Super History of Superman: Justice League: War (2014)

Not so much leading the charge as just being a part of it, Superman next landed in Justice League: War, the adaptation of the Justice League: Origins tale which launched DC's "new 52" print reboot.

Super History of Superman: JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time (2014)

The Man of Steel, although not the main character, was central to the early Target exclusive stealth release JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time. Supes was the inspiration for the 31st century's Legion of Superheroes, and his deletion from history resulted in the paradox remedying deletion of the Justice League. In addition, this movie is notable in edging out Justice League: War in introducing the trunkless new 52 inspired Superman design to animation... well if you don't count his few seconds in the Superman 75th tribute short. In an "Ape-raham Lincoln" like twist (see Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes) the movie ended on a spoiler where the inspirational Kal-El was upstaged by a villainous Luther. To be continued... I hope.

Check back next week for another chapter in The Super History of Superman.

Super History of Superman: Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

Perhaps its a tribute to the Man of Steel that a world without Superman is as bleak as that depicted in The Flashpoint Paradox. On the other hand, its a bit depressing seeing the anemic results of government program Project Superman.

Super History of Superman: Man of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel certainly has its critics, but for my money it was a great movie. And regardless of one's opinions on the movie itself, it has been anointed as the foundation of the forthcoming DC cinematic universe... if such a thing ever materializes.

Super History of Superman: Super Pets (2013)

While the crotches of both Kal and Kara appeared in the Super Pets shorts, their faces never did. This series instead featured the heroic super powered pets including Krypto the Superdog and Streaky the Supercat.

Super History of Superman: Tales of Metropolis (2013)

Superman would remain in the background for tales featuring other citizens of Metropolis. After 3 shorts, the real star of the Tales of Metropolis has to be Bizarro, I mean, not-Bizarro. Starring in the first short, Bizarro proved his backwards antics could still prove heroic. not-Bizarro returned in the third short as well for a comedic cameo.

Super History of Superman: Lego Batman the Movie: DC Heroes Unite (2013)

Although its certainly not gonna win any awards for storytelling, the Lego Batman movie feature combining recycled cut scenes from the Lego Batman 2 video game with all new animation was mighty entertaining. The comedic take on the World's Finest accompanied by iconic musical cues from the heroes live action history resulted in a decent movie for younger audiences.

Super History of Superman: Superman: Unbound (2013)

While quite a bit better than the abysmal Braniac Attacks, this foray with Brainaic is probably also more forgettable. Of Superman's animated movies in the modern DC line, this one also came off as a very head-scratching choice for an adaptation. At least Superman vs. The Elite was based on a very well regarded story as was All Star Superman and even Superman Doomsday. Superman: Brainiac was an okay story, but not an obvious choice for a movie. 

Super History of Superman: Teen Titans Go! (2013-)

Although Superman has not appeared as a character on Teen Titans Go! his presence has been felt. The Man of Steel is a reality in this universe inspiring such brands as Justice Java.

Super History of Superman: DC Nation's Farm League (2013)

DC Nation's Farm League introduced a barnyard version of the Justice League. This JLA (of Animals) was led of course by Superman's analogue - Supermanatee. Ha ha.

Super History of Superman: The Dark Knight Returns (2013)

His portrayal in The Dark Knight Returns may not have been the most flattering, nevertheless, Superman played  a key role in the story as a prime antagonist to Batman.

Super History of Superman: Super Best Friends Forever (2012)

While Supergirl appeared in all five of the charming SBFF short's her cousin Kal only appeared in Grounded, in which he received a Super wedgie. Not Supes greatest moment, though deserving of a chuckle.

Super History of Superman: MAD Presents (2012-)

One of the less impressive additions to DC Nation has been "MAD Presents" editing segments from the animated MAD series into repackaged shorts.

Super History of Superman: Superman Vs The Elite (2012)

Superman taught us why we never want him to lose control in 2012's Superman vs. The Elite. He taught that same lesson to Manchester Black and his mates. 

Super History of Superman: Superman of Tokyo (2012)

Superman of Tokyo AKA スーパーマン @ Tokyo  was a bizarre take on the Man of Steel used to usher in DC Nation.The two shorts introduced a Baby of Steel that pulled a Shazam! by aging into an adult when wearing Superman's cape as a diaper. Very odd indeed.

Super History of Superman: Justice League: Doom (2012)

In 2012, Justice League: Doom offered a loose adaptation of the popular Tower of Babel JLA arc which saw the members of the Justice League systematically taken down. In Doom, each JLAer faced off against one of their nemeses, in the case of Superman it was Metallo who fired the kryptonite bullet.

Super History of Superman: DC's World's Funnest (2011)

DC's World's Funnest was one of the very first sets of shorts used to launch the DC Nation programming block on Cartoon Network. The idea of an Aardman claymation series focusing on Superman and Batman sounded fantastic. Sadly, it was pretty terrible with Superman pretty much just sitting around eating cookies. I cannot imagine anyone wanting to see more of Superman if this was their first exposure to the character.

Check back next week for another chapter in The Super History of Superman.

Super History of Superman: All-Star Superman (2011)

Yes, All Star Superman is as good as you have heard. Rather than downplaying his powers, the reverent tribute to the silver age Superman embraced the character's super-human abilities. While a good deal was cut from the source material, the remaining content still presents an inspiring hero and an epic story.

Super History of Superman: Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010)

Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam was a high point of the far too brief run of the animated DC Showcase line of shorts. Running just 25 minutes,the tale didn't waste too much time with world building or back story. Most of the time was devoted to the team up of Captain Marvel and the Man of Steel against the evil Black Adam.

Superman 75th Anniversary Short Decoded

Certainly there were some big on and off screen moments omitted (in particular Lois & Clark and Superman Returns), but this 2 minute short was still all kids of awesome. I may have missed a couple references, but I will do my best to point out those I identified starting with the opening homage to Supes' debut in Action Comics #1. Here goes: