Let's talk about the incredible adventures of Superman and Supergirl, two iconic superheroes who are currently stealing the show on TV. It's an exciting time for fans, as these characters, so beloved in comic book lore, are being reimagined and brought to life in fresh and captivating ways.
The Small Screen Superheroes
The year 2025 saw the 'Summer of Superman', an unofficial celebration of all things Superman, which has continued to evolve and expand. With the recent release of the not-quite-standalone film 'Supergirl', and the ongoing third season of 'My Adventures with Superman', these superheroes are having a moment on the small screen.
'My Adventures with Superman' premiered in 2023, and it's a show that has truly found its stride. The series offers a unique perspective, showcasing Superman through the eyes of those closest to him, like Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen. But what makes this show particularly fascinating is its ambitious take on one of the oldest and most iconic superheroes.
A New Take on an Old Hero
The showrunners, Jake Wyatt, Brendan Clougher, and Josie Campbell, have reimagined Superman through the lens of shōnen anime. This creative decision adds a fresh layer of depth and complexity to the character. Jack Quaid, who plays both Clark Kent and Superman, has mastered the art of making these two personas distinct yet similar, blurring the lines between them in an intriguing way.
As the series progresses, we see Superman's secret identity revealed, which opens up new narrative possibilities. Lois Lane, a driven and complex character, grapples with feelings of inadequacy, especially when dating a god among men. Jimmy Olsen, on the other hand, faces his own set of challenges, including a unique friendship with a talking gorilla in love with a brain.
The Arrival of Supergirl
Season two introduced Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, played by Kiana Madeira. Raised by Brainiac to conquer worlds, Supergirl's arrival adds a new dynamic to the show. As season three unfolds, we see the House of El coming together, with Clark and Lois closer than ever, and Kara seeking a 'mate' in Jimmy.
The latest episode, 'The Death of Superman', is a testament to the show's creative team. While drawing inspiration from the comic book storyline, the adaptation makes significant departures, resulting in a smart and gripping episode. It's a melancholy yet hopeful exploration of Jon Kent's future, and a powerful reckoning with Supergirl's place in a world dominated by Superman.
A Bright Future for Supergirl
Supergirl's depiction in this series is a vast improvement on previous iterations. The writers, Serena Wu, Angela Entzminger, Jack Sentell, Sari Cooper, and Marguerite Bennett, have crafted a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of Kara, who is struggling with her sense of heroism. The dating competition with Jimmy adds a layer of lightheartedness to the narrative, providing a much-needed distraction.
A Stronger Superman
This version of Superman, while younger and less experienced, is more fully formed and relatable. His motivations are clear and his characterization is stronger, even if they are more naive. We understand who this Superman is, and that clarity makes for compelling storytelling. This Superman reminds us that hope is an action, not just a feeling, and that's a powerful message.
So, if you're a fan of Superman and Supergirl, or just a lover of well-crafted superhero stories, 'My Adventures with Superman' is a must-watch. New episodes drop every Saturday as part of the Toonami anime/action block, with streaming available the next day on HBO Max. Don't miss out on these exciting adventures!
