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.