&#8220;Shazam&#8221; star Zachary Levi said he almost didn&#8217;t try out for a role in the latest superhero film from DC because at the time he was in a &#8220;dark place&#8221; and undergoing &#8220;life-saving therapy.&#8221;
During the 42-year-old actor&#8217;s recent appearance on &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaJ-eB6fVxY">The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon</a>,&#8221; Levi said during this &#8220;super intensive&#8221; therapy he was encouraged by a casting exec to try out.
&#8220;I was in kind of a dark place in my life at that point,&#8221; the superhero star said. &#8220;And then fast-forward about a month and a half later, and I&#8217;m in this super intensive, life-saving therapy, and I learned how to love myself, really, for the first time in my life, and I have this whole breakthrough.&#8221;
The &#8220;Shazam! Fury of the Gods&#8221; star then turned to the audience and said &#8220;By the way, go love yourself. If you learn nothing else today, go love yourself, go love yourself, go love yourself, okay?&#8221;
He explained that even though he told his agents he was going to be &#8220;off grid&#8221; for a bit to work on himself, two in a half weeks into this therapy they told him about a supporting role in the movie &#8220;Shazam.&#8221;
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Zachary Levi Reveals How Therapy Helped Him Land His Shazam! Role | The Tonight Show" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kaJ-eB6fVxY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
He said he decided to go cause he was feeling &#8220;good about himself&#8221; after two weeks into the therapy, ended up &#8220;doing one take&#8221; and sent in the audition tape.
&#8220;And in the course of basically one week, I ended up going from auditioning for this whole other role to them saying, &#8216;Hey, we think you&#8217;re our Shazam,'&#8221; Levi explained.
&#8220;They flew me to Los Angeles,&#8221; he added. &#8220;I had done all my therapy that I needed to do. I go to L.A. I audition and within one week I was Shazam.&#8221;
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&#8220;I just think it&#8217;s indicative of when we do the real work to heal ourselves, and help other people heal themselves, that&#8217;s where all the good stuff comes from,&#8221; the actor continued. &#8220;That&#8217;s where that blessing landed in my life.&#8221;
The &#8220;Shazam&#8221; sequel is the first superhero film to be released under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran who recently took over as heads of DC studios.
Gunn recently hinted at what kind of movies/TV projects he and Safran have planned at the studio, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/james-gunn-teases-plans-for-upcoming-dc-movies-tv-projects">reported</a>.
&#8220;One of the things of the DCU is that it&#8217;s not just a story of heroes and villains,&#8221; Gunn explained. &#8220;Not every film and TV show is going to be about good guy versus bad guy, giant things from the sky comes and good guy wins. There are white hats, black hats, and grey hats.&#8221;
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/james-gunn-teases-plans-for-upcoming-dc-movies-tv-projects">James Gunn Teases Plans For Upcoming DC Movies/TV Projects</a>

Zachary Levi-2

‘Dark Place’: ‘Shazam’ Star Says He Almost Didn’t Try Out For Role Because He Was Undergoing ‘Life-Saving Therapy’

Batman

Celebrities

Entertainment

Hollywood

James Gunn

Superman

Wonder Woman

Incoming California Democratic Representative-elect Robert Garcia says he will be sworn in &#8220;on the U.S. Constitution&#8221; — along with a rare Superman comic book underneath.
Garcia&#8217;s choice of the 1939 first edition comes from being a longtime fan of comics, specifically of the Man of Steel.
&#8220;Will be proudly sworn-in to Congress on the US Constitution. Underneath the Constitution will be three items that mean a lot to me personally. A photo of my parents who I lost to Covid, my citizenship certificate, and an original Superman #1 from the Library Of Congress,&#8221; Garcia tweeted on Tuesday.
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Will be proudly sworn-in to Congress on the U.S. Constitution. Underneath the Constitution will be 3 items that mean a lot to me personally. A photo of my parents who I lost to covid, my citizenship certificate &amp; an original Superman #1 from the <a href="https://twitter.com/librarycongress?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@librarycongress</a>. 🇺🇸😊 <a href="https://t.co/YGW43OLsIp">pic.twitter.com/YGW43OLsIp</a>
&mdash; Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertGarcia/status/1610396414353313793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The first edition Superman comic is reportedly on loan from the Library of Congress. The library allows lawmakers to use historical works during swearing-in ceremonies.
Garcia, who is openly gay and the son of immigrants from Peru, has said he related to Superman as a child and has been a fan ever since. He praised DC Comics in 2021 when it announced an iteration of the superhero was bisexual.
&#8220;An immigrant, a sense of justice, and a secret identity. His son, Jon Kent is coming out in the comics. I’m proud of @DCComics &amp; @TomTaylorMade for giving young LGBTQ+ people a hero of their own,&#8221; he tweeted.
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I became a Superman fan as a kid because I related to him. An immigrant, a sense of justice, and a secret identity. His son, Jon Kent is coming out in the comics. I’m proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/DCComics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DCComics</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/TomTaylorMade?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomTaylorMade</a> for giving young LGBTQ+ people a hero of their own. <a href="https://t.co/Sd4n9W9471">https://t.co/Sd4n9W9471</a>
&mdash; Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertGarcia/status/1447757965788794883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Garcia also expressed his excitement over comic books in a November post when he first visited the Congressional members reading room at the Library of Congress.
&#8220;OK y&#8217;all I&#8217;m freaking out. This is the Congressional members reading room in the Library of Congress. I can pull any comic book from what is the largest public comic collection in the country and read them here. Let&#8217;s go!&#8221; he tweeted.
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Ok y’all I’m freaking out. This is the Congressional members reading room in the Library of Congress. I can pull any comic book from what is the largest public comic collection in the country and read them here. Let’s go! <a href="https://t.co/SyIrCvHkfT">pic.twitter.com/SyIrCvHkfT</a>
&mdash; Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertGarcia/status/1591980342273273858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Garcia said he would also have a picture of his parents beneath the Constitution for his swearing-in. His mother and stepfather both died from COVID in 2020.
“She immigrated from Peru to the United States in search of the American Dream — and she found it,” Garcia <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertGarciaLB/status/1287806055024480256" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> following his mother&#8217;s death. “She loved to help people and lived a happy and joyous life. She will always be our guiding light and the center of our lives.”
The congressman-elect also revealed during an interview with Long Beach Press-Telegram that his comic book interest was shared with his mother.
“She was a little bit of a nerd, like me,” Garcia <a href="https://www.presstelegram.com/rich-archbold-long-beach-mayor-robert-garcia-grieves-for-his-mom-and-his-city" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. “She loved going to Comic-Con. She liked reading books about vampires and monsters. And she loved going to movies. We went to a lot of movies and especially liked scary ones.”
Garcia moved to California with his family from Peru when he was five. He later became a U.S. citizen before becoming the mayor of Long Beach.
Members of Congress are traditionally sworn in on a Bible. However, there is no requirement to do so. Garcia will be the first congressman to include a comic book in his ceremony.

