My Adventures with Superman: An Anime-Inspired Adaptation of "For the Man Who Has Everything"
My Adventures With Superman, a DC popular animated series, has joined a list of other shows in rewriting one of Superman's most beloved tales, "For The Man Who Has Everything." Developed by Jake Wyatt, this series with anime inspiration presents a unique interpretation of Superman's origin story while adhering to his heroic principles.
On July 21, 2024 My Adventures With Superman's second season will end. Fortunately, viewers can celebrate since the show has been approved for a third season guarantees more adventures for Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and the Man of Steel.
The Constant Appeal of "For the Man Who Has Everything"
Originally published in 1985 in Superman Annual #11 by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons, "For The Man Who Has Everything" chronicles the fascinating story of Black Mercy, a parasitic plant that hooks itself to Superman so he may experience his strongest wants. But this dream veers dark and finally reveals Superman's weaknesses and fears.
The several adaptations of the narrative clearly show its ongoing appeal. Following the initial comic, "For the Man Who Has Everything" has been realized in several formats. The first adaption happened in 2004 with Justice League Unlimited's second season's "For the Man Who Has Everything." Later, Kara Zor-El's 2016 Supergirl episode "For the Girl Who Has Everything," changed the plot to feature her as the protagonist. Additionally inspired by the comic was Krypton's "Mercy". The most recent adaptation, My Adventures with Superman's season 2 episode 9, "Pierce the Heavens, Superman!" offers its own original spin on the venerable story.
Adaptation of Justice League Unlimited by Alan Moore
Fascinatingly, Alan Moore himself approved of the Justice League Unlimited adaptation—a rare occurrence for the author. He even let his name be credited in the episode, so allowing one of the few adaptations of his work to be blessed.
How My Adventures with Superman Redines "For the Man Who Has Everything"?
My Adventures with Superman's rendition of "For the Man Who Has Everything" is a reinterpretation combining known elements with creative twists rather than a straight copy. The main antagonist changes most significantly. Originally told from Mongolia, My Adventures with Superman substitutes Braniac, who employs the Black Mercy to control Superman, for Mongul.
Black Mercy itself changes as well. Black Mercy is portrayed in the original tale and most adaptations as a parasitic plant. But in My Adventures with Superman, it appears as a technologically advanced gadget Braniac puts on Superman's forehead. This gadget gives him access to Superman's memories, so warping and bending them. Especially, Lois Lane employs another Black Mercy tool to slip into Superman's head and free him from Braniac's influence. This alteration emphasizes the close relationship and bond Superman and Lois share.
The Value of "For the Man Who Has Everything" for the Story of Superman
Most people consider "For the Man Who Has Everything" to be among Superman's best tales. Its compelling story, fit for one issue, qualifies perfectly for adaptation in several media, particularly animation. Without sacrificing the impact of the narrative, the brief length fits a single episode structure quite readily.
This narrative does a good job of encapsulating why Superman is such a fascinating and tenacious character. The narrative explores his most basic humanity by looking at his deepest wants and worries. Emphasizing his strength and resiliency, the narrative contrasts his compassion and friendliness against a darker side.
My Adventures with Superman's adaptation emphasizes even more Clark Kent's choice to be Superman. The narrative shows his depth of morality and his will to defend the innocent, so transcending his physical prowess.
"For the Man Who Has Everything's Future"
"For the Man Who Has Everything" will probably be revisited and reimagined in several forms even with My Adventures with Superman's adaptation. Its ageless narrative and influence on the Superman mythos guarantees its ongoing appeal. My Adventures with Superman shows the adaptability of the story even while appreciating the original one. It presents Superman's character using "For the Man Who Has Everything" as a basis and gently changes the narrative to fit the particular vision of the show.
