This line and the line from Lois in response to Clark saying "what if he's just a nice guy who wants to help other people?" which is "Clark, that's what *you* would do if you had powers" are both such excellent distillations of the character.
I like evil superman as long as they are extremely interesting. In specific Omniman and Homelander are very different with great actors. However let injustice sleep
@@blackouthorus1519 At least in that show you get time to know the character before they have the main course. His entire story from Superman to Justice league and then beyond
The thing I loved about this depiction of Lois and Clark's romance is that Superman is never competition for Clark. Clark is never forced to be jealous of a part of his own identity. Lois and Clark's romance is shared and not one sided.
Yeah I hate it when they make it about Lois falling in love with Superman & never giving much thought to Clark. S&L and this show do the better take: She falls in love with Clark's humanity instead of his alien side.
@@nugget3327idk, the interview/date night where first Lois spends time with Superman, then Clark. The way Clark is tempted to take off his glasses and dropping the act, but then returning to the bumbling reporter role.
I really love the fact that Kryptonian is not immediately magically comprehensible in this continuity, making Clark having to chip bit by bit to discover more about his heritage being a big part of his journey as a character instead of just back story setup. Especially since it's something that makes sense yet is unique because most Superman adaptations haven't tried it.
I also love that Kryptonian language is very harsh and seems antagonistic. That Clark is getting the worst introduction of his people. It's found it comparable to somebody from Germany growing up in Britain after WW2. It's a really great take on the mythos of Krypton and I'm surprised it wasn't done before...
It fits in really well with how he discovers new powers each episode. He's chipping away at his identity in both senses, instead of having everything frontloaded and comprehensible immediately.
10:18 "Vicki Vale is Lois' ideal self" Fitting then that Vicki's character design resembles many past Lois designs more than her own traditional designs.
They set up a parallel between the two, but I don't think the writers actually caught on to what they've done. Vicki Vale wants to spread negative lies to the public about Superman because she hates him, but halfway through the season Lois Lane wants to spread positive lies about Superman because she likes him. Replace Superman with any random politician and you'll notice their journalism is two sides of the same corrupt coin.
@@mariokarter13 -- speaking of bias; it's looking more like you've got a bias against journalists than anything else, man. The only thing Lois did was keep Clark's identity a secret. That's not the same thing as Vale's muck-raking. Not even close. You took false equivalency to a whole new level.
I don't think that was quite accurate though. I think it's more accurate to say that Lois *thought* Vale was her ideal self... but then she got a look at the truth behind the legend, and it helped crystalize what kind of reporter Lois wanted to be. She had a choice between success through dishonesty, or a harder uphill slog while fighting for the truth.
@@alimations5226 that's fine. That works for that Jonathan because he doesn't have all the answers, he doesn't quite know how to raise clark to use his powers, he just wants to protect him.
The show is something I've been craving for so long. Something that has optimism as a positive, not as a "weak" trait. Superman is one of my favorite heroes, BECAUSE his love and kindness are never a weakness. It's part of HIM.
AND THIS VERSION OF LOIS OH MY GOD!!!! she's no longer the sacrificial damsel that's only around to be the linchpin of Clark's pain and spiral into darkness, she's a full character with fears and motives and flaws who joins Clark's side and brings more love and hope into his life as he does to her. It's so wonderful.
The series itself was a welcome change of pace after a decade of bullshit, but it's also been so much fun to see just how happy this adaptation has made all the Superman fans after what's been a rough couple of years.
Anyone who hasn't figured out that Waller is the antagonist needs to immerse themselves in DC more. Waller is the villain that people like Lex Luthor, Joker, and even Eobard Thawne would even avoid.
The really scary thing about Waller is that she's often genuinely convinced that she's doing the right thing, even when her actions are totally amoral. At her core, she really is a patriot... and that's what makes her *really* dangerous.
Amanda Waller is a human disaster. I could not possibly take her seriously as a villian, if I'm being honest. Most of her plans usually succeed in spite of her. Not because of her.
Superman and Lois stories tend to go for Lois loving Superman but not Clark Kent or at least not showing any interest until after she knows he's Superman. This is why it feels so good for her to actually love and care for Clark. First, my favourite example comes from the scene. Clark: "Maybe Supermans just a nice guy who wants to help." Lois: "Clark, if you had powers, you would do that." It's clear that she appreciates and admires Clark and his morals before knowing he's Superman.
It always rubbed me the wrong way that Clark Kent was always written as not worth Lois' attention because... he "runs away" from alien invasions and giant robot attacks? It really felt like an exercise in power fantasy worship that came at the expense of undermining their depiction of those outside of that fantasy. And let's be honest here, even if Clark Kent wasn't Superman he'd be a himbo cinnamon roll of a man, having Lois reject him romantically because he's not literally bulletproof or because he can't fly is ludicrous. It's writing that betrays a lack of trust in women and their motivations as people. The thing about Superman isn't that he's a power fantasy, he's a fantasy of hope, his power is just the catalyst to portray that hope in physical form.
@@fluidthought42 while i agree with the lois lane take, i don't agree that superman is a fantasy of just being HOPEFUL. superman as a character isn't this ideal to be inspired by, but a man that wants to help people. you can be inspired by him, but that doesn't mean that's ALL he his.
@@johnthai6188 Well let me put it to you this way: Lex Luthor is more realistically powerful. Wealth and political connections, control over thousands if not millions of people's lives. Lex Luthor, especially modern Lex is as much as a power fantasy as Clark is. If Lois is attracted to Superman because of his power... why hasn't she been involved with Lex? Even if Lex is too evil for her, it's not as if Lex isn't good at portraying himself as being in the moral right or charismatic enough to smooth over tensions. If we need a reason why Superman is thematically distinct from Lex we cannot rely on power because both men embody different forms of power, and in reality neither is superior over the other. Even with apprehending Lex Superman cannot destroy Lexcorp as an institution without breaking the law, and despite his genius Lex cannot win over Superman. So the only other theme we really have to distinguish them is character, and I cannot see a bigger character trait in Clark Kent himself than hope. When you remove hope you get... well you get SnyderSupes, Man of Steel vibes. It's central to his character to me because that's what makes him compelling as a character, it's what elevates him above being a Mary Sue character.
@@fluidthought42 the thematic ideas between lex and clark is that one is self-fish and the other is selfless; one steps on the little people to get where he is, the other helps out the little people. superman isn't a mary sue character because he's hope incarnate, which saying he's hope incarnate IS calling him a mary sue, but the fact that he has HUMAN emotions and needs. like grant morrison once said about superman, "he can juggle stars, but lois lane can undermined him with one cruel word." what makes superman interesting is that despite his awesome powers, he still has a human heart. if superman is such an IDEAL of HOPE, why does he need any human connection outside of being superman? why doesn't he just be superman 24/7? the reason being because of the quote "clark is who i am, and superman is what i do." that quote represent who superman is as a character. not the IDEAL of HOPE in the universe, but just a man that wants to help people. also lois lane as a character has always seen through lex's lies of "acting" morally right or charismatic. also, from how u describe who superman is, u make it sound like if his dad dies he wouldn't be crying and heart broken about it. from how you describe clark kent, his reactions would be this, "what my dad died, oh well i don't need to cry about it because i'm a hopeful being."
@@johnthai6188 You see here's the difference between your interpretation and mine: I consider his humanity to be the source of his hopefulness. Lex Luthor despite being genetically very much human (usually) is monstrous because he doesn't have hope for better tomorrows, he has ambitions and the certainty that they will succeed due to his will. It may sound superficially similar to hope, but to Lex it's not a matter of faith. To Clark he has to have faith, crucial or else he would have no reason to be a hero. And the motivation for his hopefulness is in how human he was raised to be by the Kents. I certainly agree that Clark is what makes Superman interesting, I'm just saying that Clark Kent would be a paragon of hope no matter what his lineage, he could've been a human foundling and he still would've been fundamentally hopeful. Hell I think if Clark was a human he would've been more extrovertedly assertive in his positive attitude and helpfulness, just more limited in scope to like being the guy who would definitely get up in the middle of the night to pick you up from the airport. Clark would be a hero to many of his friends and family no matter how strong he physically was. I'm saying that this is what makes Superman an interesting to me, that as a fantasy he embodies hope and as a character he's an extension of his own humanity. I do not see these ideas as being in conflict with one another.
"Tomboy who still shows femininity and feminine beauty" has got to be the best thing. This show reminds me a lot of scissor seven. Both shows have this strong positivity and endearing nature to it's characters. They don't rely on blood, sex, gore, or shock to keep an audience engaged. The community and "doing good for the sake of it" is a message they both share too. It doesn't take a man who can lift mountains to be a hero, but simply a person doing the right thing. I'm studying to be a mental health therapist. I'm not going to make a lot of money. That's not what's important in my eyes. As long as I have a roof, food, and a bed, I don't care how my economic status compares to another. Being better than someone isn't what makes me feel happy or satisfaction, it's elevating others.
Nurse Aide who just got accepted into a program to become an LPN. Anytime I critique the wastefulness of billionaires people sometimes mock me for being "Just a CNA". And you know what? Yeah I'm a CNA. My job is at times mundane and tedious, and most of the time it's downright gross. It's also a job I take a lot of pride in. I'll never be rich or famous doing it, doesn't make my work any less valuable to me.
That's what I love about both the writing and the visual depictions of the show. Lois is allowed to be the determined reporter while still being feminine (not in a sexual way, though she is absolutely adorable).
As a Psychology graduate, it's extremely refreshing to read comments like this. I hope you have a great career as a therapist, and that you always keep that purity in your work. As Carl Jung once said: "Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul". Good luck in your journey!
Bit of a non sequitur but... Overly Sarcastic Productions (in one of their several videos on Superman) mentioned that probably the biggest problems with Superman, but he's evil, as a subversion of a trope is that baseline Superman is ALREADY a subversion of a trope. One of the biggest tropes in real world history even. Power corrupts. Even good people, when given power, do bad things with it. Baseline Superman looks directly at that idea and says, "But what if not?" and creates someone with so much power it approaches the limits of what a human mind can easily comprehend WHO ALWAYS DOES GOOD WITH IT! On the other hand, if the idea that someone with incredible power won't abuse it has become so baseline that stories are switching it back and thinking that's original... Maybe Superman's done his job better than most realize.
This version is literally a cinnamon roll, and I feel so bad that he thinks that he was sent to conquer earth...please tell tell this sweet dude he's not ment to be a killer..
Prefiero que este jorel sea como zod y los kriptonianos aquí sean viltrumitas pero Clark decide no seguir ese camino porque son sus propias decisiones lo que lo definen no de dónde viene @@theunknowncommenter725
@@ProjektTakuFair enough, but isn't that also kind of the point of Clark? Like, he's just a good lad through and through. I personally think it's the best depiction of a young Superman we've gotten... *maybe* ever? His bubbly disposition, basic impulse to help and awkwardness all work well for an inexperienced 23 year old, wholesome farm-boy learning to bear the weight of heroic duty. He doesn't yet have decades of experience under his belt, he hasn't been confronted with the more/most volatile or malign villains of the setting (like Darkseid, Apocalypse, Trygon, ect...), heck he hasn't even met bat-man at this point. It's the newbie that fumbles and stumbles while he figures it out.
I remember the first look of the show & instantly I was on board. My Adventures With Superman, for me at least, highlighted why I loved the character so much as a kid
Being able to describe a Supes show as mostly “Slice of Life” has made me so happy! We get a lot of versions, but not many encapsulate brightness. CW Superman and Lois feels so hopeful but it is also focused in trauma and rebuilding. This animated show just felt so pure and earnest, even with the government and invasion drama.
