I like to think that Superman’s quote of “Truth, Justice, and the American way” is supposed to mean the ideal that everyone wants America to be. Essentially, the version of “America” we’re ironically made to believe in as kids. He’s a hero who doesn’t pick and choose who matters across the entire world. He embodies the ideology that America should strive for. He’s not saying it to be exclusive.
Its weird how everyone in this film seems to underestimate Superman. One of the downsides of holding back your true power I guess, but it also comes in handy when you do decide to take the kid gloves off and the enemy is like "I regret everything right now".
@@DocuzanQuitomos that's kind of the point. Superman apprehends or banishes his foes(usually) that means he fights a harder fight by not just killing his enemies. He never said that he couldn't kill any of his supervillains just that it was against his belief in the law to do so. And maybe if The Elite played this smarter they would have had a better chance. Superman can easily overpower most of em buy people forget that he's really intelligent too, he had the resources and prep time to catch them all off guard and pick them off one by one even when they met at a place The Elite chose.
@@DavidGonzalez-zl3dzintellect wise they do ..considering Batman is always overshadowing everyone with his intellect but theres others heroes just as brilliant
The comic that this movie was adapted from came from an era when anti-hero comic book characters were popular that "finally did something". The Punisher is probably the biggest character to come out of that era of comics. It was a backlash against the classic hero's like Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, and Iron Man seemingly idiotic approach to crime and injustice. I love this story because it's so easy to cry out for extreme changes when problems exist, especially problems that have a long and subtle history where bringing a hammer to it makes the problem much worse. This story is a reminder that we need to do good not because it's the solution to a problem, as if its a game where embracing "the dark side" is a solution to problems, but rather just to simply do good for the sake of it even if it can be the more difficult path.
The Punisher has been around since the 1970s, so he is a bad example of that trend. Marvel also made it very clear that Punisher is not on the right side of the law, as he has gone to jail many times for murdering criminals, unlike many of the late '90s comic book heroes who often seemed to be above the law.
@@Rocket1377@Rocket1377 It was more inspired by The Authority by Warren Ellis, where the superheroes regrouped and decided it was time to take the kid gloves off. They decided that since the villains were irredeemable and the governments of the world were either too incompetent or too corrupt to govern the people, the "heroes" would take the reins and do what was necessary for the greater good. Unfortunately, their idea of the greater good became more of the "if you look into the abyss, the abyss stares back" kind of argument. At first, the idea of the Authority finally dealing with the villains and problems of the world was favorable. Still, after the superheroes began embracing their brutal and violent side and when there were no more villains to deal with, the heroes started turning on the people, ruling the world with a totalitarian sense of authority that made many people fear and despise them.
Yeah, I remember learning about that comic. "What's so Funny about Truth, Justice and the American Way?" By Joe Kelly. I always liked this story and the title because it felt like a dissertation on the importance of heroes like Superman in an age where everyone wanted to be the kill-happy Anti-Hero: a subversion of the subversion so to speak. FUN FACT: the writer of the comic would go on to create Ben 10. Yes, Joe Kelly is part of the group called "Man of Action."
"The American Way" for Superman isn't about what America really is. It's an idealized America where are all people really are treated equally and the government is truly "by the people, for the people." It's the American Way that Clark Kent was raised to believe in by good, ordinary people.
In the comics, in the long term, Clark's decision to teach Manchester the error of his ways rather than just punish him pays off in the long run. Chester's not fully grown past all his shittiness, but by now he's trying and is a genuine ally to Clark, and will proudly admit to others that he's "drunk the Superman Kool Aid"
Yeah in the comic Clark doesn't actually lobotomize Chester, this pays off by Black sacrificing himself to destroy the villain Imperiex, and in post new 52 continuity he even redeems himself by joining forces with a semi-depowered Superman.
One of the best visual representations of just how "fair" Superman is to the criminals he deals with. How utterly easily he could body every single enemy he fights and yet, is constantly holding back. "I feel like I live in a world made of, cardboard. Always taking constant care not to break something. To break some one. What we have here is the rare opportunity for me to cut loose, and show you just how powerful, I really am." -Superman to Darkseid. Justice League Animated series.
6:00 Superman has always helped around the globe, but usually for accidents and natural disasters. Like, if a bridge collapses in China, he’ll hear it and immediately go help.
Hearing you talk about Superman expanding past America to the rest of the world reminds me of the Superman & Lois show. You'd love it, Lois is amazing in that show and their relationship is depicted soooooo well. It has one final season (4) coming out in 2024 so it's the perfect time to catch up. Tyler Hoechlin who plays Superman is a great casting
Tyler Hoechlin may be the best example of a casting where everybody went "oh come on. Seriously?" when they saw the first pictures of him in costume, but then grew to love how well he embodied the wholesome boy scout version of Superman. Personally the whole evil Superman story has become passé for me.
One of the things I adore about this movie is that it shows that while Superman is good, good is not always cheesy. The best versions of Superman are, to me, the ones who don't kill. This doesn't mean they're weak, but they are the ideal of what people should strive for. That's why Superman is "the Man of Tomorrow".
Superman: I finally get it. Thank you... I made the mistake of treating you people like, people. Now, I understand better... I understand now what the world wants, what it NEEDS. The world needs people in charge, willing to put the animals DOWN!
Superman has so much awesome portrayals. Its really underrated character imo this days. It has so much lore and depth. Once you get into Superman. There is no turning back. Goat of Superheroes for a reason.
The point of the movie, while a bit ham fisted, is very much appreciated and I kind of wish the recent superman movies understood. Superman being an optimistic goody two shoes, is very much why he is a great hero and making him a dark anti-hero takes away from why he has lasted so long as a character. The story also have a couple of jabs at him being an american hero, by pointing out that the America whose ideals he follow is not the real America, but the ideal. The original title (Kind of Supermans motto) always makes me smile because of its unintentional point. Truth, justice and the American way, implies that truth and justice isn't part of the American way.
17:34 something that I like about Superman is any time he has a problem, he always goes to the place he can be himself: the Kent's farm and you are right, is mostly like the Kent's way
Just in case you didn't know the voice of Superman here is also the voice of Sephiroth in Final Fantasy. The comic this was based on was made as a response to the comic series The Authority, a cynical and edgy take on the superhero genre where the "heroes" were basically supervaillains who were only the "good guys" in comparison to the over the top psycho's they went up against, with the Elite serving as stand-inds for the titular team.
@@Mansplainer2099-jy8ps I'm summarising, but I think that's also what they've been described as by some of its creators. The title had a few different teams working in it over its run.