Robert Garcia

Incoming Democrat To Be Sworn In On Rare Superman Comic Book

California

Congress

House Democrats

Politics

Director and new DC Studios co-head <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/james-gunn-addresses-wonder-woman-3-cancelation-rumors-without-confirming-anything/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James Gunn</a> responded on Tuesday to backlash over some of the early decisions that he and fellow co-head Peter Safran had made — namely the decisions not to move ahead with the third installment in the &#8220;Wonder Woman&#8221; franchise and not to bring back actor <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/henry-cavill-will-not-return-to-superman-role-in-new-film-eyed-to-play-different-dc-character-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Henry Cavill</a> as Superman.
Both decisions — coupled with the news that Dwayne &#8220;The Rock&#8221; Johnson&#8217;s &#8220;Black Adam&#8221; would not have a continuing storyline in the DC Universe — raised eyebrows and <a href="https://deadline.com/2022/12/james-gunn-shoots-down-claim-gal-gadot-booted-dc-universe-wonder-woman-3-axing-1235203061/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">angered fans</a> alike, but <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/director-james-gunn-responds-to-calls-to-recast-chris-pratt-over-actors-public-christianity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gunn</a> made it clear that he and Safran were prepared to face the consequences of their decisions.
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It&#39;s official, James Gunn is the Grinch of 2022. 😂 &#8211; No Wonder Woman 3 &#8211; No more Henry Cavill as Superman &#8211; and now THE ROCK just got Jabroni&#39;d <a href="https://t.co/OBKuqOCqbE">https://t.co/OBKuqOCqbE</a>
&mdash; TheresaRockFace (@TheresaRockFace) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheresaRockFace/status/1605596491078213634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Gunn laid out his thought process in a lengthy Twitter thread, explaining that while he and Safran both understood that not all of the decisions they made would be popular, they intended to always move forward with what they believed was best for the studio and stayed true to the characters that had been around for decades.
&#8220;One of the things Peter &amp; I were aware of when we took the job as heads of DC Studios was a certain minority of people online that could be, well, uproarious &amp; unkind, to say the least,&#8221; Gunn began, noting that they had expected backlash and that they were prepared for it to be unpleasant.
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Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story &amp; best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts &amp; integrity &amp; always with the story in mind.
&mdash; James Gunn (@JamesGunn) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1604929009787146240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He went on to explain that backlash, however unkind, would not deter them from doing what they believed was best when it came to honoring the characters&#8217; history and moving the stories forward. He also conceded that they were well aware of the possibility that they could make mistakes in that effort.
&#8220;Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story &amp; best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts &amp; integrity &amp; always with the story in mind,&#8221; he said.
Gunn went on to note that however prepared they were for complaints and social media uproar, that did not change the fact that it could be hurtful. &#8220;No one loves to be harassed or called names — but to be frank, we&#8217;ve been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions.&#8221;
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We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, &amp; we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult &amp; not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.
&mdash; James Gunn (@JamesGunn) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1604929012790239232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig,&#8221; Gunn added, noting that some of the choices they were making might be &#8220;not-so-obvious&#8221; to the fans, at least at face value, and that they were prepared to move forward with them regardless.
Gunn&#8217;s overall assessment was that the backlash came with the territory — and in the grand scheme of things, was less important than making sure that DC Studios had a solid path forward.
&#8220;This means little to us in comparison to our jobs as artists &amp; custodians in helping to create a wide &amp; wonderful future for DC.,&#8221; he said.

Warner Bros. Premiere Of “The Suicide Squad” – Arrivals

‘No One Loves To Be Harassed’: James Gunn Replies To Haters After Backlash Over ‘Wonder Woman’ Sequel, Henry Cavill Exit

James Gunn Replies To Haters After Backlash Over 'Wonder Woman' Sequel, Henry Cavill Exit

Comics

Marvel

U.S.