Although the tone of the show is a bit too cheesy at times for me, I appreciate the positivity of it. And I like how this Clark is unique in that instead of either being a normal guy or putting on a bumbling persona, this Clark is both a competent reporter and the clumsy personality is actually genuine.
I've watched all episodes and caught up this days. Until Sunday I had no idea this show existed, or maybe I've heard about but I forgot it as I wasn't expecting to have a new show and this time to get Superman right. I was burned out of edgy Supermen or a Superman that gets beating often like in Young Justice because the creators had no idea how to beat the "Superman is overpowered and boring" allegations.
They most likely have power that isn't attached to the main grid, they'd have backups. And also, considering some of the videofeeds are on, it's not like it's ALL the pwoer.
This show was exactly what i had hoped for from a superman adaptation. Clark was supposed to be the epitome of hope and justice. Lately directors dont want to focus on that side of him, and only put emphasis on how powerful he is. But his strength is not his true power, its his heart. And how much he truly cares about everyone, and wishes to make a world where he doesnt need to be superman, but can just be Clark Kent.
But his strength is apart of his character. Its what makes him different from most other heroes. He's been super strong since he was an infant, and had to grow and learn how to control it all his life.
@@ProjektTaku No offense, but you're thinking about it wrong. The point isn't that he's strong, it's that he wants to do good. He has the power to fix the world by force, whether the world wants it or not. Yet he believes the world isn't broken. A good example is Superman vs the Elite. Superman could kill the villains, but that's not the point. That point is that he uses them for good selflessly. Power corrupts, and who has more power than a Superman? Superman us a subversion of that trope because, for all his power, he is good. The story isn't about him controlling his powers, it's about what he does with them. The never ending battle to do good, not because evil cannot be defeated, but because Superman will never stop fighting.
@@docmaly2178 You basically just explained that his strength is integral to his character. He grew up super strong, fast and durable, unlike quite a lot of other heroes who gain their powers during adolescence or older, so he's grown up learning to control them. But that's scratching the surface. I feel this series doesn't display enough of Superman's/Clark's skills and quirks, which leads to him feeling like a fairly generic "gentle giant".
That's a point that many miss. I once read someone dismissing Superman as "an adolescent power fantasy". That's not true. That's *Batman*: dresses all in black, is super smart, is five steps ahead of everyone else at all times, intimidates *everybody* but is intimidated by no one, has mastered every martial art in the world, only goes out at night, has the coolest car, etc. Clark's a demi-god who was raised on a farm and spends his days trying to fit in with everyone else as a lovable dork. That's not a power fantasy. Superman's core isn't about power. It's unstoppable altruism. The notion that someone with a good heart is going to be there to help others -- to save others -- when needed, and will be able to. The power is the *vehicle* for the fantasy, enabling it, but it is not the fantasy itself.
@@EdNorthcott He is kind of an adolescent power fantasy, pretty much every superhero is, but there's nothing wrong with that. He's the idea of pure, adolescent goodness who can represent all those who are oppressed. Although the real adolescent power fantasy is Shazam.
I really think we are currently living in an era of a *Superman Renaissance in media* , now more than ever, I believe people's audiences are beginning to fall in love with the character once again as we are finally being treated to content and media that truly understands what makes Superman such an important character in today's culture. *My Adventures With Superman is such a special show and a wonderful take on Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen (my favourite take on Jimmy, in fact). The romance between Lois and Clark is TOO ADORABLE (played amazingly by Jack Quaid and Alice Lee) and wholesome while maintaining an interesting overarching story that feels fresh and unique. The show may not be perfect, some of the villains like General Lane, Waller Parasite/Dr. Ivo and Mr Myxzptlk are great; however, others like Livewire, Silver Banshee, Heatwave, Deathstroke, etc... are pretty boring and kind of a downgrade from their comic counterparts. Also, some of their designs are kind of bland. But you know what, regardless of those criticisms, it just makes me so happy to see Superman get the respect he deserves again*. Not just MAWS, but media like *Superman & Lois* , the current *Joshua Willaimson comic run of Superman* and of course *James Gunn's upcoming Superman: Legacy* which so far sounds amazing and sounds like he truly understands the character, stating this is a movie about *"the power of compassion in a cynical world"* which is everything Ive ever wanted to see in a Superman movie. Superman is a very special character to me and my favourite superhero. One of the reasons why Superman works is because everything he stands for will always be timeless and doesn't need to be modernised to fit today's ideals or values; we need to learn to open ourselves up to his ideals and values, and rather being embarrassed by Superman, we should open ourselves up to him. Fortunately, the character finally has a bright future ahead of him.
The sad part is because Gunn is extremely one note as a director and writer and the fact that he called Superman and I quote "A big dumb boy scout." I can almost guarantee his movie makes Superman a complete idlot who happens to save people. I can promise he acts almost identical to Star Lord because that's all Gunn writes is lovable idlot. Get ready for every single future DC movie to have extremely out of place MCU humor and every character cracking really bad jokes.
@@Elfenlied8675309 Gunn also said that his Superman film will be a celebration of the character and show audiences "the power of compassion in a cynical world" and described Superman as "a big guy you just want to hug", and that alone with his stellar creative vision and direction gives me hope he is going to do incredible things with Superman. And you know what why not let Superman be funny after all he's supposed he's supposed to be a big dumb boycott that others resent because those people lack the mindset to move past their cynicism and see the wholesome and altruism of humanity. Superman isn't trying to force ideals down people's throats he is simply a humble man who wants to help and Gunn understands that. You also act as if James Gunn's movies are constantly filled with bad jokes even though James Gunn knows how to apply humour in scripts that correspond to direct emotions and progression The Guardians movies are pretty funny despite the films balancing emotional turmoil and deep complex themes surrounding grief, trauma and found-family, same goes for The Suicide Squad (2021) and Peacemaker, which is incredibly impressive for a director like Gunn to maintain a constant type of humour that appeals to many, after all, humour is subjective and if you don't like it then that's fine, though you should know the humour we see in most of his movies are not entirely a mandatory thing he priorities as the considers all types of comedy and humour to be something everyone should enjoy and not specific to certain preferences. If you think Gunn is just going to make Superman say "cringe" jokes than a. that's sort of in line for the character, and b. you clearly need to take a look at Gunn's other work to see how well-versed he is in other brands of humour and how well he crafts movies that use that much humour, while still being captivating and emotional film, such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.
@@Elfenlied8675309nah I’m optimistic. Honestly if you asked me last year on how it would be if he directs this new DCU I’d be saying the same stuff but he seems so far to actually care a lot about the comic source material and still assures us overall with like Guardians 3 that he really can make some great movies with deeper characters. I’m just mainly optimistic that maybe he’ll be able to create the Superman that we’ve always needed which is an optimistic and yes Boy Scout nice guy that’s he’s always been. A good beacon of hope and not JESUS like Snyder wanted him to appear like. Henry Cavill was still a great Superman casting choice tho
TOTALLY with you on Jimmy. I just left a comment about this being the best Jimmy show. His character is somehow a fresh take yet AND consistent with what came before.
Honestly one of my favorite depictions of Clark in a long time. He doesn't have the anger problems of DCAU Clark nor the making sure everyone does right ideal of Arrowverse.Clark. This Clark is happy, go lucky, cautious, funny, empathic and loving. I really enjoyed this show, it's depictions of Jimmy and Lois. This Lois I prefer over her Arrowverse version because she is more Positive, thoughtful and just a joy to watch. The Arrowverse version just became so angry, hypocritical and controlling that I couldn't deal. This Jimmy is great because he gets more screen time then DCAU while also being the glue unlike his Arrowverse counterpart.
That scene where Clark has just gotten Super hearing (Before discovering the general is planning something) he has this genuine smile on his face, zooming around helping people out. Like he was thinking, "What a great way to start the day." Being helpful is just one of his favorite things. He's not actively looking for criminals or trying to stop bad guys, just giving a hand to those who need it, he looked so happy.
I like the anger tho of DCAU Clark. He's not a big dumb meathead but he can get mad at points instead of having to be cheery all the time, which makes him more realistic. That Clark also had a wit to him, and could make charming jokes that shows he's not just a bumbling nerd, but had his own personality and could match Lois's big city girl personality at every turn.
@@Brasswatchman I mean, being fair, he had a moment where Bruce one-upped him a few times and got him a little peeved. But yeah, I'd think the whole thing with Darkseid, as well as fears about what happened in A Better World repeating themselves, are more the source of any anger issues.
@@LordTyph To be honest, I actually really liked that turn. It was interesting seeing Clark be the enraged vengeance-obsessed guy while Batman plays the "woah maybe just chill for a second here bro" role. They basically switched places for those episodes.
I think this show is kinda like Spectacular Spider-man or The Batman where it nails the characters while also being different enough from the OG 90's Animated Series that they rival or even surpass them in certain aspects. Superman The Animated Series has that timeless quality like BTAS and I love Tim Daly's voice work and I think he nailed a mix of the Fleicher Golden Age Superman vibe mixed with the Silver age mature Superman. But I think Jack Quaid and the writing staff for MAWS truly harnessed the humanity and soul of what Christopher Reeves was able to tap into in the 70's.
So Kal (in this version) was sent to earth as a weapon from another planet but then turns into that planets defender? That's amazing because it parallels Goku who was inspired by superman (an sonwukong). Stories come full circle
Yeah, turns out he wasn't sent as a weapon. Kypton kind of exploded--and Kal was sent out to try to save them The invasion that happened was not actually intended. As it was a completely unmanned invasion--with it just being the computer programs and automations of a dead empire. The machines of war just keep running, even without it benefiting anybody at home anymore This series kind of does a _lot_ of double subversions that we are beyond quintuple subversions--we might need new number words for the subversion levels =D
I’m so enamored with this show that I’ve dedicated myself to doing a full season retrospective on it. Easily my favorite take on Superman (outside of Superman & Lois) since Returns.
Y'wanna know the exact moment I knew this show was a perfect Superman adaptation? When Ma Kent actually took the time to put the red shorts back onto Clark's costume. THANK YOU, MARTHA!
I love seeing a hopeful superman who wants to be a good guy. There are way too many evil supermen or even worse cynical sad superman who forgot how to have fun stories out there. At some point superman gets turned into batman because writers think the character needs 9 more edges to have a good narative.
I love My adventures of Superman and Superman and Lois for giving us Superman back. As Kevin Conroy’s Batman said in Injustice 2, “I miss my friend Clark and I missed him ever since.” I hope James Gunn takes notes and gives us Superman and by the look of things, we are getting Superman back.
