By Shirley Lew
AsAmNews Staff Writer
DC comics was always Sam Liu’s favorite. The animation director of The Reign of the Supermen, which is due to be released in 2019 talked to AsAmNews at New York’s Comic Con.
“The Death of Superman” received great reviews in 2018 and that is where Superman actually dies and “the new animated film will pick up with four Supermen “that show up, “ says Liu.
He explains that in 2018’s Death of Superman, it was about building Superman’s character, how to build the audience to care about him before you kill him,… so that he will have a meaningful death, which is suppose to mean something and what does it mean now that he’s gone. “
The Reign of the Supermen will not be faithful to the comics. “ says Liu.
So, if you are a Superman fan and have followed or read story lines of years past on the post events of Superman’s death, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. I have no spoilers, so you’re safe to continue reading.
I ask, “How does one pick and chose ideas for a story line from so many team members?
He replied, “When things get thrown around in the writing room, we can say ‘yeah that is a great moment for Superman. You have to boil it down to one plot and the problem that needs to be resolved. So if you know the character of Superman well, the story writes itself. Putting the character in that situation and what will that character do.“
“We do a lot of prep, we go in kind of knowing what we want, where we want these characters to be emotionally, what decisions do they make. Christopher Reeves, who played Superman was like a boy scout, yet also the most powerful person,” says Liu.
“So you’re saying that Christopher Reeves, who played Superman in the 1979 film was the best adaptation of Superman and that is how you will portray him in your new animated film?, “ I ask.
“I think he is the best one. Reeves’ character in that film reverted back to the original Superman. He undoubtedly defined Superman in his frailty, but can also be the scariest person who accidentally wrecks a building and kill someone, and with all his nerdiness it makes you somehow trust him,” explains Liu.
According to Liu, Death of Superman and The Reign of the Supermen, which breaks from previous story lines works with young viewers as they don’t need to play catch up on previous story lines.
About his career, Liu began drawing at a young age, then started illustrating. I asked if he came across any obstacles, anything that got in his way of his career goals.
“There wasn’t a lot, because what I do is behind the scenes. My work is not based on how I look or how I talk,” says Liu.
Does Liu think there are some hardships? He does.
“Once you start moving up on the ranks there might be some obstacles, a little bit.”
He further explains that although there could be some bumps along the road in this unique industry as an animation director, it’s not so difficult once others become comfortable with you and know your craft.
“I’m not sure if it’s an Asian thing, but I was skeptical, “ Liu says about becoming a director. I planned on creating storyboards if I wasn’t going to make it as a director.
He’s very talented, I wouldn’t think he’d need to be creating storyboards anytime soon.
“How many Superman t-shirts do you have?,” I ask.
Liu smiles and replies, “None.”
Maybe we ought to get him a few?
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