Superman - The Golden Age of Animation

[@ross1633]

Whoa. That 1940s animation is gorgeous.

[@22blue26]

Its better than some animation in present day. I would love to see tht 1940s animation type, but high res. It would be amazing.

[@andrewdenneno653]

Yeah, that's better then some animation today.

[@sanjayraju988]

Can we buy it?

[@sanjayraju988]

+Versace pancakes Thank you so much!

[@djgeebill4352]

Ross T it looks so fluid and clean

[@king_big_pp]

"He's not an alien. He's not a god. He's just a dude from Kansas doing the right thing." Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@whodatninja439]

Too bad Zack Snyder didn't get the memo!

[@davidw.2791]

+Who Dat Ninja Try doing the right thing, and overwhelmingly the world doubts you or even plots to kill you, and the parents and SO who believe in you can't even tell other people.

[@motor4X4kombat]

+David W. even with all that shit, he need to have some level of carisma, he dosen't need to be serious all the fucking time like... for a lack of a better word... batman. and thats why they fail, because they both have to be polar opositives, and they are the same character in the movies, so there isn't any rivaliry or dualism, between the two

[@MarquosXoloVanda]

He quoted Snyder's BvS line, how ironic.

[@motor4X4kombat]

Marq Vince what line?

[@bigneon_glitter]

"This is a job for Superman" Clark would be perfectly happy living as "Clark". He loves his life, the people around him, & the world. Unlike Batman, he doesn't need to be Superman - it's simply that the world sometimes needs him to be. And Clark accepts that responsibility - that singular, circumstantial duty - because he loves his adopted home. Superman is the one superhero who acts solely out of love. And it's been 40 years since WB understood that.

[@andyknightwarden9746]

Eh, I would say the Superman Animated series understood that. Justice League, too.

[@adonis7626]

HPMcQueen I would say that the TimmVerse version understands that... Maybe because The DCAU understands every single DC characters... Perfectly.

[@theseanwardshow]

This wasn't just a brilliantly articulated and artfully executed documentary, it proved to be a moving and emotional tribute. Standing ovation from me for this video.

[@bigboi5545]

So you're telling me that the 40s Superman cartoon introduced Superman's flight, allowed cartoons to be used for more than comedy, invented rotoscoping, and provided an inspiration for Godzilla? These seem like the most important cartoons ever made.

[@jerriustate9638]

kaiju_kun64 The 40s Superman cartoons were the shit.

[@vermis8344]

Snow White was animation for more than comedy, in 1937. Even then, Disney was putting drama into shorts, like Flowers and Trees. And every source I've read indicated that Godzilla was inspired by american monster movies like The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. So much so that Godzilla was going to be stop motion, until budget constraints forced the man-in-a-suit effects. I'm not entirely sure what Kristian's source is, but I want to smoke some of it.

[@42ndblaze43]

Warren JB in an interview the guy directing Godzilla stated that when designing the character itself he came across the Superman cartoons.

[@dannyspelman1468]

Rotoscoping was not invented by Fleischer for Superman. It was invented in 1919 by Fleischer for Koko The Klown.

[@DylanJo123]

@@42ndblaze43 Link?

[@beckoning-chasm]

The Fleishers actually didn't want to do the cartoons, because they knew they'd be very difficult and costly to do them correctly. So they deliberately asked for an outrageous amount of money. And they were told "Here you go, all the money you asked for!"

[@michaelcarter9395]

Worth It!

[@MuchoNoBueno]

It’s called having talents and Capitalism

[@Jester_Jingles]

Dreamstate aim high hit low. Aim real fucking high and the low is still pretty high apparently.

[@11jcarter]

That’s the way it should be. Don’t half ass a story or animation. This is how you are remembered forever.

[@amuroray9115]

@@11jcarter it’s hard as fuck for a lot of people to get the amount of resources necessary to carry out their vision like the Fleischers

[@yttis3257]

That 40's animation blew my mind.

[@CreationSink99]

Honesty. That looks a hell of a lot better than today's cartoons and shit.

[@maxthemanatee_6492]

+Carlton Banks The Batman series where Mark Hamil voices The Joker is pretty solid in many of the same ways he points out in this video.

[@OrionCallisto]

Which is impressive in its when right when you consider where cartoons were at in the 90's budgetarily and qualitatively. Batman the Animated Series offered roughly 25 minute episodes with consistent animation, atmospheric lighting and shading hardly seen in cartoons since Hannah-Barbera dumbed things down to Fisher Price levels all accompanied by strong, intelligent scripts that treated its audience with respect. BtAS is essentially the spiritual successor to Fleischer's Superman. And it innovated in the opposite direction: Though it did not invent new animation techniques, it informed the standard of writing and character development in western animated shows all the way up until now, where arguably cartoons are at an all time high in terms of sophistication and theme. Seriously, DC's line-up of cartoons has done so much to influence and advance the medium of animation it is mindblowing.

[@maxthemanatee_6492]

+Kire-Kitsune Maybe they should just call it quits with the live action shit and start putting the animated stuff in theaters.