DC Studios boss James Gunn announced this week that he will not bring back Henry Cavill to play in his new &#8220;Superman&#8221; movie.
Gunn said that he and co-head Peter Safran had a new slate of movies to release that they would be sharing more information on after the start of the year, <a href="https://variety.com/2022/film/news/james-gunn-writing-superman-movie-henry-cavill-out-1235461889/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to Variety.
&#8220;Peter &amp; I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over-the-moon about; we’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first projects at the beginning of the new year,&#8221; Gunn wrote on Twitter. He explained that the new movie would focus on Superman&#8217;s early life, &#8220;so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.&#8221; But Gunn assured fans that he and Safran had spoken to Cavill and &#8220;talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future.&#8221;
Cavill responded in a statement posted to his Instagram account where he said that it was not easy hearing the news.
“I just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and it’s sad news, everyone,” the actor posted to Instagram on Wednesday. “I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that.&#8221;
Cavill then wished Gunn and Safran luck on their new vision of the DC movie universe.
&#8220;For those who have been by my side through the years &#8230; we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember &#8230; Superman is still around,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It&#8217;s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.&#8221;
Sources told Variety that Cavill recently met with Gunn and Safran and that they are focused on finding another role for him in &#8220;the comic book universe.&#8221;
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/henry-cavill-caves-apologizes-metoo-comments-ashe-schow">Henry Cavill Caves, Apologizes For #MeToo Comments</a>

“The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” – Photocall

Henry Cavill Will Not Return To ‘Superman’ Role In New Film, Eyed To Play Different DC Character: Report

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/superman">Superman</a>&#8216;s cape is the stuff of legends, but now that DC Comics has made the latest iteration of the Man of Steel bisexual, the garment that allows him to fly is getting a gay makeover.
A <a href="https://screenrant.com/superman-jon-new-cape-rainbow-dc-pride-comics/">preview of the upcoming &#8220;DC Pride&#8221; anthology</a> has Jon Kent getting a new cape from his boyfriend, Jay Nakamura. The cape incorporates the rainbow-themed Pride Flag, a symbol for LGBTQ culture. Jon Kent has taken over the role of saving the human race from itself while his father, Clark Kent, is off saving aliens and slaves on Warworld. Since his father&#8217;s departure, Jon Kent has <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/supermans-dean-cain-bisexual-man-of-steel-is-bandwagoning-dc-comics-should-fight-real-evil-in-the-world">come out as bisexual</a> and begun a relationship with Nakamura.
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Superman&#39;s boyfriend gives him a new cape in a preview for an upcoming DC Pride 2022 story.<a href="https://t.co/Mw5DLGZD0i">https://t.co/Mw5DLGZD0i</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Treestumped?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Treestumped</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtofNickRobles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArtofNickRobles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adityab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adityab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Gothamette?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gothamette</a> <a href="https://t.co/PYwQJKSXRD">pic.twitter.com/PYwQJKSXRD</a>
&mdash; Comic Book Resources (@CBR) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBR/status/1521159887480406019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The cape is just the latest plot twist in DC Comics&#8217; bid to make the icon a woke superhero. When DC Comics announced Jonathan Kent would be gay last fall, the company claimed fans were excited about the development.
“Just like his father before him, Jon Kent has fallen for a reporter. After initially striking up a friendship with reporter Jay Nakamura, he and Jon become romantically involved in the pages of SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #5 from writer Tom Taylor (DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL) and artist John Timms (HARLEY QUINN),” the company said in a press release.
But <a href="https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/01/24/new-december-comic-book-sales-data-appears-to-show-readers-are-rejecting-dc-comics-woke-changes-to-superman/">Bounding Into Comics</a> reported that the woke changes aren’t <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dc-made-superman-gay-climate-change-activist-readers-arent-buying-it">selling well</a>. And one DC Comics artist, colorist Gabe Eltaeb, vowed to quit after the comic book publisher announced a series of progressive changes to the superhero.
“I’m finishing out my contract with DC. I’m tired of this s***, I’m tired of them ruining these characters; they don’t have a right to do this,” Eltaeb said during an October 13 YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5bj_912U0M&amp;t=3s">livestream</a> hosted by Cyberfrog creator Ethan Van Sciver.
Eltaeb was irritated when DC changed the Superman motto from fighting for &#8220;Truth, justice, and the American way&#8221; to &#8220;Truth, justice and a better tomorrow.&#8221; But he went on to blast progressives and leftists in general.
“They call us bigots and racist and s***, I would ask them, find me in the f***ing mainstream, not on the fringes, one f***ing book, one f***ing t-shirt, one movie that says that leftism is bad, and conservatism is good, find it for me, they f***ing won’t they’re not letting people have a voice, they’re the f***ing bigots,” he said.
Former “Lois &amp; Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” actor <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/supermans-dean-cain-bisexual-man-of-steel-is-bandwagoning-dc-comics-should-fight-real-evil-in-the-world">Dean Cain is also no fan</a> of the full-cord press to make Superman a progressive.
“I don’t think it’s bold or brave or some crazy new direction,&#8221; Cain said last year. &#8220;If they had done this 20 years ago, perhaps that would be bold or brave. But brave would be having him fight for the rights of gay people in Iran where they’ll throw you off a building for the offense of being gay.”

