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Somehow I completely missed the Ruby-Spears version of Superman in 1988.  I suppose at this point in my life I somehow didn't have time for Saturday morning cartoons.  As a 50th anniversary gift to fans, DC put Joe Ruby and Ken Spears on the task of delivering a new cartoon series.  Ruby and Spears had started out as sound editors at Hanna-Barbera and eventually went on to create "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?"
 
This Superman series consisted of thirteen episodes.  Each episodes begins with the theme from the Superman movies (with slight changes by Ron Jones) along with the classic narration from the Fleischer cartoon and Adventures Of Superman TV series.
 
While most people really dig the Superman: The Animated Series, this version has more of a classic comic book feel to it.  Watching these episodes really shows how the cartoon industry has changed.  This series is an enjoyable one but it has its share of good and bad qualities.
 
I'll start out with the 'bad' qualities.  The main villain we have is Lex Luthor.  That's not a bad thing but he's the primary bad guy from the comics.  There are lots of robots and aliens that Superman ends up facing.  The interesting thing about Lex here is this is pretty much the first time we see him as an 'evil' businessman versus the 'mad scientist' version seen in other cartoons.  Lex is voiced by Michael Bell, the same actor voicing Duke from G.I. Joe and Sideswipe in Transformers.  We also see General Zod in one episode.  Let's just say it's not one of his finer moments.  Some of the stories get a little cheesey but then, this is the 80s we're talking about.
 
I mentioned the animation style already.  I do enjoy the 'Animated" style but it's nice seeing this more classic approach.  The series also had comic book writer Marv Wolfman as the head story editor and artist Gil Kane providing character designs.  Wonder Woman puts in a guest appearance in one episode as well.
 
Following the main story in each episode, we get a short "Superman Family Album."  These episodes give us a look at young Clark from his first days on Earth (found by Jonathan & Martha and taken to an orphanage briefly) to his high school graduation and first time in Metropolis.  What we can get from this is Li'l Clark was a super-pain in the...rear.
 
There is one special feature in this collection.  "Corruption Of The Corrupt: The Rise Of LexCorp" (13:32) gives us a history on the rise of greed in the 80s.  This is an interesting retrospective on the 'decade of greed' and does a good job of explaining why Lex's character shifted from science to business.  It just feels a little out of place for a cartoon DVD special feature.  The only other feature here is a trailer for Green Lantern: First Flight along with Secret Saturdays and the Harry Potter Wizarding World DVD game.
 
I would say this series holds an important place in the history of Superman.  It's definitely a series that should be appreciated for what it was.  I think this might not be for everyone.  Depending on how much nostalgia you hold for Superman or cartoons from the 80s, some younger viewers might find the episodes a little corny.  I would give this series a 3.5 out of 5.  It is a fun series and it will provide entertainment.  What it really comes down to is how much do you like Superman.  If you're a fan, there's no question whether or not you should pick this up.  It's in stores today.  You can order it online at WBshop.com as well.  I think it's great that this has been released on DVD or I might have completely missed out on this series.