Yeah, no. The point is that in real life, the supervillains rule the World. That's the point of Change or DIE. Hopefully Gunn balances this out in the new DCU.
Superman Vs The Elite is up there as one of my favorite Superman movies ever live action or animated this movie is awesome 🤘🔥, George Newbern killed it here as Superman his evil voice still gives me chills 😳
Yep was like OMG! She’s finally reacting to my fav animated Superman movie! 😱which Insidently I do always watch at this time of year as part of my Christmas binges lol
People give Superman crap for holding back against his opponents, but when you see just how powerful he really is you realize just how utterly terrifying he can be. The number of beings where he has to go full power on is a very short list and composed of beings you want as far away from Earth as possible. If he ever stopped holding back, there's really nothing on this planet that could stop him
No matter how powerful Superman is, the authors will still find a way for Batman to defeat him. He could even team up with Darkseid and have the full spectrum of power rings and Batman would still win, just give him some time to prepare a plan. 🤣
@@anhkriva5274 And if Superman went all out, none of these plans would worth anything as Superman could burn Batman to ash inside the Batcave, from orbit. Just ask Billy Batson in the Injustice game.
This story is a very close second favorite to the Superman: Peace on Earth comic. This used to be my favorite but Peace on Earth’s take on Superman is much more down to earth and doesn’t have any big villains for him to face. It’s just a story about a man wanting to make the world a better place and struggling with the challenges that poses. But, both of these stories keep Clark’s humble upbringing as part of his character and despite his insane abilities he is simply a protector of the planet that raised him, that he loves. As much as I love Superman beating the hell out of Lex, Braniac, etc. I love when comics or media show his more human nature and depict him in a more slice of life sort of way.
This is my absolute favorite superhero movie and the comic it's based on is just as good. Joe Kelly wrote the original comic in 2001 in response to the question of if Superman should be darker and more violent. The movie goes as far as to improve on the already great comic, probably because Kelly himself was able to write the movie and improve on what he did before.
If James Gunn takes inspiration from this story for Superman: Legacy and tweaks it into Superman vs. The Authority (a The Boys-esque super team with no qualms about killing), the DCU might have a fighting chance in this current climate of superhero oversaturation (I'm not willing to label it fatigue as a slew of high quality movies could still turn this around).
09:04 basically the only way to contain Atomic Skull is to drain his power, they basically have to do this to keep him imprisoned and siphoning it into the power grid is a lot safer and easier than constantly having to install bigger and bigger batteries in the prison to contain all that power
"Truth, justice and the American way" was introduced as a slogan in the old Superman radio series, when it was used to sell war bonds. It was retired at the end of World War II, but came back in the 1950s TV show and then kind of overstayed its welcome in pop culture thanks to being referenced in the Richard Donner movie. More recently, the phrase "truth, justice and a better tomorrow" has been used, which feels more accurate to what Superman is about. "Truth, tolerance and justice", "Truth and justice", "Truth, Justice and Freedom" and "Truth, Justice and Peace For All Mankind" have also been used in the past. There have also been tongue-in-cheek variations along the lines of "truth, justice and other stuff". It's a long running thing, the push and pull of whether "the American way" actually says anything about Superman. Truth and justice are the constants. In any case, I love this movie. To date, I think it might be my favorite solo Superman movie. I'll always prefer stories that place Superman in a complicated debate, because superpowers don't win debates. He has to demonstrate the importance of mercy/kindness/etc., rather than just beat the other guy physically, and this story takes that to a place where it almost looks like he's lost his high ground, but he ultimately hasn't.
This and Under The Red Hood (to me) delves deep into the core morality of both Superman and Batman. I think it was in Batman/Superman: Apocalypse where Bats questioned Supes resolve to do what's necessary when the time comes and later he did... when he knocked Kara out while wearing a Kryptonite ring.
Superman vs. Grimdark 90s Antiheroism, personified in The Elite. Without wishing to spoil it, this is another reason a 2-part Knightfall animated film would be interesting, doing something similar for Batman. George Newbern is actually more recognizable after his false 'turn' since the voice he puts on is his Sephiroth voice.
@@OXO1952I keep hearing rumors about Knightfall animated but never any trailers. It would be a very difficult story to distill, spanning dozens of comic books. Need good voice actors for Bane and Azrael.
It's totally morally acceptable to drain Atomic skull, most radioactive super villains usually require having their powers siphoned off, or else they can escape. That'd be like putting a prisoner in jail without taking away their guns.
And people wonder why I consider George Newbern the BEST Superman VA, I show them this movie where he channels his inner Sephiroth (yeah, he voiced him too)
*To me this movie is my favourite Superman movie ever* I adore everything about this movie and to me it perfectly encapsulates everything that makes Superman important in today's world and why now more than ever as countries fo to war, people die and nihilism and cynicism affect countless today, Superman acts to remind us that their is hope and that he truly believes in everyone even if his enemies and the Elite and Manchester Black are a great representation of the 21st century a cynism and misguided justice, they are an antithisis of Superman's morals and everything he doesn't want to be be. Superman feels the weight of every person he cant save and it mentally affects him like an anchor holding the weight of the world on his back yet when hes tempted by those dark thoughts he chooses to be good despite his immense powers, because Superman just wants to help and truly believes in us all even when we don't believe in ourselves. It adapts the story "What's so funny about truth, Justice and the American Way" perfectly I couldn't recommend this film enough to the people who say Superman is boring, because to me this film really disproves that notion quite well. It just frustratingly confuses me how such an amazing DC animated film is overlooked?
I think that forced kiss was important because Clark couldn’t pull away because he was shocked and confused. Yes he’s incredibly powerful but he also wasn’t expecting it
This is the kind of Superman character we need more of nowadays. I honestly think stuff like the DCEU movies have tainted Superman’s image, and kinda turned him into something he’s not. Hopefully Superman: Legacy does him justice
So fun fact, it’s very likely, at least IMO, that we’re going to get a rough live action adaptation of this relatively soon. The Elite are basically a pastiche of another superhero team from a separate imprint called Wildstorm where they basically used all the same tactics but were seen as the good guys. And DC relatively recently acquired Wildstorm and all its characters and James Gunn announced that they’re planning an Authority movie. So it’s likely that they’re setting up the Authority ina Evandro of a Superman vs The Authority movie similar to this.
One of the best animated superman movies ever. Funnily enough, in current superman comics, Chester has gone from being an anti hero to a full blown villain to becoming a hero again after superman recruited him to save the slaves and his own people from the planet called warworld, under a villain named Mongul.
