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Superman’s 300-Year Metahuman Legacy Shapes New DC Universe

In a bold reimagining of the DC Universe, director James Gunn has introduced a significant narrative element in his latest film, which reveals that metahumans have been known to society for the past 300 years. Rather than revisiting the familiar origins of Kal-El, also known as Superman, the film begins with a concise exposition that explains his arrival on Earth three decades ago, marking him as the world’s most powerful superhero for the last three years.

The introduction not only sets the stage for the film but also establishes a new cultural context where metahumans are no longer viewed as alarming anomalies but rather as celebrated figures. This shift in perception is pivotal as it influences the overall tone of the rebooted DC Universe across both film and television.

Understanding Metahumans in DC Comics

Within the realm of DC Comics, the term “metahuman” refers to individuals with a special gene that grants them superhuman abilities. Unlike Marvel’s mutants, whose powers typically emerge during puberty, DC metahumans often acquire their powers through extreme circumstances, such as intense stress or exposure to dark matter. Gunn’s broader definition encompasses not just Superman, whose abilities stem from his Kryptonian heritage, but also any character possessing superpowers.

The choice to frame metahumans’ emergence at 300 years ago serves a dual purpose. It reflects a thematic preference for the number three, as seen in the narrative details: Superman’s recent engagement in a war in Boravia occurred three weeks prior, his budding romance with Lois Lane began three months ago, and he faced his first defeat merely three minutes ago. The implications of this 300-year timeline may also hint at the presence of certain iconic metahumans within this new narrative landscape.

The Historical Context of Metahumans

Metahumans have deep roots in DC Comics, with the earliest example being the villain Vandal Savage, who became immortal after exposure to a meteorite some 50,000 years ago. He frequently finds himself in conflict with characters like Hawkman and Hawkgirl, who have their origins traced back to ancient Egypt. While Gunn’s adaptation does not delve into the backstory of the film’s version of Hawkgirl, it remains unclear if she is a reincarnation, an alien from the planet Thanagar, or something else entirely.

Other notable characters with ancient origins include Black Adam, who also has ties to ancient Egypt, and Wonder Woman, whose mother, Hippolyta, has roots in ancient Greece. The timeline of metahumans being publicly acknowledged for 300 years does not necessarily preclude the existence of these characters in the new universe. Notably, Black Adam was imprisoned for 5,000 years prior to the events depicted in Jaume Collet-Serra’s 2022 film. Characters like Vandal Savage, Ra’s al Ghul, and Jason Blood often operate from the shadows, suggesting that their stories could still unfold in this new continuity.

As for the earliest metahumans in Gunn’s adaptation, the film introduces characters from Creature Commandos, specifically Eric Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein, who possess a history of approximately 200 years. While there are few DC stories set in the 18th century, Gunn’s creative freedom allows for a flexible narrative that does not strictly adhere to established canon.

The introduction of the 300-year timeline thus opens avenues for storytelling, enabling Gunn to craft narratives free from existing constraints while also allowing room for familiar heroes and villains to emerge. As the new DC Universe continues to evolve, audiences will be keen to see how these historical elements are woven into the fabric of the story, potentially defining the legacy of metahumans in a fresh and engaging way.

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