Rainbow flag

Gay Superman’s Boyfriend Gets Him Surprising New Gift In DC’s Latest Caper

Superman To Gets Gift Of A New, Rainbow Flag-Themed Cape From His Boyfriend

Leftism

LGBTQ

Last fall, DC Comics, apparently convinced they should make the iconic superhero Superman go woke, replaced Clark Kent with his son Jonathan Kent, then had Jonathan Kent fall in love with a man. DC gushed, “Just like his father before him, Jon Kent has fallen for a reporter. After initially striking up a friendship with reporter Jay Nakamura, he and Jon become romantically involved in the pages of SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #5 from writer Tom Taylor (DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL) and artist John Timms (HARLEY QUINN).”
DC issued a press release in which they breathlessly stated, “Following the news of the upcoming reveal of Jon Kent coming out as bisexual in issue #5 of SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL, global fan excitement has led to more orders for the upcoming issue than the series’ debut issue!”
But as <a href="https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/01/24/new-december-comic-book-sales-data-appears-to-show-readers-are-rejecting-dc-comics-woke-changes-to-superman/">Bounding Into Comics</a> reports, the woke changes aren’t selling well in general. Bounding Into Comics notes that sales tracking website ICv2, which states that their data set is “unit and dollar sales rankings based on sales tracked at point-of-sale by the ComicHub system at stores selling American comics around the world,” reported that although Superman: Son of Kal-El #5 was the 6th most sold comic book for <a href="https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/49916/top-50-comics-november-2021">the month of November</a>, it trailed Batman and Dark Knights of Steel. ICv2’s <a href="https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/50097/top-50-comics-december-2021">data set for December</a> found Superman: Son of Kal-El was nowhere on the top 50 chart when looking at total units.
“Superman: Son of Kal-El 2021 Annual #1 did place 45th on ICv2’s Top 50 Comic Books by Dollars chart for the month,” Bounding Into Comics reported. “That’s right, the flagship Superman book at DC Comics is not on a Top 50 Comic Books by Units chart only 5 issues in.”
Superman: Son of Kal-El sold 68,800 issues back in July; Comichron reported that the book’s third issue only sold 34,000 copies in September.
Bounding Into Comics pointed out that 68,800 issues being sold paled in comparison to previous Superman #1 issues; the 2018 reboot featured <a href="https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2018/2018-07.html">Superman #1 selling 133,700 copies</a>; the June 2016 DC Rebirth reboot featured Superman Rebirth #1 selling 118,434 copies and Superman #1 selling 105,380 copies; the 2011 debut of The New 52 found Superman #1 selling 118,376 copies.
DC Comics writer Tom Taylor, commenting on Superman: Son of Kal-El #7, which features Superman as a climate change activist, told IGN, “The question for Jon (and for our creative team) is, what should a new Superman fight for today? Can a seventeen-year-old Superman battle giant robots while ignoring the climate crisis? Of course not. &#8230; Can someone with super sight and super hearing ignore injustices beyond his borders? Can he ignore the plight of asylum seekers?”
YouTuber Comics by Perch stated, “There’s been a lot of speculation about the health of DC, nothing quite says you are screwed like this. … In terms of health of the company, sit with this for a second. 50 DC titles. The top 50 DC titles, 48 of them are Batman books. It is the Batman company. Just forget the rest. &#8230; No part of that is good news for DC or even close to it. That’s where we are at.”

In this photo illustration the Superman: Son of Kal-El logo

DC Made Superman Gay, Climate Change Activist. Readers Aren’t Buying It.

Wokeness

Superman colorist Gabe Eltaeb announced he plans to quit DC Comics after the comic book publisher announced a series of progressive changes to the superhero.
Last week, DC Comics announced two major changes to Superman in its series “Superman: Son of Kat-El.” First, Superman would <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/superman-now-bisexual-dont-need-another-straight-white-savior-writer-says">come out</a> as bi-sexual and start a gay relationship with Jay Nakamura. Second, Superman’s motto, “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” will be <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/supermans-finished-with-american-way-now-its-a-better-tomorrow">replaced</a> by “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow.”
Eltaeb railed against the changes to the superhero during an October 13 YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5bj_912U0M&amp;t=3s">livestream</a> hosted by Cyberfrog creator Ethan Van Sciver. Eltaeb said that after the latest change to Superman &#8212; DC Comics cutting “the American Way” from the hero’s motto &#8212; the colorist decided he would be quitting the comic book publisher at the end of his contract.
“I’m finishing out my contract with DC. I’m tired of this s***, I’m tired of them ruining these characters; they don’t have a right to do this,” Eltaeb said, according to <a href="https://boundingintocomics.com/2021/10/19/superman-son-of-kal-el-colorist-gabe-eltaeb-to-exit-dc-comics-over-superman-motto-change-im-tired-of-them-ruining-these-characters/">Bounding Into Comics</a>.
“At Comic-Con in 2009, I was pushing Jerry Robinson’s wheelchair around,” Eltaeb said, referring to the prominent Batman illustrator and artists’ rights activist. “That’s the man who invented the Joker. I would work the DC booth back then. I remember bending down to his face and telling him, thank you for creating these characters, so people like me can waltz in and get a job. It’s not about gay or anything else.”
“What really pissed me off was saying truth, justice, and a better world. F*** that it was Truth, Justice, and the American way,” Eltaeb continued.
“My Grandpa almost died in World War II; we don’t have a right to destroy s*** that people died for to give us,” he added. “It’s a bunch of f***ing nonsense.”
Eltaeb then blasted progressives and leftists. “They call us bigots and racist and s***, I would ask them, find me in the f***ing mainstream, not on the fringes, one f***ing book, one f***ing t-shirt, one movie that says that leftism is bad, and conservatism is good, find it for me, they f***ing won’t they’re not letting people have a voice, they’re the f***ing bigots,” he said.
He concluded apologizing for his explosion on the live stream, saying “that’s been bottled up for five years.”
Former “Lois &amp; Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” actor Dean Cain also bashed the changes to the iconic superhero last week. As <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/supermans-dean-cain-bisexual-man-of-steel-is-bandwagoning-dc-comics-should-fight-real-evil-in-the-world">The Daily Wire</a> reported:
<blockquote>“It’s hard for me to keep track of all the different Supermen and the different worlds and adventures that he has in the comics,” Cain said, noting that “Son of Kal-El” is only one series of dozens featuring Superman, his offspring, and his partners. “They said it’s a bold new direction. I say they’re bandwagoning.”
“I don’t think it’s bold or brave or some crazy new direction. If they had done this 20 years ago, perhaps that would be bold or brave. But brave would be having him fight for the rights of gay people in Iran where they’ll throw you off a building for the offense of being gay,” Cain added.
The new Superman, Jon Kent, has had a short run as the Man of Steel so far, but his comics have seen him focused largely on battling a new generation of villains, like “hacktivists” and those who would subvert efforts to combat climate change.
“Why don’t they have him fight the injustices that created the refugees whose deportation he’s protesting? That would be brave, I’d read that. Or fighting for the rights of women to attend school and have the ability to work and live and boys not to be raped by men under the new warm and fuzzy Taliban,” Cain said.
“There’s real evil in this world today, real corruption and government overreach,” he added. “It’d be great to tackle those issues, shine a light on those issues. I’d like to see the character doing that.”</blockquote>

