Many people are looking forward to watching the Man of Steel in movie theaters next year. However, if you can’t wait that long, you can catch his younger exploits on the small screen with My Adventures with Superman. The animated series returns for its second season later today, and we’ve been able to catch the two-episode premiere in advance. If you need to catch up on what happened, here’s an explainer on the season one ending.
A compelling aspect early on is Clark’s continued journey of self-discovery. He previously found out he’s not from Earth, and this only leads to more questions for him. It’s very fitting to have the character at this young age because young adulthood is period where people explore to find themselves. But in this case, it’s Clark’s actual history. There are several rehashes of Superman mythology, all with a little twist that keeps with the spirit while paving a different path. Our hero is also introduced to an exciting overarching quest that will help him not feel so alone in this world.
Providing emotional weight is the running theme of the father child relationship. Both Clark and Lois have complicated relationships with their real dads. There is no lack of drama due to the uneasiness and mistrust, but the love and the progress they all make add some tender and touching moments.
One drawback to the very Clark centric narrative is that My Adventures with Superman loses the fun group dynamic between him, Lois, and Jimmy. The latter two seem more as bit players on the side rather than having all three having a complementary friendship. Although Jimmy does provide amusing comic relief. Now that he’s wealthy after selling Flamebird, he’s more care free and frivolous, and creates even more ridiculous situations.
You can’t have a superhero story without great action sequences. Superman clashes with the evil henchmen of the week, which for fans, can include some deep cuts. There are some thrilling destructive battles that tests Clark’s capabilities. Despite involving different powered individuals, I wished that there was a little more variety to them. The first two we encounter are both muscle bound meatheads.
Fortunately, the big bad is much more developed and intimidating. My Adventures with Superman wastes no time in showing how driven, cold, and calculating Amanda Waller can be. She’s the type where the ends justify the means, and is willing to do anything for what she thinks will protect Earth. Things take an interesting turn when she teams with a classic Superman villain and leaving you anxious for what the pair have in store in the future.
Overall, My Adventures of Superman season two begins on the right foot with a good mixture of drama, humor, and action.It once again paves a different path for the popular superhero while maintaining the familiar spirit.
New episodes of My Adventures with Superman air Saturdays on Adult Swim.
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