Superman Adventures #1(2025 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Superman: The Animated Adventures ran on the WB from 1996-2000. It was a spin-off of the now classic Batman: The Animated Adventures. 

Featuring the voice talents of Tim Daly as Superman/Clark Kent, Dana Delaney as Lois Lane and Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor, the series was lauded for it's sleek futuristic design and cerebral script writing. Utilizing a majority of the production staff from Batman: TAS, names such as Paul Dini, Bruce Timm and Jean MacCurdy appeared regularly in the closing credits.

This cartoon version of the Man of Steel wasn't a god among men as he was originally designed by creators Siegel and Shuster. Instead, Superman: TAS structured their Last Son of Krypton with the same limitations as developed by John Byrne in the 1987 post-Crisis reboot of Superman. Though severely hampered with the restrictions put on the character, making for more dramatic storylines, Superman rose to every challenge he faced because there was one superpower to which the hero had no weakness against: Superman's unwavering moral code!

Unlike the pre-Crisis Superman, this version of the Man of Tomorrow still had access to his adopted parents, Ma and Pa Kent. Whenever faces with a crisis of conscience, Superman could always make a quick trip to Kansas and work out his problems as Clark Kent with words of wisdom and encouragement from the Kents. Unaware that Superman has a secret identity, Clark's morality was the one thing Lex Luthor's advanced technological schemes against Superman that he could never defeat!

Just as the animated series was debuting on television, DC Comics released a monthly all ages comic book. The first issue was written by Paul Dini with art by Rick Burchett and inks by Terry Austin. The opening story titled 'Men of Steel', sees Superman on scene in Metropolis for just a few weeks. Clark Kent is also still pretty wet behind the ears in his reporter job as the Daily Planet. Luthor sees Superman as a threat to his stranglehold as the de facto ruler of Metropolis as well as a potential alien invader, operating under the guide as a heroic savior. 

The corrupt business leader has been testing out Superman's powers and weaknesses through a series of tests designed as super villains randomly attacking Metropolis. After Superman's latest encounter with terrorist John Corben, inside a suit of 'stolen' LexCorp armor, Luthor has enough data to fully active a life-sized robotic replica of the Man of Steel!

The plot of this issue's story is a partial retelling of part three of the debut episode 'The Last Son of Krypton.' Corben's theft of the LexCorp rebo-suit and Luthor's determination to make a fool of Superman are almost verbatim scenes taken from show. Only Kent's attempts at love and the revelation that Brainiac survived the destruction of Krypton are not included in this premiere issue.

DC's Superman Adventures ran for 66 issues, outpacing the TV show by a dozen stories. A year after the cancellation of the series, Superman, Batman and others would return, this time as a team. Justice League and it's spin-off series Justice League Unlimited would run for 5 seasons; ultimately pitting the Superman led Justice League against the Injustice League, headed by Lex Luthor.

The wrap-around cover is by Bruce Timm.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #16 (Book from the Year You Graduated High School) of the 2025 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Superman Adventures: The Man of Steel

  This digest-sized collection is a time capsule of the amazing Superman Adventures comic based on the cartoon of the same name. Superman Adventures was an indirect spin-off of the Batman Adventures and it lovingly explored that corner of the DC Universe devoted to the Man of Steel. First up are a series of short stories from the little-known Superman/ Batman Magazine. 

   The publication only lasted about 8 issues but the Superman stories contained in the magazine were early sketches of what would be the Superman Adventures cartoon. The artwork was done in the vein of Batman: TAS but it shows that preliminary designs were still underway and reflected the long-haired look that Superman bore after his return from the dead.

   Then 4 stories are reprinted from the Superman Adventures comic. In these tales, Superman is given a blast from the past when Mr. Mxyzptlk brings his beloved childhood pet, Krypto into the present day. Then Clark Kent must juggle his responsibilities as a reporter and the Man of Steel when Perry White gives him a deadline that might cost him his job should he fail to submit his article on the new subway line on time. Then Jimmy Olsen takes the new intern for the Daily Planet under his wing in hopes of showing him the ropes of being a photographer in busy Metropolis. Lastly, are a series of one-page tales that explore the day-to-day activities of the Superman Family. Called '22 Short Stories About Superman' this story was very similar to my all-time favorite Simpsons episode (22 Short Stories About Springfield) and I just loved it.

   Finishing up this awesome little collection is a Justice League Unlimited in which the League must travel to the Phantom Zone to conduct a rescue mission for the Man of Tomorrow from the clutches of General Zod and his Kryptonian army. But is a more sinister presence behind the hostage taking of the Last Son of Krypton?

   Featuring art and stories by a host of amazing talents that are well-known for their work on Superman such as Louise Simonson, Dan Abnett, and others. This book is now a permanent part of my collection but I don't think I will wipe out the books contained in this volume from my wish list. What if something was reprinted? I would hate to miss out on anything!

   Worth every full-price penny I paid for it!

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

"Superman Adventures Vol. 4: Man of Steel"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Perfect for all ages. A classic Superman like that of the 50’s and 60’s- without dumbed down plot-lines. High approval. Moms and dads could give this to their kids and feel safe about what they are reading. Adults can read it and feel like a kid again or a super cool Lord of Pop Culture.