Superman Colorist Quitting Over DC Comics’ Woke Makeover Of Hero: ‘It’s A Bunch Of F***ing Nonsense’

Woke Culture

So much for Superman being an exclusively American hero.
On Saturday, Jim Lee, chief creative officer and publisher of DC Comics, announced at the virtual fan event DC Fandome that the famous motto of Superman’s, “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” will be replaced by “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow.”
Lee <a href="https://wtop.com/entertainment/2021/10/supermans-motto-gets-a-modern-update-truth-justice-and-a-better-tomorrow/">stated</a>, “To better reflect the storylines that we are telling across DC and to honor Superman’s incredible legacy of over 80 years of building a better world, Superman’s motto is evolving. Superman has long been a symbol of hope who inspires people, and it is that optimism and hope that powers him forward with this new mission statement.”
Although the motto “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” did not accompany Superman when he was first invented by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in the first comic books that were published in 1938, the motto was introduced in a Superman radio serial in the 1940’s as the United States entered World War II.
The motto was used again in the “Adventures of Superman” TV series in the 1950s in its opening narration, then reiterated in the classic 1978 film “Superman.”
But things have been changing in Superman&#8217;s world recently.
In 2011 Superman renounced his American citizenship in Action Comics #900.
<a href="https://dailywire.com/news/superman-punches-police-captain-america-supports-hank-berrien/">The Daily Wire</a> noted in 2015, “A <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/07/31/superman-literally-bashes-police-in-new-comic/">new issue</a> featuring Superman, created by Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder, finds our intrepid hero, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans and bereft of most of his superpowers, returning to Metropolis, where people are wary of him. When a party to celebrate his return prompts a supporter to become a problem, the police get involved, a riot ensues, and Superman punches a police officer in the face.”
Last week, The Daily Wire <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/superman-now-bisexual-dont-need-another-straight-white-savior-writer-says/">reported</a>:
<blockquote>The Man of Steel is coming out as bisexual, DC comic writer Tom Taylor revealed Monday, saying that creating “another straight white savior” would be a “real opportunity missed.” In the upcoming &#8220;Superman: Son of Kat-El,&#8221; the current Superman, Jon Kent, starts a gay relationship with Jay Nakamura, and the pair share a kiss in issue #5, IGN <a href="https://www.ign.com/comics/superman-son-of-kal-el">reported</a>:
Fans of the series probably won&#8217;t be surprised to learn Jon is entering into a relationship with Jay Nakamura, a hacktivist who idolizes Jon&#8217;s mother Lois and has already lent his new friend a helping hand. And as this image shows, the two friends will become something more when they share their first kiss in issue #5.
Taylor told IGN that he&#8217;s had “queer characters and storylines rejected” in the past but knew he didn&#8217;t want another straight white male as his superhero.
“I’ve always said everyone needs heroes and everyone deserves to see themselves in their heroes,” Taylor stated. “Today, Superman, the strongest superhero on the planet, is coming out.”</blockquote>
As all comic-book aficionados know, Superman’s origin story said he was Kal-El on the planet Krypton, then sent to Earth in a rocket by his father, Jor-El, moments before Krypton exploded. He was discovered and adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent in Kansas; he decided to use his superhuman powers to help humanity, later moving to Metropolis, where he disguised himself as Clark Kent, a reporter for The Daily Planet.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Announces Updated DC Universe Justice League Exhibit

Superman’s Finished With ‘American Way.’ Now It’s ‘A Better Tomorrow’

