Superman: The Complete Animated Series (DVD)

Superman is truly one of the greatest superheroes ever to bear the title. He also happens to be one of the most maligned. There's even an entire website dedicated to proving he's a jerk. Few things make a mean-spirited comic geek smile more then seeing The Man of Steel getting his rear end handed to him. Some of the reasons for this are innate to the nature of the character, and some are based on the way the character has been handled by writers in the past (what with the racist WWII propaganda and all). Supe's reputation as "The Big Blue Boy Scout" makes him a fairly lame goody-two-shoes kind of hero, which is really hard to get away from without changing the character entirely. Modern sensibilities prefer darker heroes like Batman. Also, the fact that Superman is ridiculously overpowered makes him hard to root for. We like underdogs. Underdogs generally aren't invincible with superspeed, heat beams, x-ray vision, plus immortal with infinite strength. Most great heroes are flawed and are often at a disadvantage against their villains, but Superman was always portrayed as flawless and indomitable. Unless you had a green rock that is. That's what we call an uninteresting weakness. Also, Supes has become a massively utilized deus ex machina device for DC comic writers. Write yourself into an impossible situation in a Green Arrow story? No worries, Ollie can just shout Clark's name and all's taken care of. Ugh. But when you get down to it, we all grew up with him and we all love him. He's as American as apple pie and 10 times more iconic. He's also one of those characters whose moral compass is always clean. It may make him boring, but it also makes him a perfect hero. After the massive success that was Batman: The Animated Series, where else would DC's amazing animation team go? And they did an amazing job with a hero whose kiddie comic legacy gave them little to work with. Here's the textbook for writing great Superman stories, right here.Now, Supe's God complex was the first thing that needed to go. No turning back time at light speed or moving planets out of orbit for this Superman. This is a powered down version of the character who retains all of his powers from the comics, but has them amped down just enough to make him vulnerable and more relatable. He regularly has to use his brain to outwit villains, which is great. Second, the characters needed work. The shallowness of The Man of Steel's rogues gallery is legendary. Plus his legacy is layered with more cheese then a Chicago-style pizza. While there are numerous winks and references to the old school (Krypto and Bepto even get nods), this iteration really brought a hipper attitude and presentation of the denizens of Metropolis while walking the line between respect to the source material and updating outmoded devices flawlessly. This show is quite simply the definitive Superman. It pays tribute to the Golden Age with a sly sense of humor, but makes bold strokes to set itself apart from every past version of the character and the result should please all fans old and new.Pretty much the entire "Batman" team returned for this show, which accounts for the quality, and the voice acting was again as impressive as the fluid animation and great character designs. Dana Delaney is the perfect Lois Lane. She plays the character as cynical and snarky but lovable and entirely fearless. It's still annoying to me that the best reporter on the planet can't figure out that her closest co-worker is Superman with glasses on, Especially considering she finds out who Batman is in a day or two. I'd prefer that relationship just be out in the open already. Suspension of disbelief only goes so far. Other awesome contributions to the show include Michael Ironside as planet conquering overlord Darkseid, the fantastic Malcolm McDowell as kryptonite-fueled terminator Metallo, Lori Petty as Livewire (who was created for this series and proved to be one of the more memorable villains), and Brad Garrett as The Main Man himself, Lobo. A great cast goes a long way to making a good animated endeavor an unforgettable one. Like "Batman" the show also featured episodes co-starring many other DC regulars including Steel, Dr. Fate, Aquaman, The Flash (who challenges Supes to a footrace), Green Lantern, and others. The centerpiece of the series is an epic three episode arc teaming up The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel in a perfect melding of the two series. Bruce Wayne sweeps Lois off of her feet, Harley Quinn has a catfight with Lex Luthor's bodyguard Mercy Graves (another of several character created for the show that ended up being adapted to the comics), The Joker owns Supey and Luthor alike; the whole thing screams "WE LOVE YOU!" to fans of both shows. It was the first time they would cross over, but not the last. Eventually the entire DCAU would be united in the flawless Justice League series as a result.While "Superman: The Animated Series" is not as good as the Batman and JLA series, the difference in quality is negligible. This is a remarkable cartoon show that is probably even more enjoyable for adults then it is for children due to the sly humor and occasional darkness that marks this as the best adaptation of the character ever. Obnoxious interdimensional imp Mr. Mxyzptlk (voiced by Gilbert Goddfried, no less) being outwitted in seconds (he has to say his own name backwards to be sent back to his own dimension) by Clark and then spending 3 months plotting his next scheme while ignoring his Jessica Rabbit-looking sexpot of a wife only to be outsmarted in seconds again is too funny. And the evil irony of a murderer deducing Superman's secret identity exactly one second before he is executed is black comedy at it's finest. And let me tell you, the final arc shows us a seriously dark side to the Kryptonian boy scout. However, I honestly find it hard to believe that they went three full seasons without General Zod and his crew. They had a pair of Kryptonian criminals that were similar, but I think it's safe to say we would have rather seen updated versions of the villains from The best Superman film.While the cynic in me still likes to see Supes get owned now and again, this show made me realize just he much fondness I still have for the character and what he stands for. He holds a unique role as the prototypical American superhero who was and is the ideal champion to children everywhere. The 70's films with Christopher Reeve will remain cherished classics for generations to come. Big Blue deserves his props and this is where he really got it outside of comics it for the first time since Reeve wore the cape and refused to kneel before Zod. Fans of "Batman: The Animated Series" or comic book superheroes in general need to check this out. This is how you adapt The Man of Steel.4 1/2 stars, rounded up for degree of difficulty.

