Superman: Man of Tomorrow is the first DCUAOM offering since the DCAMU came to a powerful, poignant close. I’m not sure if this movie is a standalone or if it’s the first installment of the new DC animated movie universe. But signs seem to point that it’s the latter.
As another Superman origin story, the movie takes a crack at telling a new version of the story of how Clark Kent eventually took on the identity of Superman. In this incarnation, Batman has been operating for a while now (Batman actually didn’t appear in the movie, but he got name dropped, which would lead to this inference); J’onn J’onzz a.k.a. Martian Manhunter plays a big role in Clark’s formative arc toward becoming Superman; and Lobo, Lex Luthor, and Parasite are the adversaries that a rookie Superman have to contend while undergoing the learning curve of being a superhero.
Superman: Man of Tomorrow, per se, is generally good. Well, for a direct-to-video animated movie at least.
My most favorite thing is probably the animation style. While it isn’t necessarily stunning, it’s charming and pretty enough to be notable. It gives off this endearing comic book vibes. And it looks quite refreshing, especially in comparison to the gritty mood of the animation of previous DC Universe Animation Original Movies.
Direction is taut and smooth, and the voice acting is compelling across the board. The fight scenes are terrific, not only because they are hard-hitting and somewhat graphic, but also because some thoughtful and nuanced storytelling is involved in them. The script is solid. Characterizations and dialogue are mostly done well, while the themes and tone are on point for a Superman story.
All these add up to a proper and enjoyable Superman animated movie.
Still, a part of me was underwhelmed.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think it’s as striking as it should have been. First of all, I’ve already experienced tons of versions of Superman’s origin story in various media. Thus, while Superman: Man of Tomorrow is well-told, I still felt this fatigue for it as it is technically “another Superman origin story.” It’s simply something worn out at this point. And to be another addition to that long list of retellings, being a “well-told” just won’t cut it anymore. It must be a standout. It doesn’t necessarily need to reinvent the wheel, but it must have original, clever, and worthwhile twists to justify why such done-to-death story needs to be told for the nth time.
Secondly, I expected something grander from a movie that’s supposed to kick off a new DC animated movie universe. For starters, if this is the reboot of the DCAMU, I feel that the Flash should have made an appearance to allude to the transition. Moreover, it doesn’t stir excitement for the future as it doesn’t offer any teaser of what to expect next (unless that Batman namedrop suggests the next installment in this universe is one centered on him. Or better yet, we’ll start getting Superman/Batman teamup movies again! The two Superman/Batman movies that the DCUAOM have made so far are among my most favorite DC films of all time. Superman and Batman are just so fun as a duo).
In the end, I still like Superman: Man of Tomorrow as a whole. It has heart, beautiful animation, immersive storytelling, and high entertainment value. And these are apparently enough to overcome the letdowns.
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