Superman: The Animated Series - TV-Y7
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Boomerang Cast: Timothy Daly, Dana Delany, Clancy Brown
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this take on the Man of Steel is a mature, serious cartoon. Although not quite as dark as other DC Comics spin-offs -- such as Batman Beyond and Justice League -- this adaptation still has its share of edgier content, including some innuendoes and violence.
Families can talk about heroism. What makes Superman heroic? Does he fight for the greater good? Who's your favorite super hero? How can someone without special powers be a hero?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Deirdre Sheppard
SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES recounts the adventures of Krypton and Metropolis' favorite son: Superman (aka Clark Kent). Originally broadcast on The WB from 1996-2000, the series still runs in repeats and is available on DVD; the strong voiceover cast includes Timothy Daly as Superman/Clark Kent, Dana Delany as Lois Lane, and Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor.
Considered one of the best adaptations of the original DC comic series, Superman: The Animated Series features classic good vs. evil storylines that explore all aspects of the hero's history, including Clark Kent's working relationship with fellow reporter Lois Lane and Superman's deadly vulnerability to Kryptonite. The series also delves deeply into the sagas that take place on the planet Krypton and spotlights classic villains like Brainiac and Lex Luthor, who seek vengeance on Metropolis and the Man of Steel.
Overall, Superman is a strong role model. His character symbolizes nobility in our popular culture, and he's always defending the greater good. Most notably, he has an extraordinarily high level of integrity -- he doesn't resort to physical harm unless he absolutely has to (definitely a good example for kids!).
That said, there are a few red flags to watch out for. Although blood isn't shed very often, fistfights and death are equal in ratio to happy endings. There's some slight sexual innuendo, mainly in the form of the female characters' attire and body language. Speaking of language, the dialogue is clean, although the humor is a little dry and could easily sail over a kid's head.
Enjoy superheroes? Check out Justice League Unlimited, The Batman, and Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome innuendoes, and some female characters have slightly risque body language and attire. |
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ViolenceVery little bloodshed, but fairly frequent fistfights that often result in death. |
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LanguageLots of dry humor -- nothing inappropriate, but over the head of some kids. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorSuperman is a noble role model with integrity who defends the greater good. |
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