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Matthew Vaughn to Adapt Mark Millar's Unique Comic Book 'Superior'

by Ethan Anderton
October 5, 2011
Source: Comic Book Movie News

Plenty of superheroes have obtained superpowers and abilities by way of some genetic mutation or strange accident, but comic book writer Mark Millar decided to spice things up a bit by delivering Superior, a popular comic book about a a young boy diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. who has his wish to become a superhero magically granted. Now a press release (first uncovered by Comic Book Movie News) has announced that director Matthew Vaughn, who successfully adapted Millar's graphic novel Kick-Ass, has snagged the rights to the unique superhero comic with the intent to turn it into a feature film. More below!

In the comic, which exists in Millar's growing comic universe, a young boy with MS becomes his favorite film superhero and uses his powers take on criminals, but also end war in the Middle East, feed starving children and rescue endangered people from natural disasters. However, the boy's powers and status as a superhero may come at a price. Described as Big meets Superman, the story is one of the most unique comic and superhero tales I've come across in a long time. Millar comments on his inspiration for the story:

“I wanted to write about a superhero with a disability and I chose MS because it's something that touched one of my school-friends growing up. I'm acutely aware of the unexpected way the disease can strike anyone and the enormous difficulties it can cause. Superhero stories are essentially wish-fulfilment fantasies and nothing seemed more powerful to me than a little boy with a magic wish not only wanting to walk again, but to fly."

Working with The National MS Society, Millar's comic has become an inspiration for many afflicted by the disease, and the writer couldn't be happier about that as he says, "I'm delighted to work with such an incredible institution as the MS Society and feel privileged that they approached me to use this character in a positive way. We're used to seeing characters with MS as victims and I wanted to do something where the kid is not only a lead, but the most powerful person on the planet. I'm really delighted people have taken this to their hearts as much as they have." It should be that much more of an inspiration to see this afflicted hero come to life on the big screen as well. The question is whether Vaughn will end up directing the adaptation or if he'll merely produce. Stay tuned.

Filed under Development, Movie News

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