Former &#8220;Lois &amp; Clark: The New Adventures of Superman&#8221; actor Dean Cain weighed in on the news that the new Superman, Jonathan Kent, is bisexual, accusing DC Comics of &#8220;bandwagoning&#8221; and suggesting comics company could do more to shed a light on &#8220;real evil&#8221; in the world, like child trafficking and women being oppressed and killed in Afghanistan.
As <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/superman-now-bisexual-dont-need-another-straight-white-savior-writer-says">The Daily Wire noted Tuesday</a>, the new Superman, Jonathan Kent, who is the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, is expected to come out as bisexual and will share a kiss with his boyfriend Jay Nakamura in &#8220;Superman: Son of Kal-El,” issue #5. Comics writer Tom Taylor said the decision to make Jon Kent gay was a deliberate response to &#8220;queer characters&#8221; being marginalized. Taylor said he wanted to subvert the comic&#8217;s &#8220;straight white savior&#8221; narrative.
&#8220;Over the years in this industry, it probably won’t surprise you to hear I’ve had queer characters and storylines rejected. I felt like I was letting down people I loved every time this happened” Taylor told IGN. “But we are in a very different and much more welcome place today than we were ten, or even five years ago. When I was asked if I wanted to write a new Superman with a new #1 for the DC Universe, I knew replacing Clark with another straight white savior could be a real opportunity missed.”
To Cain, however, who spent four seasons playing the Man of Steel on television, Taylor&#8217;s decision is far from original. Cain called the move, &#8220;bandwagoning,&#8221; pointing out that other DC heroes &#8212; including the most recent version of Robin, Batman&#8217;s sidekick &#8212; have also recently come out as LGBT.
&#8220;It’s hard for me to keep track of all the different Supermen and the different worlds and adventures that he has in the comics,&#8221; Cain said, noting that &#8220;Son of Kal-El&#8221; is only one series of dozens featuring Superman, his offspring, and his partners. &#8220;They said it’s a bold new direction. I say they’re bandwagoning.&#8221;
&#8220;I don’t think it’s bold or brave or some crazy new direction. If they had done this 20 years ago, perhaps that would be bold or brave. But brave would be having him fight for the rights of gay people in Iran where they’ll throw you off a building for the offense of being gay,&#8221; Cain added.
The new Superman, Jon Kent, has had a short run as the Man of Steel so far, but his comics have seen him focused largely on battling a new generation of villains, like &#8220;hacktivists&#8221; and those who would subvert efforts to combat climate change.
&#8220;Why don’t they have him fight the injustices that created the refugees whose deportation he’s protesting? That would be brave, I&#8217;d read that. Or fighting for the rights of women to attend school and have the ability to work and live and boys not to be raped by men under the new warm and fuzzy Taliban,&#8221; Cain said.
&#8220;There’s real evil in this world today, real corruption and government overreach,&#8221; he added. &#8220;It’d be great to tackle those issues, shine a light on those issues. I’d like to see the character doing that.&#8221;

Dean Cain

‘Superman’s’ Dean Cain: Bisexual Man Of Steel Is ‘Bandwagoning,’ DC Comics Should Fight ‘Real Evil In The World’

After an arduous 2020 filled with countless ‘protests,’ a volatile election, deaths of beloved celebrities, and a global pandemic, we have rediscovered that there is nothing better than kicking back, putting your feet up, and watching a good film.
An often popular and enjoyable escape from the tragedies of the real world has been superhero movies. Superhero series <a href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchise/?ref_=bo_lnav_hm_shrt">account</a> for five of the top ten highest-grossing franchises of all time, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) sitting in first place with a gross revenue of $8.5 billion.
No matter if you grew up reading comic books, watching iconic Superman and Batman classics, or you merely began with the MCU in 2008, superheroes have most likely played a role in your life.
However, there have recently been two harmful degradations regarding the superhero universe which warrant lighting the Bat-Signal, or at least writing an article. These kryptonite crystals appear through the humanization and distortion of the heroes.
Before being misconstrued, we should define and explain humanization. Let this also being a warning to those that are not ‘up-to-date’ with the latest superhero releases…there are spoilers ahead.
The first — and arguably the most damaging — ploy against superheroes is their humanization, with humanization defined as the reduction of prominence and stature of powerful heroes to a common and quotidian level. The most notorious example of this diminution is ‘Fat Thor’ from Avenger’s: Endgame.
Thor, the god of thunder and ruler of Asgard, in a shocking and disturbing twist of fate, becomes a drunkard and oaf after Thanos defeated the Avengers in the previous film and annihilated half the population of the universe.
One could argue that such a traumatic event would cause anyone to spiral into a crippling depression, even someone as brave and powerful as a Norse god. However, that would still not justify his proceeding actions in the movie, such as his cowardly abdication of the Asgardians and acceptance of mediocrity.
In a scene where Thor encounters his mother from an alternate timeline and universe, she <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fonZPvshj_s&amp;t=292s">tells</a> Thor that because of his failures, he is just like everyone else; and that the measure of a hero is “how well they succeed at being who they are.”
While comments equating the shortcomings of Thor to that of an average person may just be an attempt to comfort the discouraged hero, the real harm lies in the notion that “being who you are” is what makes you super. 
Firstly, this assertion is an abasement of incredible feats and of outstanding characters. But more importantly, it is a jab at the virtues of a hero. What criteria makes you who you are meant to be, and why would that make you heroic? Are there no universally understood principles that make a superhero? 
Furthermore, if the threshold of being super is being yourself, isn’t every self-assured person on the face of the earth a superhero? Obviously, this cannot be the case.
The error lies in this all-inclusive message that everyone is super. Like the villain Syndrome says in The Incredibles, “When everyone is super, no one will be.”
As the criminal mastermind’s name insinuates, this is a disorderly, delusional, and relativistic philosophy which has unfortunately been widely accepted and adopted in today’s culture.
The second damning portrayal of superheroes has been in relation to their character. There is a balance that must be found when creating and developing a character. The archetypal hero can be overdone or overused, which is why characters with a darker and more enigmatic temperament, such as Wolverine, make for a refreshing break from the Captain Americas and Supermans of the superhero worlds.
However, portrayals like Amazon’s series The Boys undermines the legitimacy of superheroes entirely. Although the show intentionally depicts “The Seven” supers as non-heroes throughout its course, it seems to only harm the superhero genre.
If superheroes are not made out to be the outstanding examples of leadership, courage, and virtue in society, what role models are left to emulate?
This issue can be traced back to its definition.
The term “superhero” is two part — “super” refers to their incredible abilities, and “hero,” to their exceptional character and integrity. With enough diligence and application, anyone can become a trained warrior or a virtuous person, which are both worthwhile aspirations; but it is only the superheroes that attain both and to the highest degree.
They must have the capabilities to inflict great harm, but the character and prudence to refrain and to do good. As Dr. Jordan Peterson <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HwHbIjW7_s">says</a>, “The hero has to be a monster, but a controlled monster.”
Yet, that is not enough. They must choose to defend and promote the good. The act of willfully choosing the good or preventing the bad in order to follow and protect both the natural order and ethical framework of the world is what makes a superhero so admirable. 
Despite the degradations and perversions of modern superheroes, it is important to remember that the calling of every man and hero alike is found in serving others. And as long as there are extraordinary and vigilant people setting a good example and shining the beacon for help, there is still hope for the traditional and inspirational heroes to emerge.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Justice League Photocall