I really dont get why some people hate this version of superman, it's great i love how clark it's an eternal optimist, someone that just make what it's good because it's the right thing to do, yeah he could be an asshole but he doesnt want to, i loved this show
@@uncannydcmarvelous5732 Is that why? I kinda love that the primary direction with his design is not power fantasy but in making him attractive, and I say this as a hetero guy. A big problem I've had with anime is that their male protagonists either have all of the gender or barely any gender at all; meaning that they're either jacked up muscle beasts (eg Kenshiro, Goku, Baki, Guts, Early Jojos etc) or only masculine in their lack of typically feminine features. It's notable when an artist can depict men with masculine features without going all out to the extreme. You see the inverse sometimes with female artists and female portags but not nearly as much. I think that's a consequence of artists, particularly male artists, practicing only to draw what directly interests them, and they're mainly interested in the power fantasy or the self-insert fantasy. That plus the need to feed into audience expectations, specifically the expectation of what you think the audience should want (which is often quite different than what they really want) and well you can't risk alienating your audience by giving your character some relatable masculine physical characteristics they may personally lack, so better to make the masculine exaggeratedly unrelatable instead to communicate that True Masculinity isn't really attainable by your average man. It's patriarchy, I know, and artistic laziness too. But seeing the inverse, of men who are seen as desirable without embodying the power fantasy body type while still having an inkling of actual masculine characteristics is lots of fun! I'm a guy with masculine characteristics, in fact most men I know have some characteristics that we would consider typically masculine. I'd rather engage with a character I find relatable not because he's a virgen or because he doesn't have broad shoulders or isn't noticeably taller than women around him, since none of those apply to me. I don't need Clark to have, yknow, a Superman body type to understand that he's desirable because he's passionate for justice and helping people and a good guy who's nice to everyone without expecting anything in return. The fact that he is indeed built like a brick shit house while still usually being the aforementioned cinnamon roll in (almost) every iteration makes the writing of Lois to lack interest in Clark in those other iterations all the more frustrating. I guess people are addicted to the power fantasy, I even if letting go of the power fantasy allows for the idea of hope in yourself to form.
@@uncannydcmarvelous5732 Eh, I think it works. I do appreciate uber-muscular Superman and I can understand why this leaner interpretation may not work, but I think making Clark look soft works. He's not super-straining or an ideal like Superman, he's regularman, so his design reflects that in his meekness.
I loved everything about this series, and your analysis of patterns is spot on. I particularly like that in the "Hearts of the Fathers" episode, in which the fathers are absent, antagonist, or apathetic. And then a lovely scene at the end with the "Kryptonian General" having the same voice as Martha. I think we're gonna see Lara in a new light.
This show really reinforced my belief that the writers who brought us She-Ra have an amazing way of humanizing characters in a way that balances charming fun with authentic drama. Can't wait for season two.
My Adventures With Superman works so well because these writers understand Superman. Despite some superficial changes to aspects of the lore and backstory this is one of the most perfect depictions of Superman and what makes him work in all media. I hope we get many seasons more because this is the Superman we need.
@@ag7898 One of the best recent animated shows and reboots ever made. It was my first video essay too. I hope we get a continuation after Horde Prime's defeat. I wanna see Adora and Catra again. Also, ND Stevenson who helmed the reboot also wrote Nimona.
I think the best thing My Adventures With Superman does is that it manages to simulataneosly presents us with a classic Superman that is purely good and maintains a level of the modern distrust for someone with that much power withot the one compromising the other.
This show has given me a new found appreciation for Superman I never had before. For most of my life, I’ve always viewed Superman as “the icon” and not as an actual character. I saw him more as an object or an idea than a tangible person . . . But this show has completely turned that around for me. This version of Superman is one of the best incarnations of Superman I’ve ever seen, 2nd only to Christopher Reeve’s Superman. As a fan of Steven Universe, I see a lot of Steven in this version of Superman in the best ways! He’s so kind and charming, but he’s also sympathetic and surprisingly complex, which I especially admire and appreciate. This is the version of Superman I can rally behind! This is the Superman I never knew I wanted and I’m very thankful for it. :)
This is my new favorite show and I am so excited for season 2. I want to give this iteration of Superman a hug and a thermos full of yummy hot soup to enjoy on his way to go save someone. There's this one scene that I think speaks volumes of the character. It's where Clark is talking to Ivo for the first time and every sentence out of Ivo's mouth makes Clark hate him more. He's sexist, demeaning, tries to bribe Clark, and insults Lois, and you can tell throughout the whole interaction Clark is FUMING. He's so angry he looses control of his temper and makes a huge mistake. The mistake he makes however is NOT getting violent with Ivo, even though that would be the easiest and fastest way to get back at him. Instead he acts in the exact way that he advised Lois not to do. He whips out all of the prior research he's done on Ivo to embarrass him in front of everyone and that gets Clark kicked out. This shows that 1. Clark is a really good journalist (When was the last time you saw Clark be portrayed as someone who had a genuine interest in journalism as a thing he'd do even if he wasn't superman? I love that he's shown as a guy with his own interests) and 2. He's genuinely not a violent person down to his core. Even when he's making mistakes out of anger, it doesn't occur to him to fight for anything other than to protect others. This series takes the question of "Should superman kill?" and responds "Pfft! No? Get outa here with that crap. In fact, don't even bring it up to him, You'll make him sad."
I still want *implications* of Batman in a Season 2 or 3, and like he makes a wild cameo at some point, dropkicking superman out of nowhere, it doing absolutely nothing, dropping a smoke bomb, and disappearing, confusing the hell out of Supes, especially since he can't find him directly afterwards. It would make a hilarious follow-up to Vicki Vale's hitpiece, where Bruce believes what she wrote. Of course eventually following that we get a flashback to Clark's childhood and we get an animated adaption of that time Bruce and Clark became friends for a day.
I feel like it's best that it remains a superman show without bringing in the whole justice league, but if Batman gets introduced, I want him to fight Slade.
@@Elfenlied8675309 He'd probably be in Gotham in costume but you gotta remember he did the whole urban myth thing for the first few years so people didn't know he was real.
I loved this show. Not my best of the year, but it's about time we got a Superman adaptation that understands who he is, in all his hopeful paragon hero glory. Here's some things I liked: I like how they didn't have a "will they won't they" dynamic, because we know they get together in the end, so why beat around the bush? Boom, first episode, they like each other, bam, dating by season end. (On that note, WHY ARE LOIS AND CLARK SO ATTRACTIVE?!) I like Lois' dynamic with her father, I think this is the best version of Jimmy I've ever seen. I think Alex is going to be Lex Luthor, it's set up rather nicely, and I hope they use his character well. I don't expect Clancy Brown Luthor, but I'd like to see a younger manipulative Luthor in the early years of his corporate scheming. I find it funny how practically every villain assumes the worst from Superman, perceiving him as an inherent threat, because they just can't conceive that someone with that kind of power could ever be as wholesome and good-natured as Clark Kent. It flies in the face of the old adage "Absolute power corrupts absolutely," and shows just how much of a paragon Superman is even in-universe. One bit that I especially love is that when Superman says, "I'm Superman" after defeating Ivo in the penultimate episode, it's not a gloriously triumphant moment that cements him being a powerful hero. It's quiet, subdued even, because it's Clark finally accepting who he is as a person. He is Superman, he is from Krypton, and he wants to help & protect the people of Metropolis, because why not? He's not the kind of person who takes pride in his abilities for their sheer might, but in having the capability to help others in ways no one else can. I like how they cement how big of a villain this Zod is by having Brainiac be "The Dragon" to him, a villain who's traditionally a more sizable threat than a rogue Kryptonian warlord. Really sets the stakes for Season 2. The animation for the fights is nice (it's Studio Mir, they made Legend of Korra, they're good at that shit). That's about it. One of the things I didn't like as much was how the villains were largely just "person in superpowered exoskeleton", regardless how distinct their designs and powers are. Hopefully they'll shake that up in the next season (case in point: Lex Luthor).
One detail that I love is that Ivo’s assistant is called Alex. In this show we weren’t yet introduced to Superman’s most iconic archenemy and guess which tech savvy guy that has just made contacts with the bottomless budget of the US military and hates Superman. And also who’s last name wasn’t yet revealed A-Lex.
I adore this show. The show is absolutely delightful and so heartwarming. I am beyond excited for the next season. The only thing I was not particularly been fond of really is most of the villains. So far other than General Lane, none of them feel particularly well explored or interesting and I'm not fan of all of their powers being the result of Kryptonian technology. So far my favourite villain has been Mr. Mxyzptlk who hasn't had any connections to Krypton and while I don't think he is quite up to par with Gilbert Gottfried's Mxyzptlk, he's still great. Deathstroke is the one I think I was most disappointed in because he felt like a generic edgy anime character. And regarding Deathstroke, it's just a little hard for me to take him seriously when he sounds like Jerry from Rick and Morty and Cyril from Archer. I will say that I really am intrigued by what they're doing with Lex Luthor supposing that Alex is the show's Lex.
I was personally disappointed by Mr. Mxyzptlk, not really liking the "chaos god lol" angle. I understand the show didn't have as many episodes as it wanted to, but I'd rather have had the League of Lois be its own separate episode so that we could have had an entire episode of Mr. Mxyzptlk trolling Superman for no reason other than his own amusement.
@@markcochrane9523 yeah, the fun of Mxy is the he's Superman's Superman. Impossible to attack head on so Clark has to use his wits to get one over, meanwhile Mxy just messes around to fill time. The design is also a major downgrade from the midget in a top hat.
Idk, MAWS Mxy doesn't channel the fun of Mxyzptlk, in that he's a 5th dimensional troll that Superman can't even harm, so with his smarts he sends him back.
I find it very obnoxious when people say that Superman is "boring" or "unrelatable" or that he needs to be "more dark" or whatever. If you can't understand this character, that says something bad about YOU not him.
Superman is boring as a character and always has been. There isn't a lot you can do with invincible super God to make him interesting. He's a product of an era where Superheroes were one note cardboard cutouts that had a specific weakness like the color yellow, or in Supermans case, Kryptonite. Somebody being literally invincible isn't interesting and doesn't leave much wiggle room. Even the "Good" Superman stories like (What Ever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow) aren't even that amazing in the first place. Superman gets hit with a nuke and is completely fine. Even in Dark Knight Returns when nuclear winter blocks the sun out for weeks, you know, the thing that powers Superman? Superman is totally fine and is still just as powerful and just as invincible after not being exposed to sunlight for a month. There's a reason all of Superman's villains are "Bad guy with Kryptonite", "Robot with Kryptonite" or "Evil Kryptonian" MAWS making Superman less indestructible was the only way they could even get the show to work. They had to nerf his canon powers and make him weaker than he normally is portrayed or the show would literally fall apart. Comic book Superman would never have even faced an actual threat if he was in MAWS. It would have been the most one sided thing in history. Even when Superman DIES in comics, he comes back from the dead almost immediately.
@@Elfenlied8675309 The core of the character is not the specific power levels. Go ahead and make him weaker or whatever, that's not what I'm talking about.
@@ashuebot-tabi4449 Alright, I admit to being hyperbolic. That comment was aimed more at the people making media rather than those watching or not watching anyway.
I just wanna say that you've pushed me close to tears with the way you convey concepts of acceptance, self-betterment and the goodness of humanity. From your tone to the choice in music in your presentation of these topics to the way you always open with a fitting quote. Love your work.
Can I just say, for all the wonderful return to form for Superman, this show is maybe the best outing for Jimmy ever. Supergirl went with the odd choice of hunky Jimmy, Snyder killed him right away, and before that he was just this guy hanging around that sometimes needed Superman's help. Jimmy here is pitch-perfect yet a fresh new take, and he is consistently and wonderfully given things to do that perfectly suit his character. This is a great Superman show, but is the best Jimmy Olsen show ever made.
This was great all around but I’ve got to mirror the sentiment here, finally finding a Superman that harkens back this person of hope and compassion was need like the return of an old friend.
This is amazing! It’s what all video essays should strive to be! Animation video essays do for us 21st Century people what I’m sure literary criticism did for people in the 20th Century. It’s all connected. Thank you.
I am so glad he’s finally doing a video because all the right notes. which is why I resonated with my adventures with Superman. that first season was great and I am definitely looking forward to season two!
