I described both of the past two
DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) films as “the best DCAMU installment yet” –
meaning the franchise succeeded in outdoing itself in succession. And with its latest movie, The Death of Superman, I’m once again
going to state it: it’s the best DCAMU installment yet. Yep. That’s three in a row now.
By the way, if you haven’t read
the comics, this review will contain some SPOILERS. Chief of all is that – if it isn’t obvious
from the title – Superman dies.
This is not the first time the 90’s comicbook storyline “The Death of Superman” is turned into an
animated film adaptation. That would be Superman: Doomsday, which is actually
the very first DC Universe Animated Original Movie. It was pretty good for a direct-to-video
production, but the iconic Superman storyline’s depiction for the DCAMU (note:
not all DC Universe Animated Original Movies are part of the DCAMU) is much,
much better. It effectively captures
what made “The Death of Superman” so gripping and poignant.
In fact, there are even aspects of The Death of Superman which I think are done better than the source material.
First of all, in the comics, the Justice League members that Doomsday routed are simply a bunch of C-listers like Fire, Ice, Bloodwynd, and Maxima. But in the DCAMU movie, Doomsday goes against Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Cyborg, Martian Manhunter, and Hawkman – and he beats them up! By letting Doomsday come out on top against a gauntlet of A-list superheroes, it is established in a more emphatic manner how intimidating, formidable, and terrifying he is, which in turn significantly enhances the urgency and direness of the situation as well as the value of his duel with Superman.
Secondly, the romance is a
stronger facet of the story in this film. In the comics, Lois and Clark are in a
relationship, and the former already knows for some time that the latter and
Superman are one. Meanwhile, in the film, Lois and Clark are also in a relationship, but it starts off with the former not being aware that the latter is Superman, as the latter fears that the former might be put into danger if she knows his secret. And
when Clark finally decides to bring their relationship to the next level by telling
Lois the truth, Doomsday strikes. Hence, there is much more emotional impact here since, just as Clark/Superman has made
himself most vulnerable to Lois, she loses him.
It’s also worth being reminded
that the DCAMU is inspired by the New 52.
Thus, this version of the “Death of Superman” storyline happens in a New
52 universe. It’s somewhat weird. But it really made itself work. The DCAMU Superman was introduced in Justice League: War as kind of an impulsive jerk.
But within the first minutes of the movie, it impeccably convinces that
this Superman is now the noble, inspirational Superman that he’s universally known
for. Good for it, since the spot-on
characterization of Superman is essential in order to make this narrative more
resonating.
Also, remember that the New 52-inspired Superman-Wonder Woman romance is canon here.
So the movie has to acknowledge that Superman and Wonder Woman are now exes
at this point. This amused me to no end.
In addition, reserving the
“Return of Superman” storyline for another film instead of packing it together
with “The Death of Superman” in one film is a wise decision. This gives both storylines enough room to
tell the narrative in a worthwhile manner.
In relation to this, The Death of
Superman does an impressive job in smoothly setting up the needed
components that would make the follow-up – which is titled The Reign of Superman and scheduled for release next year – make
sense for the DCAMU.
To sum it up, let me simply
reiterate: The Death of Superman is the best DCAMU installment yet.
Side note: I was happy that this
movie has Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern in it.
Now, it would be really nice if he also gets his own solo DCAMU movie. (Speaking
of Nathan Fillion, he recently did a fantastic Uncharted fan short film.)
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