[@OrionCallisto]

If the talent behind the Justice league cartoon from the 2000's were involved at all times, I'd say go for it. lol It would blow away the competition. Seriously, catch a few episodes of Justice League. It stands up against most shows geared toward adults with ease. (it's probably a bit more mature, too. lol)

[@ZombieChimpanzee]

"he's just a dude from Kansas doing the right thing." a better understanding of the character than most directors have had. not just Snyder. like almost ever incarnation of him is always just centered around Lois Lane, as his one attachment to earth, Superman cares about more than just one woman, Superman loves earth because it's home to him. he enjoys everything from the things he can see because he's got all these powers and the ability to go places others can't, to the very simple things everyone's seen a hundred times. His parents, the Kents, raised him so that he'd appreciate and value those things, because they keep Clark grounded and with his mind in reality. they help make him a good person.

[@ramlamunye5900]

Ever watched smallville

[@jonathangoode546]

Well said Carl very well said .

[@tomo4977]

plus you've got this constant god- effect they keep piling up on him like its the only thing they can think to add stakes or conflict to his character. What does Superman in that universe ever think about this, because I would think he would highly disagree like Kristian said "he's just a dude from Kansas doing the right thing" but constantly they ignore that and focus on his raw power, sci-fi exposition and some "we live in a society" bs and then you've got a bunch of themes but they're being focused through a one- dimensional, carboard character that nobody can really relate to.

[@TheFlash-je3bl]

@@ramlamunye5900 somebody save me!!!!

[@En_theo]

It's mostly due to the fact that people mix up the messiah figure for the savior figure. Superman is not the messiah type, he's the savior type. He does not tell anyone he's sent by God nor that he will punish them if they don't adore him.

[@mikehawk4388]

These cartoons are still incredible. Even CG couldn't make those robots coming to life in that line look more amazing. To be fair to 66Superman's cartoon, the 40s theatrical shorts had an INSANE record-breaking budget because of how much faith the studio had in the property. I'd honestly tell anyone who asks that these shorts put Disney's feature films from the same era to shame, animation-wise... Fleischer was a genius, & deserves as much credit to Superman as Seigel & Schuster, IMO.

[@Protokjax]

I agree the animations were groundbreaking I just don't think CG doesn't have the capability of producing subtlety. In time, in time..

[@jsavak99]

That's bc ppl don't get jobs based on talent anymore . it's who you know etc

[@matheus5230]

Disney's early 40s animation was stunning too. Take a look at Pinocchio, Fantasia and Bambi

[@ptronic]

@@jsavak99 how many boxes you tick

[@CarloNassar]

I nearly agree, except for the bit about CG not making robots look amazing. I'd say there's some really good VFX that exists.

[@Nerdwriter1]

I love this.

[@kaptainkristian]

+Nerdwriter1 You have no idea how happy this made me

[@doctorjana]

+kaptainkristian Nerdwriter loved your video... Time to get famous!

[@dominokos]

+kaptainkristian You got this

[@AhmadRiyal]

i love your comment

[@MatiasHettichCastillo]

What a crossover this is :0 !!!

[@christophersmith993]

"Somewhere in our darkest night, we made up the story of a man who will never let us down." - Grant Morrison.

[@1LEETLAND]

Holy shit! That animation looked like it's alive. I never saw that kind of work. Genius.

[@nicktroisi6347]

I know right compared to some of the material that has come out today. Honestly how dose something from 80 years ago look better than some of the shit that comes out today in modern cinema and tv it just baffles my mind

[@JAKphoenixify]

For the forties that was some fucking smooth animation

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Excuse me ? That was the great age of animation in Hollywood.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Robo9400 I would say the 1920's until the mid 50's.

[@RexOedipus.]

JAKphoenixify That's Max Fleischer for you

[@ricardocantoral7672]

POPEYE was the genesis of action cartoons.

[@givant]

That shit looks better than the animation in DBS

[@mss490]

This made me tear up. Really, not only by explaining what makes Superman great, but to finally find someone else who *gets* Superman, and not only knows, but *appreciates* the Max Fleischer cartoons. If I could, I'd easily give this video a million likes. :)

[@kelilingmana3679]

Everdark Entertainment respect! Superb!

[@thefearofg0ds758]

2:32 ok...I knew I wasn't tripping. Whenever I would see clips or glimpses of these old Superman cartoons, i always thought they looked way better than the majority of animated superhero material released today. The art style and the way the animation moves is just beautiful. The way Superman is portrayed here was also a favorite of mine as well.

[@commentpost907]

The quality of your videos is seriously next level.

[@ryanstaudacher7469]

agreed

[@smooooth_]

And its not like he gradually got to this level. He entered the ring cooking up fire

[@regifall]

Is this his first video of this channel?

[@megatronsroyalemissary382]

Exactly!

[@ScottyMeLad]

This is the 5th time I've watched this. Absolutely fantastic!!

[@kaptainkristian]

+ScottyMiLad Thanks! I appreciate every view

[@wundarboy1]

+kaptainkristian awesome work on both video's . Keep it up man!! Good Luck

[@Kwad_rat]

I watched it two times so far and I think I'll go back to this vidoes when the next comes out.

[@natefan8700]

PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON STUDIO GHIBLI !!!!!!!! PLEASEE !!

[@jamilcharles9159]

yes!

