Superman/Batman--Apocalypse

This is the latest in the series of DC Comics straight to DVD animated movies. The DVD gets released tomorrow (September 28th), but I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy.

After years of countless battles against Darkseid and the armies of Apokolips (yes, that's how it's spelled in the comics), I’m sorry to say this storyline is getting repetitive and little long in the tooth.

Darkseid

 

It’s the same old stuff, Boom Tubes, Para-Demons, Mother boxes, and the ever-annoying Granny Goodness.  To prove how truly annoying this character is, she is voiced by a man—Ed Asner.  When is someone going to send this character to her final fate?

Granny Goodness--she even looks a little bit like Ed Asner

To add fuel to the repetitiveness, we are witness to another Supergirl origin story. How many times and in how many different ways is this story going to be told?  And by now, who really cares?

 

One bright spot I found in this film, aside from the all-out Earth-shattering action, was the inclusion of Wonder Woman.  I’m glad to see that she is continuing to be portrayed as a fierce Amazon warrior with strength that is on par with Superman’s.

Knock, knock

One problem I did have was that Superman and Batman were freely walking around on Paradise Island.  I know I’ve been away from the comics for a while, but when was the restriction lifted that men could set foot on Paradise Island?

Did I miss the memo on men being able to set foot on Paradise Island?

 

Darkseid is depicted as diabolical as ever; his battle with Superman and Supergirl is jaw-dropping, especially when he unleashes his “omega beams”.

All told, there is nothing new to see here. If you’ve seen one Superman vs. Darkseid battle, you’ve seen them all.  Should you buy or rent this DVD? If you’re not familiar with Darkseid and Apokolips and Granny Goodness, then you’re in for a treat.  If you don’t know Supergirl’s origin, that’s icing on the cake.

 

It also looks like Darkseid will be making an appearance on Smallville for the final season.  I’m sure he won’t be nearly as powerful as the Darkseid in the comics, but if you’re looking for background on the character, this DVD is a good place to start.

If you’re as familiar with the DC Universe as I am, then this DVD can be skipped.  For retreading the same old story albeit with some new guest-stars, I’m giving Superman/Batman: Apocalypse 2.5 out of 5 fingers.