Superman vs. The Elite

Superman vs. The Elite is a 2012 movie in the DC Universe Original Animated Movies line based on the Superman story, "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice, & the American Way?", centered on the Man of Steel dealing with a new group of anti-heroes called "The Elite", who kill criminals, earning them public acclaim. Superman opposes this, and attempts to take them down before things get worse.

The voice cast features George Newbern reprising his Justice League role as Superman, David Kaufman reprising his DCAU role as Jimmy Olsen, Robin Atkin Downes (No More Heroes) as Manchester Black, and Pauley Perrette (NCIS) as Lois Lane.


 * Animesque: Unlike previous films which used the aesthetic that would be adapted by Young Justice, this film uses art much more similar to that of Teen Titans.
 * Commie Land: While "Pokolistan" sounds like it ought to be a Qurac, both it and Bialya are referred to as part of the former Eastern Bloc.
 * Cool Ship: The Authority have one, named Bunnie. She's a Living Ship that's being controlled by Black.
 * Deadpan Snarker: Lois does this the most. Her comment on Menagerie kissing Superman: "Now was it the trashy outfit, or should I start gluing slugs to my face?"  Superman also delivers some.
 * Evil Brit: Manchester Black (and the rest of the Elite, a little), very much of the lower-class hooligan variety.
 * Expy: The Elite are based upon The Authority.
 * Heroic Sacrifice: Terrence's father, a fan of Superman (complete with Superman-themed watch, much to Terrence's embarrassment), covers him and protects him from Atomic Skull's blast.
 * Nineties Anti-Hero: The Elite are these -- former criminals (a murderer, in Manchester Black's case) with their pasts expunged to serve the British government, now looking to turn themselves loose and serve "justice" their way.
 * Oh Crap: Manchester Black freaks out when Superman has him at his mercy, after cutting loose.
 * Precision B-Strike: Twice dropped by Manchester, referring to his sister and Superman.
 * Show Within a Show: The cheesy, Golden Age-tastic Superman cartoon. Though it pokes fun at the classic "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" that Superman espouses, the proceeds do go to charity.
 * Thou Shalt Not Kill: Superman won't, but the Elite will.
 * Wearing a Flag on Your Chest: Manchester Black has a Union Jack tattooed on his chest. Most of his fans just wear a t-shirt.
 * World of Cardboard Speech: Delivered by the man who gave the original! This one is much, much darker, as he acknowledges that his rule of Thou Shalt Not Kill is hampering him and letting the Elite beat him...so he decides to cross that line.