🎬 Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)
Part of DC Universe Animated Original Movies
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is a 2010 animated film that adapts the acclaimed "The Supergirl from Krypton" storyline from the Superman/Batman comic book series. Released as the ninth entry in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line, the film serves as a standalone sequel to 2009's Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, though it shifts focus dramatically toward the newly arrived Kara Zor-El. Directed by Lauren Montgomery, the film deliberately emulates the visual style of artist Michael Turner, whose distinctive, elegant linework defined the original comic arc before his untimely death in 2008.
The story picks up with a mysterious Kryptonian girl crash-landing in Gotham Harbor, immediately drawing the attention of both Superman and Batman. While Superman embraces Kara as family, Batman's inherent distrust makes him a reluctant ally, creating a fascinating three-way dynamic that drives much of the film's tension. The plot escalates when the cosmic tyrant Darkseid learns of Kara's existence and dispatches his forces to capture her, hoping to mold her into the leader of his Female Furies. This forces Superman, Batman, and a newly empowered Supergirl to journey to Apokolips for a climactic confrontation.
The voice cast features several DC animated veterans, with Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy reprising their iconic roles as Superman and Batman from the beloved 1990s animated series. Summer Glau joins them as Supergirl, bringing both vulnerability and fierce determination to the role, while the late Andre Braugher delivers a commanding performance as Darkseid. The film also notably includes Wonder Woman in a significant supporting role, reflecting her mentorship of Kara from the source material.
While the film takes some liberties with the comic's plot — streamlining certain elements and expanding others for pacing — it remains remarkably faithful to the spirit and visual identity of Turner's artwork. The Blu-ray release included a Green Arrow animated short as a bonus feature, continuing DC's tradition of showcasing lesser-known heroes alongside their marquee names. Though the title suggests equal billing for Superman and Batman, the film is unapologetically Supergirl's story, marking one of the character's most prominent animated appearances and cementing her place in DC's animated universe.
Superman/Batman is a monthly American comic book series published by DC Comics that launched in August 2003. Written initially by Jeph Loeb with art by Ed McGuinness and later Michael Turner, the series revived the tradition of team-up stories between DC's two flagship heroes that had previously been the domain of World's Finest Comics. The series is notable for its dual-narrator technique, presenting the internal monologues of both Superman and Batman simultaneously, often revealing their contrasting perspectives on the same events.
The series explores the complex friendship and occasional rivalry between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight. While earlier eras depicted them as close friends, the modern dynamic established in the 1980s introduced more tension and philosophical differences between the two heroes. Superman/Batman embraced this nuanced relationship, showing how their different approaches to justice complement each other despite their disagreements.
One of the most celebrated story arcs from the series is "The Supergirl from Krypton," which ran in issues #8-13. Written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by the late Michael Turner, this storyline reintroduced Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, into DC Comics continuity after her character had been absent for nearly two decades. The arc features Batman's characteristic suspicion of the newly arrived Kryptonian, Darkseid's obsession with obtaining her as a new Female Fury, and Wonder Woman's mentorship of the young heroine.
The series ran for 87 issues before concluding in 2011, spanning multiple creative teams and story arcs that ranged from cosmic adventures to intimate character studies. Its legacy includes not only the reintroduction of Supergirl but also several animated film adaptations that brought its distinctive visual style and character dynamics to the screen.
The Death of Superman is a pivotal comic book storyline and subsequent media collection centered on the demise and return of DC Comics' iconic hero. Originating in 1992 as a crossover event spanning multiple Superman titles, the narrative chronicles Superman's fatal battle with the unstoppable creature Doomsday, the global mourning that follows, and the emergence of four new characters—the Last Son of Krypton, Superboy, Steel, and the Cyborg Superman—each claiming to carry on his legacy. The story explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the irreplaceable nature of a true symbol, examining how a world copes when its greatest protector falls.
Beyond the original comics, the storyline has been adapted into various animated films, most notably within the DC Animated Movie Universe. These adaptations condense and reimagine the sprawling narrative, focusing on the emotional core of Superman's sacrifice and the subsequent power vacuum. The animated entries delve into the challenges faced by the new Supermen as they attempt to fill the void, while also highlighting the vulnerability of Earth in the absence of its champion. The collection showcases the enduring resonance of the Death of Superman mythos across different storytelling mediums.
Culturally, The Death of Superman became a landmark event in comic book history, generating unprecedented mainstream media attention and sales. It sparked debates about the commercial motivations behind major character deaths and influenced a wave of similar high-stakes storylines throughout the industry. The collection's legacy lies in its demonstration of how a single, shocking narrative beat can redefine a character's mythology and captivate a global audience, cementing the story as a touchstone for discussions about mortality and legacy within superhero fiction.