23:05 Mark! That's funny! Because it is a mostly British term, "Wanker" they get away with calling someone a "Masturbator"! The implied insult is that "he can't get laid"! 🙄 Ironically enough, I first heard the word "Wanker" used in the now old "FOX" sitcom "Married...with Children" as Peggy's maiden name. "Wanker County" in Wisconsin was named for her family! (Tim Conway played her father!) So the esoteric humorous lines would be "Those Wankers!" and so on and so forth! 😂😅
17:13 Omg Paul Eiding voiced Jonathan Kent!!! Paul is well known as the voice of Max Tennyson from the Ben 10 series along with Colonel Roy Campbell from Metal Gear Solid, along with voicing a few elderly people in Fallout 3 and two characters in Fallout 4. Cool seeing him as Jon Kent.
12:53 Mark! Hmm. Part of the debates involve someone saying, "It could happen to you!" The Innocent don't need to be or want to be punished for a crime that they didn't commit while the Guilty usually don't want to be punished, so they vote "NO"! But that's just "Crime & Punishment" locally within our own jurisdictions. Internationally is when Politics get involved. 🤔
This movie is such good love letter to golden era comic books, edgy nihilistic anti-heroes have their place but the hopeful heroes that value human life like superman and batman should always be more popular in my opinion.
28:32 Mark! With the official "DC Heroes RPG" whenever doing the math to see how well Superman's dice rolls did, plus his statistics, if combat was involved, since he pulls his punches to avoid cracking heads like egg shells, subtracting just enough to get the job done, took longer for whomever was playing him, compared to the others who were hoping that they even had enough to get it done and if not, if they Hero Points to spend, they could use those to make up the difference! Such math discouraged 😞 some from wanting to play. With the video games, the computer did all of the math! 😁
OMG! I’ll watch this later, but I wanna say that this movie is literally a perfect Superman movie/ Story. The comic by Joe Kelly is just one issue and is fantastic (should only take 10 minutes to read at most), worth it! Superman is awesome and I wish the rest of the world would learn that.
Atomic Skull's usually a much more entertaining villain, traditionally he's a delusional film buff who believes he's his favorite old serial hero, the Atomic Skull, and that Superman is his evil archnemesis.
Superman's molecular structure is so dense it creates his own gravity. This gravitational field can be controlled to just surround him or expanded to surround people of objects. This protects the person or object, so it is not damaged or crumbles under its own weight.
I remember when this comic came out back in the 2000's. The Elite was a clear jab at the Authority from Image Wildstorm comics that was popular at the time. The Authority (who DC actually owns currently and has used some of the characters in a few series even giving some their own in the case of Apollo and Midnighter), was the Image/Wildstorm version of the Justice League but taken to the next level where they kill their villains, topple corrupt governments etc. Think The Boys, except the Boys are the Seven and actually do hero stuff while not being corporate sellouts. The most popular members were Apollo and Midnighter, a spin on Superman and Batman, but as a gay married couple, (then DC comic's EIC Paul Levitz supposedly hated this concept of a murderous Superman/Batman gay couple). You should check out the Authority series. It starts off as an over the top superhero series, but slowly becomes a straight-up sci-fi series with extra dimensional travel, space God's, and various Apocalypses.
Superman and the authority on warworld was amazing too. Superman turned Manchester black into a selfless hero as well as the rest of the authority and ked them to battle to save an entire alien race from slavery in warworld. Supes is the goat.
@@mel-el5862 I was a little hesitant to read it since Superman and the Authority just don't mix in my head. But the Midnighter and Apollo & Midnighter series back in the New 52 era were pretty good, the characters pretty faithful to their Wildstorm version's, so I might have to take a look. Plus, Manchester Black was always an interesting character in the Superman mythos.
Fun fact: the voice actor for Manchester Black is the same guy who plays John Constantine in both the DC animated movies and in the live-action show “Constantine”.
19:18 Mark! "Satan"? Which version?! In "Preacher" that version looked the most like the one in "Southpark" he was assassinated, and bats flew out of his skull as he died, when Adolf Hitler finally conquered Hell! But in "Lucifer" a series that took place on "Earth-666" that moniker is just one of many because there are rival cultures and religions. His brother would call him "Lucy" or "Luce" to tease him! But then in "The Sandman" Lucifer is female but no one called her either of those names! "God's Favorite Idiot" isn't "DC" but the name "Satan" was applied to Leslie Bibb's character. Probably because "Satanica" is a female "Marvel" character all ready! 😅
1:321:33 Actually, Luminous is based on the Doctor Light character. They just couldn't use the name in Superman: The Animated Series. They gave him similar attributes and similar abilities. They just gave him a different name. Hope that clears it up.😄👍
In case you didn't know, recently DC and Superman have passed the "American Way" bit of the slogan for "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow" which I personally like way better and is more true to Superman's global humanitarian ethos. Also in the comics Manchester Black has come back a few times since his initial appearance and his original experience with Superman really turned him around and set him on the right path as a stunning example of Superman's approach to restorative and redemptive justice works (even if sometimes we need a little tough love)
Truth, Justice and the American Way was Superman’s original tag line but relatively recently it was changed to Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow in recognition of both Superman being a global figure and the “American Way” not necessarily being viewed as a good thing in large parts of the world.
Make sure to watch the Ultimate Edition for Batman v Superman instead of the theatrical cut. And yeah this story is amazing, it's right up there with a particular episode from Justice League Unlimited for best Superman stories of all time in my opinion.
It actually is the American way though. That's why they made a point to have Manchester Black call it the American military Capitalist way(paraphrasing) because he didn't get it either. The American way is the American ideal, not the American reality. It's about the dream. Just like Captain America, Superman believes in people and their ability to be the best version of themselves enough that they would never try to take over. They would never go Injustice Superman or Hydra Cap Because that takes away people's ability to choose for themselves.
10:19 Mark! "Horrow show"? Hmm. Either it isn't just a phrase from "A Clockwork Orange" or he saw the movie? Letting her go seems to be how she fell in front of the train? 😮 Hmm. So you believe that they will reform into crime-free adults? 🤔 Charities don't seem to do enough advertising to those that actually need their help. Without knowing that there are shelters, they resort to petty crimes. Though the pride of some prefer to be poor and destitute rather than "beg and ask for charity". 🤔
When Superman stories bring up the "American Way" it is the idealized society that we should strive for no hate or discrimination; that we should do what we can to help others.