When the critically-acclaimed "Batman - the Animated Series" premiered on Fox in the early 90's, it was obvious that the same production team would take a stab at DC fellow stablemate, Superman. "Superman - the Animated Series" ran on the WB from 1996-2000 and had the same top quality writing, animation, and use of top name acting talent as had its predecessor.The series is especially notable for assembling some of the best "voices" for any animated series. Dana Delaney is great as Lois Lane while David Kaufman perfectly assays the role of Jimmy Olsen. Just like Kevin Conroy is the definite Batman/Bruce Wayne, appearing in five episodes of the show, Clancy Brown is perfection as Superman's nemesis, Lex Luthor.The last, but certainly not least of the main characters, is Superman/Clark Kent, voiced by Tim Daly. The former "Wings" star does a good job of bringing "Ole Blue" to life. However, it is the actor's turn as Bizarro in three installments that is a treat for the ears. It's hard to imagine that Daly voices both Superman and his not-too-bright Doppelganger. That is a testament to Daly's skills as an actor.In addition to the main characters, recurring and guest villains are also brilliantly portrayed by the likes of Mike Farrell and real-life wife Shelley Fabares (Pa and Ma Kent), Malcolm McDowell (Metallo in 4 instalments), Brad Garrett (Bibbo and Lobo),Corey Burton (Braniac), Gilbert Gottfried (Mr. Mxyzptlk), Michael Dorn (Kalibak and John Steel), Ed Asner as the deliciously wicked Granny Goodness, and Michael Ironside as the despot Darkseid, just to cite a few.Speaking of the latter two, Asner and Ironside appear as their respective characters in the best episodes of the series, which include "Little Girl Lost,Parts I and II," "Apokolips, Parts I and II," and "Legacy, Parts I and II." These installments not only are inspired by legendary Jack Kirby's Fourth World series but demonstrate a more intense look at the Man of Steel as he faces what is arguably his greatest foe in the form of Darkseid."Apokolips, Part II" also features one of the most surprising deaths of ANY television series, bar none.In addition to the series 54 episodes, this compilation has some really good audio commentary on several episodes, interesting looks at the myth of Superman, and a short piece on Darkseid.While some may decry the fact that there are some double-sided discs in the set, the bargain price makes up for the packaging issue.

We all know that Superman has been around longer than most of us can actually remember. Over the years, various individuals have created the character for comics, radio shows, television, and movies. In the 1990s, another such attempt was made, bringing us Tim Daly as the voice of an animated Man of Steel who kept the world safe from the likes of Lex Luthor and other nefarious foes. Their effort was well worth it as this series and Tim Daly's voice talent as the leading man brought us a Superman that fans old and new can enjoy. This series' terrific voice cast includes Dana Delany as Lois Lane, Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor, David Kaufman as Jimmy Olsen, Michael Ironside as Darkseid, Corey Burton as Brainiac and many more wonderful actors who brought a breath of fresh air to these classic characters. And what is a new incarnation without new characters? Lisa Edelstein and Lori Petty bring new creations Mercy Graves and Livewire respectively to the screen and both characters later earned a well-deserved transfer to the comics' cannon. And let's not forget the special appearances made by the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime. Yes, the three-part episode "World's Finest" can now be considered one of the greatest works within the DC Animated Universe. That's not to say that Batgirl's later appearance to help Supergirl foil Poison Ivy, Livewire, and Harley Quinn wasn't great as well...that was an episode that showed women who could hold their own. Personally, my favorite episode of this series will always be "The Late Mr. Kent" but I won't say more on that...you'll just have to watch and see why. I will say that this episode can be considered "the best of the best" as this series was amazing from pilot to finale. Enjoy.