I don't think any adaptation of Superman showcases better why he and Lois fall for each other. They truly are a fantastic team and bring out the best in each other. Even when they fight, you see the logic behind their grievances, it feels organic and thoughtful, and they themselves fix things by learning to go past their ego and trust one another. it's so wholesome and adorable, and shows why Superman and Lois will always be my favorite couple in comics.
As long as the power creep isn't idioticlly insane like recent comics I might actually start to like Superman again because of this show, gonna start watching it today, wish me luck
The show has drawn some heat, it has its detractors some personalitys I'm even a fan off but I will not let other people make up my mind for me. As a 44 year old man who has more or less watched Anime since he was a kid and as a DCU fan I have enjoyed the show. I also think Pixie Tomboys are kinda sexy.
I was about to watch something on Netflix until I saw your Tweet. Recently started binging your video essays and I was dying to see your thoughts on MAwS.
Damn can't believe im a few days late to this upload however i gotta say this show in particular was one of the reasons i started loving superman as a character again, the dynamic between clark,lois and Jimmy feels so damn genuine and the way how clark feels lost with his past questioning who he is but still strives to do the right thing is so damn beautiful I CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON 2
I just love the concept of showing a persons early days as a superhero, learning more about themselves and the people they meet. And My Adventures with Superman just hits the bullseye with that. I love how charming the charcters are not only with personality but also character design! Really excited to see season 2
Its so refreshing to have a superman who wants to be just himself and not be standout but clarks constant selflessness to save others does put him in the light and its what makes superman superman. Also its wknderful for a female love interest to not just be lumped into a story where one shouldnt be. Too often a female love interest is just there with minimal story impact or much character besudes they like someone or osmeone forced into a story rather than incorperated naturally
This series is the best Superman I've seen in a long time relating more to the classics and also adding a spin that seems light-hearted pure and and in some way bring back the clack I know in love when I was a kid please make more seasons
Superman has never interested me and I just watched this video because I liked the creator, but once I got to the section of the video where it showed Clark blocking the lasers for Lois and saying he knew she wasent bullet proof I stopped the video and watched the show in 1 day and finished this video at the end of the day. This show was great and has an engaging superman and I can't wait for season 2
After having watched Season 2, this video is even better than Pretentious might have thought. The themes that were touched on in this video, they continued in the exact way this video kind of predicted, in a way that furthers those themes and ideas naturally. Good video.
What this show intrinsically understands is that Superman is not *pretending* to be Clark Kent. He *IS* Clark Kent. He's not some arrogant god who sees humans as beneath him. While he understands his origins he still very much identifies as human, and was raised with empathy, kindness and love by his parents. And I love the detail that his powers first activate not when he wants something for selfish gain, but when *someone else is in need of help* because subconsciously that's his biggest driving desire-to help others and improve lives around him.
Whoeveer thought they should create a kind, friendly Superman TV-show is going places and I'm watching their career for the next best thing! As well as the idea of making Lois Lane a tan Tom-boy in anime.
This show left a very bitter taste in my mouth with how they designed some of the villains and how rushed sum plots felt but it perfectly captured what made Superman…*SUPERMAN* and thats what hooked me
I agree. The show is amazing at characterising their main cast and all, but it isn't perfect. Like the Parasite escaping and destroying the city episode. It didn't make much sense for them to stop parasite by turning off the electricity. Because a city does have power lines underground. So... Ivo could have just... tunneled his tentacles down to absorb the electricity. (You can't turn off those.) I get it's for the inspiration angle, cause Jimmy and Lois inspired the city to try and regain their trust and in turn let Superman be inspired that people believe in him as a symbol of hope. But it just felt way too rushed and unrealistic that everyone would just follow this one famous youtuber in Metropolis. Then there is also the multiverse episode where Lois somehow escapes out of the glass barrier when no one ever freed her. It felt like I was missing an entire scene in that episode.
Lovely review! Its not just how awesome John Kent is in this, but I love how the emotional conflict was given to Martha. She had her own journey from mother scared of losing her son in more ways than one to having the reasuring confidence in the finale of her heroic son.
My fave scene in the show is during the fight with Deathstroke and the bridge gets damaged Superman sees it and punches Deathstroke away saying "No you need to stop, people need help!" And stops the fight to help them
My favorite part about this is that “Clark Kent” isn’t a persona. His clumsiness is REAL. He really is that much of a nervous guy. I love All Star Superman, but in that version, Clark Kent pretends to be an idiot.
I really like that this Superman is kind, caring, funny and hopeful but he's also playful, snarky sometimes, with a bit of sass too. You don't gotta make him a prick to be "interesting".
I was so excited as soon as the art was revealed. It was so pretty and the characters looked so fucking cute. I adore the animation. I was giddy when he had to save the cat.
@@XWierdThingsHappenX same crew worked on She-ra and Voltron for Netflix. I'm surprised something this wholesome is headlining on Adult Swim, but so long as they can keep the charm coming, I'm on board. It's basically a series long version of "What's so great about truth, justice and the American way?" In the form of an origin story. Grit and edge can be good, but when it's everywhere it can be even more juvenile than "hey, don't be a dick".
@@johnsayles8032 it’s probably one of the shows they air first. So that way it isn’t entirely inappropriate for kids. But the storyline is more adult. They always show the “softer” shows first. It’s why I ended up liking king of the hill as a kid lol.
@@XWierdThingsHappenX more adult in the sense that "the American way" might not line up with "truth" and "justice". And yeah it's a thirsty project, that said it wouldn't be out of place on Toonami or even Saturday mornings back in the day. What I like about it most is that it's basically "Superman vs. cynicism" which with how bleak and bitter a lot of folks seem to be, some guy with power wanting to help really does feel pretty alien.
I really missed Superman. I know he's never been gone but this was the first time in a long time I've truly seen Superman on the screen, not some hollow imitation. His unthinking kindness and generosity and the way he shapes the world around him. He truly is Superman. "...the immigrant from the stars who taught us all how to be heroes"
This show has been such a joy to see so far. Perfectly reinvents Superman and his mythos just enough to be different and more modernized, while keeping every single important thing that makes him and his world work so well. I'm so looking forward to Season Two.
i really love when people see superman not as a boring character, but as a great way to tell awsome and wholesome stories, many people and writters always see superman as an imposible being like no one can be that good with that amount of power, and for that he is boring , but i like to remind them that the Iron giant had a choice to be anything, a weapon, a destroyer and yet... he chose to be superman
i think its neat that clark in this show has the same character arc as the iron giant except he doesnt have a superman to look up to
He does! Every morning he looks into the mirror.
Oh man that’s genius
clark IS superman and lois and jimmy already knew that. lois was never dating clark without knowing he was superman.
Oh my gosh…gonna go cry
Wow. Hadn't even thought about that. Damn, that's good.
"...I didn't. I just knew you weren't."
There's our big blue boy scout. Gah it's so good to have him back.
Truly a great line. Whoever wrote it should be given a massive pay raise because it perfectly captures the spirit of Superman.
Get this writing team to work with James Gunn. Right now. :D
Same energy as Captain America curling up on the ground to save his fellow soldiers from what he thought was a live grenade.
@@mariokarter13 100%
This line and the line from Lois in response to Clark saying "what if he's just a nice guy who wants to help other people?" which is "Clark, that's what *you* would do if you had powers" are both such excellent distillations of the character.
I'm so happy to find a Superman adaptation that protrays the kind-hearted and optimistic Superman. I'm so bured out on evil Superman stories.
I am not im use to them have you seen old superman adventures
I like evil superman as long as they are extremely interesting. In specific Omniman and Homelander are very different with great actors. However let injustice sleep
@@blackouthorus1519
At least in that show you get time to know the character before they have the main course. His entire story from Superman to Justice league and then beyond
Superman and Lois is in it's fourth season...it's still airing.
Time for Evil Batman stories! Just maybe not The Batman Who Laughs.
The thing I loved about this depiction of Lois and Clark's romance is that Superman is never competition for Clark. Clark is never forced to be jealous of a part of his own identity. Lois and Clark's romance is shared and not one sided.
Superman & Lois also gets that right.
You could also say that from the old Superman 1 and 2 movies
He should never have to be, but I think if you asked him he would prefer that she be in love With Clark.
Yeah I hate it when they make it about Lois falling in love with Superman & never giving much thought to Clark. S&L and this show do the better take: She falls in love with Clark's humanity instead of his alien side.
@@nugget3327idk, the interview/date night where first Lois spends time with Superman, then Clark. The way Clark is tempted to take off his glasses and dropping the act, but then returning to the bumbling reporter role.
I really love the fact that Kryptonian is not immediately magically comprehensible in this continuity, making Clark having to chip bit by bit to discover more about his heritage being a big part of his journey as a character instead of just back story setup. Especially since it's something that makes sense yet is unique because most Superman adaptations haven't tried it.
Ya and the Kryptonian invasion adds a solid layer
I also love that Kryptonian language is very harsh and seems antagonistic. That Clark is getting the worst introduction of his people. It's found it comparable to somebody from Germany growing up in Britain after WW2. It's a really great take on the mythos of Krypton and I'm surprised it wasn't done before...
It fits in really well with how he discovers new powers each episode. He's chipping away at his identity in both senses, instead of having everything frontloaded and comprehensible immediately.
Hope everyone doing good and staying safe. If you need to talk to someone or need help, there are people who care. Sending support and hearts. ❤️❤️❤️
This didn't age well lol
10:18 "Vicki Vale is Lois' ideal self"
Fitting then that Vicki's character design resembles many past Lois designs more than her own traditional designs.
They set up a parallel between the two, but I don't think the writers actually caught on to what they've done.
Vicki Vale wants to spread negative lies to the public about Superman because she hates him, but halfway through the season Lois Lane wants to spread positive lies about Superman because she likes him. Replace Superman with any random politician and you'll notice their journalism is two sides of the same corrupt coin.
@@mariokarter13 what lies has Lois told to the public? Other than keeping Superman‘s identity a secret, they didn’t tell a lie.
@@mariokarter13 -- speaking of bias; it's looking more like you've got a bias against journalists than anything else, man. The only thing Lois did was keep Clark's identity a secret. That's not the same thing as Vale's muck-raking. Not even close. You took false equivalency to a whole new level.
I don't think that was quite accurate though. I think it's more accurate to say that Lois *thought* Vale was her ideal self... but then she got a look at the truth behind the legend, and it helped crystalize what kind of reporter Lois wanted to be. She had a choice between success through dishonesty, or a harder uphill slog while fighting for the truth.
@@EdNorthcott well yeah no shit - she's a cautionary tale
I love this version of Johnathan Kent. "What would you do if you had an enemy?"
"I'd turn him into a friend."
This show is just awesome man!
Bro has no enemy
“Jimmy, don’t tell anyone… but this turkey is refusing to come to temp.”
This is the Jonathan Kent we needed!
Compared to the last one who had this conversation:
"What was I supposed to do? Just let them die?"
"maybe"
@@alimations5226 that's fine. That works for that Jonathan because he doesn't have all the answers, he doesn't quite know how to raise clark to use his powers, he just wants to protect him.
"Soup or Salad sir?"
Clark: "Super Salad? No thanks! *Just a regular salad for a regular man!* "
Stoppppp cus this superman absolutely would.
The tweet that inspired the show
when I was younger I remember going to olive garden and I legit thought they said super salad and I said "yeah I'll have the super salad"
That sounds like a dad joke.
