The new Superman cartoon has just hit HBO. The animated series is made by Warner Bros. and DC Comics, and it is based on the popular comic book character. It was created by the same team that created Batman: The Animated Series. It is currently available in crisp HD on HBO Max. Among the many reasons why this cartoon is so great is the fact that it has become a fan favorite. In addition to the great plot and voice acting, there are several other reasons to watch it.
Characters
The first Superman cartoon was created in 1941 by the two Fleischers brothers. They would later form Famous Studios, which they continued to operate until 1943. Despite the cartoon’s uneven storyline and lack of narrative stakes, the Superman character’s pitch-perfect characterization has earned the character a place in popular culture. Let’s take a closer look at the Superman cartoon characters. The first Superman cartoon featured the character’s parents and a small town, but the series has grown up and has many fans today.
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The first Superman cartoon introduced the character’s origins from the mythology of Hercules, the Greek god of strength. In comics, the two had an epic battle, but the characters diverged over time. Timm’s Superman was different from any other Superman version, and the storyline of the Animated Series was radically different from the characters in the previous comics. While “The Mighty Hercules” was inspired by Hercules, Timm used this mythology as the basis for his creation of Superman.
The first Superman cartoon introduced the character with a small range of powers. Superman could lift cars over his head, run fast, and leap one-eighth of a mile. The Fleischer brothers were unable to animate the character’s ability to fly, so they asked the characters to add wings. As a result, the characters’ powers became more varied over time. Eventually, Superman’s powers evolved into flying, but in the beginning, his powers were relatively limited.
The second Superman cartoon features a different version of his parents. Unlike the first series, the second one is more grounded and aimed at young children. Unlike earlier Superman cartoons, the new version focuses more on family members, while his foster parents continue to support him through his adventures. Moreover, the Kents portrayed the family’s ancestors as abolitionists and Underground Railroad workers, and the first Kents were named after Harriet Tubman. They even lived in Kansas during the Bleeding Kansas period and ran a newspaper.
Besides the Clark Kent family, Superman’s other children have appeared in the series. In “Kingdom Come and The Kingdom,” Superman and Lois Kent fathered two children, Jonathan Kent II and Lola. The second series introduced a super-genius baby, Cir-El. The fourth series also introduced Darkseid, Superman’s archenemy. The voice of Darkseid was initially given by Michael Ironside, but later, it was changed to his real voice.
Plots
There are two basic plots in the Superman cartoon series: the mad scientist and the mechanical monsters. Both of these plots are very similar to each other, and the characters are always in peril of some kind. Let’s explore them a little further. While Superman is always on the lookout for villains, the comic villains in Superman cartoons tend to be a bit more grounded. The following is an example of one of these plots in a Superman cartoon.
The first Superman cartoon storyline takes place in a parallel Metropolis. In the future, Superman meets Livewire, a radio shock jockey. The radio host and dissenting opinion of Superman becomes Livewire. Livewire has the ability to control electricity, and he blames Superman for a tragic accident. However, the story is still unfinished as Superman and Livewire never quite make up.
The second Superman cartoon series revolves around an alternate history of Metropolis in which Superman is a good guy. In this episode, Superman discovers underground prisons and the separation of families, which is a secret that Luthor tries to keep from Superman. This episode also introduces Lois to Superman, and her feelings for him are revealed to him. The relationship between the two characters begins to become more complex throughout the series.
In another Superman cartoon series, Metallo, a cyborg, becomes a superhero to two kids. He then reveals his true identity, and he defeats the villain. Ultimately, the two heroes defeat Mxyzptlk and free the children. Then, Lois Lane appears to help the kids. Lois Lane is able to help Superman in a final showdown.
Voice performances
If you’re a fan of Superman the animated series, you’ll be delighted to know that there were some notable voice performances by real people. These characters are voiced by talented people, from Tim Daly, who played the iconic character in the ’80s, to the legendary Andrea Romano, who voiced Kal-El in Justice League Unlimited. This legendary voice actor has been heard in countless other Superman cartoons, including The Batman and Justice League Unlimited.
The voice of Superman is incredibly powerful, and his performance in the animated series is no exception. The voice of the character is described as “powerful,” and this is particularly true for the villain Metallo. Despite the fact that he’s powerless against kryptonite, Superman knows that he’s approaching danger, and when he finally confronts him, it’s clear that he’ll be facing a dangerous enemy.
As well as bringing us our favorite superheroes, these characters have an extensive history. The characters are portrayed by actors with a particular range of vocal skills and musical backgrounds. As a result, the actors’ voices are unique and authentic. In some ways, they resemble the characters in real life, which makes the performance all the more enjoyable. It’s not a secret that Superman has become an iconic character of comic books.
Thankfully, the DC animated universe has introduced many different actors who have been cast as the voice of Superman. From Adam West as the first Superman to Ben Affleck as the first Batman, there is no shortage of talented voice actors to choose from. With the help of a professional, you can even hire a super star to voice the iconic character. So, who’s next? Try out some of these great superhero voices and see which one is perfect for your kid!
Superman’s style was much more gentle than the other superheroes, which is why voice performers should be careful to use a lighter tone in the roles they play. The recurring nickname of Superman has also been a source of confusion for voice artists. Most of the characters in the cartoon are male, and they are supposed to be masculine. Thus, the female voice actors should avoid using these characterizations. However, some women have had success with these characters.
Reactions of fans
A new Superman cartoon series has sparked positive reactions among Superman fans. Some fans cited the reminiscence of Christopher Reeve’s iconic role as Superman, while others loved the family approach and fun Easter Eggs in the first episode. Some fans were also impressed by the Superman costume, which pays homage to the Fleischer costumes of the 1940s cartoons and the cover of Action Comics #1.
The comics and cartoon series will also introduce a new character – bisexual Superman. Jon Kent is the firstborn son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, and he will take over the role of Superman once his father departs Earth. The new “Gay Superman” will be in a relationship with a man, and he will eventually fall in love with a reporter, Jay Nakamura.
Fans will notice some differences between the show and the comic series. “Superman” is more approachable and downplays the superhuman powers. This makes him more relatable for younger viewers. Fans also like the fact that Bruce Timm managed to stay true to the mythology of the character while creating a new world for the beloved superhero. But fans will still have some reservations about the show. So, what can we expect?
After the new cartoon came out, Siegel and Shuster attempted to regain their Superman rights. However, a court ruled that they had already transferred the renewal rights to DC Comics when they created the comic strip. DC Comics upheld the appeal. However, Siegel was fired from the company after the second lawsuit. In addition, he received death threats from his enemies, including General Zod, Brainiac, and Lex Luthor.
In addition to the new Superman movie, the popular comic book has been adapted into a popular animated film. Fans of the comic book have been gratified by the animation, but many of the original Superman comics aren’t represented in it. The Man of Steel film is a rushed and over-the-top adaptation of the comic book, and fans aren’t entirely convinced.