Stop. Go to Pandora Radio. Put on a station seed from “Vivaldi’s Winter”.
Superman is a terrific character but is unfortunately so consistently written as a naive alien when he should be written as a tortured soul. Superman can hear a heartbeat on the other side of the planet. What else can he hear? Think about that for a minute. He can hear a woman being raped. He can hear a 15 year old girl kidnapped from her family and locked up in a basement. He can hear a sick pedophile father touching his daughter. Yet why have I never seen a writer have Superman tackle any of these issues?
Every Superman story I read has him foiling bank robberies, following Batman around, or stopping Lex Luthor from some bullshit money making scheme. But the most personal and vile of crimes never seems to be noticed by Superman. This Superman story plans to give a more realistic and darker view of Superman and his rogues gallery. Instead of writing Superman as an alien I’m writing him as if he were a human being with god-like powers. He is no longer the big blue boy scout but rather a flustered hero with absurdist sensibilities as he struggles to find a reason to continue saving a species so intent on destroying itself.
This is just a little something myself and a friend would like to turn into a comic. This is a rough draft first episode we'd like to get some feedback on. Comment away! Don't be shy and don't hold back!
ISSUE/EPISODE 1
Setting: White House
EVE TESCHMACHER: Mr. President?
Chair turns around. Lex Luthor is seated.
LEX LUTHOR (joking): Not quite. Maybe in a few years though.
President enters from another room and sees Lex in the chair.
MR PRESIDENT: Get out of my chair Alexander. Thank you Miss Teschmacher.
EVE (flirting): Bye Lex.
MR PRESIDENT: You’re 30 minutes late Luthor.
LEX: I know.
MR PRESIDENT (head in hands): Oh no. You have bad news…
LEX (smiling): Your little coup in South America has failed.
MR PRESIDENT: Shit. How do you know for sure? I haven’t received word from anyone yet.
LEX (taking out and looking at several video/cell phones): And I have made that precisely so. I’m constantly monitoring and own substantial shares in every major news source on this planet in every media. It’s a common tactic employed amongst warring nations. If you control the media you control the people. Do you speak Spanish Mr. President?
MR PRESIDENT: What do you think?
LEX (tosses a phone to the President): Pity. You’re failed takeover is making headlines in Honduras. Don’t worry though; the news won’t reach the United States for another day or two. I’ve made sure of it.
MR PRESIDENT: What happens in a day or two?
LEX: Miss Lane returns to the US.
MR PRESIDENT: Oh for Christ’s sake.
LEX (chuckles): I’ll have my public relations team over here within the hour.
MR PRESIDENT: You have a public relations team?
LEX: No. Public relation teams are for people who give a shit about what the peon population thinks of them. You’re going to need one desperately to cover up how your military force was ready to overthrow a democratically elected pacifist leader; so I’m offering you one.
MR PRESIDENT: Oh god, how did this even happen?
LEX (looking at phones): Superman saves the day yet again. Oh look, here he is shaking hands with the Honduran President!
MR PRESIDENT: I know he means well but he’s doing more harm than good to the folks up here in Washington. He needs to be stopped.
LEX: I’m making an extended trip to Metropolis next week. New business venture. I’ll see what I can do.
Superman and Lois seated, beautiful scenery from Honduras
LOIS LANE: Thanks again.
SUPERMAN (smiling): Rescuing you is starting to become a full time job for me.
LANE: Ha! You know, I was never fond of the whole damsel in distress persona, but I’m starting to like this.
SUPERMAN: Try not to get used to it. I can’t always be there for you.
LANE: Yeah but I have a feeling you will be.
SUPERMAN (standing up): Any idea why the United States would authorize a military invasion of an impoverished pacifist nation?
LANE: The US has always had an invested interest in Latin America. I’m honestly not surprised they invaded.