[@danni3387]

I love how this version of Superman shows that it takes him effort to do things. Yeah, he can lift unlimited weight, but it seems to be solely through willpower. It definitely takes a toll on him.

[@mariebourgot4949]

"solely"? Hum...

[@vintagefan3759]

Max Fleisher is the most underrated God animator of all time! Everyone needs to watch these cartooons.

[@bluewulv]

Vintage Fan I wonder if the NC will do a tribute or review of his works.

[@alineharam]

Vintage Fan I completely agree. He invented rotoscope. Ex machina used rotoscope

[@JiM-SWEET-art]

I agree. Look at how the truck lifts up as it bounces on it's shocks at 6:50.

[@MuchoNoBueno]

I am grateful to have grown up watching his work!They were a very successful family

[@amuroray9115]

I already did

[@daseal1479]

Im glad some people still see Superman for who he truly is. It hurts me when I hear from people that Superman is boring or that he is an old washed-up superhero. Now I can direct them to your videos. Same goes for your Godzilla video. Thanks for all the hard work man, we really appreciate it.

[@Luka1180]

You are wrong on one point: this being made for children. Animation in general was not really meant for children in this era, but was shown before theatrical films, something that would have been seen by more adults than kids at that point in time. Only when TV was introduced and became massively popular did animation get the reputation of being "just for kids" (even though it arguably still isn't) due to its easy accessibility for everyone, including children.

[@alfa01spotivo]

Lukas Sprehn Yeah basically the 20s to 50s were a time when cartoons were mainly for adults being shown in theatres before feature films considering how violent the of tom and Jerry was and the Looney Tunes, Mad Doctor (Mickey mouse) and such. I believe it was the Flintstones released in the 60s that gave the distinction that cartoons were for kids.

[@RayPointerChannel]

@@alfa01spotivo Ah no, again. Originally, THE FLINTSTONES was supposed to be an animated sitcom aimed at an adult audience. You will notice that the first two seasons had stories that were more centered on domestic conflicts, and the sponsors were adult products such as Winstons cigarettes and Miles Laboratories.

[@Janzer_]

needs more research in general. this is made in the popular "dramatic essay" format that seems popular on youtube. but only some of the information is present, and the reading is too low in tone to be valuable. stop trying to be dramatic dude that made this, and get your message across. also source your material, and do broader research. i give it a C for effort.

[@Luka1180]

I also wanna stress that Family Friendly, which Walt always asked for his own company’s shorts to be, doesn’t translate directly to “Made for children” or even “with children in mind.” It’s more that he wanted them to be timely, inoffensive and universal.

[@RuthwikRao]

40s were among the best years in animation. So glad the game Cuphead is being made with the techniques and aesthetic of this golden age.

[@anarchimation1448]

Cuphead is actually based more on the 30s era than the 40s...

[@PirateSometimes]

holy shit, that animation is amazing

[@kangarooMonkee]

I never noticed how old this video was, and the editing is still absolutely top tier. Just incredible work man.

[@ResistReact]

Sad that this animation looks so much better than The Killing Joke

[@cynicism90]

Ummmm no

[@DragonOfTheWest100]

+Cool Cat ummm yes way better the killing joke animation is lazy

[@ResistReact]

yeah i was all for defending it and saying it's not THAT bad... but after seeing this and how good this animation is from so long ago... there's really no excuse for the animation in killing joke

[@Ahturos]

Yes there is. Money. Direct to DVD movies won´t make near enough money to get that amount of work on them. They are outsourced and done in a short amount of time. The Superman cartoons were like half a movie budget and was done at the right time before and during WW2. People went and saw them in theatre over and over again with kids and families. A direct to DVD movie is lucky to get even and some people watching it. 1 day in cinema or maybe two if I heard right. But if you whould compare the animation in Killing Joke to another DC direct to DVD movie then you have a point.

[@someoneelse9680]

ResistReact yup still hurts to know how bad that movie was when there was such great animation over 50 years ago and considering the magnitude of that book but the poor adaptation in almost every way that it was handled .

[@jonarbuckle778]

These superman cartoons from the 40's were ahead of their time by years, and are so damn good that when you compare them to other cartoons that have come since then, they do more than hold their own, especially with how beautifully animated they are as well as the art style that is used. They are literally animated paintings, and they are works of art that have stood the test of time.

[@RadinV1]

This holds up so freaking well. It also inspired batman the animated series so that's a plus.

[@EchoesonMars]

You nailed every reason why I love superman

[@Aldrius]

"Just a dude from Kansas doing the right thing". Gosh that just sums up the character. Why do so many people miss this basic point by trying to overcomplicate the character with weird fish out of water stories?

[@dalebrush5366]

And why is the DCEU afraid of this, while the MCU embraces this aspect of Captain America and people love it? RED SKULL: So, what made you so special? STEVE: Nothing. I'm just a kid from Brooklyn.

[@Aldrius]

I think there's a bit more of a perception that Superman is kind of a jerk. Partly just because he's SO powerful. (While Captain America -- while above average, is a bit more of an every man.) Superman: Animated Series hit such a nice balance with the character, though. But ultimately he was still a 'guy from Kansas trying to do the right thing'.

