My Adventures with Superman Episodes 1-2 Review

Join Swimpedia as we review screeners of the first two episodes of My Adventures with Superman with minimal spoilers, and get to know this version of Clark, Lois, & Jimmy!

[MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD]

Despite being originally greenlit for Cartoon Network, on March 29, 2023 it was officially reported that My Adventures with Superman would now move over to Adult Swim. Not only is this the first DC animated series by Warner Bros. Animation made for the network, but it also incorporates the animation services of Studio Mir to create its anime inspired aesthetic. That being said, this is series creator Jake Wyatt’s first full television production, yet his background experience ranges from Steven Universe to DuckTales, as well as his own comic books, including The Well. Additionally, many viewers will recognize the talent of Jack Quaid as Clark Kent, who is likely most famous today for playing Hughie Campbell in The Boys, and who lent his voice recently to an iteration of Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse. Altogether, their combined efforts have produced a unique, younger iteration of the characters that tackles familiar Superman story elements, with Jake Wyatt’s own spin on certain themes and concepts. Please continue to read to get a greater sense of the overarching feel of the show, and check out the two episode premiere of My Adventures with Superman tonight on Adult Swim at midnight, next day on Max, and this Saturday on Toonami!

My Adventures with Superman, alongside another series previously slated for Cartoon Network, Unicorn: Warriors Eternal, are two action based programs which lean toward a more teen audience with regard to their characters and overall execution. Theories differ as to why these shows made the jump from Cartoon Network to Adult Swim, yet their origin helps to explain why they aren’t necessarily the standard Adult Swim offerings. My Adventures with Superman, in particular, follows the trio of a younger Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen at the start of both their time at the Daily Planet, as well as the beginning of their journey with Superman. In this version of the story however, Clark and Jimmy are friends who get to know Lois through their collective internship at the Daily Planet. They then interact with a variety of recognizable side characters from all walks of life across Metropolis and Smallville, which altogether feels very fresh despite many similarities that longtime fans will recognize.

When it comes to Clark in particular though, Jack Quaid brings a real sense of goodness to the character that can be admired, which is then balanced against a boyish charm. There’s also been a lot of love put into Clark’s design specifically, with one crew member stating that they made it a goal to emphasize his dashing good looks in every scene. Lois, by comparison, who is played by Alice Lee, is a complete go-getter, doing whatever it takes to get a scoop, while also feeling like the most complex character in the series. It could be argued that what Alice Lee is bringing to the role makes Lois the most fleshed out, vibrant character and voice on the show. Then, last but not least, is Jimmy, who is voiced by Ishmel Sahid, and plays the role excellently of a fun, quirky side character. While Clark and Lois are clearly at the center of the story, Jimmy facilitates much of their interaction and even helps to progress the plot in his own way.

In addition to the trio, there’s also a group of villains and antagonists beginning to form in the series to instigate conflict in Metropolis. While we won’t spoil who exactly is going to pop up, one character that has been featured in the marketing for the series and plays a role in the two episode premiere is Livewire. There’s definitely a larger mystery afoot in the city, but Livewire seems to be facilitating a fair amount of the public efforts. Overall, she embodies many of the standout characteristics of previous Livewires, but interestingly this form of her is a woman of color. That’s something that the show does well in general, making sure that different people from all types of backgrounds feel represented in this show. Even going back to Lois, her character is Asian, with Alice Lee herself being of Korean descent. Ultimately, it’s the best of both worlds where this is still very much a Superman show, but people and ethnicities that may not have been a part of that story before are here in meaningful roles.

Speaking of the traditional Superman story, there’s not much here that can be said about the show’s plot without spoiling it too much. However, for the most part everything you’d expect as a Superman fan is here. Along with starting his life in Metropolis as an intern reporter at the Daily Planet, Clark is also juggling his powers and the duty to do good. This is then paired alongside flashbacks to the past that naturally integrate the origins of Superman, while still allowing the present day to take center stage. That being said, note that the first two episodes are a two-parter, thus in order to get a real sense of this Clark Kent, including his friends, background, and developing transformation into Superman, you need both episodes. Additionally, there are a few surprises still for longtime Superman fans, it’s clear that Jake Wyatt and his team are not only big fans of Superman and want to do his story justice, but they also want to make it their own using the canon at their disposal. Already a major change from the norm is having the trio be young adults just starting together at the Daily Planet, but viewers will find even great nuance to the exciting changes beyond that.

Other than the characters and the Superman story being told here, potentially the best element of the show is its art style and animation. Along with Clark’s attractive design, it’s clear that those working on My Adventures with Superman put a lot of care and personality into each member of the trio. All of them are extremely expressive through the show, whether facially or their body language. Even just the colors of their clothing really jump out, which could also be said about the backgrounds. Many of the scenes bring to life traditional comic book landscapes in beautiful, vibrant color, and combine them with that anime aesthetic. Especially the aerial shots when Superman is flying around give Metropolis a real grandness. Even so, the show may shine the most when it comes to the fighting animation, which is incredibly smooth. The episodes were a blast from start to finish, but it was Clark fighting various threats throughout the city that was truly something special. Many are going to fall in love with the characters and the story, but those interested in well done fight sequences will have a lot to enjoy.

All things considered, My Adventures with Superman is going to make waves across the Adult Swim, Toonami, DC, and animation communities. For Adult Swim fans, this definitely isn’t your typical show, but there’s a nice charm here paired with an interesting story that still gives off a more mature light. For Toonami fans, there’s definitely an anime feel here from the designs and backgrounds to the character reactions and fight sequences. For DC fans, the core of a traditional Superman story is being done so well here, with enough changes to keep you interested and coming back for more. For animation fans, again the fight sequences feel so smooth, and whether Clark or Lois are your cup of tea, they’re both super adorable together. Either way, we’re excited for you to check it out, and feel confident that this show will grow the Adult Swim community and reach a wider audience.

The first two episodes of My Adventures with Superman Season 1 premiere tonight at midnight on Adult Swim, next day on Max, and this Saturday on Toonami!