I saw the Death of Superman...

In the early '90s, DC's death of Superman sent a pop-cultural shock across the world, as did the Man of Steel's inevitable resurrection, but not before a mysterious "Reign of the Supermen" performed as its frenetic set-up. (If the truth be known, Superman died and rose before this particular death and resurrection, but those prior events weren't staged with such bravado.) 

Directed by Jake Castorena, DC/WB veteran Sam Liu, and adapted by Peter J. Tomasi, "The Death of Superman" is a landmark endeavor, even though "Superman: Doomsday", "Batman v Superman" and "Justice League" more than tested the concept's waters. In truth, this new, animated film should have received a major, theatrical release, if only due to the story's legendary status, but instead joins us via convenient home viewing. 

Most know the tale's dynamics, so there's no point in rehashing the finer details of Superman and Doomsday's fight to the death or Lois Lane and the JL's lament in the tearful aftermath.

The big question is, does the film meet expectations? The answer is yes, but nothing this important, this epic and mythic, is bound to delight all fans on all levels. This is also just the first part of the documented saga, but for the sake of what's offered, the tale's core is enclosed, bolstered by a few intense Lex Luthor/Wonder Woman embellishments and a funny JL interlude (at somber Batman's expense): a little of this and that to warm viewers up for the famous, big brawl.

Jerry O'Connell once again voices Superman/Clark Kent/Kal-El, his familiar tone bestowing warmth to the proceedings, even if the artistic design doesn't reflect the '90s source.   

Doomsday take a while to enter, but never once wavers from being the all-out, merciless brute we've come to know. He's one of the reasons the comic-book adventure worked so well and pushes this animated counterpart along in the most snarling, over-the-top way. 

This fierce flamboyance ensures the story's success and legacy. Whether in print or film, "Death of Superman" can't help but be an emotional, roller coaster ride. Even within a mere 80-min format, it manages to deliver the necessary brick-breaking punch, with its gentle post-fight sequence coming all the sooner to lift one's spirits ever higher. 

In its own interpretive right, the film's contrasting portions help the movie become a tight, light and dark package, recalling the rises and falls of Judea-Christian lore, while its back-from-the-dead insinuation touches such similarly themed science-fiction films as "Day the Earth Stood Still" and "E.T., the Extra-terrestrial". 

Indeed, I truly do like the movie, even if the absence of a faithful, live-action version yet stands as a long-made promise never kept. All the same, I'll take what I can get and grant this one a permanent slot in my DC movie collection. Now, bring on that sequel...