[@KrayFashion]

+Walter Kovacs Edited: With a lot of juice rushing through my veins. 😂

[@MarquosXoloVanda]

+Walter Kovacs didn't you catch the line in BvS? "Maybe he's just a guy trying to do the right thing"

[@dalebrush5366]

Marq Vince I did catch that, but just because it's said in a news interview doesn't mean it's what the character is. He seems to be a guy trying to threaten and bully Batman into quitting. That's what drives him. "Or be none of it. You don't owe this world a thing." (To be fair, Batman is an awful person in this universe. But Superman should still be saving and protecting people, not concerning himself with politics and PR.)

[@jpjp6077]

that last part hit me hard "hes just a dude from Kansas doing the right thing" that why i read the comics cuz in all his movie adaptations they always portray him as the alien god whos only connection with earth is through Lois Lane. that not interesting to watch or relatiable he was raised by humans and grew up in America. He dosnt see himself as an alien hes pretty patriotic for his country but most of all hes just an average joe who wants to help ppl in need.

[@michaelcarter9395]

I have this comic that came free with cornflakes back in the seventies. A black kid wanted to play Justice League with his friends, (but couldn't, because he was black). Superman overhears the kids arguing and explains his origin, and reveals that he's not even human. I loved that book when I was a kid...

[@silverdays2909]

@@michaelcarter9395 remember what Superman says thats unAmerican talk

[@thenoirknight5729]

*Superman:* "I grew up in Kansas, General. I'm about as American as it gets."

[@pdrafter]

This is a fantastic piece of information. Worthy of television. Subscribed, pledged and looking forward to your next work!

[@kaptainkristian]

+pdrafter Thank you! The next one will be up in 2 weeks.

[@theyvorcer9077]

+kaptainkristian Great work man really inspiaring. keep it up

[@Chikaboom_b4ak]

+kaptainkristian whoa this is your first video nd its already trending congrats to you

[@hellsapoppin9326]

I'm glad somebody's giving these credit, they're frickin masterful

[@Technodreamer]

Five years on, this is still one of my favorite videos on the Internet.

[@Any-mation]

I couldn't agree more, these Fleischer cartoons set a beautiful, visual standard and I honestly can't imagine a more perfect marriage of visuals to an essay. You've set the bar higher, Kaptain. Thank you!

[@Doggycat17]

I'm adoring your videos, high quality content you're making. Saw the latest one cuz of phil defranco. Instant subscribe.

[@Venus581G]

+kaptainkristian He mentioned it in his show today. more specifically your Adult Swim video

[@MultiDiarmuid]

+kaptainkristian Is this your first channel on KZbin? Because this is seriously very well made.

[@Xplozhun85]

+K-C Rhoder IN THE YEEEAAAR 2016!! Plenty of people. He's still great.

[@-Salalah]

ookjbhhyyyy8waq91iw8

[@Optimegatrongodzilla]

Please make a playlist that has all of your videos in order, including ones that you didn't upload to your page, like "Spider-Man: The Lessons of Heroism".

[@Y-two-K]

I've never been much of a comic/superhero fan, but I picked up a collection of these cartoons from Walmart for a couple bucks when I was a kid. I really enjoyed it, but over time, mostly forgot about it until recently. That animation is so fluid and ahead of its time. Still in awe!

[@reaality3860]

Having god-like powers without being corrupt is what made Superman so super.

[@Death_Korps_Officer]

No, what made Superman super was he was his heart of steel.

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

I personally love origin stories. I always found the first act of a supehero movie more compelling than the conclusion. Which is why Unbreakable stands out so much.

[@tomstonemale]

Yeah but that movie was made to be a self contain story. Most superheroe movies give for granted they are going to have a sequel and they make terrible decisions with the narrative because of that. The Matrix trilogy is the best example of that. excuse my english

[@gagalover2k10]

My dad bought me the VHS tape of the Fleisher shorts when I was very young and they had the biggest impact on me and really got me into Superman. I watched that tape so many times and I still babysit to this day. He animation just looks so good even today and I still watch them here on KZbin.

[@UnseenBubby]

Honestly, that's my main argument when I talk about why Superman is such a cool character. I hear all around me that Superman is uninteresting because he's too powerful. But I don't see him that way, because unlike Batman, in which Bruce Wayne is the real mask, Superman and Clark Kent are the same two people, because he is in fact just a guy from Kansas who wants to help people. The best stories of Superman aren't when Superman is a god, or when he defeats another threat to the world, but when he's being Clark Kent and being the model of mankind. When he talks to someone considering jumping off a building, reassuring to him or her that there's always tomorrow. Or when he spoke to Billy Batson when he was still struggling with his powers of being Shazam, telling him that he could in fact be a great hero. Unlike Batman, who's cool because Batman is an awesome superhero with amazing villains, Superman is cool because Clark Kent is cool. Because Clark Kent, a young farm boy from Kansas, just wants to do the right thing.

[@TheAlamla]

Neo-Mad Dog Easy for him to say there is a tomorrow when he is an immortal inivicible being.

[@UnseenBubby]

TheAlamla That's the point of Superman. He models the peak of a hman being. Sure a human can't fly or punch a building to the ground. But he's the peak of morality. He's strong, yet gentle. Invincible, but vulnerable. He's the man you can talk to about anything, who will stand up for anyone. We should all want to be Superman.

