Ruby-Spears Superman

Ruby-Spears Superman is a riveting, action-packed animated series developed by Ruby-Spears Enterprises and distributed by Warner Bros. Television Distribution. Aired in 1988 for only one season, the show is based on the classic comic book character Superman from DC Comics. Beau Weaver voiced the iconic character Superman/ Clark Kent, delivering an incredibly memorable and compelling performance that remains widely praised to this day.

The principal plot of Ruby-Spears Superman follows the daily adventures of Superman, the last survivor of the planet Krypton, who uses his extraordinary powers to protect the city of Metropolis and the rest of the world from various threats. Superman's abilities include superhuman strength, speed, near invulnerability, and the ability to fly, all of which he uses to serve truth, justice, and the American way.

The series does an outstanding job of maintaining a balance between the fantasy aspects of superhero action and grounding it with real, relatable issues. Set in the bustling city of Metropolis, the series introduces Superman/Clark Kent as a reporter at the Daily Planet, alongside fellow reporter Lois Lane and eager young photographer Jimmy Olsen. Clark maintains his careful disguise as the unassertive journalist, all the while transforming into the Man of Steel whenever evil looms.

Ruby-Spears Superman embraces the wealth of source material from the DC Comics archives. Many of Superman's classic adversaries appear throughout the series, including the arch-nemesis Lex Luthor, superbly voiced by the renowned Michael Bell. The series also introduces lesser-known villains, ensuring that every episode is filled with suspense, drama, and excitement.

One unique aspect of the series is the 'Superman’s Family Album' segment that concludes each episode. These short segments focus on various stages of Superman's adolescence while growing up in Smallville, Kansas. They offer heartfelt glimpses into Clark Kent's teenage years and his early experiences with his superhuman abilities, which are rarely addressed in most tellings of the Superman saga.

The narrative structure of the series cleverly juxtaposes these two aspects of Superman's persona, highlighting the journey from his humble beginnings to his role as a global protector. The contrast between Superman's invincibility and Clark Kent's human alter-ego gives viewers not just a superhero they can admire, but also a character they can relate to.

Ruby-Spears Superman showcases a richly-illustrated animation style, comfortably familiar to those who grew up with 80s cartoons but appealing enough to engage a contemporary audience. It stands out because of its stylized art, vivid colors, and dynamic action sequences, creating memorable visual experiences throughout the series. The music, including the iconic Superman theme, is brilliantly utilized, syncing with the high-energy action to bolster the storytelling and enhance every plot twist and suspenseful moment.

Voice actor Beau Weaver gives an iconic voice to Clark Kent/Superman, anchoring the character with a blend of earnestness and authority. His work is wonderfully contrasted by Bell's Lex Luthor, while Lynne Marie Stewart's performance as Lois Lane, and Mark L. Taylor as Jimmy Olsen brings a refreshing dynamism to the Daily Planet's journalism team.

Amidst captivating stories and thrilling encounters, the series also takes time to explore Superman's moral compass, linking his actions to a strong sense of justice rather than a mere demonstration of his powers. Despite its short run, Ruby-Spears Superman was positively recognized for its earnest and engaging storytelling, innovative comic-book style animation and effective character development.

In a nutshell, Ruby-Spears Superman is a celebration of both the unique super-powered antics that Superman is known for, as well as the lovable complexity of his character beneath the red cape. It is a must-watch series for fans of the superhero genre or anyone looking for dynamic, character-driven animation. It encapsulates the nostalgia of 80s animation while translating the iconic appeal of the world's first superhero for a new generation.