"Superman: Doomsday"
Have you ever read "The Death of Superman"? I actually have the hardcover novel by Roger Stern - and its great! Now, the animated version of this epic story will be released on September 18th. They have assembled an impressive cast - (Adam Baldwin ("Firefly") as Superman, Anne Heche ("Men in Trees") as Lois Lane and James Marsters (Spike in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") as Lex Luthor) - and it will reportedly be rated PG-13, so they will be able to do the story justice.
The official DC Comics site has this to say about the story:
...When a hulking monster emerges from an underground resting place and begins a mindless rampage, the Justice League is quickly called in to stop the colossal force of nature. But it soon becomes apparent that only Superman can stand against the monstrosity that has been nicknamed Doomsday. Battling their way throughout America, the two fight to a standstill as they reach the heart of Metropolis. Going punch for punch, Superman finally ends the threat of Doomsday as he throws one last punch and collapses forever.
The battle between Superman and Doomsday is brutal. As the battle progresses, Superman comes to the decision that it can only end with the death of Doomsday. As Superman does not ever kill, it is a powerful realization for him. This is key part of the story. When Superman decides to use his full strength to defeat this foe, he accepts that he must actually *kill* to save the world. And, he gives up his own life in the process. It is very powerful stuff.
I think this is going to be a 'buy' and not a 'rent'.
I can see your point. The movie will likely ignore the stream of minor superheroes that get in the way of Doomsday. I'll bet Bilbo stays, though.
-- Posted by: Fred at March 6, 2007 10:21 PMI think it will be interresting to see/hear James playing the part of Lex! In Smallville he's playing Prof. Fine, so reading that he'll be portraying Lex is slightly surprising. Good for James for finally getting some lead rolls in Major flims!
-- Posted by: April at March 7, 2007 3:16 PMI think James will do an excellent Lex. He can do the 'menacing' voice well. I am a bit worried about Adam Baldwin as Superman, though. I just don't associate 'Jayne' with 'Clark', you know? But, I think he's great overall, so he might be able to pull it off.
-- Posted by: Fred at March 8, 2007 10:17 AM
I'm hoping that a 90 minute film will maximize the potential of the story and cut out the pages and pages and pages of unnecessary plot that littered the original Death of and Return of Superman comics.
-- Posted by: ryan at March 6, 2007 6:59 PM