Proof that not following the comic is a bad idea?

At one point in time, director Kevin Smith mentioned he was once working on a script for a new superman movie. He said the producer of the film didn't want to see the suit or Superman fly.

So, that leads me to believe that Hollywood was a bit skeptical of people men in tights on the silver screen. This film might be proof of that.

The movie didn't really seem to resemble anything from the DC/Superman universe, aside from the guy having the Superman Tattoo and the name "Steel". Sure, there will always comic-book movies that SEEM more true to the comic books, but yet still fail.

But I think people do want to see the movie connect well enough to the comic book it originated from. It gives people some familiar ground and makes it easier to relate to the movie.

Some might argue that it is only true with comic fans. But really, I don't know many people who DON'T know that Superman's real name is Clark Kent and he's from another planet, or that Spiderman was bitten by a radio-active spider.