Unveiling DC’s Epic Multiverse: The Mind-Blowing Evolution of The Flash's CG Cameos

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for My Adventures With Superman episode 7.

Summary

while surpassing The Flash's computer-generated appearances.

The inclusion of alternate versions of Superman in My Adventures With Superman establishes an intriguing link between DC's new show and previous animated series. Unlike The Flash movie's CG cameos, which failed to capture the nostalgia of the DC universe, My Adventures With Superman excels at incorporating the concept of the multiverse. While the multiverse has long been a staple of Marvel and DC Comics, it is only recently that it has gained popularity in live-action superhero films and TV shows. DC has previously explored the multiverse in its animated series, such as Justice League and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This trend continues in episode 7 of My Adventures With Superman, which introduces the concept of the multiverse into the show.

My Adventures With Superman’s Multiverse Superman Cameos Were Better Than The Flash’s

Instead of following the show's tech-based villain trope, episode 7 of My Adventures With Superman brought a much-needed shift with the introduction of Mr. Mxyzptlk. Played by David Errigo Jr., this character broke the established rules of the show and took Clark Kent, played by Jack Quaid, on a journey through alternate versions of Superman. Each Earth that Mr. Mxyzptlk showcased to Clark revealed a unique significance within the DC multiverse.

The brief multiverse Superman cameos in episode 7 of My Adventures With Superman paid homage to the character's animation legacy, surpassing the integration of The Flash's CG cameos in the DCEU movie. Within the cameos of My Adventures With Superman, the appearances of Fleischer Superman from the 1941 cartoon, Superfriends' Superman, Superman: The Animated Series' Superman, Superman: The Animated Series' Lois Lane, and Justice Lord Superman from Justice League showcased a genuine reverence for DC's animation history. On the contrary, The Flash's cameos, featuring controversial recreations of deceased actors and generic characters, felt disconnected from the film's overall narrative, contributing little to Barry Allen's journey. My Adventures With Superman's cameos, on the other hand, served as a celebration of DC's rich animation heritage.

The Flash movie cameos' creepy appearance in the Uncanny Valley was just one aspect of the problem with that scene. Furthermore, most of the DC characters showcased in The Flash movie had no relevance to Barry Allen's story. The sight of digitally recreated versions of George Reeves' Superman or Adam West's Batman was purely driven by nostalgia, but it added little to no value to The Flash's narrative. On the other hand, if there had been a cameo by John Wesley Shipp as The Flash or Grant Gustin as The Flash in The Flash movie, it would have held much more significance. In contrast, the multiverse cameos in My Adventures With Superman not only served the plot but also paid tribute to Superman's animated legacy.

How My Adventures With Superman’s Multiverse Cameos Celebrate Superman’s Legacy

DC has an impressive history when it comes to animated movies and series that span several decades. The range of offerings is vast, including the iconic Fleischer Superman animated series, the beloved DC cartoons by Filmation, as well as the expansive DC Animated Universe timeline and the innovative Tomorrowverse. Over the years, DC has consistently delivered numerous animated titles that have gained considerable popularity. It is worth noting that without the groundbreaking Fleischer’s Superman or the influential Superfriends, the formation of the renowned Justice League Unlimited might never have occurred. Similarly, the existence of Bruce Timm’s Superman: The Animated Series paved the way for shows like My Adventures With Superman to come into fruition. In fact, it is noteworthy that My Adventures With Superman marks the first-ever standalone animated series solely focused on the character of Superman since the release of Superman: The Animated Series.

My Adventures With Superman episode 7 successfully brings nostalgia to the forefront, utilizing the multiverse concept in a meaningful way instead of as a mere gimmick. While alternate versions of Superman from different Earths make a brief appearance, it effectively establishes a delightful connection between DC's latest Superman series and its beloved animated predecessors. With Lois Lane (Alice Lee) uncovering the existence of sinister alternate Supermen, the multiverse concept is poised to remain a key element in the show. Catch new episodes of My Adventures With Superman on Adult Swim every Thursday and on Max every Friday.