This is an exceptionally good cartoon that once more continues the DC tradition of having kid-friendly plots on top of some sophisticated themes. Death, love, law, morality, friendship, sexism, family, sacrifice, etc. are all dealt with by these cartoons. But in a way that's subtle enough for young children, who don't have a strong grasp on these complex concepts, to completely miss. The episodes are full of action and plenty of laughs too. Tim Daly does an excellent job as the voice of Superman (perhaps tied with Christopher Reeve as my favorite superman on screen). A lot of other superb actors contribute their voice talents to the show, making the acting some of the best in animation. The animation itself isn't the top-notch quality that will characterize later Justice League shows (or some of the earlier Batman shows), but it gets the job done and still looks good on a large HD TV.The series does a good job of starting to bring characters together from the DC universe, with guest appearances from Steel, Dr. Fate, Flash, Green Lantern, etc., and of course, a 3-episode special starring Batman/Bruce Wayne. It really makes for good viewing and leads well into the ensuing Justice League series. There are plenty of villains portrayed, ranging from fairly harmless (a giant pet chimp) to the ultimate in ominous Darkseid (voiced by the awesome Michael Ironside).Overall, I've really enjoyed watching these, and the kids I've watched them with enjoyed them even more. Given that there are 54 episodes, or roughly 30 hours of Superman to watch, and the fact that they are often on sale means this is an easy five stars.

Je suis fan de l'univers DC et tout particulièrement de Superman. Etant plus jeune j'adorais regarder cette série et j'ai adoré la redécouvrir. On est étonné de la maturité des épisodes. Ils sont tous reliés les uns aux autres et tous l'univers de Superman est retranscrit. C'est un très très bon produit. Parfait pour faire découvrir cet univers aux enfants d'aujourd'hui. Le seul hic que je retiens c'est qu'on passe peu de temps avec Clark Kent. En fait la relation Kent-Lois est très peu développée. L'équipe de Bruce Timm s'est davantage concentrée sur Superman en lui-même, ce qui quand même très appréciable car brillamment fait.Je l'ai importé des USA. Les délais ont été très rapides, je crois environ 10 jours. Chaque épisode est disponible en français. Moi j'ai préféré la version anglaise sous-titrée comme à l'accoutumée. L'anglais est très basique et bien prononcé donc si vous souhaitez améliorer votre niveau, ce coffret pourrait faire l'affaire.J'ai tellement aimé que je me suis commandé la Justice League...

This series is a must-watch for any fans of Superman, or of animation in general. This is part of the DCAU series, and leads directly in to the Justice League cartoons. I picked this up and was not disappointed, although the hefty customs charge was an annoyance (I wish they would release this, and the Justice League DVDs, for the UK market).Most of the DVDs are double-sided, so the label art is limited and basic where it is present. The set really shines in its content: the full series, several commentaries, and a few extras. The series features stylised animation that has held up well, and the voice acting is superb. This is definitely worth the money.

Grew up with Superman and DC Comics as well as Warner Brother Animations. Watched it with my family and have so many fond memories. Love the positive goodness of classic Superman. Powerful yet humble. Something you do not see in a lot of modern heroes. Really enjoy when team ups occur with other superheroes, especially Batman and Superman, but also together with Robin, Batgirl, and Nightwing too. Superman and Batman are awesome complements to each another. Both are superheroes and logical scientific thinkers with right balance regarding nature and the occult.

The live action series are always limited by budgets and often it shows **Cough - Lois & Clark - cough**, however with a cartoon they can do whatever they want and this enables some very entertaining stories with some great villains.This even beats Smallville for me as the best interpretation of Superman and Tim Daly is the only voice of Superman for me, Clancy Brown does the definitive Lex Luthor and really bring the characters to life.Superman is not as strong in this as he has been portrayed in the comics so often he gets a beating, although he always wins in the end - he is Superman after all.