Superman Adventures (1996-2002) Vol. 2

DC Animated Universe

by Scott McCloud, Mark Millar, Terry Austin (Illustrator)

Based on the beloved animated series, Superman takes flight in this book for fans of all ages!

SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES was an instant classic, developed by the same team behind the beloved Batman: The Animated Series and featuring some of the greatest Superman adventures ever committed to film.

Dive back into the world of Superman: The Animated Series with this collection of comics featuring the iconic cast and some legendary creators!

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SUPERMAN CATCHES A COLD.

GAWK AS SUPERMAN LOSES HIS POWERS!

WITNESS THE GALACTIC BRAWL BETWEEN SUPERMAN AND LOBO.

WATCH AS SUPERMAN PLAYS BASEBALL TO SAVE THE WORLD!

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES VOL. 2 features stories by Scott McCloud (UNDERSTANDING COMICS, ZOT!), Mark Millar (Ultimate Avengers), Rick Burchett (THE BATMAN ADVENTURES) and others. Collects SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #11-16, SUPERMAN ADVENTURES ANNUAL #1 and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES SPECIAL #1.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Dc Comics, Superman, Childrens, Fiction

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

Scott McCloud (born Scott McLeod) is an American cartoonist and theorist on comics as a distinct literary and artistic medium.

Reviews

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superman Adventures Vol. 2

The world is stunned when it discovers that Superman has been exposed to a variant of Kryptonite that infected him with a Kryptonian virus and is slowly killing him. Racing to help isolate a cure, Lois Lane must reevaluate her feelings for the Man of Tomorrow.

The artwork is fantastic and the stories are fun and of a consistently high quality. An enjoyable collection for young and old alike.

[Himanshu Karmacharya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because of too many changes in writers and artists, the series feels like a downgrade from the first volume. But still, it is an enjoyable read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been on a really big Superman kick here lately, and when I came across this series in our library's system, I couldn't resist ordering it. These are fun comics, based off of the '90s animated TV series. And while most of the stories in these comics reflect that, there were a couple that actually had some really decent storytelling. The first one, where Superman was dying due to a kryptonite-powered virus, was particularly good. It had nice layers, with Lex Luthor's involvement, as well as Lois Lane's discovery of Superman's plight only after she was so stalwartly questioning his role in society. A more modern comic would definitely have gone a little deeper with that story line, and the artwork would have gone farther with Superman getting weaker and weaker. But still, at it's core, that was pretty good storytelling. I also really liked the one where Clark Kent and Superman seemed to be two separate people. Clark obviously thought he was going insane...until he figured out that Mxyzptlk was behind it. I find myself being more than amused with that character, just because it allows for even more what-ifs in a world where our protagonist can literally hear a cry for help from miles away. Superman might stretch my suspension of disbelief, but the stories always do so in a way that has a lot of special, comic book charm and fun behind it. And this particular series is a perfect example of just that.

[Joy ;) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Superman is a crazy time. I loved every minute of it lol
I’m such a sucker for goofy plot lines, unique art styles, and seeing character at their breaking point. And this comic had it all!
In all seriousness, this comic was such a treat to read. While it had no overarching plot line and was made up of some uh …interesting concepts, I think the better issues made up for the confusing ones.
As always, I am in love with this art style. The pronounced shapes and bright colors really make this comic stand out from more recent comics. It perfectly captures that classic comic vibe while still maintaining the seriousness of the story material. Also, the way Clark was drawn was just so nice. I loved the idea of his glasses being that blue. (I can see where Kon gets his sense of style lol) And I was living when his hair got all messed up to match his feelings (I am a big fan of the way they did the Mxyzptlik issue. The way they showed such a range of Clark’s emotions and inner world and I really appreciated the depth they reached. He really seemed human in that moment and it got me. Guys I love him so much)
All of that to say, if I can get my hands on another volume of this series, I will.

8/10 “what are you doing wearing that costume?” “My job, Clark.”

[Nate]

Barring a few duds, this is another delightfully entertaining collection of Superman Adventures. It kicks off with a two-parter that presages All-Star Superman by having Supes dying from radiation sickness, leaving S.T.A.R. Labs (and Lois, inevitably) to locate a cure. This one has its share of hokey moments, but Superman is one of the few characters for whom hokiness often works and translates to sincerity. Elsewhere, we get the first issue of Mark Millar’s run on the title. Yes, that Mark Millar. He’s a huge Superman fan, and his reverence for the character shines through in a romp where Clark loses his powers while an identical Superman arrives on the scene. It’s odd but refreshing to see Millar write an all-ages title, and to do so with absolute dignity.

Other winners include Superman facing off against an alien in a baseball stadium, Bibbo trying to impress his hero, and an interstellar “team-up” with Lobo. In other words, fun stuff.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was underwhelmed by a few too many of the issues in this volume. Even so, there were a few nice surprises, like seeing Lois get the spotlight for an issue or two - so overall I had a decent enough time. Nothing outstanding, but still got the comfy Superman vibes I expect from this series.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

McCloud, Evanier, Millar and Michelinie turn in solid to excellent chapters, particularly Millar's (spoiler!) Mxyzptlk issue. Bader's Annual is a bit of a mess, however.

[Grg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I want a Lobo animated series.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

These stories feel very solid, but at least a little too long. And it's not clear whether they want to wink at you for knowing about Superman or just tell stories or what.

I'm going to be thinking about, for a while, the twist in the "Superman is Sick" story. He knew Luthor was behind everything. Why didn't he do something?

Then, why did he tell the doctor he knew Luthor was blackmailing him after hinting about it for so long?