SUPERMAN (starting to float): That’s so mind boggling to me. The concept of nations. Why can’t you all just strive to make Earth a better place as opposed to just one country? You have such a beautiful planet. It’s a pity you seem so intent on divvying it up.
SUPERMAN (pondering/head downcast): Such a beautiful planet…
SUPERMAN (flying away): Goodbye Miss Lane.
Lois Lane stands there alone.
JIMMY OLSEN (screaming): Lois!!! I just saw him! I just saw Superman!! He just flew by it was awesome and--
LANE: I saw him too Jimmy. I saw him.
Setting: Daily Planet
PERRY WHITE (screaming): Kent! Get in here!!
CARK KENT (off panel, he is standing next to some bookcase in White’s office): Uh…yes Mr. White?
WHITE (shocked): Holy--! How long have you been there??
KENT: Well, you called me in 15 minutes ago…
WHITE: Ugh. Lex Luthor called. He wants to meet with you at the new LutherCorp building. I took the liberty of saying you were thrilled.
KENT: Lex Luthor?? But what would he want with me?
WHITE: Do me a favor and find out will ya? I just called you a cab.
Clark Kent enters the cab only to be immediately followed by Lois.
KENT (inner dialogue): Lex Luthor wanting to see me?? I haven’t seen him in almost a decade! Could he know…?
KENT (inner dialogue): Nonsense. Just stay calm. Lex is smart. Well, Lex is a genius actually. But you’re charade has carried you this far and you’ve even managed to keep your secret from--
KENT: Lois! What are you doing?
LANE (poking Kent): You think you’re gonna go see Mr. Lex Luthor all by your lonesome? Think again buster.
KENT: Lois this is really unnecessary, I just--
LANE: Don’t even try to talk me out of this one Kent.
Entering Lex’s office. Huge. Lot of stuff showcasing his intellect. Several television sets as well as several computers. Large bookcases. Also a chess set. Lex is casually seated at his desk.
LEX: I can’t say I’m surprised to see you managed to tag along Miss Lane. I unfortunately only requested one chair for Mr. Kent.
KENT: You can sit down Lois. I don’t mind--
LANE (pushing Kent): Oh go sit down you oaf.
LEX: It’s good to see you again Clark.
KENT: Likewise Mr. Luthor.
LEX: How are your mother and father doing?
KENT: Ma’s fine.
KENT (visibly saddened): Pa died a couple summers ago actually.
LEX: Hmph. And Pete and Lana?
KENT: They’re good.
LANE: Whoah whoah whoah! You two actually know each other?!??
LEX: I lived in Smallville while assisting Lionel with his business interactions. Clark here happened to be the only person in that Podunk town who enjoyed a good game of chess.
KENT: We sometimes went star gazing.
LANE (laughing): You!? And Lex Luthor star gazing?? Hahahaha!
LEX: Kent was stargazing. I was charting the locations of yet undiscovered star systems. But enough chit chat. I’m very interested in your article on Superman Clark. I believe it was not only Superman’s first recorded interview but also your first interview as well. Recount to us again how it all happened.
KENT (hands in the air): Well…uh…there was the mad bomber. Setting off explosions in skyscrapers. One of the impacts…you know…Voosh!...sent me out the window. Superman caught me and I mentioned I was a reporter and so he told me his story. After that I could have gotten a job as a journalist anywhere.
LEX: Not bad for someone who had previously only written for the Smallville Times. So according to his testimony he can…do quite a few things apparently.
KENT: Oh yes, he’s very talented.
LEX: I’m not so sure “talented” is the appropriate word to describe him with. All of these abilities seem to be his birthright and not the product of diligent education or physical training.
KENT (mimics bench pressing): Well I’m sure he…you know…works out.
LEX: Mhm. This problem with lead. He mentioned being able to see through objects but not through lead. Did he expand on that?
KENT: Not really. I just sarcastically asked him if there was anything he couldn’t do and that was what he told me. He said he doesn’t like lying.
