Doomed Planet

In an era where truth is subjective, justice is biased, and the American way of life is questionable, does Superman still hold relevance? Ironically, this inquiry underscores the very essence of the Man of Steel's character. Created by two Jewish immigrants in 1938, one of his defining traits is his status as an outsider, someone who doesn't quite fit in. His purpose is to observe humanity from the outside and, despite his extraordinary powers, choose to engage with us from within. The challenge arises when creators depict Superman as cynical, akin to doomsday preppers, in an effort to make him more "grounded" and "relatable," rather than placing him in a world that is inherently skeptical. Rendering him pessimistic alters his entire character; at that point, one might as well dress an unfamiliar figure in a cape instead of relying on a beloved icon.

There is value in genre deconstructions, satire, parody, and subversion. However, issues arise when there is nothing left to deconstruct, and everything becomes a parody, leading audiences to confuse the joke with reality. For some time, studios have leaned towards anti-heroes rather than traditional heroes, such as Deadpool, Black Adam, Venom, and even Morbius. Even Batman, despite his popularity and frequent mainstream reintroductions, serves as an example of a morally ambiguous hero, often deemed "cool."

Desperate Scientists

Many argue that Superman feels out of place in a post-9/11 world, where trust in individuals and institutions is often misplaced, and the cost of giving the benefit of the doubt is high (conversely, Batman thrives in such an environment). Critics contend that Superman's immense power and goodness render him unrelatable, as he seems devoid of flaws and thus, uninteresting. Observing the harsh realities of human nature, they question why an alien with superpowers would choose to associate with humanity. It's far more relatable to understand a billionaire orphan who dons black and fights crime at night, as we can empathize with the concept of vengeance rooted in childhood trauma. What remains difficult for many to grasp are ideals like altruism and optimism, which elicit smiles without conscious effort.

When Superman is portrayed as harboring a negative outlook on humanity, I suggest this reflects society's increasingly pessimistic view of ourselves. Superman’s greatest strength is his humanity, and while we may perceive ourselves as unworthy of salvation, the Man of Steel embodies the opposite belief. This brings us to the first animated series centered on Superman since 1996: My Adventures With Superman. This modern retelling of his origin story incorporates elements from his rich history, including beloved friendships, classic adversaries, and even the prevailing cynicism found in contemporary media. What sets this series apart from other recent adaptations is that Superman himself is not a cynic; he refuses to succumb to the world's disillusionment. Though challenged by public perception, he maintains a hopeful and optimistic outlook, a long-lost quality that reinstates the "hero" in superhero.

In his book Illuminations, comic book legend Alan Moore suggests that Superman (and superheroes in general) function best within the confines of two dimensions, such as comics or animation. This may explain why he disavows most adaptations of his works, save for a singular episode from the Justice League Animated Series. I echo Moore’s sentiments, recalling Plato’s Theory of Forms, which posits that beyond our reality exist perfect, unchanging concepts that everything in existence derives from. Comic books, with their simpler dimensionality, embody this timeless abstract nature, representing a moral ideal that we, in our physical existence, aspire to reach. Superman is the embodiment of who we should strive to be, even if we fail to live up to that ideal. When translated into live-action, the challenge lies not in believing a man can fly, but in accepting that a man can embody unwavering kindness.

Last Hope

My Adventures With Superman stands out not solely for its anime influences (though they play a role) but for its sincere storytelling and character portrayals. It offers a refreshing change amidst other DC animated projects—like the dark humor of Harley Quinn, the gritty espionage of Young Justice, and the comedic spoof of Teen Titans Go. We haven't seen a genuinely sincere superhero show in quite some time, one that takes itself earnestly yet allows for both heart and doubt. The series succeeds by adapting the world around the characters rather than changing the characters themselves. The showrunner understands the importance of preserving the core traits while modernizing the character's universe.

It fosters relatability not by depicting Superman as disheartened or lost, but as an enthusiastic intern eager to help, yet often misjudged in a fast-paced media environment that shifts opinions daily. One moment he assists an elderly woman in crossing the street, and he’s hailed as a hero; the next, a minor blunder turns him into a villain. In the realm of social media, Superman faces scrutiny akin to that of actors and pop stars. Like comic books, the two-dimensional space of social media often reduces individuals to black-and-white portrayals. The show’s central conflict revolves around a character striving to do good, despite not always achieving his intentions in a world where everyone assumes ulterior motives.

Kindly Couple

I grew up during a time when superheroes flourished in mainstream media, shaped by Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy and the emerging Marvel Cinematic Universe. I understand why younger generations might favor algorithm-driven content from YouTube or TikTok over superhero films—since true heroism seems increasingly absent from the genre.

In an age where attention is a commodity, entertainment is crafted to deliver rapid-fire jokes to maintain viewer engagement. This often leads to self-parody, diminishing the significance of characters and messages. Entertainment now tends to either mock every group or none at all, resulting in homogenized stories that cater to every taste, leaving audiences with a bland experience devoid of substance. It’s akin to a meal branded with a trademarked logo, yet one is left wondering what it truly represents.

My Adventures With Superman revitalized my appreciation in much the same way Across the Spiderverse did (another triumph for animation), by reintroducing genuine sincerity. To breathe life back into a waning genre, perhaps it merely required honoring the source material in all its earnestness. The true twist lies in maintaining Superman's authenticity despite prevailing trends. The series demonstrates that contemporary mass entertainment can be both dynamic and heartfelt, humorous without deriding its characters or narratives. Sincerity is paramount. The challenge superhero writers face may stem from their struggle to craft narratives they genuinely believe in, thus masking their uncertainties behind capes.

Superman

Superman embodies not just the capital "S" in superhero; he represents the entirety of the term. He consistently harbors noble intentions and seeks to do good, yet outcomes often defy expectations. The distinction between him and us lies in his existence within an exaggerated hyperreal world, where every aspect is amplified symbolically. He possesses immense power and the capacity for profound goodness, which sometimes provokes backlash and resentment from others. Ultimately, he should not be diminished to our level; instead, we ought to aspire to reach his.

Renowned comic book writer Grant Morrison once remarked that “superhero stories emerge from the imagined depths of our culture, yet like fragments of a hologram, they encapsulate the dreams and fears of generations in vivid detail.” Directors such as Martin Scorsese liken superhero films to amusement park rides, devoid of intrinsic value beyond mindless entertainment. I contend they hold significance in how they present aspirations, not merely as power fantasies but as moral fantasies that emphasize justice and equality. Yet, all of this loses its impact if not conveyed with complete sincerity and conviction. Our perception of superheroes reflects our self-image. Superheroes should transition from being improbabilities we look down upon to impossibilities we aspire to emulate.