[@joewaltz2709]

Neo-Mad Dog right? Doesn’t have to save the world, just the day. He’s the neighbor we all want. The man little boys want to be.

[@jonathanstarsmoure5791]

Neo he doesn't model the peak human being. He models what we want to be. An inspiration. This time they just made him come from human origins.

[@ramlamunye5900]

I was so mad at him in injustice

[@BooshmanLee]

It's worth pointing out that the reason this animation looks so great is that they asked for a ridiculous amount ot animate it, never expecting to get the go ahead. I believe at the time this was the most expensive, per minute, animation ever produced, and it shows.

[@wallacesheckells7095]

The older cartoons have always been my favorite, because the are so fluid with their movement. Also they have a realistic look to them. Great video!

[@gorillafoot1372]

i watched this video thinking I would skip most of it, ended up watching the whole video with my full attention. Amazing video.

[@chwenhoou]

Caught your X-Men video and your previous posts. Had to subscribe. This is definitely a channel to watch out for.

[@TheXtremeDrums]

Origin stories aren't boring, they suck only if you already know everything about it and have seen it multiple times

[@jhernandez2]

Agreed

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@EETDUK can’t agree. It all depends on how it’s done. Ultimate Spider-Man goes on for a long while but it’s fantastic

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@EETDUK I’m talking about the comic ultimate Spider-Man, not that crappy tv show full of bad jokes.

[@aryan7767]

@@EETDUK I think he’s referring to the excellent comic series, not the substandard ultimate Spider-Man show

[@dkmfan442]

Just wanna say congrats on your future success cause you're about to take off.

[@kaptainkristian]

+dkmfan442 You are very kind. I'll try not to blow it

[@johnlee4249]

The animation developed by Max Fleischer from the 1940's for Superman was incredibly superb.

[@doowi1182]

Can I just say how incredibly well made this video is? Seriously, bravo. Definitely subbed.

[@BrandonPerez-vf2wf]

This was the first cartoon I ever watched. Never forgot that black logo. The animation was beautiful and it was almost like seeing it come to life. After all these years I will remember it clearly

[@davescomics4824]

Fascinating. I actually think that there are lots of aspects to Superman's origin that make him more interesting. His discovery that he is adopted, his quest to know about his original parents, his helplessness in the face of his Father's death-as you say, he is not a god. But your discussion about Fleischer's work and the examples that you choose are excellent. En Mass I find the cartoons repetitive, but the lighting effects, the capturing of human movement and the care that went into them is always a revelation

[@jasonjones362]

Thank you so much! I've been a huge fan of the Fleischer Superman for a very long time and your commentary about it was dead-on. The art style of that era was so beautiful and interesting, it's a shame that nobody does it anymore. Consider me a new subscriber!

[@scooterrito2639]

I can't believe you've only been making videos for TWO WEEKS. You're an inspiration, man. I'm going to strive to be like you. This is the BEST video I've seen in quite some time. Keep up the good work!

[@Jabber1ngPandA]

Your videos are the best thing to happen to KZbin.

[@Patrick_Nottingham]

I loved watching these as a kid. They really were one of the best interpretations of the character ever made.

[@EpicBeard815]

"Superman doesn't need to be complex, it's the stories around him that should be" "he's not an alien, he's not a god, he's just a dude from Kansas doing the right thing" Can you do me a huge favor and take over for writing Superman at DC Entertainment?

[@neosoontoretro]

+EpicBeard815 I disagree with the part that Superman doesn't need to be complex. Again there is difference between keeping Superman simple and having him be simplistic. Keeping it simple doesn't mean disregarding complexity but making complex ideas simple to understand.

[@EpicBeard815]

neosoontoretro I think by "simple" the implication is pure. His motivations should be pure, his outward character should be pure. The situations he gets in may provoke some complex emotions and thoughts, but he should always return to that state of absolute good. That's what I think, any way.

[@neosoontoretro]

EpicBeard815 I don't know about absolute good, because when you take it that far it makes Superman hard to identity with. Maybe objectively good is a better way to look at it. You want Superman to be something to aspire to but you also want him to be someone you can relate to as well.

[@EpicBeard815]

neosoontoretro That's fair. I think a lot of superheroes are more "relatable" because they're fantasies of having no responsibilities weighing them down (basically Batman written poorly), whereas Superman is a character who takes his responsibilities in stride. As I get older, I find that sort of inner strength and discerning morality more and more relatable and worth striving towards. I think that falls under "just a dude from Kansas doing the right thing"

[@neosoontoretro]

EpicBeard815 "That's fair. I think a lot of superheroes are more "relatable" because they're fantasies of having no responsibilities weighing them down (basically Batman written poorly), " Actually, for me it's the exact opposite, characters like Batman are weigh down by their responsibilities not the lack thereof. "whereas Superman is a character who takes his responsibilities in stride." Well, to be fair it's easy when you're almost invincible and not mere mortal like Batman.

[@OblivionFalls]

Holy fuck. I would NEVER have believed that these clips came from the 1940's. I don't think I've ever seen character animation on a television show this fluid. I need to watch every episode.

[@gdf40]

well they put half a million into these cartoons, which in today's money is close to 8 million. You get plenty of great animation for 8 millions worth.

