Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. has started to get its ducks in a row for the production of a new Superman film, which the studio has targeted for a summer 2006 release.  Even though the Man of Steel himself has not been cast, the studio is hoping to go into production late this year with McG directing the new Superman film from a script by J.J. Abrams (Alias).  Warner Bros. has designated ESC, the effects shop created to work on The Matrix sequels, as the lead visual effects house for the film.  Variety is also reporting that veteran effects master Stan Winston (Terminator 3, A.I., Big Fish) has been brought on board as a consultant with the express purpose of designing a prototype of Superman's suit.  Action on the production of the new Superman film has begun to heat up just as DC Comics, which shipped over 230,000 copies of Superman #204 (the first Jim Lee issue, see 'Supes #204 Over 230k') to retailers, has managed to revive its flagship brand in a major way.