The show is something I've been craving for so long. Something that has optimism as a positive, not as a "weak" trait. Superman is one of my favorite heroes, BECAUSE his love and kindness are never a weakness. It's part of HIM.
AND THIS VERSION OF LOIS OH MY GOD!!!! she's no longer the sacrificial damsel that's only around to be the linchpin of Clark's pain and spiral into darkness, she's a full character with fears and motives and flaws who joins Clark's side and brings more love and hope into his life as he does to her. It's so wonderful.
@@sillycookiedidn't other loises have much deptha s well? Plus this lois is bad because all her bad trais wheren't adressedbin the show at all
@@denysvisionno she isn’t
@@sillycookie fatherless weirdo.
The series itself was a welcome change of pace after a decade of bullshit, but it's also been so much fun to see just how happy this adaptation has made all the Superman fans after what's been a rough couple of years.
Did you watch Superman and Lois? There's a reason the Tyler Hoechlin sutitle was appropriate at the beginning of this video.
@@galwitprifor001I think he was taking about the DCEU and Injustice adaptation of Superman but Tyler is personally my favorite Superman.
Man of Tomorrow: Do I just not exist?
Too bad by the end, it was just another forgettable show.
@@imsentinelprime9279forgettable? This is supermans best animated appearance since Superman vs the elite
Anyone who hasn't figured out that Waller is the antagonist needs to immerse themselves in DC more.
Waller is the villain that people like Lex Luthor, Joker, and even Eobard Thawne would even avoid.
I kinda doubt reverse-flash would, he's like the most insane and obsessed with his hero DC villain ever, maybe in all of fiction.
She avoids the Joker. You'll never see her recruit him to Task Force X.
@RAINBOWNIGTHMAREPRODUCTIONS If only because Joker is much too volatile a d dangerous to control.
The really scary thing about Waller is that she's often genuinely convinced that she's doing the right thing, even when her actions are totally amoral. At her core, she really is a patriot... and that's what makes her *really* dangerous.
Amanda Waller is a human disaster. I could not possibly take her seriously as a villian, if I'm being honest. Most of her plans usually succeed in spite of her. Not because of her.
I'm just happy to see an optimistic version of Superman again. Can't wait for season 2.
Superman and Lois, it's still on tv.
@@InReserveProductions That too!
@@InReserveProductions Doing the Lord's work in this here comment section. Love that Clark.
@@InReserveProductionstrue, everyone is waiting on the other season, considering the latest one ended on a cliffhanger
Well, it's here and whatnot!
Lois "you're not a weapon, you're a person"
Iron Giant "I am Superman"
It's, it's like poetry; it rhymes
Superman:I am the iron giant.
Superman and Lois stories tend to go for Lois loving Superman but not Clark Kent or at least not showing any interest until after she knows he's Superman.
This is why it feels so good for her to actually love and care for Clark. First, my favourite example comes from the scene.
Clark: "Maybe Supermans just a nice guy who wants to help."
Lois: "Clark, if you had powers, you would do that."
It's clear that she appreciates and admires Clark and his morals before knowing he's Superman.
It always rubbed me the wrong way that Clark Kent was always written as not worth Lois' attention because... he "runs away" from alien invasions and giant robot attacks? It really felt like an exercise in power fantasy worship that came at the expense of undermining their depiction of those outside of that fantasy. And let's be honest here, even if Clark Kent wasn't Superman he'd be a himbo cinnamon roll of a man, having Lois reject him romantically because he's not literally bulletproof or because he can't fly is ludicrous. It's writing that betrays a lack of trust in women and their motivations as people. The thing about Superman isn't that he's a power fantasy, he's a fantasy of hope, his power is just the catalyst to portray that hope in physical form.
@@fluidthought42 while i agree with the lois lane take, i don't agree that superman is a fantasy of just being HOPEFUL. superman as a character isn't this ideal to be inspired by, but a man that wants to help people. you can be inspired by him, but that doesn't mean that's ALL he his.
@@johnthai6188
Well let me put it to you this way: Lex Luthor is more realistically powerful. Wealth and political connections, control over thousands if not millions of people's lives. Lex Luthor, especially modern Lex is as much as a power fantasy as Clark is. If Lois is attracted to Superman because of his power... why hasn't she been involved with Lex? Even if Lex is too evil for her, it's not as if Lex isn't good at portraying himself as being in the moral right or charismatic enough to smooth over tensions.
If we need a reason why Superman is thematically distinct from Lex we cannot rely on power because both men embody different forms of power, and in reality neither is superior over the other. Even with apprehending Lex Superman cannot destroy Lexcorp as an institution without breaking the law, and despite his genius Lex cannot win over Superman.
So the only other theme we really have to distinguish them is character, and I cannot see a bigger character trait in Clark Kent himself than hope. When you remove hope you get... well you get SnyderSupes, Man of Steel vibes. It's central to his character to me because that's what makes him compelling as a character, it's what elevates him above being a Mary Sue character.
@@fluidthought42 the thematic ideas between lex and clark is that one is self-fish and the other is selfless; one steps on the little people to get where he is, the other helps out the little people. superman isn't a mary sue character because he's hope incarnate, which saying he's hope incarnate IS calling him a mary sue, but the fact that he has HUMAN emotions and needs. like grant morrison once said about superman, "he can juggle stars, but lois lane can undermined him with one cruel word." what makes superman interesting is that despite his awesome powers, he still has a human heart. if superman is such an IDEAL of HOPE, why does he need any human connection outside of being superman? why doesn't he just be superman 24/7? the reason being because of the quote "clark is who i am, and superman is what i do." that quote represent who superman is as a character. not the IDEAL of HOPE in the universe, but just a man that wants to help people.
also lois lane as a character has always seen through lex's lies of "acting" morally right or charismatic.
also, from how u describe who superman is, u make it sound like if his dad dies he wouldn't be crying and heart broken about it. from how you describe clark kent, his reactions would be this, "what my dad died, oh well i don't need to cry about it because i'm a hopeful being."
@@johnthai6188
You see here's the difference between your interpretation and mine: I consider his humanity to be the source of his hopefulness. Lex Luthor despite being genetically very much human (usually) is monstrous because he doesn't have hope for better tomorrows, he has ambitions and the certainty that they will succeed due to his will. It may sound superficially similar to hope, but to Lex it's not a matter of faith. To Clark he has to have faith, crucial or else he would have no reason to be a hero. And the motivation for his hopefulness is in how human he was raised to be by the Kents. I certainly agree that Clark is what makes Superman interesting, I'm just saying that Clark Kent would be a paragon of hope no matter what his lineage, he could've been a human foundling and he still would've been fundamentally hopeful. Hell I think if Clark was a human he would've been more extrovertedly assertive in his positive attitude and helpfulness, just more limited in scope to like being the guy who would definitely get up in the middle of the night to pick you up from the airport. Clark would be a hero to many of his friends and family no matter how strong he physically was.
I'm saying that this is what makes Superman an interesting to me, that as a fantasy he embodies hope and as a character he's an extension of his own humanity. I do not see these ideas as being in conflict with one another.
"Tomboy who still shows femininity and feminine beauty" has got to be the best thing.
This show reminds me a lot of scissor seven. Both shows have this strong positivity and endearing nature to it's characters. They don't rely on blood, sex, gore, or shock to keep an audience engaged.
The community and "doing good for the sake of it" is a message they both share too. It doesn't take a man who can lift mountains to be a hero, but simply a person doing the right thing.
I'm studying to be a mental health therapist. I'm not going to make a lot of money. That's not what's important in my eyes. As long as I have a roof, food, and a bed, I don't care how my economic status compares to another. Being better than someone isn't what makes me feel happy or satisfaction, it's elevating others.
You're my superman
Nurse Aide who just got accepted into a program to become an LPN. Anytime I critique the wastefulness of billionaires people sometimes mock me for being "Just a CNA".
And you know what? Yeah I'm a CNA. My job is at times mundane and tedious, and most of the time it's downright gross. It's also a job I take a lot of pride in. I'll never be rich or famous doing it, doesn't make my work any less valuable to me.
SCISSOR SEVEN MENTIONED 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
That's what I love about both the writing and the visual depictions of the show. Lois is allowed to be the determined reporter while still being feminine (not in a sexual way, though she is absolutely adorable).
As a Psychology graduate, it's extremely refreshing to read comments like this.
I hope you have a great career as a therapist, and that you always keep that purity in your work.
As Carl Jung once said: "Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul".
Good luck in your journey!
I enjoy the use of Esperanto for Kryptonian. It was a neat creative choice.
I think it's lazy and stupid, Krypton is a completely different planet.
@@InReserveProductionswhat would you have done lmao
@@jordanromesburg6819 You say that like Kryptonese hasn't been depicted before.
@@InReserveProductionsSo... what would you do? You haven't answered the question, yet.
Its not the first time they've subbed Esperanto in for Kryptonian iirc. I think it was either Superman Unbound or Superman/Batman: Apocolypse
Superman is best described with "I have the power to so why wouldn't I" taken to its most morally good extreme
Bit of a non sequitur but...
Overly Sarcastic Productions (in one of their several videos on Superman) mentioned that probably the biggest problems with Superman, but he's evil, as a subversion of a trope is that baseline Superman is ALREADY a subversion of a trope. One of the biggest tropes in real world history even.
Power corrupts.
Even good people, when given power, do bad things with it.
Baseline Superman looks directly at that idea and says, "But what if not?" and creates someone with so much power it approaches the limits of what a human mind can easily comprehend WHO ALWAYS DOES GOOD WITH IT!
On the other hand, if the idea that someone with incredible power won't abuse it has become so baseline that stories are switching it back and thinking that's original...
Maybe Superman's done his job better than most realize.
This version is literally a cinnamon roll, and I feel so bad that he thinks that he was sent to conquer earth...please tell tell this sweet dude he's not ment to be a killer..
Too bad Jor-El did not think to put a translator in his message.
Prefiero que este jorel sea como zod y los kriptonianos aquí sean viltrumitas pero Clark decide no seguir ese camino porque son sus propias decisiones lo que lo definen no de dónde viene @@theunknowncommenter725
@@theunknowncommenter725 The planet was kinda being blown up so he had to get Clark’s a** outta there.
I actually can't stand that about this version. He's too soft for lack of a better word. No edge to him.
@@ProjektTakuFair enough, but isn't that also kind of the point of Clark? Like, he's just a good lad through and through.
I personally think it's the best depiction of a young Superman we've gotten... *maybe* ever? His bubbly disposition, basic impulse to help and awkwardness all work well for an inexperienced 23 year old, wholesome farm-boy learning to bear the weight of heroic duty.
He doesn't yet have decades of experience under his belt, he hasn't been confronted with the more/most volatile or malign villains of the setting (like Darkseid, Apocalypse, Trygon, ect...), heck he hasn't even met bat-man at this point.
It's the newbie that fumbles and stumbles while he figures it out.
I remember the first look of the show & instantly I was on board. My Adventures With Superman, for me at least, highlighted why I loved the character so much as a kid
Being able to describe a Supes show as mostly “Slice of Life” has made me so happy! We get a lot of versions, but not many encapsulate brightness. CW Superman and Lois feels so hopeful but it is also focused in trauma and rebuilding. This animated show just felt so pure and earnest, even with the government and invasion drama.
Although the tone of the show is a bit too cheesy at times for me, I appreciate the positivity of it. And I like how this Clark is unique in that instead of either being a normal guy or putting on a bumbling persona, this Clark is both a competent reporter and the clumsy personality is actually genuine.
i don't mind the cheesiness because it's clearly geared towards a slightly younger audience, it's very fun
Man, I'm just glad we have another animated Superman show.