[@blank38]

+gdf40 the half a million is already adjusted for inflation. no need to adjust it again.

[@tuca3537]

I comeback to this video once every year and am always blown away by how amazing it is. It’s the only video on youtube I’ve favorited in like 15 years of using the platform.

[@miker6452]

Fantastic video! I had bought the entire series on DVD years ago and it's incredible. The artwork and animation is just remarkable. The time and careful work put into it was just astonishing, showing a reverence for the character.

[@iloveorangechicken1538]

3:03. I'm going insane

[@velvetthunder4150]

How has no one noticed this before?

[@ThatGuy-ev9ko]

Holy crud XD

[@megatronsroyalemissary382]

Who is that?

[@jackorion482]

Gucci mayyne?

[@illTortuga]

I have no explanation

[@ProgHouseWorldwide]

I guess I am weird I love origin stories ._.

[@akshatmishra8991]

Progressive House Worldwide Then count me as a weirdo too. I frickin love origin stories ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@ProgHouseWorldwide]

*intense nodding*

[@NoedigJK471]

I don't like how origin stories are told; I'd prefer to know the origin story first rather than know in the middle of a story, because going forth, back, then forth disorients the focus of a story. The way most media implement an origin story is not subtle, rather, it's in your face like you NEED to know. Look at J.R.R Tolkien's books, his stories' contexts stay relevant and chronologically straight. There are some sorts of origin stories in there, but they're told in such a way that makes it sound like folk lore, not requiring the reader to look into it unless they are choose to-- out of curiosity.

[@Scarletraven87]

They are fundamental, but when done wrong fail terribly

[@thatonedeer2theelectricboo787]

Same

[@crisolvera9428]

In the leagues with every frame and the nerd writer, can't wait to see what you do next

[@Melkac]

nerd writer kinda sucks tho

[@crisolvera9428]

He's content has gone down hill recently; I must agree. But if were talkin' 10 Months ago....

[@johnhooyer3101]

Not saying that Nerrwriter1 sucks, but I think that this is better than Nerdwriter1. Among other things, videos like "The Perils of Worldbuilding" don't have any actual point other than to make a contrived point for the sake of making a contrived point. That guy tries way to hard to make his opinions unique. What he does, he does really well, but I stopped watching his videos because I no longer learned anything meaningful from him.

[@mar10ssj1]

The greatest super power Superman has is his ability to NOT let his super power corrupt him. He could easily rule as a king, if not a god. But he chooses to be a mild manner reported. He has no ulterior motives or plans to become rich and wealthy, he's just a good guy trying to do what's right. It is a shame that being a good guy is not edgy or brooding. Superman was never out to win a popularity contest, he does not need to. What they are doing to him nowadays is just sad.

[@MaxAmerica.Freedom]

I'm impressed. Ya hit the nail on the head kid. I thought all young folks would never appreciate what I grew up with. I was wrong

[@silverdays2909]

You are wrong old man we will rise

[@nathanielbeven9052]

"lets go back in time" shows superman flying around the earth. hilarious.

[@trunch58]

6:24 Not really, if they're done right. You can't tell me that the first halves of Iron Man and Batman Begins aren't better than their second halves. Like, I understand the origin fatigue, but if you push that anti-origin sentiment too far, you get problems like Spider-Man: Homecoming, which did *everything in its power* not to mention Uncle Ben, losing one of the key elements that makes Spider-Man Spider-Man.

[@andyknightwarden9746]

I mean, to be fair, I think that killing a new Uncle Ben every reboot is kinda old hat at this point. It seems to have happened, and nothing more needs to be said about it. Peter seems to have learned the great power, great responsibility lesson, too. That was why Stark was drawn to Peter in the first place.

[@captainjakemerica4579]

@@andyknightwarden9746 Thank you I agree that was the right approach superheroes with common knowledge origin stories

[@trunch58]

@@andyknightwarden9746 I get your point, and if they wanted Tony to be the new Uncle Ben, that'd be fine. Not as strong as Uncle Ben himself, but fine. However, they don't go far enough with that. Tony doesn't have that connection with Peter that the future movies (Infinity War and Endgame) wants us to think they have. I cringe every time I watch the Endgame battle and it has to stop for Tony and Peter acting like they've gone through like twelve movies together lmao

[@terrancelee9503]

Homecoming actually was going to have a scene that directly mentioned Ben. The writers decided that Ben was far too important to namedrop him once in a movie that had nothing to do with him (much like TASM 2 did). The writers have much more respect for Spidey’s origins than some people recognize. I legit think the monologue in Civil War does a better job at explaining his motivation than the two movies dedicated entirely to them. Which is the problem with origins mentioned in this video: a motivation that can be perfectly established in seconds so as to make room for the actual story is instead spread thin to last an hour. Plus, it’s not so much Ben’s actual death as it is Peter’s desire to be greater after it that is the core of the character.

[@Ferno209]

Hey Kaptain, always enjoy coming back and rewatching your videos! Hope all is well. Thank you for creating such wonderful, creative, high quality videos.

[@malikcrim13]

I like how the 1941 cartoon is animated better than Justice League Action.