Are Superheroes ‘Super’ Anymore?

Readers Pass

Superheroes

Apparently, Superman now has two weaknesses: Kryptonite and online outrage mobs.
Henry Cavill, who plays the Man of Steel in the DC Universe films, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/13/entertainment/henry-cavill-me-too-apology/index.html">apologized on Friday</a> for comments he had made earlier in the week to GQ Australia regarding the #MeToo movement. In a statement to CNN, Cavill said he realized, after the backlash, that what he said was insensitive.
&#8220;Having seen the reaction to an article in particular about my feelings on dating and the #metoo movement, I just wanted to apologize for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created,” the “Mission Impossible” actor wrote.
&#8220;Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention,&#8221; he added. &#8220;In light of this I would just like to clarify and confirm to all that I have always and will continue to hold women in the highest of regard, no matter the type of relationship whether it be friendship, professional, or a significant other.&#8221;
Finally, he said: &#8220;Never would I intend to disrespect in any way, shape or form. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson as to the context and the nuance of editorial liberties. I look forward to clarifying my position in the future towards a subject that it [sic] so vitally important and in which I wholeheartedly support.&#8221;
This experience probably also taught him not to go against the prevailing narrative.
Cavill had <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/32996/superman-actor-fears-metoo-witch-hunt-gets-instant-ashe-schow">originally stated</a> to GQ that in light of the #MeToo movement, men’s behavior has to change, and that he had “been fortunate enough to not be around the kind of people who behave that way.”
But Cavill also said the movement made him wary of approaching women for fear that an innocent interaction may lead to an extreme accusation.
“It’s very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place,” Cavill said. “Because then it’s like: ‘Well, I don’t want to go up and talk to her, because I’m going to be called a rapist or something.’”
Cavill’s comments were not as out-of-line as the outrage mob would have one believe. In addition to calling out sexual abuse and harassment, #MeToo has also provided many with petty grievances an outlet to attempt to destroy the careers of those they believe have wronged them in some way.
Pulitzer-Prize winner Junot Diaz nearly had his career derailed by women caught up in the #MeToo movement who greatly exaggerated their claims. One woman claimed she was yelled at by Diaz during a dinner argument and said it was “verbal sexual assault.” Another claimed he responded to her criticism with “a blast of misogynist rage and public humiliation.” An audio recording of the encounter showed nothing of the sort.
Then there are <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/ousted-billboard-ceo-john-amato-being-probed-for-sexual-misconduct?ref=home">the recent claims</a> against Billboard CEO John Amato, which (unless there are worse unpublished accusations) amount to him inappropriately flirting with non-staffers at events and boasting about an alleged sexual encounter with celebrities at a staff dinner. For this he was pushed out.
When an argument can be considered “verbal sexual assault,” it’s no wonder men like Cavill worry about approaching a woman.

