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Long before Bryan Singer or Brandon Routh even knew who the Man of Steel was, animator Max Fleischer brought the Superman to vivid life on movie screens in a series of 17 animated shorts.

Superman had only been around for three years when Fleischer’s Superman burst onto the scene. Comics were wildly popular at the time, with Superman’s circulation reaching close to one-million copies.

The Superman cartoon signaled many firsts for Fleischer Studios. It was the first Technicolor cartoon they produced. It was also the first short Fleischer had produced to be nominated for an Oscar (in the Best Short Subject: Cartoons category). The cartoon was also the first to use the short description that many associate with Superman:

“Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!”

Using the animation process known as rotoscoping—tracing over film or images of live actors—the animation is smooth and fluid. To be almost 70 years old, the cartoons still hold up amazing well today.

While younger viewers will not like the lack of super villains, the politics at the time play heavily into the series. Many of the shorts feature the Japanese or Nazis as villains. The rest of the shorts use generics mad scientists, monsters, or thugs as threats to Superman.

The real-world threats still prove to be challenging for Superman, who wasn’t the near omnipotent being in 1941 that he is now. The adventures are thrilling and entertaining. They definitely keep you glued to the TV.

One of my favorite episodes is the “Eleventh Hour.” Clark Kent and Lois are being help captive by the Japanese in Yokohama—we’re not told why they’re held captive or how they were captured.

Regardless, every evening at 11 p.m., Superman leaves his jail cell and proceeds to sabotage locations around Japan. Knowing of Superman’s connection to Lois, the Japanese threaten to kill Lois is Superman doesn’t stop his attacks. As Lois faces the firing squad, will Superman swoop in a save her? What of innocent Clark Kent? How will he be saved?

Now, you may be wondering why you should buy this set? There are numerous releases of this cartoon available already—and cheaper, since it’s public domain. Well, with the exception of the same 17 cartoons included on the Superman Ultimate Collector’s Edition set, this is by far the best image and sound quality you’re going to get on these 70 year old cartoons.

Disc Two hold two worthy extra for the set. First up is “The Man, The Myth, Superman.” This 13-minute look at “supermen” in general, takes a look at the Superman inspired myth and tries to determine why it is so popular.

Even better, the “First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series” feature is a look back at Fleischer Studios, it’s history and how it applies to the Superman shorts. This is a great 12-minute feature and easily the best of the two.

Also included on DVD One is a 10-minute feature on the upcoming DC Animated DVD, Green Lantern: First Flight.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the Fleischer Superman cartoons, this is the set for you. If you’re a fan of Superman, you should get this set. The only reason not to pick this set up is if you own the Superman Ultimate Collector’s Edition set. These cartoons still look amazing today and will still entertain, even younger viewers. Check it out today.