As Calvin Ellis makes his return in DC Comics’ new era Infinite Frontier, the President Superman will need to undergo a few changes for additional cultural relevance. Since his debut, a lot has happened in the world, and DC will need to respond accordingly.
With the upcoming release of Infinite Frontier #1 written by Joshua Williamson with art by Xermanico, readers are finally going to see more of President Ellis as the Superman of Earth-23 within the multiverse. When preview issue, Infinite Frontier #0, released earlier this year to tease the new initiative, Ellis’ Superman was featured on the cover among many other superheroes who haven’t often had the attention they deserved, such as the original Green Lantern Alan Scott. When Calvin Ellis was first introduced in comics, it was during President Barack Obama’s time in office. It is well-known that Grant Morrison based the other Earth’s Superman on the President, intentionally combining the hope and optimism embodied by both Obama and Superman into a new hero.
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There are many ways in which the world has changed since Superman Calvin Ellis’ initial appearance, prompting the need for Earth-23’s Man of Steel to undergo some adjustments. Just as Washington, DC has shifted over the years, it suggests DC Comics might have to do the same with Ellis’ characterization throughout Infinite Frontier. For a few years, Ellis’ presidency on Earth-23 was a clear analog to events in the real world. However, to today’s tastes, a president who has powers might be more likely to strike the fear of authoritarianism. Since Ellis heads a multiversal version of the Justice League, he will still maintain his position as a leader, but it isn’t certain yet if he will maintain his office as President.
Now that there have been two presidents in the real world since Obama’s term ended, it’s possible that Ellis will have also moved on from the White House since the last time readers saw him. If a new president has been elected on Earth-23, it could even make for an interesting dynamic going forward between the two of them, since there are some big shoes to fill. Just as the creation of Calvin Ellis was a response to events taking place in America at the time, it would make sense to explore commentary through his new depiction.
If nothing were to change with Ellis’ Superman, his characterization might come across as hollow and outdated. Although only a few years have passed, there is too much that has changed for him to remain the same. Paralleling the various iterations of DC Comics that have existed over the past decade alone, a revitalized take on the President Superman should be the first priority in the multiverse-crossing event. Infinite Frontier #1 is the first of six issues and releases on Tuesday, June 22.
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