When working in a business setting—even when that business entails publishing comic books featuring the World’s Greatest Super Heroes—one must usually hold to certain level of professionalism. We try not to geek out too much (we said try) even though sometimes we simply can’t help ourselves. That all said:

WESAWMANOFSTEELANDHOLYSMOKESITWASSOAWESOMEWECAN’THANDLEITANDNEEDTOSEEITAGAINIMMEDIATELY!

::ahem::

Yes, indeed, we got an early look at the highly anticipated feature film Man of Steel, which brings the world’s most recognizable hero to the big screen and stars Henry Cavill as the titular hero, Amy Adams as the Planet’s greatest reporter Lois Lane, and Michael Shannon as the tyrannical General Zod.

If our earlier reaction somehow didn’t make it clear, we loved it, which is why we’ve decided to devote this week’s column to the 5.2 Reasons Man of Steel Is Everything We Wanted and More!

1. The Cast, The Cast, Great Googly Moogly, The Cast
Everyone in this movie rocked the heck out of their role. Henry Cavill killed it as Superman—charming, heroic and perfectly human. The exhilaration on his face when he flies for the first time perfectly encapsulates the character’s humanity despite his Kryptonian heritage and powers. Amy Adams portrayed the truth-seeking, tough-as-hell Lois Lane we all love. Michael Shannon’s Zod was so perfectly terrifying—and relatable. Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Antje Traue, Diane Lane, just everyone.

2. The Action
We’re not going to go into detail here, because this is just something that needs to be experienced, but for those who want to see what a battle between Kryptonians—between incredibly powerful beings with nearly godlike abilities—would actually look like, you’re going to get your wish. Boy, are you going to get your wish.

3. Krypton
The entire opening sequence is an unbelievable sight to behold: action-packed, intense and incredibly emotional. No spoilers, but the confrontation between Zod and Jor-El had our eyes popping out of our heads.

4. References
From character names to DC Universe corporate logos, there are quite a few references for fans to catch (keep your eye on a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment near the end involving an orbiting satellite). And for the hardcore fans, you should easily be able to identity a certain sadistic Kryptonian scientist and the silent brute that battles the Man of Steel alongside Faora and Zod.

5. The Special Effects
You will believe a man can fly... and punch the heck out of people.

5.1 Faora-Ul


5.2 Jor-El

What are you looking forward to most in “Man of Steel?” Let us know in the comments, and return here once you’ve seen the movie to let us know what you think!