With a cheerful, clumsy version of the Man of Steel, My Adventures with Superman fixes the problems and complaints regarding the dark DCEU Superman.
The animated series My Adventures With Superman directly addresses and fixes the many complaints regarding the dark DCEU take on the Man of Steel. The subject of how dark Superman should get is still a subject of some debate, with some arguing in favor of a more violent Superman who is not afraid to 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 if necessary. My Adventures With Superman seems to serve as a rebuttal to this argument, presenting a version of Clark Kent who is not only ignorant of his Kryptonian heritage but actively striving to be as normal as humanly possible while still helping people however he can.
The two-part premiere of My Adventures With Superman establishes a radically different status quo from most Superman comic book adaptations. In this reality, Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen are roommates and newly hired interns at The Daily Planet. They are soon dragged into danger by Lois Lane, a slightly more senior intern, who is determined to prove she can be a real reporter. Naturally, this forces Clark out of his comfort zone, as he confronts his origins to save Metropolis and become the hero he is destined to be.
My Adventures With Superman Totally Counters The “Edgy Superman” Complaints
My Adventures With Superman takes care to establish Clark Kent as a well-meaning nerd who helps people without powers. The opening flashback shows how he discovered his powers, rushing to catch a speeding car after trying to warn the driver about a steep curve. The opening montage continues the theme, with Clark accidentally breaking things in his rush to get ready for work. He also has an awkward first encounter with Lois Lane, with his attempts at flirting overshadowed by the local donut shop owner’s praising his help in doing some repair work while fitting him with a bib because “he gets the sprinkles all over.”
While this is played for laughs, it also presents a truer take on Clark Kent’s character than the DCEU. Whereas the Clark Kent played by Henry Cavill traveled the world working odd jobs trying while trying to figure out who he was, My Adventures With Superman presents a Clark Kent who wants to help people without his powers and goes out of his way to be part of a community rather than a sheltered drifter. This preaches to the classic Superman ethos that anyone can do good.
The aftermath of Superman’s battle with Livewire is also a rejection of the DCEU’s violent ideals. After failing to reason with Livewire and knocking her out, Superman’s first action is to lower her to the ground safely and check to make sure no one else is injured. He then takes the time to repair the damage Livewire’s rampage caused, turning cars upright and repairing a billboard. This is a far stronger take on Superman than the aloof and often destructive version in the DCEU.
Why The Superman Show Is So Different To The DCEU Version
Ultimately, the core difference between the Supermen of My Adventures With Superman and the DCEU is one of actualization. The DCEU Superman is a passive figure who seeks meaning outside himself to define his life. The Clark Kent of My Adventures With Superman is an active character who defines himself based on his own internal drives. While he is shaped by outside circumstances, ultimately embracing his alien heritage to stop the villain Livewire, this Superman is all too human and driven to help others by a human desire for acceptance. This is a much better take on Superman than the alienated outsider of the DCEU.
My Adventures With Superman releases Thursdays on Adult Swim and Fridays on Max.
Source: screenrant.com
