Major Part of Superman's Origin Retooled to Match the Donner Movies

Two weeks ago, Action Comics #977 saw a none-too-subtle reference to Bryan Singer's Superman Returns -- and in a preview for this week's issue, it looks like writer Dan Jurgens and artist Carlo Barberi will be headed back to the big screen again for a tweak to Superman's origin that will sync the character up with Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie.

DC Comics put out a look at Action Comics #978, which features Superman's first public appearance.

As in most modern incarnations, that appearance saw him rescue Lois Lane...but this time around, it's not an experimental space plane or a plot by Lex Luthor, but a falling helicopter, not unlike in the character's first big-screen outing.

The iconic moment is even captured on a variant cover by Gary Frank, who so often draws Superman resembling Christopher Reeve that most fans likely assumed it wasn't meant to be representative of what's inside the cover.

The dialogue (and wardrobe, for that matter) isn't 100% the same, but it matches pretty well, right down to Lois's brown jacket.

The issue, part two of "The New World," will explore Superman's history in the post-"Superman Reborn" era, giving fans a sense for what counts and what doesn't, and what they will want to know going into the next year of Superman's story...a year in which, it seems, Action Comics will hit #1,000 and the Man of Steel will face off against Doctor Manhattan and Ozymandias.

You can pre-order a digital copy here, or get a physical copy at your local comic shop on Wednesday.

Action Comics #978

(W) Dan Jurgens (A) Ian Churchill (CA) Andy Kubert
"Superman Reborn Aftermath" part two! Superman's life has been changed, some good is back, but the bad is back as well-with a vengeance! As Superman's allies gather to address the looming threat of Mr. Oz, another Squad seeks revenge against the Man of Steel-and you won't believe who made the team!
RATED T
In Shops: Apr 26, 2017
SRP: $2.99

(via 13th Dimension)