Search - Superman - The Animated Series, Volumes 1-3 (DC Comics Classic Collection) on DVD

A good series that never quite flew

Frank Adamson | 09/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Superman's most recent animated series could have been a great show, but it never quite made it. Part of the problem was an unfair comparison to the Batman series, which had just finished production (though it would be renewed briefly for the Superman/Batman hour). While Batman immediately had a sense of theme and mood--dark, gothic, and occasionally morbid--Superman suffered from being pushed into the daylight. It's easier to believe that criminals in a city of perpetual night would look and act like maniacs, but in sunny Metropolis it's often difficult to get beyond the silliness of the supervillains. The show's creators made a good decision by incorporating elements of Kirby's Fourth World (e.g., Darkseid's invasion of Earth) into the show, thereby placing Superman in a universe of super-powered beings even more larger-than-life than himself.

Unfortunately, the show did not last long enough to do a great job with the Fourth World, and it wasted too much time on trivial villains like Toyman, Parasite, Livewire and Bizarro. Meanwhile, promising villains like Brainiac (inventively rethought for the show), Metallo and two Kryptonian criminals showed up only rarely and might as well have been tossed altogether. After a fun beginning, where old and new characters were creatively introduced, the show tapered off into mediocrity, and ended with a handful of overly-preachy episodes that couldn't be saved, even by an excellent finale (once again utilizing the Fourth World).

Still, the show has some glorious highlights. The episode "Mxzpixilated" is one of the funniest things ever to hit television, and is one of the few Mxyzptlk stories I enjoy. Brainiac recreated as Krypton's artificial intelligence was a stroke of genius, and provided a new context for his previous "shrunken cities" shtick. Lana Lang as a fashion designer was a great idea that wasn't used often enough, but when it was it worked (especially in "The Late Mr. Kent"). The concept of Supergirl as a native of Krypton's sister planet was also well done, and she was a great, cheery character.

It's unfortunate that the show's creators never quite found the same groove that they found for Batman, but this series was still a valiant attempt at recreating the Superman mythos. Maybe the "Superman Curse" spreads into all attempts to tell Superman stories; very few of the shows and movies manage to do it well. Still, this is one of the best."

You won't regret purchusing this terrific series!

Blindguy07 | Arkansas, Conway, USA | 08/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've never seen Superman the animated series, and if you have the cash, this is the perfect way to enjoy it. Should you choose to purchus volumes I-III, you'll get all 54 episodes of this hit series.
What are you in for if you buy this set? Well, here are some highlights from each volume.
In Volume I, we discover the origin story of Earth's greatest hero in an explosive three part pilot, The Last Son of Krypton. We also get our first look at Lex Luthor, who has spent years having his own way in Metropolis, and isn't happy to see this new savior show up. Superman also faces Brainiac for the first time, and this villain, I must tell you, has strong connections to Superman's past. The Flash also makes a guest appearance in Speed Demons, Superman's first superhero team up. We're also introduced to Lobo, a galactic bounty hunter who's bent on adding Superman to the collection of an alien preserver. Bonus features in this volume include a look at the conception of the series, as well as taking a closer look at some of Superman's fellow protagonists. Oh, and did I mension that we're also introduced to one of Superman's greatest foes, Darksied? Hang on because I'm not done boasting about this fantastic series yet.
In volume II, Superman must face an insane, but well meaning clone of himself, Bizarro, who. And he must also team up with Dr. Fate to stop a powerful demon from transforming all of Metropolis into his slaves. Brainiac also makes a comeback. And Darksied's horrific son journeys to Earth in order to test Superman's metal. But the greatest highlight of Volume II is when the Dark Knight himself ventures to Metropolis. Batman and Superman meet for the first time, and must work together to stop Lex Luthor and the Joker who have also joined forces. An excelent three parter, and a nice taste of what's to come in terms of the Justice League. Bonus features in this volume include a look at the villains of Superman, and several audio commentaries.
In the third and final volume of Superman, Cal El is in for the fight of his life because Darksied has finally decided to set his sights on Earth. Superman must draw on all of his strength in order to defeat his greatest adversary. But this time, Superman's victory comes with a terrible price. These events occur in Apocalypse Now, a very memorable two part episode. But Superman isn't alone in his struggles, for he discovers a surviver of Argo, sister planet to Krypton, and she decides to take up the mantle of Supergirl in another one of my favorite multipart episodes, Little Girl Lost. There are more Superhero team ups in this volume. Superman joins forces once again with Batman to stop Ra's Al Gul. And he must also team up with Aquaman in order to defeat Lex Luthor. And the series ends with a thrilling two part episode entitled Legacy in which Superman is manipulated and brainwashed into attacking Earth, the planet he has sworn to protect. And he must try to regain his reputation, as well as face off against Darksied and the forces of Apocalypse yet again.
So if you have the money to spend, why not buy all three volumes of this wonderful series? This is and will always be my favorite incarnation of Superman. So if you choose to buy this set, enjoy!"