I've watched all episodes and caught up this days. Until Sunday I had no idea this show existed, or maybe I've heard about but I forgot it as I wasn't expecting to have a new show and this time to get Superman right. I was burned out of edgy Supermen or a Superman that gets beating often like in Young Justice because the creators had no idea how to beat the "Superman is overpowered and boring" allegations.
"Turn off your power"
Metropolis Central Hospital: "welp..."
They most likely have power that isn't attached to the main grid, they'd have backups.
And also, considering some of the videofeeds are on, it's not like it's ALL the pwoer.
@@theonejackal89 Also if Parasite was draining a hospital, probably worse than turning off the power
Surgeon: I mean, hey, the big leech monster's gonna shut it off for us otherwise.
This show was exactly what i had hoped for from a superman adaptation. Clark was supposed to be the epitome of hope and justice. Lately directors dont want to focus on that side of him, and only put emphasis on how powerful he is. But his strength is not his true power, its his heart. And how much he truly cares about everyone, and wishes to make a world where he doesnt need to be superman, but can just be Clark Kent.
But his strength is apart of his character. Its what makes him different from most other heroes. He's been super strong since he was an infant, and had to grow and learn how to control it all his life.
@@ProjektTaku
No offense, but you're thinking about it wrong. The point isn't that he's strong, it's that he wants to do good. He has the power to fix the world by force, whether the world wants it or not. Yet he believes the world isn't broken.
A good example is Superman vs the Elite. Superman could kill the villains, but that's not the point. That point is that he uses them for good selflessly.
Power corrupts, and who has more power than a Superman? Superman us a subversion of that trope because, for all his power, he is good. The story isn't about him controlling his powers, it's about what he does with them. The never ending battle to do good, not because evil cannot be defeated, but because Superman will never stop fighting.
@@docmaly2178 You basically just explained that his strength is integral to his character. He grew up super strong, fast and durable, unlike quite a lot of other heroes who gain their powers during adolescence or older, so he's grown up learning to control them.
But that's scratching the surface. I feel this series doesn't display enough of Superman's/Clark's skills and quirks, which leads to him feeling like a fairly generic "gentle giant".
That's a point that many miss. I once read someone dismissing Superman as "an adolescent power fantasy". That's not true. That's *Batman*: dresses all in black, is super smart, is five steps ahead of everyone else at all times, intimidates *everybody* but is intimidated by no one, has mastered every martial art in the world, only goes out at night, has the coolest car, etc.
Clark's a demi-god who was raised on a farm and spends his days trying to fit in with everyone else as a lovable dork. That's not a power fantasy.
Superman's core isn't about power. It's unstoppable altruism. The notion that someone with a good heart is going to be there to help others -- to save others -- when needed, and will be able to. The power is the *vehicle* for the fantasy, enabling it, but it is not the fantasy itself.
@@EdNorthcott He is kind of an adolescent power fantasy, pretty much every superhero is, but there's nothing wrong with that. He's the idea of pure, adolescent goodness who can represent all those who are oppressed.
Although the real adolescent power fantasy is Shazam.
I really think we are currently living in an era of a *Superman Renaissance in media* , now more than ever, I believe people's audiences are beginning to fall in love with the character once again as we are finally being treated to content and media that truly understands what makes Superman such an important character in today's culture. *My Adventures With Superman is such a special show and a wonderful take on Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen (my favourite take on Jimmy, in fact). The romance between Lois and Clark is TOO ADORABLE (played amazingly by Jack Quaid and Alice Lee) and wholesome while maintaining an interesting overarching story that feels fresh and unique. The show may not be perfect, some of the villains like General Lane, Waller Parasite/Dr. Ivo and Mr Myxzptlk are great; however, others like Livewire, Silver Banshee, Heatwave, Deathstroke, etc... are pretty boring and kind of a downgrade from their comic counterparts. Also, some of their designs are kind of bland. But you know what, regardless of those criticisms, it just makes me so happy to see Superman get the respect he deserves again*. Not just MAWS, but media like *Superman & Lois* , the current *Joshua Willaimson comic run of Superman* and of course *James Gunn's upcoming Superman: Legacy* which so far sounds amazing and sounds like he truly understands the character, stating this is a movie about *"the power of compassion in a cynical world"* which is everything Ive ever wanted to see in a Superman movie. Superman is a very special character to me and my favourite superhero. One of the reasons why Superman works is because everything he stands for will always be timeless and doesn't need to be modernised to fit today's ideals or values; we need to learn to open ourselves up to his ideals and values, and rather being embarrassed by Superman, we should open ourselves up to him. Fortunately, the character finally has a bright future ahead of him.
I would add Action Comics current run as well to the Superman reinassance.
The sad part is because Gunn is extremely one note as a director and writer and the fact that he called Superman and I quote "A big dumb boy scout." I can almost guarantee his movie makes Superman a complete idlot who happens to save people. I can promise he acts almost identical to Star Lord because that's all Gunn writes is lovable idlot.
Get ready for every single future DC movie to have extremely out of place MCU humor and every character cracking really bad jokes.
@@Elfenlied8675309 Gunn also said that his Superman film will be a celebration of the character and show audiences "the power of compassion in a cynical world" and described Superman as "a big guy you just want to hug", and that alone with his stellar creative vision and direction gives me hope he is going to do incredible things with Superman. And you know what why not let Superman be funny after all he's supposed he's supposed to be a big dumb boycott that others resent because those people lack the mindset to move past their cynicism and see the wholesome and altruism of humanity. Superman isn't trying to force ideals down people's throats he is simply a humble man who wants to help and Gunn understands that. You also act as if James Gunn's movies are constantly filled with bad jokes even though James Gunn knows how to apply humour in scripts that correspond to direct emotions and progression The Guardians movies are pretty funny despite the films balancing emotional turmoil and deep complex themes surrounding grief, trauma and found-family, same goes for The Suicide Squad (2021) and Peacemaker, which is incredibly impressive for a director like Gunn to maintain a constant type of humour that appeals to many, after all, humour is subjective and if you don't like it then that's fine, though you should know the humour we see in most of his movies are not entirely a mandatory thing he priorities as the considers all types of comedy and humour to be something everyone should enjoy and not specific to certain preferences. If you think Gunn is just going to make Superman say "cringe" jokes than a. that's sort of in line for the character, and b. you clearly need to take a look at Gunn's other work to see how well-versed he is in other brands of humour and how well he crafts movies that use that much humour, while still being captivating and emotional film, such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.
@@Elfenlied8675309nah I’m optimistic. Honestly if you asked me last year on how it would be if he directs this new DCU I’d be saying the same stuff but he seems so far to actually care a lot about the comic source material and still assures us overall with like Guardians 3 that he really can make some great movies with deeper characters. I’m just mainly optimistic that maybe he’ll be able to create the Superman that we’ve always needed which is an optimistic and yes Boy Scout nice guy that’s he’s always been. A good beacon of hope and not JESUS like Snyder wanted him to appear like. Henry Cavill was still a great Superman casting choice tho
TOTALLY with you on Jimmy. I just left a comment about this being the best Jimmy show. His character is somehow a fresh take yet AND consistent with what came before.
Honestly one of my favorite depictions of Clark in a long time. He doesn't have the anger problems of DCAU Clark nor the making sure everyone does right ideal of Arrowverse.Clark.
This Clark is happy, go lucky, cautious, funny, empathic and loving.
I really enjoyed this show, it's depictions of Jimmy and Lois. This Lois I prefer over her Arrowverse version because she is more Positive, thoughtful and just a joy to watch. The Arrowverse version just became so angry, hypocritical and controlling that I couldn't deal.
This Jimmy is great because he gets more screen time then DCAU while also being the glue unlike his Arrowverse counterpart.
That scene where Clark has just gotten Super hearing (Before discovering the general is planning something) he has this genuine smile on his face, zooming around helping people out. Like he was thinking, "What a great way to start the day." Being helpful is just one of his favorite things. He's not actively looking for criminals or trying to stop bad guys, just giving a hand to those who need it, he looked so happy.
DCAU Clark had anger issues? Well, yeah, after Darkseid brainwashed him... but before then?
I like the anger tho of DCAU Clark. He's not a big dumb meathead but he can get mad at points instead of having to be cheery all the time, which makes him more realistic. That Clark also had a wit to him, and could make charming jokes that shows he's not just a bumbling nerd, but had his own personality and could match Lois's big city girl personality at every turn.
@@Brasswatchman I mean, being fair, he had a moment where Bruce one-upped him a few times and got him a little peeved. But yeah, I'd think the whole thing with Darkseid, as well as fears about what happened in A Better World repeating themselves, are more the source of any anger issues.
@@LordTyph To be honest, I actually really liked that turn. It was interesting seeing Clark be the enraged vengeance-obsessed guy while Batman plays the "woah maybe just chill for a second here bro" role. They basically switched places for those episodes.
I think this show is kinda like Spectacular Spider-man or The Batman where it nails the characters while also being different enough from the OG 90's Animated Series that they rival or even surpass them in certain aspects. Superman The Animated Series has that timeless quality like BTAS and I love Tim Daly's voice work and I think he nailed a mix of the Fleicher Golden Age Superman vibe mixed with the Silver age mature Superman. But I think Jack Quaid and the writing staff for MAWS truly harnessed the humanity and soul of what Christopher Reeves was able to tap into in the 70's.
Let's hope this doesn't have the same fate as Spectacular Spider-Man...
So Kal (in this version) was sent to earth as a weapon from another planet but then turns into that planets defender? That's amazing because it parallels Goku who was inspired by superman (an sonwukong). Stories come full circle
So he's also like a reverse Brightburn, too, then.
And iron giant.
Yeah, turns out he wasn't sent as a weapon. Kypton kind of exploded--and Kal was sent out to try to save them
The invasion that happened was not actually intended. As it was a completely unmanned invasion--with it just being the computer programs and automations of a dead empire. The machines of war just keep running, even without it benefiting anybody at home anymore
This series kind of does a _lot_ of double subversions that we are beyond quintuple subversions--we might need new number words for the subversion levels =D
That's what he thinks. But no.
I’m so enamored with this show that I’ve dedicated myself to doing a full season retrospective on it. Easily my favorite take on Superman (outside of Superman & Lois) since Returns.
This show truly was the return of Superman, at least for the character itself
Tyler Hoechlin's Superman that was around since 2016 in TV; am I a joke to you? (?)
Y'wanna know the exact moment I knew this show was a perfect Superman adaptation? When Ma Kent actually took the time to put the red shorts back onto Clark's costume. THANK YOU, MARTHA!
I love seeing a hopeful superman who wants to be a good guy. There are way too many evil supermen or even worse cynical sad superman who forgot how to have fun stories out there. At some point superman gets turned into batman because writers think the character needs 9 more edges to have a good narative.
a lot of modern superhero writers want Superman to be Batman and they want Batman to be the Punisher
Season 2 can't get here soon enough. Everything about it was great.
God, I missed the good, old Superman who was the boy next door. It took a while, but he finally returned and showed what a real Superman is.
I love My adventures of Superman and Superman and Lois for giving us Superman back. As Kevin Conroy’s Batman said in Injustice 2, “I miss my friend Clark and I missed him ever since.” I hope James Gunn takes notes and gives us Superman and by the look of things, we are getting Superman back.
