Batman v Superman is nearly here, but those who have paid close attention to Batman and Superman's comic book careers over the years will likely already have a good idea of what to expect from the movie that is set to form the bedrock for the DC cinematic universe. Just from the numerous trailers and clips alone we've seen more than a few scenes that look awfully familiar to moments from the two character's long comic book histories.
This, of course, isn't much a surprise. Director Zack Snyder hasn't shied away from being clear and upfront about the numerous comic book influences that helped shape his Man of Steel sequel, particularly the role The Dark Knight Returns has had on the entire production.
That being said, it's not just the DNA of Frank Miller's iconic Batman story that can be seen in the film. There are numerous other comic book scenes that look to have been adapted to the big screen as well. We've assembled some of the most obvious ones we've discovered below.
Since it's the most obvious, we'll start with The Dark Knight Returns. Much of Batman v. Superman, from an older Batman fighting Superman to Batman's armored anti-Kryptonian suit, pulls straight from Miller's classic piece of comic book history, but the two images below in particular are lifted wholesale from the comic. It doesn't get much more memorable than Batman's spiky armored boot on Superman's throat, after all.
There is also the graphic novel's iconic cover art to consider. This moment, which can be seen in the trailer, is just a split second before Batman grapples away to avoid Superman's eye beams.
Moving on from The Dark Knight Returns, it looks like Snyder is also pulling from the Injustice video game and comic series for Superman's super-powered army. We still don't know exactly what the deal is with these dream-like scenes in the final film, but it's hard to deny the similarities between the two.
The graphic novel Superman: Peace on Earth looks to have partly inspired Snyder, as images of people crowding around the hero can be seen in both the comic and movie.
Same goes for this moment when Superman visits the U.S. Senate.
Like in the comics, Batman looks to keep the costume of the slain Jason Todd as a reminder of his greatest failure.
While not a direct translation, Superman will save people who use the Superman logo like an SOS in the movie, just like in this moment from the comics.
Lex Luthor will, as usual, get his hands on some kyrptonite.
And that's likely just a few of the references. There is no telling how many more similarities between the comics and the film are in the final movie, but considering how many we can find just from the trailer, DC Comic fans should have plenty to dissect come March 25.
Have you caught any other references? Let us know in the comments below.
