Legion of Super Heroes (CW)

In LEGION OF SUPER HEROES, a team of champions from the 31st century heads back in time to enlist Superman's help in battling their nemeses, the Fatal Five. But when they arrive in the Man of Steel's hometown, Smallville, they discover that they've miscalculated. Instead of a powerful, confident Superman, they find the introverted, insecure teenager Clark Kent (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal), whose abilities need fine-tuning and who knows nothing of the legend that he'll become. Nonetheless, Brainiac 5 (Adam Wylie), Bouncing Boy (Michael Cornaccia), and Saturn Girl (Kari Wahlgren) convince Clark that he's special and may be able to help them. Although he doubts that he's the "Superman" they keep talking about, Clark goes back to the future with them. But when he meets the other heroes eagerly awaiting his arrival, their dismay at his scrawny, bespectacled appearance is evident, and his confidence again wavers. It's only through the encouragement of his new friends that Clark discovers the strength to fight the enemy alongside them.

Legion of Super Heroes is a refreshingly fun addition to the crowded family of superhero cartoons. It's packed with quirky characters (both male and female) and fast action that kids will love, and its portrayal of Clark's imperfect evolution into Superman is a bonus that offers lessons in persistence, self-confidence, and the dangers of judging a book by its cover (as Clark's hero friends and Fatal Five enemies soon learn).

While frequent cartoon violence -- kicking, punching, explosions -- makes this a somewhat iffy choice for the littlest viewers, grade-schoolers will enjoy the action, and parents can be assured that themes of teamwork, friendship, and mutual respect are woven into each episode.