Superman: Doomsday

• Directed by Bruce Timm, Lauren Montgomery, and Brandon Vietti
• September 18, 2007
• Based on Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster / Adapted from the DC Comics The Death of Superman storyline

Voice Cast

• Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman-Adam Baldwin
• Lois Lane-Anne Heche
• Lex Luthor-James Marsters
• Toyman-John DiMaggio
• The Robot-Tom Kenny
• Martha Kent-Swoosie Kurtz
• Mercy Graves-Cree Summer
• Perry White-Ray Wise
• Jimmy Olsen-Adam Wylie
• Grumpy Man-Kevin Smith
• Murphy-Kimberly Brooks
• Drill Operator-Townsend Coleman
• Damon Swank-Chris Cox
• Newscaster-Hettie Lynn Hurtes
• Officer Tucker-James Arnold Taylor

Superman is killed in a fight with the creature called ‘Doomsday’ yet appears to return from the grave.

The Death of Superman was a storyline unlike any that came before and one that has had a lasting impact to this day. I am surprised it took them until 2007 to attempt any animated version of the story. Some elements presented adhere closely to the comic book storyline while others diverge significantly. Not a complaint but it does make it more ‘inspired by’ than ‘based on.’

Luthor is a character blinded by greed and a lust for power who fails to understand the adulation and praise he longs for would come if he just dropped the pursuit of material wealth. In this story he has cured the bird flu, AIDS, and even muscular dystrophy yet has people working to make these cures long-term treatments for long-term profits. An interesting way of demonstrating everything about the character in just a few lines.

Clark and Lois have been dating for about six months though he hasn’t officially told her his big secret even though she pretty much knows. Superman: Doomsday gets into relationship fears in a way that is very superhero yet understandable in the context of reality. Later on it uses that to get some emotion as Lois expresses herself to Clark’s parents since they are the only ones that she can talk with or would be able to empathize.

It is very character driven. This is more about the effects of his death on those around him than on superheroics. There is a good chunk on what happens to the people that were closest to him. Perry becomes cranky and more protective of Lois. Jimmy spirals away and becomes a tabloid photographer seeking fame and fortune. Yikes!

I like how this is a superhero movie fueled with superhero action but very character driven. It doesn’t delve deeply into Superman Mythology. What it does do is really flesh out the characters it features. Even Martha Kent who is in all of it for five minutes is a much better character than Sam Wilson was in Captain America: Brave New World.

In this version of the story Luthor sees a need for Superman but getting it mixed up with his own flaws creates a Superman copy that gets out of control yet is still guided by the real Superman’s desire to protect. Despite the blood and mayhem he causes, in his dying moments he expresses his strongest desire is to keep the people of Metropolis safe. It harkens back to the classic Star Trek: TOS where the villains weren’t necessarily evil. They just viewed things differently. 

At her best like here Lois Lane is more than just a damsel in distress if one at all. Here she is also an assistant in the resolution of the story. She sets Luther off balance allowing the real Superman the chance for victory. She also retrieves a key piece which allows Superman to deal with the clone. That was important because Superman was throwing hands with his physical equal.

There is some sadness and drama but as with all good Superman stories there is the undercurrent of hope. Superman is the hero we want. He is an aspirational figure. Gifted with great power but never using it for control or personal benefit. It is just to do good. He has a strong moral center from which he will never deviate. His eyes are always locked on his guiding star.

Superman: Doomsday is one of many fine additions to the DC animated film catalog. It’s action-oriented and character driven and manages some good drama where one would not expect. An excellent viewing for all Superman or comic book movie fans.