@@Mansplainer2099-jy8ps well MANSPLAINER2099-JY8PS love the name I love your enthusiasm but I have to respectfully disagree yes we humans are sin full creatures we also have show moments of kindness that helps one another and have come from bad to better not perfect but better
@@Stelly777 "Sin" is another myth, the universe does not revolve around us, we humans are just narcissists. Same goes for "perfection" and "imperfection".
@@Mansplainer2099-jy8ps again MANSPLAINER2099 love the name I respectfully disagree I do agree that the universe does not revolve around us but I do believe in sin but that's ok if you don't but I will also agree on your stance of "perfection" and "imperfection"
@@Stelly777 And what do you think "sin" is? The Stone Age lasted 3.4 million years and only ended 6,000 years ago. What is "sin" except this ludicrous narcissistic idea of ours that the universe is watching you as an individual and shaking its head at your behavior?
If you've ever played a final fantasy game when Superman is speaking to them telepathically that is the voice of Sephiroth. They're the same voice actors Superman and Sephiroth
23:21 Mark! Oh yeah! Look! He's still a Caucasian/White guy! In "Supergirl" of the "Arrowverse" they had made him a Black guy! I forgot that he used to be like this guy! 😮😅😂
@23:50 "I made the mistake of treating you people like...People" that line from Superman ALWAYS gives me Chills. These final 10 minutes are THE BEST ever put to film starting Superman imo...it is Brilliant.
also @30:39 - Manchester Jack made me chuckle, esp since I immediately felt like I saw what your brain did with his name and the Union Jack on his chest lol
It is of note that Superman's motto was recently changed in the comics. Instead of "The American Way" it os now: "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow."
17:37 regarding the "american way" part of the slogan, dc comics actually recently changed the motto to "truth, justice, and a better tomorrow". which i like better 😅
To me this movie proves how much of a planner Superman really is, the kind Batman would be proud of. It also shows heroes like him are not obsolete and still matter to show what’s good and what’s bad
I don’t know if anyone mentioned this here, but the truth justice and the American way thing has always warmed my heart specifically because of its origins. Superman was originally made by a pair of Jewish immigrants to the us around the time WWII WAS going on. They were feeling from their home which was falling to ruin, same as Superman, they were aliens in a new land, same as Superman, and they made the most popular comic book character ever, they made the symbol of hope that was what Superman became. I see a lot of Superman’s struggle for acceptance in their story. It’s also worth pointing out his name is Superman, the literal translation of the Nazi goal of the Ubermensch. I don’t think it’s coincidence 2 Jewish refugees from Europe chose that as a name. I see it as a taunt. “This is your Superman, and he hates you. He stands for everything you hate.” The truth justice and the American way part has always read as two Jewish immigrants writing in the their immigrant as the most American man. The idea that it doesn’t matter where you come from, here you are American and you are loved. Here you can fight and stands against evil. Here you are Superman.
Now this was an excellent story about Superman in this movie! His ideals were being challenged by that Elite team and they were starting to win for a while until Supes pulled that show on them.
Fun Fact, The Elite were DC Comics response to Wildstorm Comics team of similar characters, The Authority..which DC now owns. Jenny Sparks is one of my favorite DC characters, whom Manchester Black is based on.
Defiantly one of my favorite DC movies even after all these years, it’s a shame that more people don’t know about it. Although it would completely destroy the universe, I just wish there were proper ways to contain threats in DC so there isn’t the kill or not to kill question. The only reason I agree with the kill proposal is because the heinous villains will never be contained or rehabilitated so it is only a repetitive cycle of catch and release with the civilians acting a fodder. But this is also somewhat of a paradox because the only reason I wouldn’t be terrified of someone as strong as superman eliminating a threat is because he is boy scout that we love. But if he does kill then he isn’t the superman that I would trust to kill.
I like to think that Superman’s quote of “Truth, Justice, and the American way” is supposed to mean the ideal that everyone wants America to be. Essentially, the version of “America” we’re ironically made to believe in as kids. He’s a hero who doesn’t pick and choose who matters across the entire world. He embodies the ideology that America should strive for. He’s not saying it to be exclusive.
NO
Its weird how everyone in this film seems to underestimate Superman. One of the downsides of holding back your true power I guess, but it also comes in handy when you do decide to take the kid gloves off and the enemy is like "I regret everything right now".
@@DocuzanQuitomos that's kind of the point. Superman apprehends or banishes his foes(usually) that means he fights a harder fight by not just killing his enemies. He never said that he couldn't kill any of his supervillains just that it was against his belief in the law to do so.
And maybe if The Elite played this smarter they would have had a better chance. Superman can easily overpower most of em buy people forget that he's really intelligent too, he had the resources and prep time to catch them all off guard and pick them off one by one even when they met at a place The Elite chose.
I don't think they underestimated him, they just never had his might pointed in their direction
@@DavidGonzalez-zl3dzintellect wise they do ..considering Batman is always overshadowing everyone with his intellect but theres others heroes just as brilliant
The comic that this movie was adapted from came from an era when anti-hero comic book characters were popular that "finally did something". The Punisher is probably the biggest character to come out of that era of comics. It was a backlash against the classic hero's like Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, and Iron Man seemingly idiotic approach to crime and injustice. I love this story because it's so easy to cry out for extreme changes when problems exist, especially problems that have a long and subtle history where bringing a hammer to it makes the problem much worse. This story is a reminder that we need to do good not because it's the solution to a problem, as if its a game where embracing "the dark side" is a solution to problems, but rather just to simply do good for the sake of it even if it can be the more difficult path.
The Punisher has been around since the 1970s, so he is a bad example of that trend. Marvel also made it very clear that Punisher is not on the right side of the law, as he has gone to jail many times for murdering criminals, unlike many of the late '90s comic book heroes who often seemed to be above the law.
@@Rocket1377@Rocket1377 It was more inspired by The Authority by Warren Ellis, where the superheroes regrouped and decided it was time to take the kid gloves off. They decided that since the villains were irredeemable and the governments of the world were either too incompetent or too corrupt to govern the people, the "heroes" would take the reins and do what was necessary for the greater good. Unfortunately, their idea of the greater good became more of the "if you look into the abyss, the abyss stares back" kind of argument. At first, the idea of the Authority finally dealing with the villains and problems of the world was favorable. Still, after the superheroes began embracing their brutal and violent side and when there were no more villains to deal with, the heroes started turning on the people, ruling the world with a totalitarian sense of authority that made many people fear and despise them.
i wonder how Gunn will have the authority be in the DCU
basically how most movie versions are just straight up killers.
Yeah, I remember learning about that comic. "What's so Funny about Truth, Justice and the American Way?" By Joe Kelly. I always liked this story and the title because it felt like a dissertation on the importance of heroes like Superman in an age where everyone wanted to be the kill-happy Anti-Hero: a subversion of the subversion so to speak.
