Synopsis
It’s the dawn of a new age of heroes, and Metropolis has just met its first. But as Daily Planet intern Clark Kent – working alongside reporter Lois Lane – secretly wields his alien powers of flight, super-strength and x-ray vision in the battle for good, there’s even greater trouble on the horizon. Follow the budding hero as he engages in bloody battles with intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo and fights for his life to halt the attack of power-hungry alien Parasite. The world will learn about Superman … but first, Superman must save the world!
Review
As the synopsis states: it’s the dawn of a new age of heroes. Following the spectacular Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation have gone back to the drawing board and back to the beginning.
The result is Superman: Man of Tomorrow; a timely, poignant yet action-packed exploration of Clark’s early days as a costumed hero in Metropolis.
Writer Tim Sheridan dials has an excellent grasp on the inner workings of Clark Kent (Darren Criss, Glee). Throughout Man Of Tomorrow‘s many quieter moments we are confronted by a Clark who is questioning his place in the world. Though he understands his powers he’s yet to understand where his responsibilities lie.
His arc throughout the film see’s him learning to accept his own past as well as how his heritage separates him from the people he seeks to protect. It’s perfectly reflected in the characters of Lobo (Ryan Hurst, The Walking Dead) and Martian Manhunter (Ike Amadi, Mortal Kombat Legends). All three are the final survivor of their race. Refugees in a strange land. It opens up the narrative to explore the idea of human xenophobia. But it does so in a way which doesn’t club the viewer over the head with its message. Instead Sheridan communicates his message subtly but without weakening its importance.
Superman: Man of Tomorrow is a complete overhaul from the films which came before. We don’t get know if this new style is the beginning of an animated universe but it certainly has the foundations of one. Sheridan introduces a number of plot elements which remain open ended when the film draws to a close. There’s plenty here which feels like the beginning of something bigger even when the main storyline of Man of Tomorrow is neatly rounded out.
The film introduces an impressive supporting cast for Criss’ Superman. Alexandra Daddario plays a very green version of Lois Lane. As a result we see her possessing many of the skills fans will recognise but still learning the tools in how to implement them. Her take down of Lex Luthor (Zachary Quinto) early in the story cements her power as a journalist but also exposes her mistrust of those in power.
That mistrust spills over in to her relationship with Superman. At first she refuses to trust him purely based on his immense power. Rather than present their relationship as romantic from the outset, Superman: Man of Tomorrow presents a more cautious version of the dynamic. It is a new and unique perspective which I really appreciated. It ensures that nothing about Man of Tomorrow feels stale or overexposed.
Quinto’s Luthor is a revelation amongst the cast. His voice is incredibly versatile. Thought recognisable, Quinto is quickly lost in the character in the most pleasurable of ways. Very much a supporting player, Sheridan sets Luthor up for a slow burning, murky relationship with the Man of Steel.
Brett Dalton’s Rudy/Parasite is another versatile performance. Presented as more of a tragic figure, both versions of the character complement the overall message of the film. The connection between Rudy and Clark is one of the most honest in the film. It’s unexpected and is just another reason why Man of Tomorrow feels so fresh. It also pushes the film towards an unexpectedly emotional climax in the third act.
It’s impossible to pick a weak point within the cast. Ryan Hurst is excellent as Lobo. Another standout who deserves more exposure in future films. Ike Amadi brings a perfect level of gravitas to J’onn J’onzz. Together with Hurst the film’s trio of aliens is a compelling mix of emotion, action and heart.
The film features an entirely remixed style of animation. The new style is in the wheelhouse of adult comedies such as Archer and fits the new aesthetic well. Character expressions feel stronger and more emotive than in the Justice League continuity of films. It’s brighter, more hopeful and generally sharper.
New character designs are sleek. Clark and Lois are much younger than in previous films. Lois in particular looks more edgy in this universe. Lobo is always imposing on the screen and Parasite takes on Godzilla-like qualities as the narrative progresses.
Metropolis also finds itself redesigned here. The cityscape has moved on from the realism of previous films and now resembles something a little more science fiction. It takes a little getting used to. On first watch I felt the sprawling tower blocks a little jarring against contemporary technology and interiors. But the hyperrealism serves an important point. It reminds us this isn’t the same Metropolis we’ve seen before.
Verdict
With Superman: Man of Tomorrow the dawn of a new age of heroes arrives with an important message, bombastic action and oozes style.
8/10
Darren Criss (Glee) is taking on voicing the Man of Steel alongside Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) as Lex Luthor, Alexandra Daddario (True Detective) as Lois Lane, Brett Dalton (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Lobo, Ryan Hurst (The Walking Dead) as Parasite, Ike Amadi (Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge) as Martian Manhunter, Neil Flynn (Scrubs; Mean Girls) as Jonathan Kent, and Bellamy Young (Scandal) as Martha Kent.
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