I really dont get why some people hate this version of superman, it's great i love how clark it's an eternal optimist, someone that just make what it's good because it's the right thing to do, yeah he could be an asshole but he doesnt want to, i loved this show
Mostly is because of the art style making this Clark/Sups not looking "man enough" but more of the typical "boomer feminine soy boy" or something.
@@uncannydcmarvelous5732
Is that why? I kinda love that the primary direction with his design is not power fantasy but in making him attractive, and I say this as a hetero guy. A big problem I've had with anime is that their male protagonists either have all of the gender or barely any gender at all; meaning that they're either jacked up muscle beasts (eg Kenshiro, Goku, Baki, Guts, Early Jojos etc) or only masculine in their lack of typically feminine features. It's notable when an artist can depict men with masculine features without going all out to the extreme. You see the inverse sometimes with female artists and female portags but not nearly as much.
I think that's a consequence of artists, particularly male artists, practicing only to draw what directly interests them, and they're mainly interested in the power fantasy or the self-insert fantasy. That plus the need to feed into audience expectations, specifically the expectation of what you think the audience should want (which is often quite different than what they really want) and well you can't risk alienating your audience by giving your character some relatable masculine physical characteristics they may personally lack, so better to make the masculine exaggeratedly unrelatable instead to communicate that True Masculinity isn't really attainable by your average man. It's patriarchy, I know, and artistic laziness too. But seeing the inverse, of men who are seen as desirable without embodying the power fantasy body type while still having an inkling of actual masculine characteristics is lots of fun! I'm a guy with masculine characteristics, in fact most men I know have some characteristics that we would consider typically masculine. I'd rather engage with a character I find relatable not because he's a virgen or because he doesn't have broad shoulders or isn't noticeably taller than women around him, since none of those apply to me. I don't need Clark to have, yknow, a Superman body type to understand that he's desirable because he's passionate for justice and helping people and a good guy who's nice to everyone without expecting anything in return. The fact that he is indeed built like a brick shit house while still usually being the aforementioned cinnamon roll in (almost) every iteration makes the writing of Lois to lack interest in Clark in those other iterations all the more frustrating. I guess people are addicted to the power fantasy, I even if letting go of the power fantasy allows for the idea of hope in yourself to form.
@@uncannydcmarvelous5732 Eh, I think it works. I do appreciate uber-muscular Superman and I can understand why this leaner interpretation may not work, but I think making Clark look soft works. He's not super-straining or an ideal like Superman, he's regularman, so his design reflects that in his meekness.
@@uncannydcmarvelous5732Effing seriously?! The dude is massive! What the hell are they smoking?
@@uncannydcmarvelous5732
Yeah, I also did not like the art style at first but it has grow on me since then, also, Lois looks hot on this.
I loved everything about this series, and your analysis of patterns is spot on. I particularly like that in the "Hearts of the Fathers" episode, in which the fathers are absent, antagonist, or apathetic.
And then a lovely scene at the end with the "Kryptonian General" having the same voice as Martha. I think we're gonna see Lara in a new light.
I love this show. It's . . . I dunno, it just finally _feels_ like Superman again.
I love this show so much
I love this channel so much
I wasn't going anywhere with this, just doing what I can to boost engagement
every good superman story reminds me I was right when I was little, Superman is the best
This show really reinforced my belief that the writers who brought us She-Ra have an amazing way of humanizing characters in a way that balances charming fun with authentic drama. Can't wait for season two.
I didn't realize they were the same people. She-Ra was surprisingly good.
My Adventures With Superman works so well because these writers understand Superman. Despite some superficial changes to aspects of the lore and backstory this is one of the most perfect depictions of Superman and what makes him work in all media. I hope we get many seasons more because this is the Superman we need.
@@ag7898 One of the best recent animated shows and reboots ever made. It was my first video essay too. I hope we get a continuation after Horde Prime's defeat. I wanna see Adora and Catra again.
Also, ND Stevenson who helmed the reboot also wrote Nimona.
I…don’t think it’s the same creative team?
@@adammyers7383 Some of the same writers are onboard. Including the same writer of She-Ra's two parter finale.
I think the best thing My Adventures With Superman does is that it manages to simulataneosly presents us with a classic Superman that is purely good and maintains a level of the modern distrust for someone with that much power withot the one compromising the other.
Yeah, it's a hard balance to strike that I really appreciated.
"I am not a gun."
~the iron giant, and it's superman interpertation.
I really like this show. I appreciate it, especially, as not THE version, but A version, of the story. that's important at this point.
Your videos remind me why I once fell in love with DC but forgot about it. It's so nice to feel those emotions and interest again.
This show has given me a new found appreciation for Superman I never had before. For most of my life, I’ve always viewed Superman as “the icon” and not as an actual character. I saw him more as an object or an idea than a tangible person . . . But this show has completely turned that around for me. This version of Superman is one of the best incarnations of Superman I’ve ever seen, 2nd only to Christopher Reeve’s Superman.
As a fan of Steven Universe, I see a lot of Steven in this version of Superman in the best ways! He’s so kind and charming, but he’s also sympathetic and surprisingly complex, which I especially admire and appreciate. This is the version of Superman I can rally behind! This is the Superman I never knew I wanted and I’m very thankful for it. :)
Highly recommend checking out DCAU Superman from Superman: The Animated Series. This Superman felt like a return to that form.
@@sageoverheavenoh yeah STAS was good.
I hope the people behind this play a role in creating new DCAU
Clark's facial expression while saying "YOU JUMPED OFF THE ROOF I DONT KNOW WHAT TO THINK" was priceless
This is my new favorite show and I am so excited for season 2. I want to give this iteration of Superman a hug and a thermos full of yummy hot soup to enjoy on his way to go save someone.
There's this one scene that I think speaks volumes of the character. It's where Clark is talking to Ivo for the first time and every sentence out of Ivo's mouth makes Clark hate him more. He's sexist, demeaning, tries to bribe Clark, and insults Lois, and you can tell throughout the whole interaction Clark is FUMING. He's so angry he looses control of his temper and makes a huge mistake.
The mistake he makes however is NOT getting violent with Ivo, even though that would be the easiest and fastest way to get back at him. Instead he acts in the exact way that he advised Lois not to do. He whips out all of the prior research he's done on Ivo to embarrass him in front of everyone and that gets Clark kicked out.
This shows that 1. Clark is a really good journalist (When was the last time you saw Clark be portrayed as someone who had a genuine interest in journalism as a thing he'd do even if he wasn't superman? I love that he's shown as a guy with his own interests)
and 2. He's genuinely not a violent person down to his core. Even when he's making mistakes out of anger, it doesn't occur to him to fight for anything other than to protect others.
This series takes the question of "Should superman kill?" and responds "Pfft! No? Get outa here with that crap. In fact, don't even bring it up to him, You'll make him sad."
I was already going to upvote your lovely comment and wish I could do so a second time after that conclusion sentence. Thank you for the giggle. ❤
I still want *implications* of Batman in a Season 2 or 3, and like he makes a wild cameo at some point, dropkicking superman out of nowhere, it doing absolutely nothing, dropping a smoke bomb, and disappearing, confusing the hell out of Supes, especially since he can't find him directly afterwards.
It would make a hilarious follow-up to Vicki Vale's hitpiece, where Bruce believes what she wrote.
Of course eventually following that we get a flashback to Clark's childhood and we get an animated adaption of that time Bruce and Clark became friends for a day.
Given the time frame I assume Bruce Wayne is off training with the martial arts monks before he became Batman during MAWS but I could be wrong.
I feel like it's best that it remains a superman show without bringing in the whole justice league, but if Batman gets introduced, I want him to fight Slade.
We so deserve a new "world's finest" after bvs and injustice
@@tonyliu6749
What about the latest World's Finest run with artist Dan Mora? Haven't read it yet, but looks really fun.
@@Elfenlied8675309 He'd probably be in Gotham in costume but you gotta remember he did the whole urban myth thing for the first few years so people didn't know he was real.
I loved this show. Not my best of the year, but it's about time we got a Superman adaptation that understands who he is, in all his hopeful paragon hero glory. Here's some things I liked:
I like how they didn't have a "will they won't they" dynamic, because we know they get together in the end, so why beat around the bush? Boom, first episode, they like each other, bam, dating by season end. (On that note, WHY ARE LOIS AND CLARK SO ATTRACTIVE?!)
I like Lois' dynamic with her father, I think this is the best version of Jimmy I've ever seen. I think Alex is going to be Lex Luthor, it's set up rather nicely, and I hope they use his character well. I don't expect Clancy Brown Luthor, but I'd like to see a younger manipulative Luthor in the early years of his corporate scheming.
I find it funny how practically every villain assumes the worst from Superman, perceiving him as an inherent threat, because they just can't conceive that someone with that kind of power could ever be as wholesome and good-natured as Clark Kent. It flies in the face of the old adage "Absolute power corrupts absolutely," and shows just how much of a paragon Superman is even in-universe.
One bit that I especially love is that when Superman says, "I'm Superman" after defeating Ivo in the penultimate episode, it's not a gloriously triumphant moment that cements him being a powerful hero. It's quiet, subdued even, because it's Clark finally accepting who he is as a person. He is Superman, he is from Krypton, and he wants to help & protect the people of Metropolis, because why not? He's not the kind of person who takes pride in his abilities for their sheer might, but in having the capability to help others in ways no one else can.
I like how they cement how big of a villain this Zod is by having Brainiac be "The Dragon" to him, a villain who's traditionally a more sizable threat than a rogue Kryptonian warlord. Really sets the stakes for Season 2.
The animation for the fights is nice (it's Studio Mir, they made Legend of Korra, they're good at that shit).
That's about it. One of the things I didn't like as much was how the villains were largely just "person in superpowered exoskeleton", regardless how distinct their designs and powers are. Hopefully they'll shake that up in the next season (case in point: Lex Luthor).
One detail that I love is that Ivo’s assistant is called Alex.
In this show we weren’t yet introduced to Superman’s most iconic archenemy and guess which tech savvy guy that has just made contacts with the bottomless budget of the US military and hates Superman. And also who’s last name wasn’t yet revealed
A-Lex.
I adore this show. The show is absolutely delightful and so heartwarming. I am beyond excited for the next season. The only thing I was not particularly been fond of really is most of the villains. So far other than General Lane, none of them feel particularly well explored or interesting and I'm not fan of all of their powers being the result of Kryptonian technology. So far my favourite villain has been Mr. Mxyzptlk who hasn't had any connections to Krypton and while I don't think he is quite up to par with Gilbert Gottfried's Mxyzptlk, he's still great. Deathstroke is the one I think I was most disappointed in because he felt like a generic edgy anime character. And regarding Deathstroke, it's just a little hard for me to take him seriously when he sounds like Jerry from Rick and Morty and Cyril from Archer. I will say that I really am intrigued by what they're doing with Lex Luthor supposing that Alex is the show's Lex.
Yeah Chris Parnell doesn't exactly have the same menace as Ron Perlman as Slade pretty hard to live up to
He's a younger version. Just like the other villains kind of like how 2004 batman is more laid back at times
I was personally disappointed by Mr. Mxyzptlk, not really liking the "chaos god lol" angle. I understand the show didn't have as many episodes as it wanted to, but I'd rather have had the League of Lois be its own separate episode so that we could have had an entire episode of Mr. Mxyzptlk trolling Superman for no reason other than his own amusement.
@@markcochrane9523 yeah, the fun of Mxy is the he's Superman's Superman. Impossible to attack head on so Clark has to use his wits to get one over, meanwhile Mxy just messes around to fill time.
