“Superman,” starring David Corenswet, is the hit of the summer. (photo courtesy of DC Studios)

After all the speculation, concerns about reshoots, costume complaints and criticism of the new actor, “Superman” is not, in fact, dead on arrival. This is the best Man of Steel on the big screen in many decades and easily the purest adaptation of both the character and a fictional world filled with not one but many superheroes.

While the DC Universe enjoyed a respectable start with adult-animated series “Creature Commanders,” film is still where the real money is. Writer-director James Gunn (everything “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Suicide Squad”) rolls out a rich landscape, dropping spectators in the middle.

For Gunn, we don’t need to see another Superman origin. If you want that story, Chris Reeves, “Smallville” and Henry Cavill got you covered. Instead of Kal-El crash landing in Kansas, this Superman (David Corenswet) is an established heroic figure in Metropolis.

For a couple years, he successfully protected folks around the world. That’s until he recently stepped into an international incident. Stopping kaijus from decimating skyscrapers and saving puppies from oncoming traffic are fine, but preventing military occupation is sticky.

At least as a Daily Planet reporter, Clark Kent is doing fine. Off the clock, colleague Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Clark prepare to celebrate the first few months of secretly dating. She knows about his second job but not his Earth parents (played by Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince), Fortress of Solitude or even Krypto, an ill-behaved flying mutt with a proclivity for playful mayhem.

Pause and embrace your new favorite fuzzy buddy. While Gunn commits to a fully zany superhero adaptation that doesn’t soften the source material, Krypto is an entirely Gunn original, a CGI pup inspired by his own dog. The comics don’t commit to a dog breed, but most artists depict a medium-sized lab or German shepherd. This Krypto is a shaggy mix whose left ear always points north. Frankly, anyone complaining – and a film this anticipated invites complaining for its own sake – about Krypto is just looking for conflict where none exists.

Krypto is a highlight but never the star. That’s how it should be. Gunn briskly moves through supporting characters, permitting each a few shining moments before returning to the driving story. Along the way, we experience the steamy and convicting connection between Clark and Lois, and even see a refreshing take on Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) as more than a dorky sidekick photojournalist.

Then there’s the Justice Gang – it’s a working title – compiled of Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), criminally underused Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi). Don’t let that name fool you – he’s one of the film’s best parts. The trio contrasts each other well, from Guy’s bowl cut and overconfidence to Terrific’s awesome tech and general snark.

We also enjoy several other supporting characters: Superman’s android Four (voiced by Alan Tudyk), Daily Planet EIC Perry White (Wendell Pierce) and imprisoned metahuman Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan from “Barry”). Finally, every superhero must confront a villain. Enter the absolute best cinematic Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and his pawns: the Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) and the always-masked Ultraman.

It certainly seems like a lot. Gunn sure hopes to establish a new universe quickly. And in the hands of other writers, it would feel sloppy, like too much squeezed into two hours. Not here. Perhaps upon first viewing, but as you watch it more, you might just appreciate how the story unfolds and get comfortable with plenty of splendid characters.

This is top-tier superhero media. John Murphy and David Fleming’s incredible score isn’t muted like most contemporary blockbusters. It’s a separate character. It winks at the original John Williams theme while it embarks on its own emotional journey.

C.S. Lewis once worried about stories that present an oddity too far. “Superman” takes advantage of initiated spectators. We all know what we’re in for, so get as odd as you want. Giant monsters, aliens, mech suits, robots, elemental beings, an incarnated Egyptian goddess, inter-dimensional entities and a dog with the power of Superman. No need to gradually introduce anything, just get to the good stuff. This is filmmaking that treats us all like intelligent beings who can keep up. “Superman” is the hit of the summer, and the DCU is in good hands.

“Superman” (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) are together again in the new blockbuster film by director James Gunn. (photo courtesy of DC Studios)