Superman vs. The Elite [Review]
Does the world want Truth, Justice, and the American Way, or blood and revenge?
Superman vs. The Elite
Superman vs the Elite is an even more drawing story in the face of the New 52 reboot. The story, based on Action Comics #775, questions the relevancy of Superman and his morality, and thereby, our own. Superman is challenged by a new super-team, the Elite. These are “modern” heroes, who will do what they feel is correct to get the job done, even if it means killing villains, even if it means killings politicians, even if it means killing civilians. Superman tolerates the Elite after they tote the line, and even when they threaten to cross it, but once they do, it leads to a showdown with and ending that will surprise and shock the viewer.
The last line may seem dramatic, but the shock will be from seeing a competent, confident Superman display just what he is capable of, and the surprise is a pleasant one, as it answers the question of Superman being relevant in our modern world. The greatest impediment to this film was the animation. A story of such realism doesn’t mesh well initially with a rendering that’s closer to Scooby-Doo, but the story is gripping enough that it’s easily overlooked.
Perhaps, the most important thing to take away from the film, is that Superman doesn’t need modernization, rather, his stories do. The story doesn’t suffer due to his costume or his morality. On the contrary, it’s these aforementioned qualities that set him apart and elevate him in the story. The push to make him “modern” and just like everyone else doesn’t make for better stories for Superman, they just make him flaccid and hokey. Enjoy Superman vs the Elite and pass it on. To DC for starters.
A COMIC BOOK BLOG RATING
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent story and excellent execution | Animation was a poor choice |
| Rating |
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2 Comments
Nice review, I agree with most of your points. I also enjoyed Manchester Black’s portrayal, despite the few changes from the original comic.
Since my childhood Superman has always been my favorite superhero, and I think DC has done a poor job handling the character that was once[and probably still is] the most recognizable superhero on earth. I always admired what he stood for. G;ad;y, the Elite is definitely one of the best things to come out for Superman in years.
Hopefully the upcoming film, ‘Man of Steel’, will inspire and attract good writers to Superman’s comics, and think of brand new tales for Big Blue that could rival this one.
Nice review, I agree with most of your points. I also enjoyed Manchester Black’s portrayal, despite the few changes from the original comic.
Since my childhood Superman has always been my favorite superhero, and I think DC has done a poor job handling the character that was once[and probably still is] the most recognizable superhero on earth. I always admired what he stood for. Gladly, the Elite is definitely one of the best things to come out for Superman in years.
Hopefully the upcoming film, ‘Man of Steel’, will inspire and attract good writers to Superman’s comics, and think of brand new tales for Big Blue that could rival this one.