Things are beginning to look up for comic book fans.

Every Marvel and DC fan knows the disappointment at watching their favorite characters be let down by directors who “want a new take” on their stories.

For DC, the problem was near existential, with the films of the DC Universe consistently panned by audience members and fans as missing the mark on their portrayals. For Marvel, the issue was much more recent. The once beloved Marvel Cinematic Universe, lost direction and was widely believed to have passed its prime after losing its star characters in Avengers: Endgame.

But with the two newest Marvel and DC productions, “Superman” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” comic book fans the world over can breathe a sigh of relief, because comic book movies are back in the hands of fans, and the renewed commitment to source accuracy is what makes these films great.

In “Superman,” it’s the characterization of the title character. In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it’s the focus on the themes that made the team great. And for both of them, the feat is an adherence to what made the characters and the stories so loved in the first place.

For DC, “Superman” marks what could be the best portrayal of the Man of Steel since Christopher Reeve. David Coronswet’s Kal-El is the quintessential embodiment of the Big Blue Boy Scout; earnest, kind and genuinely wanting to help others.

This embodiment comes down to the now-infamous squirrel scene. Coronswet’s Superman saves a squirrel about to be crushed by a monster while that same monster is decimating Metropolis. James Gunn’s writing emphasizes this point at every turn.

This is a human Superman; a Superman who will loudly admit to his greatest enemy that he gets scared, and he doesn’t have all the answers, but he still tries. And the internet has echoed the sentiment. As many have repeated: “kindness is the new punk rock.”

For “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a focus on Marvel’s first family being a family has brought the film success. The rapport and affection that Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach have for one another is palpable, and a refusal to sacrifice family members to save the world makes them feel real.

This film features an already established, celebrity Fantastic Four with no origin story or plot watching their powers develop. Jumping into a developed story allowed them to feel lived in and have emotional stakes.

The biggest bonus for both movies is a willingness to accept that their source materials are comic books. Superman wears his red trunks and says “golly,” while Guy Gardner rocks a comic-accurate bowl cut. The fantastic four negotiate with Mole Man, while Galactus wears his purple-horned helmet as seen in the comics.

Both movies use the source material fans wanted and treat it completely earnestly, and that earnest approach is felt by critics and audience alike.

There’s a reason why “Superman” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” have been praised by most who’ve seen them. Their commitment to tone and accuracy proves that superhero movies aren’t out of the game just yet.

Matt Herrick is a sophomore history major from Bay Shore, New York. Matt can be reached at [email protected].