The design is also a major downgrade from the midget in a top hat.
Idk, MAWS Mxy doesn't channel the fun of Mxyzptlk, in that he's a 5th dimensional troll that Superman can't even harm, so with his smarts he sends him back.
It's the most Honest animated Superman adaptation and I definitely want a season 2
I find it very obnoxious when people say that Superman is "boring" or "unrelatable" or that he needs to be "more dark" or whatever. If you can't understand this character, that says something bad about YOU not him.
Superman is boring as a character and always has been. There isn't a lot you can do with invincible super God to make him interesting. He's a product of an era where Superheroes were one note cardboard cutouts that had a specific weakness like the color yellow, or in Supermans case, Kryptonite. Somebody being literally invincible isn't interesting and doesn't leave much wiggle room. Even the "Good" Superman stories like (What Ever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow) aren't even that amazing in the first place. Superman gets hit with a nuke and is completely fine. Even in Dark Knight Returns when nuclear winter blocks the sun out for weeks, you know, the thing that powers Superman? Superman is totally fine and is still just as powerful and just as invincible after not being exposed to sunlight for a month.
There's a reason all of Superman's villains are "Bad guy with Kryptonite", "Robot with Kryptonite" or "Evil Kryptonian"
MAWS making Superman less indestructible was the only way they could even get the show to work. They had to nerf his canon powers and make him weaker than he normally is portrayed or the show would literally fall apart. Comic book Superman would never have even faced an actual threat if he was in MAWS. It would have been the most one sided thing in history.
Even when Superman DIES in comics, he comes back from the dead almost immediately.
@@Elfenlied8675309 The core of the character is not the specific power levels. Go ahead and make him weaker or whatever, that's not what I'm talking about.
This is a dumb comment. Not liking Superman isn't indicative of some moral failing, nor does liking him make you better.
@@ashuebot-tabi4449 Alright, I admit to being hyperbolic. That comment was aimed more at the people making media rather than those watching or not watching anyway.
Mhm, I can confirm, I don’t like superman and I’m a huge asshole
I utterly adored this show. Im so happy we finally have actual superman back, and i can't wait for season 2.
I just wanna say that you've pushed me close to tears with the way you convey concepts of acceptance, self-betterment and the goodness of humanity. From your tone to the choice in music in your presentation of these topics to the way you always open with a fitting quote. Love your work.
Can I just say, for all the wonderful return to form for Superman, this show is maybe the best outing for Jimmy ever. Supergirl went with the odd choice of hunky Jimmy, Snyder killed him right away, and before that he was just this guy hanging around that sometimes needed Superman's help. Jimmy here is pitch-perfect yet a fresh new take, and he is consistently and wonderfully given things to do that perfectly suit his character. This is a great Superman show, but is the best Jimmy Olsen show ever made.
This was great all around but I’ve got to mirror the sentiment here, finally finding a Superman that harkens back this person of hope and compassion was need like the return of an old friend.
The biggest impact of this show I noticed is how it got people to call him Clark first and Superman second
This is amazing! It’s what all video essays should strive to be!
Animation video essays do for us 21st Century people what I’m sure literary criticism did for people in the 20th Century.
It’s all connected.
Thank you.
"It paints a picture in an ocean of smiles"
Me: That was beautiful
Implicitly Pretentious: That was corny
I am so glad he’s finally doing a video because all the right notes. which is why I resonated with my adventures with Superman. that first season was great and I am definitely looking forward to season two!
"I see now that it is not the circumstance of one's birth, but what one chooses to do with the gift of life that determines who you are."
Thanks, Mewtwo.
I don't think any adaptation of Superman showcases better why he and Lois fall for each other. They truly are a fantastic team and bring out the best in each other. Even when they fight, you see the logic behind their grievances, it feels organic and thoughtful, and they themselves fix things by learning to go past their ego and trust one another. it's so wholesome and adorable, and shows why Superman and Lois will always be my favorite couple in comics.
As long as the power creep isn't idioticlly insane like recent comics I might actually start to like Superman again because of this show, gonna start watching it today, wish me luck
A deeply hopeful, uplifting take on Superman in [CURRENT YEAR]? In THIS economy?
You better believe it.
The show has drawn some heat, it has its detractors some personalitys I'm even a fan off but I will not let other people make up my mind for me. As a 44 year old man who has more or less watched Anime since he was a kid and as a DCU fan I have enjoyed the show. I also think Pixie Tomboys are kinda sexy.
I was about to watch something on Netflix until I saw your Tweet. Recently started binging your video essays and I was dying to see your thoughts on MAwS.
I like the smart and thoughtful updates made to the Superman lore through this animated series. It's what we need from James Gunn's Superman film.
Damn can't believe im a few days late to this upload however i gotta say this show in particular was one of the reasons i started loving superman as a character again, the dynamic between clark,lois and Jimmy feels so damn genuine and the way how clark feels lost with his past questioning who he is but still strives to do the right thing is so damn beautiful I CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON 2
I just love the concept of showing a persons early days as a superhero, learning more about themselves and the people they meet. And My Adventures with Superman just hits the bullseye with that. I love how charming the charcters are not only with personality but also character design! Really excited to see season 2
Its so refreshing to have a superman who wants to be just himself and not be standout but clarks constant selflessness to save others does put him in the light and its what makes superman superman. Also its wknderful for a female love interest to not just be lumped into a story where one shouldnt be. Too often a female love interest is just there with minimal story impact or much character besudes they like someone or osmeone forced into a story rather than incorperated naturally
This series is the best Superman I've seen in a long time relating more to the classics and also adding a spin that seems light-hearted pure and and in some way bring back the clack I know in love when I was a kid please make more seasons
Superman has never interested me and I just watched this video because I liked the creator, but once I got to the section of the video where it showed Clark blocking the lasers for Lois and saying he knew she wasent bullet proof I stopped the video and watched the show in 1 day and finished this video at the end of the day. This show was great and has an engaging superman and I can't wait for season 2
Hell yeah!
After having watched Season 2, this video is even better than Pretentious might have thought. The themes that were touched on in this video, they continued in the exact way this video kind of predicted, in a way that furthers those themes and ideas naturally. Good video.
What this show intrinsically understands is that Superman is not *pretending* to be Clark Kent. He *IS* Clark Kent. He's not some arrogant god who sees humans as beneath him. While he understands his origins he still very much identifies as human, and was raised with empathy, kindness and love by his parents. And I love the detail that his powers first activate not when he wants something for selfish gain, but when *someone else is in need of help* because subconsciously that's his biggest driving desire-to help others and improve lives around him.
Whoeveer thought they should create a kind, friendly Superman TV-show is going places and I'm watching their career for the next best thing! As well as the idea of making Lois Lane a tan Tom-boy in anime.
Lois isn't supposed to be tan I don't think, she's just Korean.
@@Elfenlied8675309there's nothing to imply she's Korean, she just has a darker skin tone. either from a tan or race, i wouldn't know
@@Elfenlied8675309There are darker skinned Koreans though. (not trying to start anything btw)
@Elfenlied8675309 no she's supposed to be a regular white woman. Not fucking dog eaters.
This show left a very bitter taste in my mouth with how they designed some of the villains and how rushed sum plots felt but it perfectly captured what made Superman…*SUPERMAN* and thats what hooked me
I agree. The show is amazing at characterising their main cast and all, but it isn't perfect. Like the Parasite escaping and destroying the city episode. It didn't make much sense for them to stop parasite by turning off the electricity. Because a city does have power lines underground. So... Ivo could have just... tunneled his tentacles down to absorb the electricity. (You can't turn off those.)
I get it's for the inspiration angle, cause Jimmy and Lois inspired the city to try and regain their trust and in turn let Superman be inspired that people believe in him as a symbol of hope. But it just felt way too rushed and unrealistic that everyone would just follow this one famous youtuber in Metropolis. Then there is also the multiverse episode where Lois somehow escapes out of the glass barrier when no one ever freed her. It felt like I was missing an entire scene in that episode.
Lovely review! Its not just how awesome John Kent is in this, but I love how the emotional conflict was given to Martha. She had her own journey from mother scared of losing her son in more ways than one to having the reasuring confidence in the finale of her heroic son.
My fave scene in the show is during the fight with Deathstroke and the bridge gets damaged Superman sees it and punches Deathstroke away saying "No you need to stop, people need help!" And stops the fight to help them
God, right? Superheroes actually doing superhero stuff!
My favorite part about this is that “Clark Kent” isn’t a persona. His clumsiness is REAL. He really is that much of a nervous guy. I love All Star Superman, but in that version, Clark Kent pretends to be an idiot.
Shut up all star superman didn't pretend to be an idiot bro
I just hope there will be more seasons. I love this show so much.
Before this show, I liked Superman. After this show, Superman is my favorite hero
Man I'm loving the renewed interest in superman
My Adventures with Superman is so great and I can't wait for the next season and hopefully it ends on its own terms without studio interference
This whole video felt like a sugar filled love letter to this show, its amazing
I really like that this Superman is kind, caring, funny and hopeful but he's also playful, snarky sometimes, with a bit of sass too. You don't gotta make him a prick to be "interesting".
The second Clark stops to save the cat, I knew this show was in good hands.
I was so excited as soon as the art was revealed. It was so pretty and the characters looked so fucking cute. I adore the animation. I was giddy when he had to save the cat.
@@XWierdThingsHappenX same crew worked on She-ra and Voltron for Netflix. I'm surprised something this wholesome is headlining on Adult Swim, but so long as they can keep the charm coming, I'm on board.
It's basically a series long version of "What's so great about truth, justice and the American way?" In the form of an origin story. Grit and edge can be good, but when it's everywhere it can be even more juvenile than "hey, don't be a dick".
@@johnsayles8032 it’s probably one of the shows they air first. So that way it isn’t entirely inappropriate for kids. But the storyline is more adult. They always show the “softer” shows first. It’s why I ended up liking king of the hill as a kid lol.
@@XWierdThingsHappenX more adult in the sense that "the American way" might not line up with "truth" and "justice". And yeah it's a thirsty project, that said it wouldn't be out of place on Toonami or even Saturday mornings back in the day. What I like about it most is that it's basically "Superman vs. cynicism" which with how bleak and bitter a lot of folks seem to be, some guy with power wanting to help really does feel pretty alien.
My New Adventures is so damn good. It takes the source material in new directions, but the writers still get why people love Superman and his friends.
I finished ep 3 and could not wait for your video on it.
I really missed Superman. I know he's never been gone but this was the first time in a long time I've truly seen Superman on the screen, not some hollow imitation. His unthinking kindness and generosity and the way he shapes the world around him. He truly is Superman.
"...the immigrant from the stars who taught us all how to be heroes"
This show has been such a joy to see so far. Perfectly reinvents Superman and his mythos just enough to be different and more modernized, while keeping every single important thing that makes him and his world work so well. I'm so looking forward to Season Two.
Not gonna lie, you made me teary with your montage almost at the end
We reached a critical point where we must ask "Remember when Superman was good?"
Thank you for putting into words why I love this show so much!!!
surprisingly enjoyable show.
i really love when people see superman not as a boring character, but as a great way to tell awsome and wholesome stories, many people and writters always see superman as an imposible being like no one can be that good with that amount of power, and for that he is boring , but i like to remind them that the Iron giant had a choice to be anything, a weapon, a destroyer and yet... he chose to be superman
Imma be honest, hearing Jack Quaid as superman made me geek
I need jimmy to get his own video, idk what you would have to talk about but can’t forget him like Clark n Lois did for a minute