The History of Superman: The Animated Series (1996) | Still Standing in Batman's Shadow

Join us on a trip back in time as we dive into the awesome world of Superman: The Animated Series (1996). Ever wondered how this classic animated show shaped the Man of Steel's legacy?

In this video, we explore the animation style of the '90s and how it evolved from Bruce Timm's previous effort: Batman: The Animated Series along with unique vibe of Metropolis, and why Superman: The Animated Series is so special in the legacy of the DC Animated Universe.

Plus, we'll chat about the interesting dynamic between Superman and Batman, and how the show made its mark in the shadow of the Dark Knight.

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[jamesbounds]

As Mark Hamill is the iconic voice of Joker on Batman, it's Clancy Brown that is the iconic voice for Lex Luthor.

[AdamBladeTaylor]

I loved the Superman animated series. It was a good show, lots of fun storylines. Basically the flip side of Batman. Where Batman was a vigilante cleaning up crime from the shadows and striking fear in criminals, Superman was the beacon of hope and justice, fighting in the light and inspiring others.

[philliptivis]

This, Batman, Batman Beyond, Justice League/JLU, and Static Shock... realistically a live action DC universe is never going to touch this overarching story. Great characters and character developments, amazing stories.. . Damn, I'm going to have to watch them all over again. There goes my holiday weekend.

[vorchacaptain]

Michael Ironside did such a great job as Darkseid. His voice became iconic for that character.

[glarryg]

For my money, Tim Daly has the perfect balance of innocence and conviction that makes a perfect Superman voice actor, and nobody had gotten close to that since then.

[dinosoid]

"I am many things Kal El, but here I am God!" Great show.

[jinpei]

A recent rewatch of STAS confirmed that it was just as good now as it was then. Bruce Timm managed to establish a good baseline for Superman and his world that would grow and mature until it was perfected in Justice League/Unlimited.

And much like BTAS, the voice actors firmly established themselves as some of the best version of their iconic characters, especially Superman, Lois, Luthor, and my personal favorite, Brad Garrett as Lobo

[missiletoad]

I unashamedly love Superman. I love his purity and his goodness - even though he doesn't have to be. He could have just posed as an athlete and made millions, been the world's greatest thief, or subjugated the human race to serve his every whim. But he chose to humbly serve mankind instead. I think that's pretty cool.

[winstonheard]

this series (and all the way through Justice League Unlimited) holds up so well that i'm always surprised when i'm reminded that it is literally decades old by now. this version of Superman is neck and neck with any other depiction in any form of media as the best ever

[TheACcam]

Hearing Clancy Brown narrate that commercial is so funny. He made one heck of a Lex Luthor, by far one of my favorite versions. I've always liked the idea of Luthor being this bad guy who doesn't get away with things, but doesn't really get caught, either.

[lamartherevenger]

Loved the series. One of the most shocking moments in 90s cartoons happened on the Superman series. Darkseid KILLING Dan Turpin with his Omega Beams was unbelievable. I was dumbfounded by it.

[vincentcomeau]

It's kind of ironic that the TV commercial run halfway during this video is narrated by Clancy Brown who voiced villain Lex Luthor and he really delivers a heroic monologue.

[melvinshine]

Wait, Mercy was Dr. Cuddy from House?! No wonder I liked Mercy.
I loved what Superman TAS and JL/JLU did with the character. They made him more than just a Boy Scout god.
He may not be as iconic as Kevin Conroy, but Tim Daly is *the* Superman voice for a lot people, myself included.

[grapeshot]

And actually really like this animated series when it came out in the 90s my two favorite episodes were the one where he went up against Lobo and the other one is when he had to disguise himself as Batman to help Robin. He took on Brainiac and he wasn't wearing his cape.

[darkcloudXIV]

The 90’s were an amazing time for Superman; it was a peak time for the character from the 80’s reboot comic to the cartoon and Lois and Clark tv series. They’re so fun to look back at now, especially with everything getting so dark these days with DC.

[deathsnitemaresinfullust]

One of the best animated shows ever. Just re-watched the series recently after watching the Batman animated series, something about this time of year makes me want to watch the Batman cartoon but then by the end of the series I always seem to be in the mood for the Superman animated series.🤷‍♂️
I usually end up watching the Justice League series after that too.
😄👍

[RockosModernLife]

This may be my Favorite Animated Superman. They didn't make him too strong so actual stories and villains can exist in his world. Go Tim Daly!

[CyberDragonK]

The DCAU is sacred, now and forever. From Batman TAS to Superman TAS, to the Justice League cartoons and everything in-between, some of the most thoughtful and gripping stories and adaptations presented on the small screen.

[tylerbrunton]

Herc! Herc! That Hercules show will forever live rent free in my head. It ran very early in the morning along with Rocket Robinhood and Roger Ramjet.

[thecunninlynguist]

Also, I after the teamup, we got The New Adventures of Batman & Superman. I absolutely adore that intro. I wish these streaming services had that up...but as far as I can remember after doing my rewatch for either series, it's their stock Intros of BTAS or STAS 😔