Superman Works Wonders As An Anime Character: ‘My Adventures With Superman’ Reviewed

Clark Kent (Jack Quaid) builds his secret Superman identity and embraces his role as the hero of Metropolis, while sharing adventures and falling in love with Lois (Alice Lee), a star investigative journalist, who also takes Jimmy Olsen under her wing.

From the initial teaser trailer I had my fingers crossed that My Adventures With Superman would be good. The series mixes DC Comics and Anime aesthetics in a way we haven’t seen since the original Teen Titans. The series also balances interpersonal drama and superhero adventure just like The Spectacular Spider-Man show.

Much like Smallville, My Adventures With Superman, follows a younger version of Clark Kent on his journey to becoming the world’s greatest superhero. But in this version, Clark is able to use a wider range of his powers and wears his iconic red and blue super-suit. The Anime influence works well to establish Superman as a “henshin hero” complete with a transformation sequence.

The characters of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen have never felt more contemporary or charming. Instead of relics from the 1930s, the trio are presented as passionate young professionals with distinctive personalities. Clark is a lovable goof, who’s trying not to crush everything with super strength. Lois is an energetic intern who’s always on the hunt for the next big scoop. And Jimmy is the resident specialist on urban legends and alien sightings.

The antagonists complement our wholesome heroes by being genuinely threatening. The antagonists strike the right balance of being charismatic but also tough as nails. The super-criminals aren’t merely evil, but instead run their operation like a business. In previous incarnations Superman has usually fought monsters or mad scientists; this series opts for a different rouges gallery for Clark which comes as a welcome surprise.

The two-episode series premier of My Adventures With Superman managed to leap across a massive obstacle in a single bound.  The series introduces Clark Kent to a new generation, creates a story that’s distinctive from the many previous Superman incarnations, while also appealing to viewers who’ve grown up with the character. There’s plenty action, fun, and easter-eggs for hardcore comic fans. This may be Superman unlike we ever seen him before, but somehow My Adventures With Superman feels that this is always how Clark was always meant to be.