by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
What happens to a world without Superman? Reign of the Supermen, the latest DC Universe Film explores that specific concept. A void has been left in the world after Superman’s demise at the hands of the seemingly unstoppable Doomsday in The Death of Superman. When all hope seems lost, four new heroes arise to fill the big red boots, but all is not what it seems. Who are these new Supermen? Is is possible that one of them is truly our hero reborn?
Reign of the Supermen covers the fallout from Kal-El’s ultimate sacrifice to safe his adopted home-world. The planet is still grieving from the loss of their boy in blue, and the Justice League has been spread thin to compensate. Who can step up to fill the shoes of Superman? Enter Superboy, The Eradicator, Steel, and Cyborg Superman. Who are these guys exactly? Lois Lane is on a mission to find out. Superboy is quickly revealed to be a teenage clone of Superman, created by none other than Lex Luthor. The Eradicator seems to have knowledge of Kryptonian science and tech, but his actions are dramatically more violent than those of the Man of Steel. Dr John Henry Irons (introduced in the previous installment) has attempted to step up and save the day in his custom made Steel Suit (no connections to Iron Man at all). Cyborg Superman seems to have the highest probability of being Kal, but with his memories lost due to the battle, he must fight to regain the trust of the people. With the world in chaos, dark forces from Apokolips have decided to make their move and claim the Earth for the one and only Darkseid.
Reign of the Supermen features returning players Jerry O’Connell (Sliders) as Superman, Rebecca Romijn (X-Men) as Lois Lane, Rainn Wilson (The Office) as Lex Luthor, Jason O’Mara (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Batman, Rosario Dawson (Sin City) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (Criminal Minds) as Cyborg, Nathan Fillion (Firefly) as Green Lantern, Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs) as The Flash, Nyambi Nyambi (Mike & Molly) as Martian Manhunter. This latest installment in the Superman story also featured the vocal talents of Cress Williams (Black Lightning) as Steel, Cameron Monaghan (Gotham) as Superboy, Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul) as Hank Henshaw, and Tony Todd (Candyman) as Darkseid. In addition, the cast includes Charles Halford (Constantine) as both The Eradicator and Bibbo Bibbowski. Romijn and Wilson both received numerous opportunities to shine throughout the story, demonstrating why these characters have thrived in DC Comics for decades. I felt a bit off by Wilson’s take on Luthor (I have always associated Clancy Brown’s deep voice with the character), but I am genuinely excited to see his character continue to interact with the characters of the DC Universe moving forward. All four of the actors cast as “The Supermen” did a tremendous job in their respective roles, but the standout to me was Cameron Monaghan as Superboy. His voice worked perfectly for this version of the character, which was heavily derived on the 90s introduction.
Special Features
- Lex Luthor: The Greatest Nemesis (Featurette)– Evil Genius. Archenemy of Superman. Misunderstood hero?
- A Sneak Peek at the next DC UniverseMovie, Justice League vs. The Fatal Five– An entertaining, insightful exciting look at the next animated film in the popular DC Universe Movies collection.
- From the DC Vault: Superman: The Animated Series, “Heavy Metal”
- From the DC Vault: Justice League Unlimited, “Panic in the Sky”
- Digital Copy
Overall
The Death and Return of Superman was one of the most iconic stories that the character had in the 90s. After seeing the story unfold over the two part adventure in The Death of Superman and Reign of the Supermen, I can say that this release is now ranked in my top 5 of the DC Animated Film series. If you enjoyed how The Dark Knight Returns was adapted, you will not be disappointed with this release. Stay tuned to the end of the credits for a hint at the next piece of the ongoing Justice League story that began in Justice League: War.
Rating: [5/5]
ComicsOnline gives Reign of the Supermen 5 out of 5 Super-Mullets.
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