WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2 of My Adventures With Superman. The DC series has demonstrated that nanotech costumes, which have become increasingly common in superhero movies, can defy expectations and avoid being boring and unimaginative. Unlike the uninspired and sometimes nonexistent suit-up sequences seen in other films, the nanotech costumes in My Adventures With Superman are visually captivating. They prove that practical costumes, like the Flash's in Justice League, are being replaced by in-universe "nanotech suits" that are typically CGI creations. This offers a fresh and exciting take on the concept, as seen in Tony Stark's transformation in the original Iron Man movie, which far surpasses the instant appearance and disappearance of Ant-Man's helmet in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. With the Flash movie serving as the latest example of these "nanotech costumes" often being used as an excuse for CG suits rather than practical ones, it is refreshing to see My Adventures With Superman break the mold and provide a cool and visually engaging alternative.
My Adventures With Superman's Hero Costume Shows Why The Flash's Don't Work
Superman's costume in My Adventures With Superman is now derived from Kryptonian nanotech. Introducing a nanotech suit for Superman, which materializes around his body, was a daring decision, considering the saturated use of this type of superhero costume in live-action adaptations. Superman possesses one of pop culture's most iconic outfits, making it unnecessary to replace it with a nanotech suit. However, in My Adventures With Superman episode 2, this unique approach proved successful. The scene showcasing Superman's first suit-up was heavily influenced by transformation sequences seen in anime and Tokusatsu shows like Sailor Moon.
The clip above showcases a moment from My Adventures With Superman episode 2, where Clark discovers his Kryptonian lineage and receives a nanotech suit. In contrast to the swift and lackluster suit-up sequences seen in films like Quantumania and The Flash, this scene in My Adventures With Superman showcases a creative and groundbreaking Superman moment. Nanotech costumes have often made various superhero movie suits appear similar; for instance, Shuri's Black Panther suit closely resembles Spider-Man's Iron Spider armor. However, My Adventures With Superman brings something fresh to the table with its nanotech implementation.
Superman's New Series Costume Shows How Superhero Suits Can Be Done Right
CG superhero costumes pose a larger issue in the realm of superhero movies, as they often prioritize computer-generated creations over practical moments. The Flash's reliance on CGI is a prime example, with its third arc heavily featuring CG doubles of the Flashes and Supergirl battling Kryptonian soldiers. Instances like Spider-Man's disappearing mask or Tony Stark's instant transformation into Iron Man detract from the enchanting essence of these characters. Suit-up scenes are meant to be defining moments for both the character and audience, a sentiment effectively captured in My Adventures With Superman.
While it is understood that animated series differ from live-action productions, it is crucial for every comic book adaptation to incorporate the idea that a superhero costume holds significance, whether it be through nanotechnology or as a form of armor. Though The Flash's movie suit accurately represents the comic version with the Flash ring, the film's use of CGI diminishes its appeal and fails to make it as extraordinary as it potentially could have been.
Sources: DC (@DCOfficial)
New episodes of My Adventures With Superman releases Thursdays on Adult Swim and Fridays on Max.
