Don’t forget to get involved in the comic book debates at the ForeverGeek Forum!

Hobo95

Hobo95's 'Man of Steel' poster

Definitely the best photo/pose of Henry Cavill on this list, though of course it’s a total Photoshop manipulation putting that pic of him into the suit. I think this would be a great way for Warner Bros. to go with the marketing; they’ve been talking up the “darker and grittier” new take on Superman, and this shows that off in spades. Everything about it works for me. [Source]

Martin Hunt

Martin Hunt's 'Man of Steel' poster

I like the murky, almost steampunk quality of this one. The clouds symbolize the darkness hovering over Metropolis, its citizens waiting for the light to break through. [Source]

Juan Jose

Juan Jose's 'Man of Steel' poster

Iconic pose, nice composition. Predates the casting of Cavill and the release date move to Summer ’12. But still, it works. Looks like a comic book cover. [Source]

Luke Mawdsley

Luke Mawdsley's 'Man of Steel' poster

In case you’re in the dark on this one, that’s Michael Shannon, who’s cast in the film as the big bad, General Zod. I’m not usually a fan of “character” posters like this, so I didn’t want to like this one. But it’s hard not to. It strikes such a cool tone, and I even dig the costume, even though it’s total conjecture on the part of the artist. It rocks. [Source]

Daniele Moretti (#1)

Daniele Moretti's 'Man of Steel' poster (#1)

This one seems to have become the de facto poster in use across the Net. [Source]

Daniele Moretti (#2)

Daniele Moretti's 'Man of Steel' poster (#2)

Another by Moretti, very simple but effective. [Source]

Brenton Powell

Brenton Powell's 'Man of Steel' poster

A perfect study in minimalistic design. [Source]

Corentin Pruvot

Corentin Pruvot's 'Man of Steel' poster

A clear take-off on the Dark Knight Rises teaser poster, but I’m surprised at how well done it is and how smartly the artist translated it. It would never be used in real life, but it’s pretty cool. [Source]

Jonathan Rudolph

Jonathan Rudolph's 'Man of Steel' poster

There are several fan posters that use the first official image of Cavill as Superman, but this is by far the best of them. [Source]

Chris Treborn

Chris Treborn's 'Man of Steel' poster

This one is really outdated, listing JJ Abrams as director and Jared Padalecki as star. But I included it because it’s such a smart take on the “comic book panels” look. [Source]

Don’t forget to get involved in the comic book debates at the ForeverGeek Forum!

Zack Snyder likes to make movies that are visually unique (300) and interesting to watch with new fresh ideas (Watchmen), so to say I was ecstatic to learn that he would be directing the upcoming Superman movie is an understatement.

However, the news gets even better, Chris Nolan Batman Begins and The Dark Knight is “supervising” the production which should help Snyder add some nice dark elements compared to the film, compared to the almost “cheery” or “whimsical” last attempt Superman Returns.

But that wasn’t enough for studios heads, they also decided to throw in David Goyer, if you’re unfamiliar with his scripted work, just check out Batman Begins then follow it up with some Blade.

Okay so Watchmen wasn’t the best graphic novel movie rendition, but at least Snyder attempted to push the boundaries of how comic books are portrayed on the big screen. However, what I don’t like is a point raised by ToplessRobot, that’s the character of General Zod, who played the villain in the follow-up to the 1979 movie that Superman Returns was based on. Why in the world would you continue in the footsteps of an awful attempt at a new portrayal of a movie, with an awful villain from the movie that preceded it.

If there’s one positive of the Zod rumor, it’s just that…it’s only a rumor discovered at /Film and has not been confirmed by anyone at the studio.

If I had my choice, I would go with a more interesting villain, perhaps Brainiac or Bizarro, but certainly not Zod.  Give one of the other villains who should have been in past Superman movies, but weren’t, a try at the big screen, after all it’s true comic book fans and their hype for these comic book based movies that help them succeed.

What do you think? Should General Zod be called up to perform, if not, which villain would you like to see in a new Superman movie?

Watchmen

Set in a very different version of the 1980s to our own, relations between America and the Soviet Union are reaching fever pitch. This culminates in a very real potential of nuclear attack. Nixon takes a historic third term in the White House, whilst costumed heroes remain a part of society – albeit an outlawed one thanks to the Keene Act – which makes their very existence illegal.

In this extremely charged climate, the Doomsday Clock creeps ever closer to demonstrating the threat of nuclear war. In this backdrop, a masked crime fighter investigates the death of a former hero which leads to the discovery of a huge conspiracy that has far-reaching consequences for the whole of mankind.

Many years after the original Minutemen (costumed heroes) – Captain Metropolis, Mothman, Nite Owl, The Silhouette, Silk Spectre, Dollar Bill, Hooded Justice and The Comedian – a new breed of heroes takes up the mantle in the form of the Watchmen. The Comedian being the only hero remaining, he is joined by Nite Owl II, Silk Spectre II, Ozymandias, Dr Manhattan and Rorschach.

The film begins with an amazing action sequence, as The Comedian is systematically attacked by an unknown assailant and eventually thrown out of his apartment, resulting in his death. This leads to the violent vigilante Rorschach following a trail that leads him to a truth showing that one hero is anything but.

Dr Manhattan has been wonderfully realised in the film as the only character with true powers – although his powers are almost unlimited as a near god. His complex relationship with the other characters (including his lover Silk Spectre) and humanity as a whole leads to a conclusion of the film that is slightly changed – though the overriding sentiment is the same.

For me, Rorschach is clearly the highlight of the film. Played by Jackie Earl Haley, his subtle actions and stilted dialogue show the pained soul that is behind the mask. The fight sequence where he is rescued from the prison is truly breathtaking, with slow motion used to great effect (much like Snyder did in 300).

The overall tone of the film is quite dark, with some stylised violence throughout interspersed with some comedy moments (such as the flame thrower going off at the end of the love scene). Bear in mind, this is not a film for children. A violent rape scene and sequences involving torture are not pleasant and the film deserves the 18 certificate it received in the UK.

Watchmen is clearly a labour of love for Zack Snyder and if you’re a fan you’ll be able to see that immediately. Some of the scenes are literally frame for frame, whilst others have exactly the same dialogue. Most of the depth remains in the story and the action sequences will appeal to the modern cinema visitor.

The uniquely flawed ‘heroes’ in the film are unlike any others you may have seen and for that reason alone it’s worth watching whether you’re a fan or not. However, do be ready for the whole 162 minutes – this is not a short or easy going film.