Thanks to “Batman: The Animated Series” earning unanimous praise, Steven Spielberg was impressed by the cartoon. He talked to Bruce Timm into making an animated superhero worked on an animated superhero comedy, “Freakazoid.” While working on Freakazoid, he developed another superhero cartoon. This time, it’s The Dark Knight’s polar opposite, “Superman: The Animated Series” with Tim Daly as the Man of Steel.
Season 1 officially aired in 1996 (same year Mission Impossible came out) on Kids’ WB earning praise from critics, fans and viewers alike. Superman’s cartoon spawned three seasons, a video game, “Superman: Shadow of Apokolips,” and appeared in a follow-up series, “Justice League” and another follow-up series, “Justice League Unlimited.” I confess, first time I’ve heard of Superman was Bruce Timm’s ’90s cartoon. Back then, I had no info it was based on DC Comics. I also had no clue there were other previous shows starring the late George Reeves & Dean Cain. I gotta give Mr. Timm credit for introducing me to DC Comics. I’m more of a Batman guy.
Anyway, James “JG” Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman movie starring David Corenswet, will be released on July 11, 2025. Approximately twelve days before my birthday. As you may know, Mr. Gunn’s in charge of the DC Universe discarding the DC Extended Universe in favor of rebooting the entire cinematic universe. “Creature Commandos” is currently streaming on Max. Before I gear up for Superman’s movie, I wanna share my thoughts on Bruce Timm’s cartoon.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Tim Daly, Clancy Brown, Dana Delany, Danny Kaufman & Lisa Edelstein all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances. I consider Mr. Brown as the definitive version of Lex Luthor. It’s gonna be tricky for Nicholas Hoult to pull of his take on Lex.
Bruce Timm did a decent job mapping out all thirteen episodes.
Animation’s brighter than Batman’s cartoon. Makes sense because the Man of Steel reflects his Boy Scout personality. The Caped Crusader represents a film noir mystery crime-thriller. Both heroes are light and dark.
The Tone’s lighter and hopeful than Batman.
Shirley Walker orchestrated the opening theme.
A few familiar faces guest star in various episodes.
- Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore)
- Malcolm McDowell
- Brad Garrett
- Michael Ironside (Sam Fisher from Splinter Cell)
- Joely Fisher (Carrie Fisher’s real-life sister)
- Tony Jay
- Brian Cox (William Stryker from X2: X-Men United)
Weak: Nobody in Metropolis recognizes Clark Kent is Superman. He wears glasses. It would take a mask or heavy makeup to fool the public.
Episodes 1-3 – The Last Son of Krypton
This three-parter retells Superman’s origin story that we’ve seen countless times. Krypton blows up, raised by adopted human parents, learns about his lineage yada yada yada.
Superman squares off with John Corben. He later becomes Metallo.
At first, Marta wants to name Kal-El, Christopher. A reference to the late Christopher Reeve.
Marta mentioned “That nut in Gotham.” Obviously alluding to Batman.
Part 3’s last scene sets up what’s yet to come.
Episode 4 – Fun and Games
Toyman seeks revenge on a gangster. He kidnaps both the perp and Lois. It’s up to Supes to save them. Toyman isn’t so tough. This is just the beginning.
We learn about Toyman’s backstory.
Toyman’s bouncing ball bounces in ludicrous speed like “Flubber.” Speaking of which, Clancy later played a henchman in that lackluster movie.
Episode 5 – A Little Piece of Home
Lex discovers Superman’s weak to green rocks known as, Kryptonite.
Lex’s bodyguard, Mercy Graves makes her debut. She later appears in comics.
Episode 6 – Feeding Time
A lowly janitor named, Rudy Jones accidently comes into contact with toxic waste becoming Parasite. He has the power to drain powers and obtain the victim’s memory.
Episode 7 – The Way of All Flesh
Diagnosed with an incurable disease, John Corben visits Lex to transfer his mind into a new body. Not just a human body, but a robotic one.
Half of Metallo’s robotic face pays homage to “The Terminator.”
A Plot Twist involving how Metallo came to be.
At the 19:15 mark, a funny moment with Lex & Metallo. An explosion causes them to fly into the air while their butts are literally on fire.
Episode 8 – Stolen Memories
Brainiac arrives on Earth. Confronts the Last Son of Krypton.
Brainiac says, “Most impressive.” Darth Vader’s line from “The Empire Strikes Back.” “Impressive, most impressive.”
A polar bear shows up towards the end. Reminds me of Kevin Smith telling a story about “Superman Lives.”
Episodes 9-10 – The Main Man
Space bounty hunter, Lobo (voiced by Brad Garrett) is offered to capture Supes alive for a big price. In case you didn’t know, Jason Momoa’s playing Lobo in “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.”
After Lobo’s double-crossed by his contractor, he and Supes are forced to work together.
There’s a KISS poster in Lobo’s simulated jail cell. KISS is also one of my favorite bands.
Episode 11 – My Girl
Yay: Clark’s old flame, Lana Lang (voiced by Joely Fisher) dates Lex. She stumbles upon Supes & Lex’s predicament.
Supes saves a train from falling down, pays tribute to Christopher Reeve’s version. This time he uses rails.
Lana mentioned Batgirl.
Nay: Animation error involving Lana’s red hair changing from light to dark.
Episode 12 – Tools of the Trade
Loaded: Kanto (voiced by Michael York) gives the Intergang weapons from the planet Apokolips. Kanto serves his master, Darkseid. The latter’s voiced by Michael Ironside.
Empty: A cop shoots a tank. That’s pretty dumb wasting bullets.
Episode 13 – Two’s a Crowd
Desperate to track down a time bomb, Superman’s forced to recruit Parasite by draining the head of a scientist, Earl Garver voiced by Brian Cox. It becomes a mishap when the latter share’s a body with him.
The Final Verdict: A-
Superman: The Animated Series’ first season is a decent start. If you’re a fan of the Man of Steel or waiting for James Gunn’s film, watch all four seasons. Don’t forget to check out Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 