LEX (aside): I’ll make him regret that soon enough.
LEX: And this planet, Krypton. He claims to be the sole survivor and that it was destroyed. Do you believe him?
KENT: Well…yeah. He said he didn’t like lying.
LEX: Did it ever occur to you Clark that when he said he didn’t like lying he could have in fact actually been lying?
KENT: I guess…but he just seems so trustworthy.
LANE: Ok Luthor what’s you’re angle!?? You didn’t invite Clark up here just so he could tell you what was already written in his article.
LEX: Very insightful of you Miss Lane. He was invited because I have a job proposition for him.
KENT: Huh?
LEX: As of now Clark you’re one of a very select group of people that Superman has personally conversed with. He even gave you that coveted first and only interview. If he desires to have his voice heard a second time I suspect he may come to you.
LANE: Well what about me! He’s talked with me too!
LEX: Miss Lane you have merely recorded trite little conversations with the alien. He told Clark here his strengths and weaknesses. The source of his powers. His home planet from across the stars. Try not to be jealous darling.
LEX: What I want from you Clark is simply a notification. Should Superman ever contact you again I want to be informed…and invited. Your recompense will be enough to start enjoying your retirement.
KENT: That’s very generous of you Mr. Luthor…but…I don’t know if Superman would like that. He’s an awfully powerful person…I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side.
LEX: Clark, I’m an awfully powerful person. Think about it.
KENT: Of course Mr. Luthor.
LEX: Oh and before you leave Clark…how about a chess match?
KENT: Oh it’s been ages Mr. Luthor. I really don’t think I can--
LEX: I insist.
Panels of them at the table and moving pieces. Lois watches intently.
LEX: Oh come now Clark. You’re putting forth hardly any effort! What are you trying to hide?
KENT (thought): That I’m a super powered extra-terrestrial posing as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent.
KENT (thought): Better step up my game. The last thing I want is Lex sniffing around even if it means I have to break character in front of Lois.
KENT: How’s this for not trying?
LEX: Intriguing!
Lex stares at board for a while.
LEX: Although, unfortunately for you, not of much use. Checkmate.
LEX stands up and leaves the table. Make it clear that Lex is not looking at the board.
KENT: This isn’t check mate.
LEX: Make your move Kent.
Kent makes move.
LEX (never looks at board or the moves Clark makes): A7 to E7.
Kent makes move.
LEX: H7 to F7.
Kent makes move.
LEX: G5 to H7. Check mate.
Clark Kent stands up.
KENT: I’m out of practice. Next time I’ll be ready for you.
LEX: Now that is the Clark Kent I remember. I hope to see you…and your flying friend soon Mr. Kent. Ponder my offer.
KENT: Of course Mr. Luthor. Well Lois, I think it’s about time we were off.
LANE: You go on ahead. I’ll catch up.
LANE (close and personal with Luthor): You really think Superman is going to contact Clark?
LEX: No. But I like to cover all my bases. My offer extends to you as well by the way.
LANE: Go suck a dick Lex.
Lane and Kent walking out of LuthorCorp towers.
LANE: Oh my god can you believe him!?? UGH! I know he’s up to something but I just can’t put my finger on it yet!
Lane is bumped into by a crew of painters who spill paint on her pants.
LANE: Hey! Watch where you’re going! Oh no I just bought these pants!
KENT: Oh don’t worry Lois. I always carry a few baby wipes. Hmph, that’s lead paint.
LANE: What? How could you possibly know that?
KENT: I…uh…my father used to use it on the farm.
Kent stares at Luther towers and uses xray vision. He sees its being painted with the lead.
KENT (thoughts): Hmph. Lead paint. What is he hiding?
LANE: And since when did you become a chess player??! You couldn’t even beat Perry in Checkers! And he’s terrible!
TV screen showing clips and snapshots of Superman throughout the day. Also shots of the reporter as he discusses them.
