Adult Animation Revolution: Why ‘My Adventures With Superman’ Is An Astounding Achievement
by Tito W. James
My Adventures With Superman just concluded its third season, cementing its place as one of DC’s standout animated series and possibly the best contemporary take on the last son of Krypton.
Metropolis Modernized
The program follows Clark, Lois, and Jimmy as three early-20s professionals interning at The Daily Planet. Superman has been around for 80-plus years, and the challenge of any adaptation is remaining true to the spirit of the comic characters while making them fresh and fun for modern audiences. This modernization is where MAWS excels. The show feels contemporary because it takes place in a multicultural Metropolis and characters use technology that could exist in the near future.
Each of the characters feels recognizable to people from our own world. Jimmy is African American and obsessed with urban legends and alien sightings. Lois is Asian American, and her ambition as a reporter gets her in and out of trouble. Clark is a lovably awkward hunk, who’s not fully comfortable with his superpowers or Kryptonian heritage. Lex is an ambitious young tech-bro who masks his xenophobia behind intellectual posturing.
Tougher Villains
From an outsider’s perspective, Superman has never had villains as exciting as Batman or Spider-Man. Therefore, it was a brilliant creative decision to shake up Superman’s Rogue’s Gallery. Until now, there’s been an unspoken rule that Superman can only fight villains from the Superman comics as opposed to combating villains that exist within the broader DC universe.
It’s so refreshing to see Clark battle against Deathstroke and Task Force X, in addition to creative reinterpretations of Brainiac, Cyborg Superman, and Mr Mxyzptlk. There’s also a good variety within the villains — there are characters who are pure evil, those who are misunderstood, and people who just view crime as a means to an end. These new villains pose credible threats to our heroes, making the lighter moments in the series feel earned.
Blending Anime And American Comics
The art style is a winning synthesis between anime and American comics. The sci-fi elements take visual motifs from anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and BLAME! The show takes the exciting action of the shonen genre and combines it with the humorous interpersonal drama of the shoujo genre. The result is that the fights are cool, the characters are hot, and the emotional stakes are riveting. This blend between shonen and shoujo invites in new viewers who may not have initially thought of themselves as fans of Superman.
Super Mythology
The show creators explore previously untapped aspects of Superman lore including hinting at his most controversial power-set. What’s great about this approach is that it keeps the story fresh for old and new audiences. If you’ve been following the comics for a long time you’ll recognize elements like Kandor, Eradicator, and the Cosmic Anvil. But if you only know Superman as a blue-suited superhero that saves a city, you’re treated to a deep mythology that’s rewarding to explore.
Heart-throbbing Heroes
Some shows you watch for the plot and others you watch for the “plot.”
Hot dawg, the series manages to deliver some thirsty character designs without ever sacrificing character depth for fan-service. Many audiences find these characters attractive because they’re invested in the characters’ personalities and interpersonal relationships. While American cartoons have been critiqued for being too puritanical (in comparison to Anime) My Adventures With Superman never fails to serve up some spice!
It’s A Joy To Be Gay
The series may be one of the most openly Queer-positive adaptations of Superman to date. In the show we see Superman saving children of same sex couples within Metropolis. There’s also an openly lesbian relationship between Heatwave and Livewire. Season 3 introduced a future version of Jon Kent as Superboy, who is openly bisexual in the comics.
That’s not to mention Lois’ obsession with Vicki Vale and whatever the hell is going on between Lex and Slade’s “strictly professional” relationship.
Superman Is Inspiring Again!
What makes the show so great is how it reclaims what Superman stands for. “Fighting for Truth, Justice and The American Way” can sound as empty and perfunctory as The Pledge of Allegiance. This Superman explores being a Kryptonian as a metaphor for people who don’t fit in. This is a Superman who fights for a better world where everyone can feel accepted. This theme of acceptance dovetails neatly with the creative choice of a diverse cast of characters, queer-subtext, and the immigrant experience.
Metropolis acts a shining example of what a human civilization can look like when it embraces multiculturalism. This protopian city is under threat from real world evils of corporate-backed xenophobia and militarized technology run amok. To combat these problems this Superman needs not only physical strength but also strength of character. Clark shows us how bravery comes not only from standing up to bullies but knowing when to be emotionally vulnerable.
What’s Next?
The creative team has plans for a fourth season and ideas for a fifth season and an ultimate ending in mind. As it stands, My Adventures With Superman has yet to be green-lit for a fourth season due to the real-life evils of corporate mergers. If we only get three seasons, the team did an amazing job. If there are more stories to tell, we’ll be first in line no matter how long it takes. Until then, please spread the word about this special show, it deserves all the love it can get!