Reimagining Superman in a way that resonates with multiple generations of comic book fans is a challenging feat. Superman, being one of DC’s oldest and most beloved heroes, has garnered a dedicated following over decades. People have formed deep attachments to the character in various forms. Everyone knows the basic storyline of the Man of Steel, but what feels authentic to the character often depends on when, where, and how individuals first encountered him. With Superman’s long history, there exist countless interpretations of him within the realities of DC’s comics.
This is why it’s somewhat skeptical when DC or Warner Bros. Discovery introduces new takes on Superman meant to feel fresh while harking back to his earliest days as a symbol of hope, like Adult Swim’s new series, “My Adventures with Superman,” produced by Sam Register. Especially with WBD’s announcement of another live-action Superman project, it’s easy to dismiss an animated show like “My Adventures with Superman” as a quick and entertaining introduction for younger audiences. However, in truth, this anime-inspired series, created by Studio Mir, offers one of the most heartfelt and human depictions of Clark Kent that DC has ever produced. It feels like the perfect updated origin story for the character in 2023.
The story takes place in a world where supervillains and metahumans are just beginning to emerge. “My Adventures with Superman” follows the escapades of young Daily Planet interns Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Clark Kent as they embark on their journey to become aspiring journalists in Metropolis. Working at one of the country’s leading newspapers, the determined Lois, the detail-oriented Jimmy, and the hardworking Clark know that earning the approval of their editor, Perry White, is crucial to establishing their names as respected journalists. However, despite their individual talents, White sees them primarily as inexperienced cub reporters, prompting each of them, especially Lois, to take matters into their own hands.
Rather than drastically altering the core characters, “My Adventures with Superman” revitalizes the Superman origin myth by exploring the lives of those surrounding Clark during his early days of self-discovery. The series portrays Lois as someone yearning to break significant news stories, while Jimmy dreams of capturing front-page-worthy photos. Meanwhile, Clark, portrayed by Jack Quaid as a polite and awkward man with a gentle boyishness, is uncertain about his place in the world. The show does not rush to provide him with answers because it assumes that the audience is already aware of his future.
What sets “My Adventures with Superman” apart is its focus on Lois, Jimmy, and their work at the Daily Planet. By doing so, the series transforms what could have been another predictable Young Superman™ tale into a more dynamic story, drawing inspiration from series like Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon. Similar to Son Goku and Usagi, Clark’s clumsiness is not a mere comedic aspect but an integral part of his character, complementing his superpowers and his compulsion to help others. While Clark’s Kryptonian physiology gives him strength, it is his connections with people that truly empower him. “My Adventures with Superman” reinforces this idea by placing Lois and Jimmy at the forefront instead of relegating them to supporting roles in a standard Superman narrative.
Like any good shonen story, “My Adventures with Superman” balances lighthearted whimsy, hints of romance, and thrilling action as Clark faces numerous villains during his early days as a vigilante. These adversaries often provide a genuine challenge due to the unique way his powers function in the show. It’s worth witnessing firsthand how “My Adventures with Superman” reimagines Clark’s powers and showcases his unwavering compassion for others, intertwining the two. After years of seeing Superman portrayed as a ruthless enforcer of justice on the big screen, this refreshing change of pace aligns more closely with the ideals envisioned by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of this iconic character.
“My Adventures with Superman” also features an impressive cast, including Jeannie Tirado, Kiana Madeira, Michael Emerson, Chris Parnell, Reid Scott, Kari Wahlgren, Zehra Fazal, and Jason Marnocha. The show airs on Thursday nights on Adult Swim, with episodes becoming available on Max the following day.