[@icecreamhero2375]

They had bigger budgets

[@ibrahimhassan6566]

Half million dollar per episode is huge number and the talent behind it is crazy

[@maasirjaved6788]

I actually love origin stories.

[@sobversion3]

I believe more do than don't; its just about how they're done and this guy's gripe seems to be that of time consumption on how one became who they currently are

[@huey_kind611]

what about Wolverine Origins, that movie was straight garbage

[@maasirjaved6788]

Chaasad Bailey what are you implying?

[@Liberator130]

True. But that story may have been great with a good script. Wolverine and Sabretooth as young men bonding through brotherhood and warfare because their own families' selfishness and ego destroyed themselves would make for a FASCINATING look at the characters. If I had my chance, I'd make a comic that examined that Sabretooth really just wants Wolverine to understand that, like him, they're both immortal creatures whose only respect belongs to others like them whereas everyone else (humans, mutants, and everyone in between) are unworthy since they don't have the understanding of seeing everything through the lens of seeing through history. It's why I LOVED The Wolverine film so much (especially that unrated extended cut) because it focused so much on the character of Wolverine.

[@huey_kind611]

CH Gorog​ wow you have... Shit taste

[@sodagrump9285]

I watch this like once every few years. You really nailed this. One of my favorite videos on youtube

[@pirashik7190]

*_I can see this channel becoming BIG. Very BIG._*

[@TheBakuganmaster99]

Rashik Hossain Well it did

[@tonylahh]

these are fantastic. just watched all 4 and goddam. nice work!

[@daveteves]

Nolan's "Batman Begins" is an origin story and its not boring

[@varanid9]

That's because it tells an original story. Yes, we know why Batman became who he is, but, in Batman Begins, we really don't know what's going to happen and, also, the whole movie is an origin story. In Man of Steel, it is just a long, dragged out intro that adds nothing and has no bearing on the later movie, just an excuse to feature Russell Crowe and show a lot of FX.

[@NelsonStJames]

There is always an exception to every rule, but generally what he said was correct. Most origin stories are completely unnecessary, and pretty much every movie franchise today believes it has to start with an origin story of some type.

[@TexTheBest]

Dave Teves Wonder Woman is not boring, the first spider-man is not boring, first avenger is not boring, iron man is DEFINITELY not boring.

[@judithmendez4394]

that shit is overrated batman sounds like a drunk dog trying to speak

[@GreaserMan]

Yes it absolutely is. All 3 of Nolan's movies are boring.

[@kaptainkristian]

it's a bird it's a plane it's gucci mane. because superman doesn't rhyme with plane and gucci mane does. it's a shit joke, i had just started. give me a break.

[@xmisogyny]

I had to go back and pause it I had never been so confused

[@TilerYo]

kaptainkristian there was an attempt.

[@MonkeyspankO]

whoa! great video...just when i thought i knew geek lore you gotta spring this on me. just ordered the last dvd set on amazon 5:15 Dr.Who Return of Mystero also homages that part

[@SethMarcell]

ok, i thought i was tripping.

[@justAguyDs]

kaptainkristian Reddit let me to you and this video just made me subscribe cause I want more

[@DamnCanucks]

I agree with most of your points, however in the case of the "Man of Steel" movie I think the intro did it's job and did so in the manner in which it meant to. It was a deeper glimpse and exposition into Superman's origins that had not really been opened and explored before. Stylistically speaking I felt that it set the tone for the rest of the film and the true burden by birthright of not only Superman, but of Kal-El (sp?)

[@DamnCanucks]

But great work again; your channel is a beacon of production quality, research, and qualitative nuances spanning topics and genres. Thank you for your work.

[@thenoirknight5729]

Is that a reference I see? Nice job 👍

[@lorenwood890]

im 17 years old and i loved these cartoons as a kid, thank you dad for being 73 right now and showing me this wonder

[@Verticalmule]

3:04 It's Gucci Mayynnne

[@jackorion482]

But, why? Why is that nano second clip of him in there?

[@CurtisMcD85]

That subliminal tho

[@kkv6124]

Verticalmule I thought I was tripping for a second. Had to rewind that

[@drnocka-rocksteady]

Verticalmule what the fuck. Why is that in there?

[@localdude2979]

Verticalmule *ITS FATHER GUCCI!* * #PART5NEVER

[@bdpopeye]

Outstanding examination of the 1941 Superman Max Fleischer animation. Excellent. Possibly the greatest animation ever penned and inked. Simply outstanding.

[@elliottross7409]

Here after the new trailer. Perfectly encapsulates why Superman is such a cool character.

[@MrVlonk]

finally I am in on something great on KZbin before it turns huge. Liked, subscribed, keep this Channel going pleeeease ! :D

[@remembertotakeshowerspleas355]

This was made in the 40s?! Jesus, this is some high quality animation.

[@KGBeast.]

4:20 I don't know why but I keep on rewinding to this part and watching it over and over again its so oddly satisfying especially with the song

[@kingkuma4636]

you deserve so many more god Damm subs dude

[@xblackb0x]

+Hector Garcia well he just started 2 weeks ago, so he is rising fast

[@turtwig104]

What was that subliminal image at around 3:00?

