With the digital release of the animated film “Superman: Man of Tomorrow” from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, much has been said about the new art style being used for the film. Director Chris Palmer spoke to CBR.com about the new look and how “Superman: The Animated Series” was an inspiration for some of the design choices.
“I think it definitely evokes the original Superman animated series. It’s kind of in the building blocks of Metropolis itself that this could be 25, 30 years in the future where while there’s a lot of things you know, there’s little points of departure like, ‘Oh, I hope the world could be like that!'” Palmer tells CBR. “For the line art, it was to try something new, just definitely give a big stamp on it that this is a different world from the previous films. It was trying different things, like line weights. People have said it evokes more of a comic book kind of feel, and I don’t think they’re wrong.”
Superman: Man of Tomorrow is available NOW for digital download, and will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack (USA $39.99 SRP; Canada $44.98 SRP) and Blu-ray Combo Pack (USA $24.98 SRP; Canada $29.98 SRP). The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc in 4K with HDR, a Blu-ray disc featuring the film in hi-definition, and a digital version of the movie. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features a Blu-ray disc with the film in hi-definition, a DVD with the film in standard definition, and a digital version of the movie.
When they first launched the DC Animated Films in 2007, it was clear that most of the films were going to be unique and stand on their own; not just in stories, but also in style. But somewhere along the way, they all fell into that anime-esque look. While I haven’t seen Man of Tomorrow yet (no spoilers please), it’s nice that they’re actually trying to do something visually unique.
The more I look at this art style for Superman, the more I like it. 🙂
They’ve been making these for quite a while. Each one has had a different look. His face, costume and personality to an extent. This style appears to go way back to the earlier days. And I mean earlier days long before they started making these. Looks almost “retro” !!! But then so does this entire feature. NOT saying it’s bad.
My favorite animation was still the ruby spears cartoon. But I loved that era of Superman comics so perhaps I’m biased.
Fleisher, Ruby Spears, and STAS are the ones that stand out for me. I have some degree of affection for Super Friends if only because of the Super Powers toyline I was collecting as a kid and the simple fact that seeing favorite superheroes from the page in other media was still a very new and wondrous thing for me at that point.
Ever notice the announcer for the intro of Ruby Spears sounds like he says Superman as “Syuper Man!
I love that Superman series! 😀