Superman fans have something truly wonderful to look forward to as one of the best iterations of the character is coming to HBO Max next month. Multiple sources indicate that the streaming platform will be expanding its library of DC Animated Universe projects by adding “Superman: The Animated Series” to its line-up.
The DCAU, also known as the Timmverse (as the shows that make up said universe were executively produced by Bruce Timm) is generally held in very high regard by comic book and animation fans alike. Beginning with “Batman: The Animated Series” in 1992, the stories being told by Timm and fellow writers and producers Paul Dini and Alan Burnett would eventually lead them out of Gotham and into Metropolis.
In 1996, the production team had concluded their work with Batman and turned their attention to the other biggest name in DC Comics, Superman. Similarly to their work with the caped-crusader, “Superman: The Animated Series” featured stories that served as being kid-friendly while also being mature enough for teenage and adult fans to enjoy. Many of the same writers, producers, composers, and artists were carried over, resulting in one of the better versions of Superman to hit the small screen.
Among the many reasons why the series is so revered, it’s responsible for giving voices to characters that some consider definitive portrayals. Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor is so iconic that he’s reprised the role across multiple different animated series, direct-to-video films, and video games. You’d also be hard pressed to find fans who don’t immediately connect Dana Delany‘s voice with Lois Lane, Brad Garrett with Lobo, Michael Ironside with Darkseid, or Corey Burton with Brainiac.
The series was also responsible for creating the character of Mercy Graves, Lex Luthor’s personal assistant. Like Harley Quinn who was created initially for “Batman: The Animated Series,” Mercy was intended to be strictly a part of the Superman animated series, but was well received enough to be integrated into the greater DC canon of comics.
“Superman: The Animated Series” is a must watch for fans of the character. Not only does Tim Daly‘s voice performance help bring the character to life, the stories and characters that it introduces help lay the building blocks for larger story arcs that unfold in later DCAU titles.
“Superman: The Animated Series” will be streaming on HBO Max beginning March 17th, 2021.
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