context of Clark’s Robot Assistants
Die-hard Superman fans will recognize that Clark Kent has a long-standing history with robotic assistants in the Fortress of Solitude. During the Silver Age of Comics, several Superman Robots replicated his likeness and shared some of his powers. These automatons primarily served to safeguard his identity while also aiding in various missions. However, the Superman Robots saw a decline in appearances within the Post-Crisis DC Universe, occasionally resurfacing for humor rather than as significant players.
The debut of Superman Robots occurred in World’s Finest #42!
Although these robots became less prominent, Clark retained a robotic companion, Kelex, who initially served Superman’s father, Jor-El, and eventually became the Fortress of Solitude’s custodian. While operating in much the same capacity as the Superman Robots, Kelex was never designed to act as Clark’s stand-in. Even though Kelex remains a fixture in Clark’s lore, Gunn’s approach embraces the more vibrant Silver Age style, which could revitalize Superman’s narrative.
Imagining new adventures, perhaps Kelex could innovate an entirely new series of Superman Robots.
As DC Comics embraces a more expansive view of canon, there are no whimsical ideas deemed too outlandish for creators to incorporate. Gunn’s apparent appreciation for the Superman Robots signals that they could play a more significant role in future adaptations. It would be fascinating to see modern comic creators reintroduce these characters, whether through new models developed by Kelex or through amusing rivalries over which robots Superman prefers. Ultimately, if Gunn is eager to explore the potential of Superman robots, the comics should align themselves accordingly.
Restoring the Superman Robots to DC Canon
Embracing Synergy for Excellence
It’s not unusual for comic universes to adapt elements to parallel their cinematic counterparts. While it’s essential not to overhaul Superman’s foundational lore, the introduction of these robots could resonate well with audiences. Should the characters become popular (and with #4 being voiced by Alan Tudyk, prospects look favorable), DC Comics ought to realign Superman Robots within the canon permanently. A reinvented roster of cherished automatons could fill the often solitary Fortress of Solitude, providing a delightful dynamic for Superman enthusiasts.
Source: YouTube