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A powerful original production cel setup from Superman: The Animated Series (1996-2000) paired with its matching original production background and corresponding animation drawing.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and airing on Kids' WB between 1996 and 2000, Superman: The Animated Series was the direct stylistic successor to Batman: The Animated Series and the second instalment in what became known as the DC Animated Universe. Developed by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett, the show introduced a bold, architectural minimalism to Superman's world; brighter, cleaner, and more open than Gotham's "Dark Deco" aesthetic, yet equally cinematic in its use of light, shadow, and spatial depth.
Used in the making of the episode "Knight Time" (Season 3, Episode 2), the sequence sees Superman temporarily donning Batman's mantle after Bruce Wayne mysteriously disappears. The scene marked a defining crossover moment within the DC Animated Universe, uniting Metropolis and Gotham in one of the series' most memorable and visually ambitious episodes.
In this striking composition, Superman appears large and central within the frame, his form defined by the elegant simplicity of the Timm design style: broad chest, angular jawline, and the iconic "S" crest. The cel's hand-painted shading captures both the serenity and strength of the character, enhanced by tonal variations that suggest movement and light. Behind him, the swirling blues and airbrushed smoke effects in the background heighten the drama and scale, giving the impression of cosmic momentum.
The accompanying production drawing reveals the technical precision behind the scene, with graphite and coloured pencil lines marking tonal gradations, light direction, and motion arcs. Particularly rare is the inclusion of the cloud animation detail, carefully indicated in the original sketch, demonstrating the multi-layered artistry that defined Warner Bros. Animation during this era.
The official Warner Bros. Animation Art seal on both pieces verifies the setup's authenticity within the studio's curated release program, a hallmark of quality and provenance for collectors and historians. Pieces that unite a key character cel, matching original background, and production drawing are increasingly scarce from this acclaimed late-1990s series, particularly from crossover episodes linking Superman and Batman: The Animated Series. A superb example of the show's design clarity, colour harmony, and hand-painted craft, this setup encapsulates the visual power and mythic heroism that continue to define DC animation at its finest. Dimensions (cel on background): 27.25 cm x 33 cm (10.75" x 13"); (drawing): 27 cm x 32 cm (10.5" x 12.5")
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: £800 - 1,600 Ω
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