It’s Official: DC’s Near-Perfect Sci-Fi Superhero Show Is the Ultimate Invincible Replacement

Image: Adult Swim

Robert Kirkman’s Invincible—both the original comics and the gritty, high-stakes Prime Video adaptation—has redefined the superhero genre by blending classic tropes with visceral violence and complex, mature drama. At first glance, the bubbly aesthetic of Adult Swim’s My Adventures with Superman feels miles away from that carnage. Yet, beneath its bright, optimistic exterior lies a surprisingly subversive exploration of the Man of Steel’s legacy. By weaving familiar character arcs with a modern, daring narrative, the series manages to be a refreshing tribute to the DC icon while retaining the heart that defines his character. Premiering June 13, the third season ramps up the intensity, proving that this show belongs on the watchlist of anyone who appreciates a deep, action-packed superhero saga.

Showrunners Jake Wyatt and Brendan Clogher have transformed the Kryptonian lore into something far more daunting, drawing parallels to the oppressive nature of the Viltrumite Empire. Clark Kent (Jack Quaid) spent much of the second season grappling with the dark reality of his heritage after the arrival of his cousin Kara (Kiana Madeira) and the cold, calculating artificial intelligence known as Brainiac (Michael Emerson). With a mission to purge any civilization that defies Krypton, Brainiac views Clark’s empathy not as a strength, but as a fatal flaw—a fundamental betrayal of his race.

Even as Superman serves as a beacon of hope, humanity remains inherently wary of a god-like entity in their midst. Entering season 3, the tension reaches a breaking point as Lex Luthor (Max Mittelman) takes the helm of an anti-Superman coalition, leveraging his connections to Task Force X. Luthor has pushed past ethical boundaries, transforming a gravely wounded Hank Henshaw into Cyborg Superman. Meanwhile, Slade Wilson (Chris Parnell) remains the show’s standout, bringing a cynical, weary energy to a world spinning out of control. This iteration of Luthor isn’t driven by petty ego, but by a paralyzing fear. His haggard appearance and desperate, reckless actions make him feel more like Invincible‘s embattled Cecil Stedman than a mustache-twirling villain; he is a man willing to sacrifice his humanity to save the planet, regardless of the cost.

Image: Adult Swim

Much like its peer Invincible, My Adventures with Superman occasionally struggles to find its rhythm with its humor. Some of the lighter, comedic interludes—such as the recurring jokes regarding Jimmy Olsen’s (Ishmel Sahid) dating life—can feel like distractions that stall the momentum of more compelling character arcs, particularly his burgeoning relationship with Kara. However, these minor stumbles are quickly forgiven when the action kicks in. Season 3 draws heavily from the “Reign of the Supermen” era, cleverly remixing the ’90s comic arc to create a narrative that is both emotionally sharp and tightly plotted. It is an impressive feat to pack such dense, meaningful storytelling into ten 20-minute episodes while still finding time for lighthearted, reality-bending cameos from characters like Mister Mxyzptlk.

Image: Adult Swim

The stakes here are truly cataclysmic, pulling inspiration from The Terminator and the high-octane spectacle of Dragon Ball Z. As the core trio of Clark, Lois, and Jimmy confront potential futures they dread, the series forces them to reconcile their ideals with the harsh realities of their world. While the show abstains from the gratuitous gore of its adult-oriented contemporaries, it still delivers a visceral sense of impact and danger. The kinetic animation style paired with a stirring score elevates these confrontations, proving that you don’t need excessive bloodshed to make an audience fear for the heroes.

James Gunn has championed the idea that Superman’s true “punk rock” nature is found in his unwavering belief in the goodness of others. By that metric, My Adventures with Superman is a resounding, rebellious triumph. It manages to deliver a consistently surprising and emotionally resonant experience, proving that there is still plenty of room for bold, creative innovation in the Superman mythos without needing to rely on shock value.

My Adventures with Superman premieres at midnight on June 13 on Adult Swim. New episodes are scheduled to air weekly on Saturdays through August 15.

Source: Polygon