Original art for  STEEL (1997), by Tym Stevens.

An art deco digital illustration of the hero, Steel.

I write reviews for films, and create an original piece of art for each one.

 

Review of  STEEL (1997), by Tym Stevens ©

This looks like a job for the Man Of Iron!

John Henry, the steel driver of folk ballads, was a symbol of hope to poor workers conscripted into building 19th century railroads. More widely, he became an enduring parable about free will driving the human spirit, regardless of personal cost. When “The Death Of Superman” comics storyline (1994) ended the Man Of Steel, a man named John Henry Irons took the mantle with metal armor and power hammer; Steel maintained hope for people in the face of despair.

Like John Henry, Steel is about the empowerment of mind, body, and soul, for the self and for the people. Irons is a brilliant scientist and compassionate populist, literally forging his own identity. Invented by writer Louise Simonson during the multi-cultural consciousness of the early-90’s, both he and the parallel Milestone Comics heroes (which introduced Static Shock) helped diversify the pantheon, and represent the inclusive hopes of wider fans. For a time later, his niece Natasha took on the Steel hammer.

A film of “The Death Of Superman” was planned, with a natural Steel spin-off to follow it. As that troubled project caved in, a solo film of Steel (1997) braved on, but it was hopeless. The public didn’t know the character, Shaq O’Neal was a better player than actor, the production was poor, and the film failed. (Plus, Batman And Robin had just hammered the nail into the coffin for superhero films… for a minute.) The man of irony had beaten himself. But, just like Superman returned to the screen, here’s hoping the steel-willed hero gets another swing at it.

Artwork and Review, © Tym Stevens.

Review on Four Color Films site.