Summary
For decades, DC’sSupermanhas impacted live-action cinema and television, with iconic portrayals by Christopher Reeve, Tyler Hoechlin, and the upcoming David Corenswet. However, Superman has also had a significant presence in the animated side of DC’s history, from the original Max Fleischer animated serial to the various DC animated movies featuring the character.
The animated films tend to be inspired by or directly translated from various comics, but fortunately, anyone from hardcore comic book fans to newcomers can enjoy them. They are often standalone films, each showcasing the different qualities of Superman, including his value for life and his willingness to confront powerful villains despite nearly impossible odds.
The first time DC adapted the famousDeath Of Supermanstoryline in movie form was in the animated filmSuperman: Doomsday, made by the creators of the DC Animated Universe. It has many of the same plot points, even if the movie feels more like an abridged version of the story at times, withSuperman being killed in actionby the villain Doomsday.
Superman: Doomsdayhas a darker tone thanks to being a straight-to-video movie, allowing for a brutal fight with Doomsday and the climactic fight against the new threat. Rather than Cyborg Superman, the resurrected Superman has to contend with an evil clone who seeks to rule Metropolis with an iron fist.
Instead of the prime DC Universe,Elseworld stories are a fun wayto explore different concepts with familiar characters, withSuperman: Red Son, based on the graphic novel of the same name, being a prime example. It shows a world where Superman landed and was raised in Soviet Russia instead of small-town Kansas and becomes the country’s personal protector.
The concept results in a story that mixes superhero action with Cold War political drama that makes several changes from the novel, with some arguably being superior. From Superman’s contentious relationship with Joseph Stalin to Batman being a zealous terrorist out for revenge, it remains a unique Superman movie compared to the rest.
Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy, the legendary voice actors of the DC Animated Universe, return to their respective roles as Superman and Batman forSuperman/Batman: Apocalypse. As Supergirl arrives on Earth, the two heroes have to work together to not only help her adjust to Earth customs but also her newfound powers.
Wonder Woman and Big Barda also play a big part in the journey, especially whenDarkseid arrives as the big villain, alongside a few twists that may surprise viewers. Batman has a few moments to shine, but in the end, it is mainly a Superman and Supergirl story and that results in a memorable final fight with Darkseid that is worth checking out the movie for alone.
Superman: Unboundis an often-forgotten DC animated film, heavily inspired by theSuperman: Brainiaccomic, featuring a darker storyline that is balanced out by Superman’s unfaltering love for Earth. Matt Bomer portrays Superman, and it demonstrates what he would have brought to the character in Man Of Steel, ashe competed with Henry Cavillfor the role.
The story is rather straightforward inSuperman: Unbound; Brainiac is invading Earth, and it’s up to Superman and Supergirl to stop him from adding Earth to his private collection. It’s action-packed from almost start to finish with Brainiac proving to be one of Superman’s greatest threats and part of that is due to a sinister performance by John Noble.
After the DC Animated Movie Universe ended withJustice League Dark: Apokolips War,Superman: Man Of Tomorrowcame along to start a new universe of DC animated movies. It was a new modernized version of the origin story, putting little twists on the story as well as familiar ones to create a strong Superman story that all ages could enjoy.
There is a hefty focus on Superman’s human side inSuperman: Man Of Tomorrow, showing how much he wants to be accepted in a world filled with bigotry and prejudice. Showing Clark Kent crying at movies about aliens orbonding with the Martian Manhuntercreates a more grounded Superman while still showing him as a beacon of hope who fights the likes of Lobo and Parasite.
A movie that embodies everything that Superman stands for isSuperman Vs. The Elite, has become more famous for its big third-act twist more than anything, but that doesn’t diminish the film itself. In a world that is seemingly obsessed withturning Superman into a villain,Superman Vs. The Eliteshowcases why Superman, being the ultimate good person, is a good thing.
The Elite are a new team of metahumans who prove to be capable superheroes, but they murder anyone who gets in their way without any quarter given. This leads to them conflicting with Superman and initiating a battle that displays how much control Superman has over his powers and leaves the viewer grateful that Superman doesn’t turn evil like in theInjusticeuniverse.
Two heroes can be better than one andSuperman/Batman: Public Enemiesshowcases the friendship between the two titular heroes and how well they work together as partners. As a pairing, Superman and Batman can take on any foe, from supervillains to fellow members of the Justice League, while also bickering like a couple of brothers.
Lex Luthor is the new President of the United States, and he turns both Superman and Batman into criminals that have to work together to prove that the new commander-in-chief is evil. It is yet another reunion ofKevin Conroy as Batmanand Tim Daly as Superman; their chemistry carries most of the film, feeling almost like a buddy-cop movie at times, but
Rather than compress a story likeThe Death Of Supermaninto one film, the DC Animated Movie Universe made it the first part of a duology of films that showcases the darkness of a world without Superman. The movie begins by showcasing how much the world has come to love Superman after his many years as a hero, includinghis fellow Justice League members.
The tension is palpable since, before Superman fights Doomsday, the villain is shown just how powerful he is by fighting the Justice League, with people like Aquaman and Wonder Woman failing to have an impact. So, when Superman dies at the end of the story, it feels on par with the ending of Avengers: Infinity War. It was the same feeling that readers felt all those years ago when Superman died in the comic.
The second chapter ofThe Death Of SupermanisReign Of The Supermen, focusing on the world dealing with the aftermath of Superman’s death, with people like Lois Lane and Bibbo Bibbowski struggling in a world without him. Even the Justice League’s various reactions to Superman’s death can be tear-jerking.
It even introduces potential Superman replacements like Cyborg Superman, Steel, and The Eradicator, building up to the eventual return of Superman. Suddenly, the world that had become so cynical and dark fills up with light and hope,despite Superman wearing a darker suit. The fights between the Supermen are a great highlight, especially the climactic showdown between Superman and Cyborg Superman, which has a twist that some fans might not expect.
Instead of depicting Superman battling aliens and beings from other dimensions,All-Star Supermanoffers a more introspective look at the superhero as he spends his final months of life. After absorbing too much solar radiation, Superman is now terminally ill, so he uses his remaining time with Lois Lane to accomplish as much as he can.
All-Star Supermanis regarded asan important comic by DC fansbecause it showcases Superman at his strongest and most vulnerable simultaneously. Ultimately, Superman is simply a good and humble man striving to improve the world for those in it, which definesAll-Star Supermanand is faithfully adapted in the movie.
