Classic Superheroes Teach More Than Justice

Read Time:4 Minute, 24 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
Super Friends: The Complete Collection
TV-G –

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 1973-1985, 2024 Blu-ray/DVD
Runtime: 93 x ≈33m episodes
Creator(s): Gardner Fox
Cast: Danny Dark, Olan Soule, Casey Kasem, Shannon Farnon, Norman Alden, Sherry Alberoni, Frank Welker, Ted Knight, Ted Cassidy
Where To Watch: available September 10, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: SUPER FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION takes us back to the golden era of Saturday morning cartoons. This fully remastered release breathes new life into a series that captivated viewers between 1973 and 1985, offering a dive into the heroic exploits of the Justice League of America. Known for its uplifting narratives and emphasis on moral integrity, the series stands out for its gentle departure from the more combative superhero fare typical of its time.

In an era where superhero sagas are often gauged by their spectacle and CGI wizardry, SUPER FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION returns us to the basics with its storytelling, focusing on camaraderie and ethical dilemmas over mere physical confrontations. The series championed the art of negotiation and moral reasoning, presenting villains as complex characters with misguided ambitions rather than evildoers. This approach distinguished the series from its peers and offered a rich ground for developing conflict resolution skills among its young viewers.

As SUPER FRIENDS evolved, it did not shy away from integrating darker and more intricate villains into its plotlines, such as Lex Luthor and The Riddler, enriching its complexity and aligning more closely with the traditional comic book ethos. This shift ensured the show matured alongside its audience, weaving high-stakes action with its foundational educational themes.

A critical aspect of SUPER FRIENDS was its role in expanding the DC Universe to a younger audience, introducing dynamic duos like the Wonder Twins and their space monkey, Gleek. Their adventures, filled with transformation and mischief, offered a primer on growth, responsibility, and the power of teamwork. Yet, the series wasn’t without its flaws. Efforts to diversify the cast with characters like Black Vulcan, Apache Chief, and Samurai met with mixed reviews, often criticized for their lack of depth and reliance on stereotypes, especially looking back on the series as an adult. Despite this, they marked a significant, imperfect step towards inclusivity in superhero programming.

Introducing the notorious Legion of Doom in the show’s later seasons brought new depth to the series. A united front of villains provided a formidable challenge to our heroes, enhancing the show’s dramatic stakes and echoing the serialized drama of the comics. This development balanced the scales of good and evil, delivering more nuanced narratives that reflected the complexities of the show’s comic book origins.

Long after I had initially stopped watching the series as a kid, SUPER FRIENDS evolved to another level with the arrival of more formidable foes like Darkseid, signaling a sophisticated turn in its storytelling that mirrored the broader shifts within the superhero genre. Including newer characters like Firestorm and Cyborg bridged the generational gap, ensuring the series’ relevance in the ever-evolving superhero narrative landscape.

One of the series’ hallmarks was its commitment to ethical storytelling. Episodes often concluded with a moral resolution highlighting peaceful alternatives to outright combat. This approach was a refreshing deviation from the more aggressive tactics commonly depicted in superhero media of the era, positioning SUPER FRIENDS as a trailblazer in promoting peace and understanding.

Throughout its run, SUPER FRIENDS became more than just a TV show; it became a cultural touchstone that resonated through its initial broadcasts and beyond, influencing later superhero tales and even being parodied and celebrated in various forms of media. Its legacy is one of creativity, moral storytelling, and a playful approach to the superhero genre.

SUPER FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION invites longstanding fans and newcomers to explore the rich collection of stories, characters, and lessons. Beyond its entertainment value, this collection serves as a celebration of the ideals of heroism and morality, reminding us of the enduring appeal of the Justice League and the lasting impact of their adventures on generations of fans. As we mark the 85th anniversary of Batman’s debut, SUPER FRIENDS reminds us of these characters’ profound influence on our cultural landscape.

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[photo courtesy of HANNA-BARBERA, DC, WARNER BROTHERS]

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