Unveiling the Legendary Fleischer Studios' "SUPERMAN" from 1941: A Masterpiece of Hand-Drawn Animation

Aiden Starling

Updated Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

Step back in time and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Fleischer Studios' "SUPERMAN" from 1941. This iconic animated masterpiece, created entirely by hand, continues to captivate audiences with its soulful animation and timeless storytelling. Let's delve into the fascinating world of this remarkable creation and explore the reactions it has garnered over the years.

The video, which features a transcript repeated three times, leaves us in awe as we witness Superman's extraordinary duality - an embodiment of both humanity and monstrosity. This intriguing portrayal sets the stage for a thrilling journey through the animated world of this legendary superhero.

User comments have poured in, praising the sheer brilliance of the animation. One comment describes it as "absolutely beautiful animation, and all done by hand." The dedication and craftsmanship evident in every frame of this production have stood the test of time, despite the advancements of computer-generated animation.

A fun fact shared by a commenter sheds light on the evolution of the Superman character. Originally, when Superman made his debut in 1938, he couldn't fly; instead, he jumped long distances. However, for the 1941-43 shorts produced by Fleischer animators, they requested a change to make Superman's flight easier to animate. This alteration marked a significant milestone in the character's evolution.

The video also sparks nostalgic memories for many viewers. Several comments mention having this classic animation on VHS, with one commenter recalling specific episodes involving a mad scientist's death ray, a dinosaur awakening from icy slumber, and Superman preventing a billion-dollar theft from a train. It's clear that this animated gem holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with it.

While the animation may seem simplistic by today's standards, it remains a testament to the pioneering spirit of the Fleischer Studios. The use of rotoscoping, a technique that involved tracing live-action footage to create realistic movement, further enhanced the visual appeal of these early Superman cartoons. However, it's important to note that some viewers have pointed out that the stories contained racially insensitive elements, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of the time.

For those seeking to relive the magic, the video links shared by enthusiastic commenters offer a glimpse into the past. Watching the complete series is highly recommended to fully appreciate the unmatched quality and enduring legacy of these Superman animations.

Fleischer Studios' "SUPERMAN" from 1941 is an extraordinary work of art that continues to mesmerize audiences today. Its hand-drawn animation, combined with a captivating storyline, showcases the immense talent and dedication of the creators. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply curious about the origins of this iconic character, this timeless gem is a must-watch. Prepare to be transported back in time and experience the definitive Superman like never before.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

IKillButerflies

Absolutely beautiful animation, and all done by hand. I know computers have made things easier and in some cases better, but there's soul on display here

DarthGoodguy

Fun fact, when Superman premiered in 1938 he couldn’t fly, he jumped long distances. The Fleischer animators asked to change this for these 1941-43 shorts so he’d be easier to animate.

wherethehorriblethingsare

This must've been the Superman whose spaceship landed on his head. Punching a laser instead of just moving out of the way and Bugs Bunnying the thing with a civilian in the building is some peak Superman ridiculousness but also entirely in-line with a guy who saves a kid from a train by collapsing the engineer's compartment.

nicknacksnackpack

More powerful than a locomotive. Can leap tall buildings in a single bound.

SoftKleenex

Nowadays it's going to be animated on 3s, if not higher

BuckinghamPhallus

I have this on VHS. There's this episode where mad scientist tries to use death ray. Another episode where superman has to save the city from a dinosaur that awakes after being frozen in ice and one where he stops people stealing $1B from being stolen from a train from the mint. Also a bonus anti n*** cartoon

uselessplaceholdername

Oh man, I had this one on VHS in this collection tape just called "50 classic cartoons." Probably watched it a hundred times. It had this one (called The Mad Scientist... Here's the whole cartoon: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9UJphNPwDfk ) and Billion Dollar Limited on it: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_TYxALvELBo

darkchiron

This just unlocked some kind of ancient memory for me. We had this thing on VHS way back in the day and I used to watch it quite often.

Frogapus

I should read All Star Superman again.

spa**tastic

Omg I remember this! This is maybe the first cartoon I remember watching (at least with superman in it). Dude right in the kid-hood.

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