CHET HUGHLEY: This is Chet Hughley here bringing you the latest in our Daily Superman Watch! Today our Man of Steel foiled several Metropolis bank robberies as per usual and was also reported being seen in Africa where he disrupted the plans of a band of Somali Pirates! The Man of Tomorrow also made headlines in China where genius billionaire Chuan Long released a horde of murderous robots upon the civilian population! Superman arrived moments after the devious machinations were released and was able to keep the casualty number to a minimal 3. Our investigators say the casualty count could have been in the thousands had Superman not arrived. Despite visiting two other continents our crimson hero still manages to find time to save the day in Metropolis as he rescued a school bus of children which had careened off the Griffin Bridge due to faulty brake wiring. Thanks Superman!
Panel of a man standing over a woman in an alley. She is beaten, bruised, and bleeding. She has just been raped. This should not be super obvious though. He has a gun pointed to her. He fires. Superman appears, angry. The bullet ricochets off of him. Superman quickly grasps the man’s throat and squeezes. The man gasps for air. Superman drops him and turns to the girl who is now standing up and leaning against a wall.
SUPERMAN: Are you all right?
VICTIM (crying): Why couldn’t you get here ten minutes sooner?
SUPERMAN: I…I’m sorry.
VICTIM: Can you take me home?
The rapist on the ground watches Superman vanish with her and then reappear. Superman, angry, walks towards the rapist.
RAPIST: Oh god.
Interior of Lois Lane’s downtown apartment. She hears a gust of wind and runs to her window. Pauses and straightens her hair first and then opens her window. Superman is floating outside, he is visibly distressed.
LANE: What’s on your mind?
SUPERMAN: I hate being late.
LANE (chuckles): I hear wristwatches are all the rage now.
SUPERMAN: To save people. I hate being late to save people. I hear heartbeats stop. Not all the time of course, but sometimes I’ll focus on an area and…I hear lives end. The beat slows to a crawl, sometimes it’ll last several seconds. They seem like eternities to me. Each beat weaker than the last. The pauses between each breath become longer and longer and then…nothing.
SUPERMAN: This is all off the record by the way.
LANE (sympathetic): Of course.
LANE: I wish there was something I could do for you.
SUPERMAN: You already have. You listened. I hear so many things with every moment that goes by. It’s nice to have someone hear me for a while.
LANE: I like listening to the birds. Anytime I’m feeling blue I just head to the park and listen to them. Do you have anything you like listening to?
SUPERMAN (thinks first): My mother’s heartbeat. I’m actually constantly listening to it. That way I know she’s all right.
LANE: That’s really sweet.
SUPERMAN: Once when I was in grade school I was sleeping over a friend’s house and I heard her heart rate jump up. I rushed home in my PJ’s fearing the worst. She was watching a scary movie. I scared the hell out of her!
They both laugh.
SUPERMAN (floating off): Goodnight Miss Lane.
LANE (now by herself): Goodnight Superman.
Clark Kent in his apartment getting ready to sleep. It should be evident that he is listening to his mother’s heartbeat. Maybe a few panels of Ma Kent sleeping would be appropriate. There should be other noises as well. Cars, people talking, dogs and cats. As the panels progress his mother’s heartbeat surpasses them all and that is all we hear. We then go outside where we see a little girl walking alone. A van pulls up and drives along side her. The window rolls down.
WINSLOW SCHOTT: Hi Tammy! Your mother sent me over to pick you up since it’s so late. Get in the van, I’ll drive you home.
TAMMY: Mom didn’t tell me she was sending anyone to pick me up.
SCHOTT: Yeah she just told me now since I happened to be in the neighborhood. Come on and hop in.
TAMMY: I don’t think--
RANDOM LATINO GUY (yelling): Hey!
Tammy runs to the random Latino guy.
GUY: I better not see you here again you perv! I’m calling the cops!
Winslow Schott drives off.