FUN FACT: the writer of the comic would go on to create Ben 10. Yes, Joe Kelly is part of the group called "Man of Action."
"The American Way" for Superman isn't about what America really is. It's an idealized America where are all people really are treated equally and the government is truly "by the people, for the people." It's the American Way that Clark Kent was raised to believe in by good, ordinary people.
It's just altruism. His parents raised an altruistic boy
The "American way" is an ideal , a separate thing from United States government policy. Superman is for the ideal "American way."
@@DocuzanQuitomosthis is why is prefer the new slogan of “Truth, Justice, and a better tomorrow”
It was changed in superman returns, he just says nd stuff
@@DocuzanQuitomosPeople will link truth or justice to their idea of truth and justice, changing words won’t help what your problem is.
Does meg have issues with police?
@@hkaayaakuu
When it’s not a fictional character like Gordon, absolutely.
In the comics, in the long term, Clark's decision to teach Manchester the error of his ways rather than just punish him pays off in the long run. Chester's not fully grown past all his shittiness, but by now he's trying and is a genuine ally to Clark, and will proudly admit to others that he's "drunk the Superman Kool Aid"
You never read the Black vs Superman finally did you?
@@Guciom no but is it more recent than like, last year? Because that's when what I'm referring to happened.
@@TheJokerAkaCirque It's from like two decades ago. The comics continued Black's story and he had a final showdown with Superman.
@@Guciom okay great but what I'm talking about happened more recently, so I don't see how it's relevant to what I said
Yeah in the comic Clark doesn't actually lobotomize Chester, this pays off by Black sacrificing himself to destroy the villain Imperiex, and in post new 52 continuity he even redeems himself by joining forces with a semi-depowered Superman.
One of the best visual representations of just how "fair" Superman is to the criminals he deals with. How utterly easily he could body every single enemy he fights and yet, is constantly holding back.
"I feel like I live in a world made of, cardboard. Always taking constant care not to break something. To break some one. What we have here is the rare opportunity for me to cut loose, and show you just how powerful, I really am."
-Superman to Darkseid. Justice League Animated series.
The 'world of cardboard' speech is absolutely legendary!
6:00 Superman has always helped around the globe, but usually for accidents and natural disasters.
Like, if a bridge collapses in China, he’ll hear it and immediately go help.
Hearing you talk about Superman expanding past America to the rest of the world reminds me of the Superman & Lois show. You'd love it, Lois is amazing in that show and their relationship is depicted soooooo well. It has one final season (4) coming out in 2024 so it's the perfect time to catch up. Tyler Hoechlin who plays Superman is a great casting
i think he’s the best modern superman imo
Tyler Hoechlin may be the best example of a casting where everybody went "oh come on. Seriously?" when they saw the first pictures of him in costume, but then grew to love how well he embodied the wholesome boy scout version of Superman. Personally the whole evil Superman story has become passé for me.
@@Wolfhunter5607 totally agree
Wait it’s only getting 2 seasons?
@@godzillaslayer5817 season 4, coming out this year, is the last season.
I'll stand by "truth, justice, and the American way." ESPECIALLY for anything starring Superman.
Same
💯
It’s truth, justice and a better tomorrow now, cope.
Now it’s truth, justice and a better tomorrow, cope
@@Mayan_88694 "Cope?" It's a line from a comic book, not the death of a loved one.
The movie is based off a comic called "What's so funny about truth, justice, and the American way?"
One of the things I adore about this movie is that it shows that while Superman is good, good is not always cheesy. The best versions of Superman are, to me, the ones who don't kill. This doesn't mean they're weak, but they are the ideal of what people should strive for. That's why Superman is "the Man of Tomorrow".
Superman: I finally get it. Thank you... I made the mistake of treating you people like, people. Now, I understand better... I understand now what the world wants, what it NEEDS. The world needs people in charge, willing to put the animals DOWN!
That entire scene still gives me chills, it’s so easy to forget that Super Acting is one of Clark’s super powers.
Sepheroh's voice doesn't hurt either.
@@t-rexcellentreviews1663 That's a really good way of thinking of it.
Injustice superman foreshadow!!!
Superman has so much awesome portrayals. Its really underrated character imo this days. It has so much lore and depth. Once you get into Superman. There is no turning back. Goat of Superheroes for a reason.
The point of the movie, while a bit ham fisted, is very much appreciated and I kind of wish the recent superman movies understood.
Superman being an optimistic goody two shoes, is very much why he is a great hero and making him a dark anti-hero takes away from why he has lasted so long as a character.
The story also have a couple of jabs at him being an american hero, by pointing out that the America whose ideals he follow is not the real America, but the ideal.
The original title (Kind of Supermans motto) always makes me smile because of its unintentional point.
Truth, justice and the American way, implies that truth and justice isn't part of the American way.
“Truth, Justice and the American Way”. That’s the ideal Superman always strives towards. Even Siegel agrees I’m an interview.
17:34 something that I like about Superman is any time he has a problem, he always goes to the place he can be himself: the Kent's farm and you are right, is mostly like the Kent's way
When he say "American Way," I means the ideal of it. You know freedom and all that stuff.
Just in case you didn't know the voice of Superman here is also the voice of Sephiroth in Final Fantasy.
The comic this was based on was made as a response to the comic series The Authority, a cynical and edgy take on the superhero genre where the "heroes" were basically supervaillains who were only the "good guys" in comparison to the over the top psycho's they went up against, with the Elite serving as stand-inds for the titular team.
I'm not the greatest fan of the Authority but that's a little harsh, calling them "basically supervillains".
@@Mansplainer2099-jy8ps I'm summarising, but I think that's also what they've been described as by some of its creators. The title had a few different teams working in it over its run.
@@Avenger85438 If you say so but they start out genuinely trying to do good in their own violent way.
@@Mansplainer2099-jy8ps And then new writers come along and their characterisation goes all over the place.
Yeah, no. The point is that in real life, the supervillains rule the World. That's the point of Change or DIE. Hopefully Gunn balances this out in the new DCU.
Superman Vs The Elite is up there as one of my favorite Superman movies ever live action or animated this movie is awesome 🤘🔥, George Newbern killed it here as Superman his evil voice still gives me chills 😳
Yep was like OMG! She’s finally reacting to my fav animated Superman movie! 😱which Insidently I do always watch at this time of year as part of my Christmas binges lol
@@garydevlin8178I gotta give this movie another rewatch soon it's been way too long lol
Newbern channeled his inner Sephiroth with that one.
