Superman: The Animated Series
Episode 9
The Main Man Part 1
This is one of those episodes where the second part is much better and this is just a build-up to the cliffhanger. Superman is testing the ship he came to Earth in as a baby in an effort for WB and DC to sell more toy merchandise. Superman has some dialogue with Professor Emil Hamilton of Star Labs who is one of Superman’s biggest allies as the series progresses. Superman does express some distrust with Professor Hamilton when he starts asking questions Superman doesn’t want to answer.
Meanwhile to flesh out the episode, the show cuts to Lobo an alien bounty hunter doing his job. In the middle of an assignment, he’s recruited by the Preserver to capture Superman. The Preserver collects the last of species from planets all over the universe and keeps them safe. He wants the last Kryptonian. Lobo agrees to capture Superman for a big payday.
Lobo basically attacks Earth until Superman shows up and they fight. The fight dips into space and Superman gets captured by the Preserver. Superman is placed in a cage under light that simulates a red sun that takes away his powers. Lobo is about to leave when the Preserver decides to kidnap Lobo too, since he’s the last Czarnian. Cue the “To Be Continued” text.
A solid introduction to Lobo and a great way to get him to Earth to fight Superman. After his two-parter in Superman we don’t see him again (minus a quick cameo) until Justice League. As far as villains go, he’s strong enough to go head to head with our hero. He’s also an opposite of Superman which ensures they won’t get along. Since Lobo is more of an anti-hero, they can’t make him evil which waters down the tension between the two. Lobo is more of an annoyance for Superman than an actual villain. This “annoying villain” archetype is repeated when Mxyzptlk makes his appearance. The writer’s logic is if you can’t out brawn Superman then annoy him to death.
Written by
Joseph Ammendolea
Owner/President
“I Like To Play With Toys” Productions®
ILikeToPlayWithToysProductions@Yahoo.com
