Superman: Red Son – MARCH 17th 2020

WHAT’S IT ABOUT

Superman: Red Son is an upcoming 2020 American direct-to-video animated superhero film focusing on the DC Comics character Superman. The film will be based on the comic book mini-series of the same name written by Mark Millar and penciled by Dave Johnson, Andrew Robinson, Walden Wong, and Killian Plunkett.  Instead of Kansas, the ship carrying baby Superman lands in Ukraine. Superman is introduced to the world during the 1950s Cold War as a Soviet asset, causing panic in the United States.

MOVIESinMO REVIEW

DC is steadily moving in the right direction when it comes to book to screen conversions. The comic book industry is suffering right now, therefore, converting books into movies is the next step. Superman: Red Son is their latest endeavor, and it is unique. It’s a classic “Elseworlds” story that took three issues in 2003 to tell. As a feature film, I only have one complaint – it felt rushed. Now for the good stuff. The graphics were great, and the voice acting was on-point, but this could have easily been a three or four-part mini-series. For those that don’t know, Superman: Red Son is the story of Superman if he would have landed in 1950’s Europe Ukraine instead of America. And instead of being raised by a lovely caring couple, he’s property of the country. It’s a very compelling twist that answers so many questions about Kal-El’s character. The main one being, is he a good person by nature or because of how he was raised? This is the focal point of the entire movie. Other factors involve how a few of the characters we know as the Justice League would treat him or if the League would even exist. Is Lex Luther still trying to take over the world? Who does Lois Lane call for when she’s in trouble? There are so many ways this could have gone, but fortunately, the director stuck to the most important story because of time restraints. Compared to the source material, Superman: Red Son is missing a lot, and some characters are one-dimensional, but this film is about Superman. In my opinion, if you want more, read the book. OUR RATING – A LUKEWARM 8