@@TheGohanSkywalkerHe gave the Elite a wonderful present... Despair.
People give Superman crap for holding back against his opponents, but when you see just how powerful he really is you realize just how utterly terrifying he can be. The number of beings where he has to go full power on is a very short list and composed of beings you want as far away from Earth as possible. If he ever stopped holding back, there's really nothing on this planet that could stop him
No matter how powerful Superman is, the authors will still find a way for Batman to defeat him. He could even team up with Darkseid and have the full spectrum of power rings and Batman would still win, just give him some time to prepare a plan. 🤣
@@anhkriva5274 And if Superman went all out, none of these plans would worth anything as Superman could burn Batman to ash inside the Batcave, from orbit.
Just ask Billy Batson in the Injustice game.
Idk why people never react to this movie thank god for meg!!!
Truth, justice, and the American way was Superman’s motto up until a few years ago when DC changed it to truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
@@christiancrusader9374absolutely but I think modern cynicism made people take the American way part too literal.
Well America did several questionable things in the past
This story is a very close second favorite to the Superman: Peace on Earth comic. This used to be my favorite but Peace on Earth’s take on Superman is much more down to earth and doesn’t have any big villains for him to face. It’s just a story about a man wanting to make the world a better place and struggling with the challenges that poses.
But, both of these stories keep Clark’s humble upbringing as part of his character and despite his insane abilities he is simply a protector of the planet that raised him, that he loves. As much as I love Superman beating the hell out of Lex, Braniac, etc. I love when comics or media show his more human nature and depict him in a more slice of life sort of way.
In honor of Andre Braugher's amazing voice acting before his death in 2023. You should see "Superman/Batman: Apocolypse"
This is my absolute favorite superhero movie and the comic it's based on is just as good. Joe Kelly wrote the original comic in 2001 in response to the question of if Superman should be darker and more violent. The movie goes as far as to improve on the already great comic, probably because Kelly himself was able to write the movie and improve on what he did before.
If James Gunn takes inspiration from this story for Superman: Legacy and tweaks it into Superman vs. The Authority (a The Boys-esque super team with no qualms about killing), the DCU might have a fighting chance in this current climate of superhero oversaturation (I'm not willing to label it fatigue as a slew of high quality movies could still turn this around).
I'm always here for Superman and I wish you a Happy New Year Meg and Caleb Thank You.🎇🎆🎊🎊🎆🎇
09:04 basically the only way to contain Atomic Skull is to drain his power, they basically have to do this to keep him imprisoned and siphoning it into the power grid is a lot safer and easier than constantly having to install bigger and bigger batteries in the prison to contain all that power
"Truth, justice and the American way" was introduced as a slogan in the old Superman radio series, when it was used to sell war bonds. It was retired at the end of World War II, but came back in the 1950s TV show and then kind of overstayed its welcome in pop culture thanks to being referenced in the Richard Donner movie. More recently, the phrase "truth, justice and a better tomorrow" has been used, which feels more accurate to what Superman is about. "Truth, tolerance and justice", "Truth and justice", "Truth, Justice and Freedom" and "Truth, Justice and Peace For All Mankind" have also been used in the past. There have also been tongue-in-cheek variations along the lines of "truth, justice and other stuff". It's a long running thing, the push and pull of whether "the American way" actually says anything about Superman. Truth and justice are the constants.
In any case, I love this movie. To date, I think it might be my favorite solo Superman movie. I'll always prefer stories that place Superman in a complicated debate, because superpowers don't win debates. He has to demonstrate the importance of mercy/kindness/etc., rather than just beat the other guy physically, and this story takes that to a place where it almost looks like he's lost his high ground, but he ultimately hasn't.
This and Under The Red Hood (to me) delves deep into the core morality of both Superman and Batman.
I think it was in Batman/Superman: Apocalypse where Bats questioned Supes resolve to do what's necessary when the time comes and later he did... when he knocked Kara out while wearing a Kryptonite ring.
This is the reason I LOVE Superman as a character. This based on one of my favorite stories ever
Superman vs. Grimdark 90s Antiheroism, personified in The Elite. Without wishing to spoil it, this is another reason a 2-part Knightfall animated film would be interesting, doing something similar for Batman. George Newbern is actually more recognizable after his false 'turn' since the voice he puts on is his Sephiroth voice.
I would so love a series of animated Knightfall films!
@@OXO1952I keep hearing rumors about Knightfall animated but never any trailers. It would be a very difficult story to distill, spanning dozens of comic books. Need good voice actors for Bane and Azrael.
It's totally morally acceptable to drain Atomic skull, most radioactive super villains usually require having their powers siphoned off, or else they can escape.
That'd be like putting a prisoner in jail without taking away their guns.
And people wonder why I consider George Newbern the BEST Superman VA, I show them this movie where he channels his inner Sephiroth (yeah, he voiced him too)
@Xehanort10 too true, was skeptical at first; but JL S2 dropped it like a stone
THANKS FOR SHOWING LOVE FOR DC WE ARE NOT ALWAYS SHOWN LOVE❤❤❤
Superman vs modern comics and the cynical age....been waiting for this one
*To me this movie is my favourite Superman movie ever*
I adore everything about this movie and to me it perfectly encapsulates everything that makes Superman important in today's world and why now more than ever as countries fo to war, people die and nihilism and cynicism affect countless today, Superman acts to remind us that their is hope and that he truly believes in everyone even if his enemies and the Elite and Manchester Black are a great representation of the 21st century a cynism and misguided justice, they are an antithisis of Superman's morals and everything he doesn't want to be be. Superman feels the weight of every person he cant save and it mentally affects him like an anchor holding the weight of the world on his back yet when hes tempted by those dark thoughts he chooses to be good despite his immense powers, because Superman just wants to help and truly believes in us all even when we don't believe in ourselves.
It adapts the story "What's so funny about truth, Justice and the American Way" perfectly
I couldn't recommend this film enough to the people who say Superman is boring, because to me this film really disproves that notion quite well.
It just frustratingly confuses me how such an amazing DC animated film is overlooked?
Perfectly put. Happy New Year.
@@quiett6191 Thanks. Happy New Year to you too
I think that forced kiss was important because Clark couldn’t pull away because he was shocked and confused. Yes he’s incredibly powerful but he also wasn’t expecting it
I became a fan the second you said "Where are the Green Lanterns?"
This is the kind of Superman character we need more of nowadays. I honestly think stuff like the DCEU movies have tainted Superman’s image, and kinda turned him into something he’s not. Hopefully Superman: Legacy does him justice
This video is only a month old? How have I already watched it this many times?
So fun fact, it’s very likely, at least IMO, that we’re going to get a rough live action adaptation of this relatively soon.
The Elite are basically a pastiche of another superhero team from a separate imprint called Wildstorm where they basically used all the same tactics but were seen as the good guys. And DC relatively recently acquired Wildstorm and all its characters and James Gunn announced that they’re planning an Authority movie.
So it’s likely that they’re setting up the Authority ina Evandro of a Superman vs The Authority movie similar to this.
God I hope so.
One of the best animated superman movies ever.
Funnily enough, in current superman comics, Chester has gone from being an anti hero to a full blown villain to becoming a hero again after superman recruited him to save the slaves and his own people from the planet called warworld, under a villain named Mongul.
23:05 Mark! That's funny! Because it is a mostly British term, "Wanker" they get away with calling someone a "Masturbator"! The implied insult is that "he can't get laid"! 🙄
Ironically enough, I first heard the word "Wanker" used in the now old "FOX" sitcom "Married...with Children" as Peggy's maiden name. "Wanker County" in Wisconsin was named for her family! (Tim Conway played her father!) So the esoteric humorous lines would be "Those Wankers!" and so on and so forth! 😂😅
17:13 Omg Paul Eiding voiced Jonathan Kent!!! Paul is well known as the voice of Max Tennyson from the Ben 10 series along with Colonel Roy Campbell from Metal Gear Solid, along with voicing a few elderly people in Fallout 3 and two characters in Fallout 4. Cool seeing him as Jon Kent.
12:53 Mark! Hmm. Part of the debates involve someone saying, "It could happen to you!" The Innocent don't need to be or want to be punished for a crime that they didn't commit while the Guilty usually don't want to be punished, so they vote "NO"!
But that's just "Crime & Punishment" locally within our own jurisdictions. Internationally is when Politics get involved. 🤔
This movie is such good love letter to golden era comic books, edgy nihilistic anti-heroes have their place but the hopeful heroes that value human life like superman and batman should always be more popular in my opinion.
Superman has a new catchphrase now: "Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow"
This movie is basically Superman vs Zack Snyder.
4:50 Mark! "That's Science!" Meg, that's your new talk show skit title! 😊 Or catchphrase!
28:32 Mark! With the official "DC Heroes RPG" whenever doing the math to see how well Superman's dice rolls did, plus his statistics, if combat was involved, since he pulls his punches to avoid cracking heads like egg shells, subtracting just enough to get the job done, took longer for whomever was playing him, compared to the others who were hoping that they even had enough to get it done and if not, if they Hero Points to spend, they could use those to make up the difference! Such math discouraged 😞 some from wanting to play. With the video games, the computer did all of the math! 😁
I just adore this movie. I still need to grab the graphic novel.
OMG! I’ll watch this later, but I wanna say that this movie is literally a perfect Superman movie/ Story. The comic by Joe Kelly is just one issue and is fantastic (should only take 10 minutes to read at most), worth it! Superman is awesome and I wish the rest of the world would learn that.
One thing I notice is that the person who plays as Coldcast is the voice of Killer Bee from Naruto
Atomic Skull's usually a much more entertaining villain, traditionally he's a delusional film buff who believes he's his favorite old serial hero, the Atomic Skull, and that Superman is his evil archnemesis.
Superman's molecular structure is so dense it creates his own gravity. This gravitational field can be controlled to just surround him or expanded to surround people of objects. This protects the person or object, so it is not damaged or crumbles under its own weight.
I remember when this comic came out back in the 2000's. The Elite was a clear jab at the Authority from Image Wildstorm comics that was popular at the time. The Authority (who DC actually owns currently and has used some of the characters in a few series even giving some their own in the case of Apollo and Midnighter), was the Image/Wildstorm version of the Justice League but taken to the next level where they kill their villains, topple corrupt governments etc. Think The Boys, except the Boys are the Seven and actually do hero stuff while not being corporate sellouts. The most popular members were Apollo and Midnighter, a spin on Superman and Batman, but as a gay married couple, (then DC comic's EIC Paul Levitz supposedly hated this concept of a murderous Superman/Batman gay couple). You should check out the Authority series. It starts off as an over the top superhero series, but slowly becomes a straight-up sci-fi series with extra dimensional travel, space God's, and various Apocalypses.
Superman and the authority on warworld was amazing too.
Superman turned Manchester black into a selfless hero as well as the rest of the authority and ked them to battle to save an entire alien race from slavery in warworld.
Supes is the goat.
@@mel-el5862 I was a little hesitant to read it since Superman and the Authority just don't mix in my head. But the Midnighter and Apollo & Midnighter series back in the New 52 era were pretty good, the characters pretty faithful to their Wildstorm version's, so I might have to take a look. Plus, Manchester Black was always an interesting character in the Superman mythos.
wonder how they’ll be in the DCU
Fun fact: the voice actor for Manchester Black is the same guy who plays John Constantine in both the DC animated movies and in the live-action show “Constantine”.
No that's Matt Ryan Manchester is voiced by TF2 Medic's VA
The perfect Superman story for a post 9/11 world.
19:18 Mark! "Satan"? Which version?! In "Preacher" that version looked the most like the one in "Southpark" he was assassinated, and bats flew out of his skull as he died, when Adolf Hitler finally conquered Hell! But in "Lucifer" a series that took place on "Earth-666" that moniker is just one of many because there are rival cultures and religions. His brother would call him "Lucy" or "Luce" to tease him! But then in "The Sandman" Lucifer is female but no one called her either of those names! "God's Favorite Idiot" isn't "DC" but the name "Satan" was applied to Leslie Bibb's character. Probably because "Satanica" is a female "Marvel" character all ready! 😅
The new tag line is better: "Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow"
The film and the comic it is based on are definitely not perfect stories but I will love Superman's speech regarding dreams.
1:32 1:33 Actually, Luminous is based on the Doctor Light character. They just couldn't use the name in Superman: The Animated Series. They gave him similar attributes and similar abilities. They just gave him a different name. Hope that clears it up.😄👍
5:22 Mark! "Literally?! It looks like an image on a shirt or jacket to me. 🤔 Not an actual flag draped on him..
When Superman say's "The American Way", he means what America and it's people stand for.
In case you didn't know, recently DC and Superman have passed the "American Way" bit of the slogan for "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow" which I personally like way better and is more true to Superman's global humanitarian ethos. Also in the comics Manchester Black has come back a few times since his initial appearance and his original experience with Superman really turned him around and set him on the right path as a stunning example of Superman's approach to restorative and redemptive justice works (even if sometimes we need a little tough love)
One of my favorite bits of Superman media!