[@nintnt]

+Elijah Ransom Gucci Mane

[@yoitscaptain]

+nintnt BRRR BRRR BRRR

[@turtwig104]

***** ah

[@thegortrix]

I thought I was the only one who see it

[@TaylorDorsett]

+Elijah Ransom It's birdman. (It's a plane its a bird no its superman)

[@cinemafanatic2010]

4:45 Godzilla was actually inspired by a combination of King Kong, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms and the Lucky Dragon 5 Incident. I think the creature here is just coincidental.

[@lawrence-yx1ew]

holy shit this is your only video? please keep making more!!!

[@markmeason1244]

This 7 minute and 34 second video is better than the entirety of Batman V Superman.

[@wyatteggers8312]

nahh

[@TheCreatinator]

+Mark Meason What are you talkinga about!? That piece of garbage doesnt have the value a few *seconds* of this cartoon does!

[@sonnywoods6846]

+Mark Meason agreed

[@markmeason1244]

+Swoop Snatch much worse than I thought. Save your money and watch it on home video. It would have been so much better if it was just a solo Batman movie but they tried to fit so much into the film it became a real incomprehensible mess.

[@markmeason1244]

+Swoop Snatch yes definitely save your cash

[@WorgenGrrl]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!! As much as I love Batman, Superman was my First Superhero and thus will always have a place in my heart. And Max Fleischer's incarnation is about as Perfect a depiction as you can get and all for the reasons you mentioned.

[@tomstestkitchen]

The Max Fleischer Superman is still my favorite version. This was a great piece!

[@thedudethatdontcareaboutya4136]

I'm surprised people are just now seeing this. But its even more crazy how it look like this in the 40s but didn't get much better.

[@tomstonemale]

Not really. If you adjust the budget for the best 1940 animation with today, it's a crazy amount of money for an animated movie, let alone an animated show. Half a million per episode is too much today.

[@cara-seyun]

As an early Gen Z kid in a middle-lower class family (at the time), we had a collection of vhs tapes and dvds. Lotta classic movies, a few recent ones on dvds. Anyway, this show was on one of the vhs tapes and I loved it. 5-7 year old me didn’t even know it was from the 40s, I thought it was the same age as the Scooby Doo episodes I watched. Still my favorite incarnation of Superman, next to the Justice League show.

[@ismellrudolph]

There´s something so genuine, relateable and likeable about your videos, I agree with you, learn from you and know that you aren´t pandering to your audience

[@creeg8303]

My little brother and I grew up on these cartoons. To this day, I think about them often, and I can't exactly say why. You hit it right on the head. The more you explain Superman, the bigger the mistake you're making. These cartoons got that.

[@troitdavis]

Dude this is one of the best documentaries of Superman I ever seen keep doing what you're doing that's awesome

[@ChibiChihiro]

4:50 One of the most epic scenes of the last 20 years, Seeing it in cinemas was insane

[@volcanicdragon5311]

Wow, this video changed my opinion on Superman. I used to think he was boring because he was so simple, but now I realise he is a much more profound character. Thanks for making this video. And that animation! I can't believe it's actually from the 40's.

[@tomspiegel5322]

I smiled through this whole video. All 7 minutes & 46 seconds of it. Those original Superman shorts are some of the most beautiful and exciting things in the history of animation.

[@Tshujaat]

You just explained why superman is kickass in a matter of 7 minutes, something the movie seems to be struggling to translate to the big screen. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 That was awesome.

[@antoniochasten3192]

+Taha Shujaat I agree. Zack Snyder and David Goyer don't have a clue who the Superman character is. Man of Steel was trash and in that movie they metaphorically killed him. I don't know if you've seen BvS yet so I won't spoil the movie for you but they do an even worse job with Superman in that film.

[@Tshujaat]

+Antonio Chasten I haven't yet but from what I gathered, he does seem to understand the character to some extent but I don't think he knows how to translate him to the big screen. Or atleast give him some scenes/lines that makes him awesome

[@antoniochasten3192]

He doesn't. He did something in BvS and he explained in an interview I saw last week as to why he did it to start Superman on his hero journey. But what he did to start him on that hero journey was just stupid. The motivation he gives Superman to start this journey told me something that I knew when I watched Man of Steel. Zack Snyder and David Goyer do not know the character or what makes him special.

[@antoniochasten3192]

Taha Shujaat I do agree that you should see BvS and make up your own mind about how you feel about the movie but I have to warn you. While it is a beautifully shot movie which is a treat to look at...it's a hot mess. It is terribly edited, sloppy plot holes, scenes that don't make sense, dumb dialogue (mostly coming from Superman) and ALOT of killing. Gal Gadot is the bright spot in this movie (for me she was) and I can't wait to see her solo movie and James Wan's Aquaman with Jason Momoa.

[@kankerkebs15]

"He's not an alien, he's not a god, he's just a dude from Kansas doing the right thing" Fucking perfect

[@DubstopherWubson13]

Honestly this was an amazing video. I used to love Superman as a kid growing up but felt he started becoming too complex and too powerful and I grew to dislike him. He was just too Godly. This explanation brought me back to why I loved superman to begin with. Great video. I also never realize how fluid and artistic the 1940s animation was. I'm genuinely impressed

[@PoopsackJackson]

Fucking subscribed, what a fantastic retrospect. Can't wait to see you put out new stuff!