Review of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010) by Benjamin N — 28 Sep 2011

DC Comics has a long history of producing some of the most unique and exciting animated TV shows and movies based on their huge library of characters and story arcs. Although, "Superman/Batman: Apocalypse" (2010) is not set in the DCAU (DC Animated Universe; a later blog will explain this in detail), it does borrow many of the returning voice actors from previous shows and movies within that continuity, and follows "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" (2009) as the second animated film covering a story arc from the "Superman/Batman" comic book series.

"Superman/Batman: Apocalypse", despite the title, is a film that primarily focuses on the introduction of Supergirl, and her relationship with Superman; with Batman, Wonder Woman and the cavalcade of other characters only playing a supporting roll. The direct-to-DVD animated film is an adaptation of the Superman/Batman comic book story line "The Supergirl from Krypton", that was penciled by the late, great Michael Turner, and marked one of the only times in his career that he provided interior art for a company other than Top Cow Productions or his own publisher Aspen MLT.

This film follows the story of Kara Zor-El's pod crash landing in Gotham City Harbor, her discovery by Batman, the open armed welcome by her cousin Superman, her combat training on Themyscira courtesy of Wonder Woman and the Amazons, through to her kidnapping and brain washing on Apokolips by the villian Darkseid, with his plan of making her the leader of his Female Furies. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and many other characters round out the cast, and throughout the film, the ideological clashes between those heroic characters are clearly evident, as each, though having the best in mind for Kara, have very different life plans for her. The story very closely follows the comic book, and the animation style and character designs are based upon Michael Turner's pencils in the series. The action is very fast paced, and some of the best animated fight scenes are found here, such as the beautifully choreographed brawl between the Female Furies and the team of Wonder Woman and Big Barda.

The titular and fan favorite Superman and Batman voice actors, Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy reprise the roles they made famous. Susan Eisenberg also returns as Princess Diana/Wonder Woman, her breakout role from "Justice League" and "Justice League Unlimited", as does Ed Asner in his re-occurring role as Granny Goodness. Joining the already stellar cast, is Summer Glau as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl and Andre Braugher as Darkseid, replacing the popular Michael Ironside. The voice acting as a whole is superb, however Braugher lacks the deep tone and presence that Ironside brought to the character. His version seems very under performed and lacking, and although bringing Darkseid's conniving nature to the surface, it does little to add to the character and leaves him to be somewhat forgetful.

Braugher's voice acting is really the only issue I found with this film, and even then, its really not that big of a deal. The story may seem a bit outlandish to some, however the fact that it follows the comic book arc so closely is admirable, and makes sense, considering that this movie, and its predecessor, are meant to closely follow the stories set up in the "Superman/Batman" comic book series. I will admit that I am a bit biased in my review, in that I loved the comic book series, and Michael Turner was my favorite artist, and to see a movie version of his work is a real treat. DC has had varied success with their direct-to-DVD releases, however, the "Superman/Batman" line of films have so far been successful in my opinion. I definitely recommend checking this movie out, along with any of the other great DC releases.