• The Death of Superman Blu-Ray Review

Hey gang, Valkor here. Back in the 90s, when the “Death of Superman” comic book series launched, it not only shook up the DC universe but my world as well. Superman wasn’t my favorite comic but he is the most iconic and I still enjoyed reading his books when I got the chance. And even though I knew he'd return, it was still pretty jarring. Well, that series has been adapted a few times since then such as 2007’s animated film “Superman Doomsday: The Death of Superman”, as well as a very loose adaption in the live-action “Batman v Superman”. Now, the DC 52 Animated Universe is about to get their own take with “The Death of Superman”. And while it isn’t anything new in terms of substance, the film is still fun to watch. And it’s ten times better than BvS so, there’s that.

The Death of Superman


“The Death of Superman” finally puts Supes/Clark Kent at the forefront, first delving into his relationship with Lois Lane as well as his dynamic with the Justice League before we get into the big fight. It’s at this point that Lois doesn’t know who Superman really is and Clark is having a difficult time telling her. Eventually, he feels it necessary to do so after learning about Flash telling his soon-to-be wife his secret identity. Well that reveal couldn’t have come at a worse time as a mysterious figure, who crash-landed on earth from space, is now ripping his way towards Metropolis; the bulk of the Justice League, which includes Batman, Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Cyborg, Hawkman, Wonder Woman, and Martian Manhunter do their best to thwart the beast now called “Doomsday”. However, it would seem only Superman can truly save the day. And after going blow for blow with no clear winner, it all comes to an end with one final blow of equal amount of force from both combatants before both are laid to rest. But out of the darkness, there appears to be light in the form of new Supermen who or may not take Kal El's place. Who are they? And how will they affect the DC 52 animated verse? We’ll have to wait for part two to find out. But if you’ve been following either the past films or even the comics, then you can pretty much guess how it’ll end.

The Death of Superman


The Death of Superman tosses in some other choice nuggets; we learn about the relationship between Supes and Wonder Woman, John Henry Irons makes an appearance (he’ll eventually become Steel), and we see Martian Manhunter’s pyrophobia take hold. Also, don’t skip the credits as you get a look at things to come for the next film “The Reign the Supermen”. But if you do, don’t worry as the Blu-Ray has a sneak peek at the next film as well. Other features include The Death of Superman: The Brawl That Topped Them All, and two related episodes from Legion of Superheroes”. So, after swimming through the film and all of its extras, is it worth the investment?

The Death of Superman


The Good:

For me, The Death of Superman as a film works in two parts; first, we’re reintroduced into the world of Clarke Kent, who has been missing from the DC 52 films since the whole thing started. I’ve pretty much watched them all and reviewed most of the films, and I don’t recall Kent ever getting this much play (please correct me if I’m wrong). This sets things up to play with your heartstrings because when the big fight goes down – it seriously goes down! And that’s the second part of why this film is worth watching. When Doomsday starts down that path of destruction, it doesn’t end until the final blows. I watched on the edge of my seat as the Justice League made every attempt to stop Doomsday but to no avail. Even Batman did his thing, which wasn’t much, yet still an effort. But When Doomsday and Supes threw down? It. Was. On! Sad, but still amazing to watch. The animation matches that of the previous DC 52 films so don’t expect anything new. Yet it wasn't entirely disappointing. Finally, I dig the performances, especially Rosario Dawson as Wonder Woman, who has certainly grown on me. Jerry Connelly as Superman is also turning me into a fan. And Nathan Fillion IS the Green Lantern and we need more of his and Christopher Gorham back and forth as their scene with the Justice League roundtable is too funny. In the end, “The Death of Superman” is a one-two punch of both awesome storytelling and jaw-dropping action that’s worth the sit through.

The Death of Superman


The Bad:

If you’ve seen the film once, you’ve seen it before. The Death of Superman was still fun to watch, but I could think of a dozen other properties that should have been adapted over this one. I’m still looking forward to The Reign of Supermen.

The Death of Superman


The Ugly:

N/A

The Death of Superman


The Death of Superman will be available on August 7th on Blu-Ray triple Play Combo Pack (as well a 4K Ultra Combo Pack), DVD, and Digital video. If you’ve seen the previous films such as Batman v Superman or even Superman/Doomsday, then you’re pretty much getting the same thing but with a new layer of paint. Overall, you get a nice mix of story and action for one entertaining piece of media. So, out of TOV 5 stars, I’m giving The Death of Superman a 4.

The Death of Superman