My Adventures with Superman 3×01 Review: “Into the New World”

My Adventures with Superman season 3 episode 1, titled ‘Into the New World’, did an impressive job of setting the stage for a whole lot to happen as the narrative adapts the iconic ‘Reign of the Supermen’ comic book story.

One of the best things about the debut season of My Adventures with Superman was how it made me care about Superman-centric content in a way I previously didn’t. Don’t get me wrong; I respect Superman for his place in the comic book world, as well as pop culture. However, when it comes to spending money to purchase Superman comics, merchandise, and watching every Superman-led piece of media, etc., yeah, that’s not me. Having said that, I’m glad that an animated show like My Adventures with Superman exists, because I am invested! And having watched the premiere episode of season 3, I think the trend will continue.

With Clark and Kara having defeated Brainiac during the events that transpired in season two, the third installment is going to be about Kara finding herself as a person and breaking out of identifying as a “weapon” meant to follow Brainiac’s orders. Along with Kara undertaking an emotional journey, the plot also introduced elements from the ‘Reign of the Supermen’ storyline.

Comic book fans know that ‘Reign of the Supermen’ took place after the ‘Death of Superman‘ storyline. However, My Adventures with Superman decided to take a different route. Instead of killing Clark and having new Superman-like characters pop up, we will get to see a very much alive Clark interacting with the Superman-like characters alongside Lois, Jimmy, and Kara. It feels like Clark might have to hire a lawyer to fight copyright infringement linked to the Son of Krypton branding. Ha!

‘Into the New World’ opened with Kara and Clark visiting the now expanded Fortress of Solitude. It was time for Kara to say goodbye to Brainiac while making the Brainiac core a part of the fortress. I liked how Kara decided to say farewell to her “father” alone. Of course, the projection of Brainiac tried to get under her skin. As far as Brainiac was concerned, Kara had no identity outside of being his “daughter”, and she was definitely not the hero that Clark and the others saw her as.

I’m very interested in seeing Kara getting to learn who she is as a person. Her budding romance with Jimmy has helped her integrate into Earth culture. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kara decided to travel the world once the season concluded. Even Jimmy was aware that there was a whole planet for Kara to experience. Heck! If she wanted to, Kara could fly off to different galaxies. That’s why the last thing Jimmy wanted was to make Kara feel she needed to stay with him.

I liked how aware and mature Jimmy was about his relationship with Kara. I mean, there could be a chance that Kara and Jimmy end up traveling the world or galaxies together. But, yeah, I think the possibility of them saying goodbye and Kara zooming away is higher.

Clark and Lois also had a moment about where they wanted to take their relationship next. The two won’t be breaking up, but they sure were moving at different paces. Clark, being Clark, wanted to settle down, especially after experiencing Earth almost being destroyed by Brainiac’s forces. He had been looking at listings for farms near Metropolis. He even mentioned how the farm he was interested in was located in a good school district. My heart! Never change, Clark.

I appreciated how Lois handled Clark’s enthusiasm. She didn’t shut him down. Instead, Lois asked Clark to slow down. Compared to her, Clark had a drastically different childhood. The Kents loved Clark, and he wanted to build such a family dynamic with Lois and any possible children they might have. On the other hand, Lois’s relationship with her father was complicated. Lois and Sam had recently reconnected, but there was still a lot to unpack in their current father/daughter dynamic.

From Clark, Lois, Jimmy, and Kara helping out during the Kent Farm Annual Halloween Event, the episode took a sharp turn towards mystery and action after Sam tipped Lois off about a secret biotechnology project involving Kryptonian DNA. With how things were handled during the first episode, I think the writers did an impressive job of adapting the ‘Reign of the Superman’ while staying true to the natural progression of My Adventures with Superman.

Investigating an underground facility involving Project Cadmus had our main cast stumble upon genetically modified animals and plant-life resembling Kryptonian flora. That’s also where they met a genetically lab-created Kryptonian man.

I liked how Kara’s past helped her to be empathetic towards the mystery dude. Kara knew what it was like to be raised as a weapon. In contrast, scientist Dr. George Otto Binder had raised the Kryptonian clone with love. George had taught the clone to respect and protect life. In the eyes of the people funding Project Cadmus, such a child-like clone was a failure.

With Clark protecting the clone from the dangerous drone (sent by Lex Luthor) meant to eliminate him and the clone rescuing Clark in return, I have a feeling that said clone is going to this series’ take on Bizzaro, especially with how Otto Binder and George Papp (basically, scientist Dr. George Otto Binder) co-created the character back in 1958.

The episode also showed a gravely injured Hank Henshaw and Lex taking an interest in him. So, Hank’s going to be Cyborg Superman.

John Henry Irons is supposed to return as Steel.

As for Superboy, well, the opening theme for the current season features a very interesting hint about who Superboy might be. And if my guess is correct, Lois and Clark will be having a lot more conversations about having children down the line. I’m so here for it!

Before I finish my review, I have to mention the robotic guards inside the Fortress of Solitude. They weren’t fans of Clark not respecting their ways. Sigh! I guess Clark had better get ready for a bunch of robots messing things up for him.

Did you watch My Adventures with Superman season 3 episode 1? What did you think of it?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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