The first of animated superhero ever to grace the screens of television owners everywhere was also the first superhero to ever be created. Just 3 years after his debut in Action Comics #1 Superman was taken up by Paramount's Fleischer Studios who were determined to cash in on the Man of Steel's huge popularity. The project was to cost Fleischer Studios $50,000 per animated short. This was twice the cost of any short Fleischer (who were responsible for bringing Popeye the Sailor and Betty Boop to the screen) had ever created before. The studio created 9 episodes (including a pilot) showcasing DC comic's Man of Steel the first of which, simply entitled 'Superman' was nominated for the 1941 Academy Award for Best Short Subject: Cartoons losing out to "Lend a Paw" a Walt Disney Animated Short.. About Mickey Mouse and a Dog... typical...
Anyway... In 1942 Fleischer Studios was dissolved as the Fleischer Brothers could no longer cooperate and the series was taken up by Famous Studios who produced the final eight episodes. Superman was originally voiced by Bud Colyer who also provided his voice for the Superman Radio series. The Series was also responsible for coining the phrase, "Up in the sky, look! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!"
Top 3 Episodes: (in my invaluable opinion)
3. Superman (Pilot aka The Mad Scientist) - The one that started it all and made the series an instant hit for the Fleischer Brothers. It introduces Superman's origin as well as telling the story of how Superman defeats 'The Mad Scientist' (duh) and also rescues a captured Lois Lane.
2. Volcano - The story of how Superman prevents a volcano from erupting and destroying a town which had just rebuilt from their last volcano attack but showcases Lois and Clarks relationship.
1. Mechanical Monsters - In my opinion easily the best episode of the entire series. Its vividly coloured and beautifully animated in a way that was so ahead of its time. If you watch any of these today, watch this one.
And there you have it. Hopefully the first in a chronological history of superheroes in animation brought to you by
darkknightlegend! Peace!
Next time! - Spider-man (1967)