REVIEW: ‘My Adventures With Superman’ Episode 1 & 2 — “Adventures of a Normal Man”

As the cinematic DC universe continues to try and expand and warp to the will of modern film fans, it’s easy to remember our fondness for older, animated series based on the DC heroes. Series such as Justice League Unlimited, Teen Titans, Batman the Animated Series, and Young Justice remain pivotal examples of how to adapt these stories, with superior versions of many of the main characters (The Flash, Superman, and Batman in particular.) This, in part, is one of the initial draws of Adult Swim’s latest animated series, the quaint and charming My Adventures with Superman. The series, created by Jake Wyatt, delivers on Superman’s mythos and extreme power in a refined story that adheres to classic storytelling beats. My Adventures with Superman Episode 1 & 2 makes a strong declaration of that tone. 

As to be expected, the series follows Clark Kent/Superman (Jack Quaid) though this version of the character is notably younger than in most iterations. Compared to other adaptations, Clark is still naive to the world and his own powers, having not even donned the suit by the end of the first episode. It takes until the end of “Adventures of a Normal Man” for the character to wear his iconic reds and blues. 

In his civilian life, he’s working as an intern at the Daily Planet alongside Lois Lane (Alice Lee) and his best friend/roommate Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid) as they break important stories and try to save the day against a growing list of villains. My Adventures with Superman Episode 1 & 2 establishes the tone and set up the main trio and their dynamics, playing more of a housekeeping role that delves deep into the greater themes and storylines of the season. Instead, it’s checkbox moments such as Clark wearing his costume or Lois creating the Superman moniker that makes up most of the two-part episode. 

That said, regardless of the numbers plotting, some elements elevate it. The tone, as mentioned, is terrific and beautifully calls back to more classic series while maintaining its distinctive voice and sense of humor. The characterizations of Lois and Jimmy build on existing archetypes while further fleshing themselves out, with Lois, in particular, being written with greater energy and eagerness. Jimmy provides some of the more apparent comedic fodder, the foil to the developing romance between Clark and Lois, but he never feels like an add-on and fits well within the dynamic. The voice acting is all around strong, with Quaid, in particular, adding a necessary, boyish charm to this version of Clark. 

There are clear anime inspirations, both in the character designs and moments of action — specifically, ones where Clark harnesses his power. From Sailor Moon to Dragon Ball Z to Neon Genesis: Evangelion, the influences shine through, from the costume transformation and robots that resemble Eva’s to the way Clark’s eyes glow a fierce blue when he taps into his strength, and it adds yet another layer that freshens up the familiar story. 

The battle themselves could use greater swiftness; a touch bogged down so far. However, that unsteadiness works to an extent, demonstrating that Clark is still trying to figure out his abilities. Part 2 of “Adventures of a Normal Man” explains that Clark has only once visited the crash site where his adoptive parents found him, so as he continues to learn about his origins and his powers, there will be obvious stumbling blocks along the way. 

Otherwise, the series offers a timeless atmosphere that celebrates classic storytelling. One needs to look no further than the score by Dominic Lewis and Daniel Futcher to understand the show’s tonality. The music plays with John Williams’s Superman: The Movie style signatures, with rolling motifs and soundscapes. 

My Adventures With Superman Episode 1 & 2 delivers a strong installment that sets the stage for the remaining eight episodes. Possessing a timeless energy, the series won’t attract new fans looking for the gore, guts, and carnage of many other DC properties, such as the bloody Harley Quinn. However, for those looking for a reprieve from the live-action films that continue to fail the characters, the series is a remedy and a reminder of the best aspects of this iconic hero.

My Adventures With Superman Season 1 is available on Max.