Episode list

Frederik Tellerup | Denmark | 06/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Superman - The Animated Series episodes:

1. SEASON

Disc 1:

The Last Son Of Krypton Part 1
The Last Son Of Krypton Part 2
The Last Son Of Krypton Part 3
Fun And Games
A Little Piece Of Home
Feeding Time


Disc 2, Side A:

The Way Of All Flesh
Stolen Memories
The Main Man Part 1
The Main Man Part 2
My Girl
Tools Of The Trade
Two's A Crowd
The Prometheon


Disc 2, Side B:

Blasts From The Past Part 1
Blasts From The Past Part 2
Livewire
Speed Demons


2. SEASON

Disc 1:

Identity Crisis
Target
Action Figures
Mxyzpixilated
Double Dose
Solar Power


Disc 2, Side A:

Monkey Fun
Brave New Metropolis
Ghost in the Machine
World's Finest: Part 1
World's Finest: Part 2
World's Finest: Part 3


Disc 2, Side B:

Father's Day
The Hand of Fate
Bizarro's World
Prototype
The Late Mr. Kent
Heavy Metal


3. SEASON

Disc 1:

Warrior Queen
Apokolips...Now! Part 1
Apokolips...Now! Part 2
Little Girl Lost Part 1
Little Girl Lost Part 2
Where There's Smoke


Disc 2, Side A:

Knight Time
New Kids in Town
Obsession
Little Big Head Man
Absolute Power
In Brightest Day


Disc 2, Side B:

Superman's Pal
A Fish Story
Unity
The Demon Reborn
Legacy Part 1
Legacy Part 2"

One of the greatest cartoons of the 90's

John Cunningham | 02/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1996, Superman: the Animated Series was brought to us by the same creative minds that delivered 1992's critically acclaimed Batman: the Animated Series. With a similar but even more simplified design style, the series was beautifully animated and captured the essence of the Man of Steel in the same way that its predecessor depicted the Dark Knight.

Everyone knows the origin of Superman by now: the last survivor of the doomed planet Krypton, baby Kal-El is sent to Earth in a rocket and adopted by a young farm couple, the Kents. Adopted and named Clark, Kal-El is granted super-human powers by the Sun's yellow sun rays. After moving to Metropolis, Clark dons the identity of Superman in order to protect the innocent and stop the morally corrupt. Tim Daly offers an intelligent and extremely likable depiction of Superman and has remained a fan favorite for his performance. Dana Delany starts opposite him as the relentless reporter Lois Lane, and the two have excellent chemistry together. Supporting characters Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Supergirl and many others from the comics feature prominently in the series and all receive respectful treatment. Lex Luthor (with an amazing performance by Clancy Brown) is both supporting player and arch-villain, while various villains from the comics (Darkseid, Parasite, Metallo, Toyman, Bizarro and others) all provide memorable moments throughout the series.

There is a long standing debate among fans regarding whether this series tops the Batman series. Batman remains my favorite, although I will concede that this series is highly underrated and more consistent in quality episodes than most of the DCAU. Regardless of which is better, I urge you to buy both, as their both shining examples of what children's animation is capable of."