Truth, Justice and the American Way was Superman’s original tag line but relatively recently it was changed to Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow in recognition of both Superman being a global figure and the “American Way” not necessarily being viewed as a good thing in large parts of the world.
Make sure to watch the Ultimate Edition for Batman v Superman instead of the theatrical cut. And yeah this story is amazing, it's right up there with a particular episode from Justice League Unlimited for best Superman stories of all time in my opinion.
It actually is the American way though. That's why they made a point to have Manchester Black call it the American military Capitalist way(paraphrasing) because he didn't get it either. The American way is the American ideal, not the American reality. It's about the dream. Just like Captain America, Superman believes in people and their ability to be the best version of themselves enough that they would never try to take over. They would never go Injustice Superman or Hydra Cap Because that takes away people's ability to choose for themselves.
10:19 Mark! "Horrow show"? Hmm. Either it isn't just a phrase from "A Clockwork Orange" or he saw the movie?
Letting her go seems to be how she fell in front of the train? 😮
Hmm. So you believe that they will reform into crime-free adults? 🤔
Charities don't seem to do enough advertising to those that actually need their help. Without knowing that there are shelters, they resort to petty crimes.
Though the pride of some prefer to be poor and destitute rather than "beg and ask for charity". 🤔
When Superman stories bring up the "American Way" it is the idealized society that we should strive for no hate or discrimination; that we should do what we can to help others.
"Should" is a myth though so you might want to rephrase.
@@Mansplainer2099-jy8ps well MANSPLAINER2099-JY8PS love the name I love your enthusiasm but I have to respectfully disagree yes we humans are sin full creatures we also have show moments of kindness that helps one another and have come from bad to better not perfect but better
@@Stelly777 "Sin" is another myth, the universe does not revolve around us, we humans are just narcissists.
Same goes for "perfection" and "imperfection".
@@Mansplainer2099-jy8ps again MANSPLAINER2099 love the name I respectfully disagree I do agree that the universe does not revolve around us but I do believe in sin but that's ok if you don't but I will also agree on your stance of "perfection" and "imperfection"
@@Stelly777 And what do you think "sin" is? The Stone Age lasted 3.4 million years and only ended 6,000 years ago. What is "sin" except this ludicrous narcissistic idea of ours that the universe is watching you as an individual and shaking its head at your behavior?
Hi Meg hope you are having an great and awesome weekend ❤
Is that Superman? Not anymore. To this day, still bone chilling.
If you've ever played a final fantasy game when Superman is speaking to them telepathically that is the voice of Sephiroth. They're the same voice actors Superman and Sephiroth
I have the impression that James Gunn's film will be inspired by this story, as far as bringing back what Superman represents.
23:21 Mark! Oh yeah! Look! He's still a Caucasian/White guy! In "Supergirl" of the "Arrowverse" they had made him a Black guy! I forgot that he used to be like this guy! 😮😅😂
God tier Superman story
12:21 Mark! Huh? She just proved that she can! 😁 Albeit she probably shouldn't be doing that! 😉
Craziest part of the whole movie is this makes trigger events canon in this universe
Been waiting for this reaction. ❤
@23:50 "I made the mistake of treating you people like...People" that line from Superman ALWAYS gives me Chills.
These final 10 minutes are THE BEST ever put to film starting Superman imo...it is Brilliant.
also @30:39 - Manchester Jack made me chuckle, esp since I immediately felt like I saw what your brain did with his name and the Union Jack on his chest lol
@33:10 - "And that's why...you always leave a Note" 😂😂😂😂
It is of note that Superman's motto was recently changed in the comics. Instead of "The American Way" it os now: "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow."
Love this!
17:37 regarding the "american way" part of the slogan, dc comics actually recently changed the motto to "truth, justice, and a better tomorrow". which i like better 😅
American way😂
Kinda Ironic as the rest of the world sees America as the devil.
Superman's facial structure in every single movie that weirdo and weather today
To me this movie proves how much of a planner Superman really is, the kind Batman would be proud of. It also shows heroes like him are not obsolete and still matter to show what’s good and what’s bad
This movie made me appreciate Superman a lot more. He really is an inspiration to all of us.
oh my god! FINALLY SOMEONE REACTS TO THIS!
The perfect movie to watch with the average evil superman/Dark Knight returns fan
Moral or the story, when You give super powered beings too much authority, no one will be able to stop them.
Why were they staring at him like that? Imagine being on patrol and Superman shows up, how cool would you be
I don’t know if anyone mentioned this here, but the truth justice and the American way thing has always warmed my heart specifically because of its origins.
Superman was originally made by a pair of Jewish immigrants to the us around the time WWII WAS going on. They were feeling from their home which was falling to ruin, same as Superman, they were aliens in a new land, same as Superman, and they made the most popular comic book character ever, they made the symbol of hope that was what Superman became. I see a lot of Superman’s struggle for acceptance in their story.
It’s also worth pointing out his name is Superman, the literal translation of the Nazi goal of the Ubermensch. I don’t think it’s coincidence 2 Jewish refugees from Europe chose that as a name. I see it as a taunt. “This is your Superman, and he hates you. He stands for everything you hate.”
The truth justice and the American way part has always read as two Jewish immigrants writing in the their immigrant as the most American man. The idea that it doesn’t matter where you come from, here you are American and you are loved. Here you can fight and stands against evil. Here you are Superman.
Keep going the good work with Superman TAS. You're about to reach the best of the second season!
Now this was an excellent story about Superman in this movie! His ideals were being challenged by that Elite team and they were starting to win for a while until Supes pulled that show on them.
Fun Fact, The Elite were DC Comics response to Wildstorm Comics team of similar characters, The Authority..which DC now owns. Jenny Sparks is one of my favorite DC characters, whom Manchester Black is based on.
Defiantly one of my favorite DC movies even after all these years, it’s a shame that more people don’t know about it. Although it would completely destroy the universe, I just wish there were proper ways to contain threats in DC so there isn’t the kill or not to kill question. The only reason I agree with the kill proposal is because the heinous villains will never be contained or rehabilitated so it is only a repetitive cycle of catch and release with the civilians acting a fodder. But this is also somewhat of a paradox because the only reason I wouldn’t be terrified of someone as strong as superman eliminating a threat is because he is boy scout that we love. But if he does kill then he isn’t the superman that I would trust to kill.
Hopefully next react to:
Superman Unbound
Superman/Batman Public Enemies
Superman/Batman Apocalypse