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James Gunn understands superheroes. He understands not just their powers or their epic battles, but their essence—the heart, the humor, and the inherent absurdity of their worlds. It’s why Guardians of the Galaxy resonated so deeply, why The Suicide Squad turned obscure characters into fan favorites, and why his upcoming Superman film feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre struggling to balance its identity.
The Problem with ‘Serious’ Superheroes
For years, DC’s cinematic universe has leaned heavily into darkness and grit. Visionaries like Zack Snyder took an iconic, hopeful character like Superman and stripped away the optimism in favor of realism. Superman lost his red trunks (a classic symbol of comic book charm), Batman became a remorseless killer, and the color palette of their world faded to grayscale. Everything had to feel real—even if the source material was inherently fantastical.
But realism isn’t what makes superheroes compelling—it’s their humanity, their relatability, and yes, their ability to embrace the whimsical aspects of their lore.
James Gunn’s Approach: Embrace the Fun
Enter James Gunn, a storyteller who knows that superhero movies work best when they don’t shy away from their comic book roots. A talking raccoon and a monosyllabic tree became some of the most beloved Marvel characters because Gunn didn’t treat them as ridiculous—he treated them with sincerity. He understands that embracing the camp doesn’t mean sacrificing emotional depth.
Superman is a character born from this very balance. He’s an alien who draws power from the sun, wears bright red and blue tights, and manages to hide his identity behind a pair of glasses. Trying to strip away the campiness is like trying to strip away the essence of who he is.
Why Krypto Matters
And this is where Krypto the Superdog comes in.
Krypto isn’t just comic relief or an attempt to appeal to kids—he’s a fundamental part of who Superman is. He’s a symbol of the emotional warmth that sets Superman apart from other heroes. This isn’t just an all-powerful alien fighting to save the world; it’s a man raised on a farm, shaped by love, compassion, and loyalty. What better way to symbolize that humanity than through a loyal dog?
Superman isn’t meant to be a distant god looming over humanity. He’s supposed to be a beacon of hope, someone who children can look up to without fear. David Corenswet, the actor playing Superman in Gunn’s movie, emphasized this point when discussing the return of the red trunks—they’re not just a costume choice, they’re a signal that Superman isn’t trying to intimidate anyone. He’s trying to inspire.
Superman is for Everyone
Superman isn’t just a hero for adults dissecting themes of power and responsibility, nor is he just for kids marveling at his superpowers. He’s for everyone.
Krypto the Superdog is a reminder of that universality. He’s a nod to the fact that superheroes can—and should—still be fun. But more importantly, he’s a reflection of Superman’s heart. Amidst all the flying, laser beams, and cosmic threats, Krypto represents something deeply relatable: the pure, unyielding loyalty of a dog to his owner.
James Gunn’s Superman isn’t about deconstructing a myth or grounding an alien god—it’s about reminding us why we fell in love with superheroes in the first place. And Krypto is an essential part of that story.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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