by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor

The world was stunned in the mid 90s when DC announced Superman would die. Fans and non-fans alike were shocked to hear that the Man of Steel might finally meet his match. The black and red poly-bagged issue left no doubt something significant was going to happen and this would be a must read book. While the DC Universe has changed quite a bit in the last 25 years, the impact of “The Death of Superman” remains unquestionable. In honor of this epic storyline, the team from Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video have presented fans with the first installment of this classic adventure (now available on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital on Demand). 

It is true that the first film in the DC Original Movie Universe Superman: Doomsday user these comics as it’s base. However, that was an extremely loose adaptation and lacked the impact of subsequent releases. In an effort to give the fans what they desire, the creative team behind this new adaptation has applied “The Death of Superman” storyline to the current animated universe started in Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. The revised focus allowed for a closer comic adaptation, with an emphasis on both the battle with Doomsday and the reveal of Superman’s secret to Lois Lane. The film masterfully balances these two elements, allowing for a deeper and more emotional Superman story than we have previously seen in the DC Universe Series. The struggle behind Clark’s desire to share his world with Lois is beautifully conveyed in the first half of the film, with the second half setting the stage for an intense battle with the nearly unstoppable Doomsday. With a title like The Death of Superman, you know that our beloved hero will meet his end, but the emotional impact of these moments was blindsiding. I had flashbacks to my childhood, remembering exactly how I felt turning the page to see Lois cradling Clark’s lifeless body with the torn cape flapping in the wind. Get ready to have your heart-strings pulled because this one is a doozy. 

For an adaptation of The Death of Superman, you need people who personify these characters to a T. Jerry O’Connell (Sliders, Justice League Vs Teen Titans) returns to the role of The Man of Steel, giving audiences an iconic performance. Prior to this movie, I still had Tim Daly’s Superman (Justice League: The Animated Series) voice in my head, but now, Jerry’s heartfelt performance has locked in his status as Superman in my book. Rebecca Romijn (X-Men, The Librarians) joins the DC Universe Movie series as Lois Lane. Lois is such an important character in the DC Universe, and I was very pleased (and relieved) that they found someone who could not only capture her voice but also her spirit. While Clark was forced to struggle with the reveal, the impact that it has on Lois was as important to doing this story justice. Romijn nails the role, and I look forward to her return in Reign of the Supermen. The film also introduced us to Lex Luthor as played by Rainn Wilson (The Office). I will admit, Wilson’s Luthor threw me off at first, but I quickly warmed up to this new take on the character. While he doesn’t quick reach the deep tone of Clancy Brown’s famous take on the Lex, he does find a way to make it his own. I also loved the 90s homage to the comic in the opening act of the film (keep an eye out for a very unique disguise). Aside from the trio, this release also featured the return of Jason O’Mara as Batman, Christopher Gorham as The Flash, Rosaro Dawson as Wonder Woman, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Matt Lanter as Aquaman, and Sheymar Moore as Cyborg. Fans were also treated to a cameo by Cress Williams (Black Lightning) as John Henry Irons, who plays a significant role in the follow up film.

Special Features

• Death of Superman: The brawl that topped them all. 
• From the DC Comics Vault: 2 Bonus Cartoons
• A Sneak Peek at DC Universe’s Next Animated Movie: Reign of the Supermen
• Digital Copy

Overall

It is easy to think about the number of times that Superman has died in live-action and animation over the last ten years. We have seen a variation on this storyline on the big screen as recently as Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. While that release did tell a version of the story, none of the adaptations thus far have hit the right notes with fans, missing several of the key components to tell this story in a satisfying manner. The Death of Superman isn’t just another attempt to get it right, as it truly surpasses all previous attempts. This new release from Warner Bros. Animation personally ranks up with Batman: Under the Red Hood, Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox, and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. 

ComicsOnline gives The Death of Superman 5 out of 5 selfies with Superman.