Superman: The Animated Series’ second season officially aired in 1997 (same year Final Fantasy VII came out) on Kids WB a few months after the first season’s finale. Season 2 earned positive reviews from critics, fans and viewers alike. James Gunn’s Superman reboot is out in theaters. Don’t forget to check out my non-spoiler review. Milly Alcock will play Supergirl in solo movie scheduled to be released on June 26, 2026. I wanna share my thoughts on Supes’ second season. Support upcoming movies and shows set within Mr. Gunn’s DC Universe.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Tim Daly, Clancy Brown, Dana Delaney, David Kaufman reprise their roles from the first season. They all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Bruce Timm mapped out all episodes.
Animation brings a few elements to life including character models, fluid movement lighting and environmental locations.
Action Sequences showcase Superman going head-to-head with his opponents.
Shirley Walker orchestrated the opening theme and soundtrack
Familiar faces guest star in specific episodes.
My personal favorite episode in the entire series is the three-parter, “World’s Finest.”
Weak: Selected episodes (not much) contain a flaw.
Episodes 14-15 – Blasts From the Past Parts 1-2
When Superman discovers a projector filled with deadly threats, he releases a Kryptonian named, Mala. Upon gaining powers from the yellow sun, she uses them for evil releasing another Kryptonian prisoner, Jax-Ur. He’s voiced by OG Hellboy, Ron Perlman.
The Phantom Zone isn’t a mirror prison from Christopher Reeve’s version, it comes from the aforementioned projector.
Episode 16 – The Prometheon
Supes must stop a Kaiju sized stone monster from absorbing heat and radiation.
Episode 17 – Speed Demons
Superman partakes in a charity race around the world with his future Justice League teammate, The Flash. When Weather Wizard causes a deadly storm, Supes & Flash postpone their race in order to stop Weather Wizard from wreaking havoc.
Miguel Ferrer guest stars as Weather Wizard
Episode 18 – Livewire
After being struck by lightning, Shock Jock, Leslie Willis (voiced by Lori Petty) gains electrical powers like Spider-Man villain, Electro. She uses them to battle Supes.
I believe Livewire’s named after a Motley Crue song.
Episode 19 – Identity Crisis
Supes meets Bizarro. Lex cloned the Man of Steel as a prototype to create an army of Supermen.
The Scarlet Speedster’s foe, Weather Wizard (voiced by the late Miguel Ferrer) creates dangerous storms.
Superman drilling himself underground pays homage to a scene from Christopher Reeve’s movie.
Episode 20 – Target
Robert Hays (Ted Stryker from Airplane!) guest stars.
An assailant puts a hit on Lois.
The perp’s identity is revealed. He’s linked to a well-known bad guy.
Episode 21 – Mxyzpixilated
Gilbert Gottfried (may he Rest in Peace) guest stars as Mr. Mxyzptlk. It’s a darn shame he’s no longer around. He would’ve been perfect for James Gunn’s DC Universe.
Mxzyptlik challenges Superman by making say his name backwards. If he does, Mxzyptlik won’t pester him.
A comic strip’s published by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster. They’re the Man of Steel’s creators.
One scene shows how Superman shaves. He looks in the mirror. Uses his heat vision by deflecting the beam on his face. Brody from “Mallrats” would have a field day rambling about superhero physiology.
Episode 22 – Action Figures
Ernie Hudson guest stars as a geologist.
Malcolm McDowell reprises his role as Metallo.
Emerging from the sea with no memory, Metallo befriends two kids. It doesn’t last long, he seeks revenge towards Supes.
The kids nickname Metallo, Steelman. There’s already a character in the DC Universe named, Steel. Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal starred in that stinker. Shaq’s also a huge Superman fan.
Episode 23 – Double Dose
Lori Petty reprises her role as Livewire.
Livewire joins Parasite to fight Supes.
One line made me laugh. “The Boy Scout brought protection.” Imagine saying that outta context?
Episode 24 – Solar Power
Robert Hays reprises his role as Edward Lytener. An original character not from the comics.
Due to Lytener changing the blue sky to red, a weakened Supes must stop him.
Superman utters out, “Where are They? This predates Batman’s line from “The Dark Knight?”
Episode 25 – Brave New Metropolis
Lois stumbles upon an alternate universe where Superman & Lex rule the world.
Superman as a tyrant predates his role in the fighting game, “Injustice.”
Episode 26 – Monkey Fun
Lois’ childhood chimpanzee, Titano returns from space. Turns out a radioactive asteroid turns him into a giant monster like King Kong.
Episode 27 – Ghost in the Machine
Brainiac takes over Lex’s computers. He forces him to build a new body.
Meanwhile, Supes teams up with Lex’s bodyguard, Mercy Graves to find him. To quote Michael Shannon as General Zod from “Man of Steel”… “I WILL FIND HIM!”