Henry Cavill Caves, Apologizes For #MeToo Comments

MeToo

Sexual Assault

Sexual Misconduct

Jared Leto&#8217;s performance as the Joker is one of the lowest points in the Warner Bros. franchise known as the DC Extended Universe, which includes &#8220;Man of Steel&#8221; and &#8220;Justice League.&#8221; His appearance in &#8220;Suicide Squad&#8221; was largely panned by fans and critics alike, yet he is still being considered for a comeback in a potential DCEU film. 
Leto&#8217;s appearance in &#8220;Suicide Squad&#8221; has inevitably led to comparisons to Heath Ledger&#8217;s fantastic performance in Christopher Nolan&#8217;s masterpiece The Dark Knight, considered the superior of all the Joker performances.
One writer at ScreenRant had a different perspective. In an <a href="https://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-jared-leto-joker-best-version-adaptation/">article</a> retweeted on Wednesday, he claims that Leto&#8217;s Joker is better, opining that &#8220;he&#8217;s somewhat of a fashion icon&#8221; and &#8220;he has an amazing car.&#8221; Riveting arguments. This earned some strong responses from many fans, including The Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief Ben Shapiro.
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Because the writer was dropped on his head as a baby <a href="https://t.co/gFD5sk0lbP">https://t.co/gFD5sk0lbP</a>
&#8212; Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) <a href="https://twitter.com/benshapiro/status/1004770642384703488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
As the resident expert in nerd culture, I could not let this stand. Here are the top 10 Reasons Heath Ledger&#8217;s Joker is the best version:
1. He has no origin. 
The Joker just appears to wreak havoc, offering intriguingly conflicting information about himself. Unlike Jack Nicholson&#8217;s 1989 version, where his origin plays out on the screen, Ledger needs no introduction. This plays perfectly into his complex, often contradictory background in the comics, which present various possibilities for an origin, including &#8220;Lovers and Madmen,&#8221; &#8220;Case Study,&#8221; and the stand-alone &#8220;The Killing Joke.&#8221; As Batman once said, &#8220;Like any other comedian, he uses whatever material will work.&#8221;
2. His very presence is intimidating.
Cesar Romero brought a funny, albeit benign Joker in 1966, but no one could say he was intimidating. Nicholson at times pulled off a sinister air, but the theatrics undermined it. Same for Leto, who relied on an over-the-top personification. When Ledger appeared on screen, you immediately feel a tingle go down your spine. He did not need flash, a tuxedo, or a fancy car. It is merely his nature that chills us.
3. Incredible one-liners.
Heath Ledger&#8217;s dialogue is spot-on. Anyone who has seen the film remembers, &#8220;Whatever doesn&#8217;t kill you simply makes you stranger,&#8221; &#8220;I&#8217;m an agent of chaos,&#8221; and, of course, &#8220;Why so serious?&#8221; Nicholson, of course, has some great one-liners too, including, &#8220;Where does he get these wonderful toys?&#8221; and &#8220;Ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?&#8221; No one remembers &#8220;Suicide Squad&#8221; dialogue, except for maybe, &#8220;Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah &#8230;&#8221;
4. He&#8217;s smarter than Batman.
While it&#8217;s true the Joker underestimated the goodness of the people of Gotham, he still manages to stay one step ahead of the Caped Crusader through most of the film. While Romero may baffle Batman at times (and the audience), our hero always comes through in the end. Nicholson&#8217;s only real mind game with Batman is his deadly poison mixture. Even in the final act of &#8220;The Dark Knight,&#8221; the Clown Prince of Crime still had an edge on Batman.
5. Ledger&#8217;s chemistry with co-star Christian Bale.
The hero and villain of the film shared some incredible moments throughout the film. From their first face-off on the streets, to their battle at the Joker&#8217;s hideout, the two challenged each other and that contest brought out the best in one another.
6. He actually has a sense of humor. 
Every single joke told by Leto falls completely flat. His lines are uninteresting and unmemorable. Nicholson has some witty dialogue to banter with his prey or with Batman, however, Ledger&#8217;s dialogue, along with his creepy body language, brings a dark humor, an uneasiness, and a finely tuned sense of terrifying comedy to the screen.
7. The laugh.
Ledger may not have a deep, throaty laugh, but it is twisted, raw, and sinister. As he laughs at the chaos that he brings, you can feel the genuine glee emanating from him, a perfect expression of the Joker he portrays, and better than his predecessors and successor.
8. His henchmen don&#8217;t wear panda suits.
One of the most bizarre things from &#8220;Suicide Squad&#8221; was the random gangster wearing a furry costume. It was out of place and did not even match the motif. Nicholson&#8217;s henchmen are also a little cartoonish. The henchmen in &#8220;The Dark Knight&#8221; are dressed in street clothes, but with the signature clown masks seen throughout the comic books.
9. He pays tribute to Mark Hamill. 
While Ledger may rule the roost in live-action, no one can deny that Mark Hamill (yes, Luke Skywalker) has the edge in animation, especially in &#8220;Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.&#8221; His walk, clothing style, and his use of cards all pay homage to the dark deco design perfected by animators Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski.
10. The preparation that went into it. 
The late, great Heath Ledger took time to prepare for this role. He read Joker-themed graphic novels, including &#8220;The Killing Joke&#8221; and &#8220;Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Earth,&#8221; letting the comic books inspire his performance. Ledger also incorporated his own mannerisms and personality into the role giving it a gritty realism. It was not gimmicky or buffoonish but instead thrilling, dark, and threatening.
After the ouster of DC Entertainment head <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/07/dc-entertainment-boss-diane-nelson-leaves-warner-bros">Diane Nelson</a>, the future of the superhero franchise is in question. While some films have had success, poor casting decisions, bad director choices, and delayed projects have plagued the films. If they decide to move forward with another Batman film or force the poorly conceived Joker <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/5/17431698/joker-jared-leto-standalone-movie-dc-comics-warner-bros">spin-off</a> through, they will need to find someone who can fill Ledger&#8217;s shoes. 
Ten years later, we are still talking about the iconic role in &#8220;The Dark Knight.&#8221; No one will be talking about &#8220;Suicide Squad&#8221; in the near future.

10 Reasons Heath Ledger’s Joker Is The On-Screen Best Version

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