Overview

Superman: The Animated Series, Volume Three, would sadly be the final run of this great animated series before getting cancelled. In this season the show was beginning to take on a daring new direction, which some might say was more grim (like the episode "Unity") and a bit darker than past Superman incarnations. The stories were also becoming more challenging and interesting, ending with Superman and Lois Lane locking lips. But the change to the formula was definitely an asset to the series giving Superman yet another modern facelift. The most notable change was the addition of the super villains from Jack Kirby's Fourth World. Since Superman was such a "superhero" it was really tough to find villains to fight him on an equal playing field. Kirby's Darkseid and Planet of the Apokolips characters provided some cool villains that could compete with Superman punch for punch, adding a mysterious, dark element to the Superman mythos. These characters make up some of the best episodes of the season including the great two part episodes "Apokolips…Now!," "Little Girl Lost" and " the series finale "Legacy." Other notable changes were the inclusion of some superguest stars such as Aquaman and Green Lantern, as well as the introduction of Supergirl to the series. --Rob Bracco