Episode 28 – Father’s Day
To make his daddy proud, Darkseid’s son, Kalibak goes to Earth in an attempt to kill Supes.
Michael Ironside guest stars as Darkseid.
Episodes 29-31 – World’s Finest Parts 1-3
Superman forms a partnership with Batman. Together, they must stop Lex & Joker’s villainous scheme.
I consider World’s Finest as my favorite episode of Season 2. I prefer this three-parter over “Batman v. Superman.” It told a better story as well as legit chemistry between Clark Kent & Bruce Wayne. Thank goodness the latter doesn’t yell… “MARTHA, WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME!?”
When Joker’s operations are seized, he makes a deal with Lex to kill Superman in exchange for a billion dollars. To quote Heath Ledger’s Joker in “The Dark Knight.” “If you’re good at something never do it for free.”
Lois goes out with Bruce. Clark gives his buddy a dirty look. For a tall dark and handsome guy, Bruce gets all the ladies.
One scene shows Bruce switching his normal voice to a deep baritone. Kevin was influenced by Michael Keaton’s Batman. Mr. Keaton’s version is a gruff soft-spoken tone. Christian Bale & Robert Pattinson did their own take on Batman’s voice.
Joker dances while beating up Superman. This predates Joaquin Phoenix’s infamous staircase scene.
Lex works on robotic spiders. Reminds me of that time Kevin Smith reflecting on “Superman Lives.” He thought a giant robot spider was dumb.
Episode 32 – Bizzaro’s World
Bizzaro learns about Superman’s origin story. He wants to reenact Krypton and the fateful explosion. Supes must prevent Bizzaro from destroying Metropolis. He needs to be in James Gunn’s DC Universe.
A funny moment with Bizzaro mistaking a doorman for Jor-El.
Episode 33 – The Hand of Fate
Supes recruits Doctor Fate/Kent Nelson to stop Karkill.
Doctor Fate later appeared as a playable fighter in “Injustice” and Pierce Brosnan portrayed him in “Black Adam.”
Ted Levine guest stars as Karkill
Episode 35 Prototype
Yay: Lexcorp employee, John Henry Irons invents a protype exosuit as the next big thing. A cop named, Mills puts it on. At first, a patrol was a success. Suddenly, the suit goes awry.
John Henry Irons first appeared in “The Death of Superman.” He became Steel. Then, Shaq portrayed him in a critical and commercial flop.
Mills’ suit reminds me of “RoboCop.”
Michael Dorn (Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation) guest stars as John Henry Irons.
Nay: When Mills blinds Superman, silly music plays in the background. Not appropriate battle music. As if Chris Farley in “Dirty Work” accidently played the “Pina Cola” song in the jukebox instead of Rolling Stones’ “Street Fightin’ Man.” The latter tune was used in V for Vendetta’s end credits.
Episode 36 – The Late Mr. Kent
This episode’s takes a darker route as a detective story. Clark’s wants to challenge himself succeeding without the red and blue suit.
I don’t remember the final scene went very dark. If you’ve seen it, you probably know what I’m talkin’ about.
Episode 37 – Heavy Metal
John Henry Irons builds a new suit of armor under Steel. He puts it to the test, help Supes battle Metallo.
Michael Dorn & Malcolm McDowell guest star.
Episode 38 – Warrior Queen
A spoiled queen named, Maxima (voiced by Sharon Lawrence) seeks Supes as her king.
Two parts made me laugh. At the 3:01 mark, De’Cine (voiced by Miguel Ferrer) half smiles. Maxima yells, “I want him now!” Reminds me of Verruca Salt from “Willy Wonka.’ Her catchphrase. “I want it now!”
A familiar face makes a cameo at the end.
Episodes 39- 40 – Apokolips…Now Parts 1-2
The two-part episode’s title is a play-on-word of “Apocalypse Now.”
Dan Turpin factors in assisting Supes. He’s modeled after late comic book artist, Jack Kirby. Orion also helps Supes combat Darkseid and his army.
A flashback shows context on the New Gods.
A shocking moment near the end.
This episode dedicates Mr. Kirby’s memory.
Episodes 41- 42 – Little Girl Lost Parts 1-2
Found: Supes discovers the sole survivor of planet Argo. She’s none other than Supergirl/Kara. She wants to prove him she can protect people.
Supergirl squares off with an intergang led by Granny Goodness.
Nicholle Tom guest stars as Supergirl.
Ed Asner guest stars as Granny Goodness.
Missing: Unlike the comics, Kara’s not Clark’s cousin by blood, she pretends to be one. Due to legal issues, had a policy not to allow Supergirl as another Kryptonian survivor. Only Superman’s allowed.
The FINAL VErDICt: A-
Superman’s second season is near perfect. If you’re waiting patiently for Milly Alcock’s Supergirl movie, check out Bruce Timm’s Superman cartoon along with “Justice League.” Which DC show should I review next? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 