In June, Nicolas Cage makes a comeback as Superman for the second time. Fans will be delighted to see the beloved actor gracing his own variant cover in DC Comics.
In the DCEU film “The Flash,” Barry Allen’s encounters with the Speed Force and his confrontation with the Dark Flash exposed him to various alternate realities. Remarkably, these included a universe showcasing Christopher Reeve as Superman, another world with Adam West as Batman, and an unexpected twist—a reality where Nicolas Cage’s Superman finally soared.
After nearly portraying Superman in Tim Burton’s unmade version of the iconic hero, Nicolas Cage’s surprise appearance as the Man of Steel brought delight to fans. Now, DC Comics is embracing Cage’s Superman even further with a captivating variant cover by Dan Mora for “Batman/Superman: World’s Finest” #19. This special edition showcases the actor’s rendition of the Man of Tomorrow alongside Superman and Batman, adding an exciting twist to the comic book world.
What’s the story behind Nicolas Cage’s Superman?
Back in the mid-’90s, plans were underway for a fresh Superman film called “Superman Lives,” led by director Tim Burton. Initially penned by Kevin Smith, the movie envisioned Nicolas Cage as a reinvented version of the beloved superhero. However, Cage’s Superman project never made it to production due to various issues, including producer Jon Peters’ involvement. Peters had ambitious and unconventional ideas for the Man of Steel, such as altering the iconic costume, restricting his ability to fly, and pitting him against a monstrous spider as the main antagonist.
“The Death of ‘Superman Lives’ What Happened?” is a compelling documentary by the late Jon Schnepp that delves into the chaotic production of the ill-fated movie. Schnepp extensively interviews the cast and crew involved in the project, shedding light on the reasons behind its ultimate demise.
After lying dormant for more than two decades, the unexpected appearance of Nicolas Cage’s Superman in “The Flash,” battling a colossal spider, left fans astounded. To commemorate this memorable moment, DC Comics has unveiled a special variant cover by renowned artist Dan Mora. The cover, revealed by Rolling Stone, showcases Cage’s Superman alongside the iconic World’s Finest heroes. Notably, Cage’s Superman dons a fresh suit, earning the seal of approval from the primary iteration of Kal-El, who gives his fellow super-character a thumbs up.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, artist Dan Mora expressed his admiration for the rendition of the hero seen in “The Flash.” Being a fan of Nicolas Cage’s movies and acting, Mora eagerly embraced the opportunity to bring the comic book version of the Superman variant to vibrant life on the cover.
Nicolas Cage’s Superman is the latest pop culture cover from Dan Mora
The creative team behind “Batman/Superman: World’s Finest,” including Mark Waid, Dan Mora, and Tamra Bonvillain, has embraced the concept of variant covers featuring notable celebrities. In a playful twist, the first issue of the series showcased artwork by Mora depicting Superman enjoying a coffee outing with actor Jerry Seinfeld, paying homage to Seinfeld’s show “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”
The latest variant cover in “Batman/Superman: World’s Finest” #11 features musician Jack White, created by Rob Jones, Emery Swirbalus, and David James Swanson. With Nicolas Cage’s recent appearance in “The Flash” and his connection to Superman, Mora’s new cover is a fitting tribute. It’s both surprising and enjoyable to see Cage back in the role after two decades.
“Batman/Superman: World’s Finest” #19 by DC Comics will be available for readers to purchase from comic book stores and online retailers starting on September 19, 2023.
