Superman: The Animated Series (Boomerang)

common sense media says

Is it a bird or a plane? No, it's a super series!


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Superman is a noble role model with integrity who defends the greater good.
Violence & scariness: Very little bloodshed, but fairly frequent fistfights that often result in death.
Sexy stuff: Some innuendoes, and some female characters have slightly risque body language and attire.
Language: Lots of dry humor -- nothing inappropriate, but over the head of some kids.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Superman: The Animated Series

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

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 Delaney as Lois Lane, and Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor. 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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Boomerang
Cast: Clancy Brown, Dana Delany, Tim Daly
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Boomerang

This review was written by Deirdre Sheppard
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

dog in black
teen, 15 years old
 
superman is the best
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!! awesome show the 1 and 2 seasons were really good. the 1 and 2 seasons are good for 9+ BUT THE 3 SEASON IS WAY TO VIOLENT FOR A KIDS SHOW I AND I AM 12 AND I GOT freaked out AT SOME senes the 3 season is for 11+

dan555
adult
 
One of the best comic book based shows around.
This show is rated TVY7FV, not TVY7!

 
good for kids 7+ years old
love it

Noah Johsnon
kid, 12 years old
 
Not as fast as Batman The Animated Series, but just as beautiful
Superman: The Animated Series might be a little to slow to capture kids, under the age of 7, attention. It takes a little while to get the plot rolling along. The writing is amazing because of Paul Dini. (the writer and maker of Batman: The Animated Series, Animaniacs, and Tiny Toon Adventures) Superman can rarley stop a battle without using his powers against the enemy which leads to a lot of action sequences. Super is a positive role model who puts the city before himself and what the right thing to do is.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age