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Bruce Timm is one of the most influential creative forces behind the DCAU universe which gives fans one of the best iterations of their beloved Justice League characters. However, the DCAU is also known for bringing to life some of the lesser-known and obscure characters from the pages of DC Comics.
One such character was based on beloved comic artist Jack Kirby but Timm might have gone too far by killing him off in an episode ofSuperman: The Animated Series. However, Timm later explained that the storyline was meant to serve as a tribute to the late great comic artist. Here is everything you need to know about the death of oneSuperman: The Animated Seriescharacter based on Jack Kirby.
Bruce Timm‘s Superman: The Animated SeriesKilled Off Beloved Character Based on Jack Kirby
Superman: The Animated Serieswas developed by Alan Burnett andBruce Timm. It aired from 1996 to 2000 and lasted for four seasons. The series introduced the character of SCU Lt. Dan Turpin, based on the comic book character of the same name, created by legendary artistJack Kirby.
During aninterview, Timm confirmed that the character’s look in the animated series was intentionally modeled after Kirby. He said:
“The Turpin character in the comics didn’t look anything like Jack but I decided it would be kind of fun, kind of a little throwaway tribute to Jack, to just make the character look like Jack.”
However, Turpin, voiced by the late Joseph Bologna, meets his unceremonious end during the two-part second-season episodeApokolips…Now! In the episode, the supervillain Darkseid attempts to take over Earth with Turpin helping Superman fight off against his demons. Turpin is killed by Darkseid in an act of spite after the officer and Superman successfully stop the New God’s invasion.
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Turpin’s death in the episode is especially tragic because of his supporting role in the series. However, since Turpin was modeled after Kirby, the character meeting his demise at the hands of Darkseid, also a creation of the late artist makes for a particularly dark moment, and Timm might have gone too far by including the scene in the somber episode.
Bruce Timm ExplainsSuperman: The Animated Series‘ Jack Kirby Tribute
Although Jack Kirby was primarily known for his work with Marvel, the artist also significantly contributed to the DC brandcreating memorable characters such as the New Gods, including Darkseid. Kirby sadly passed away in 1994 beforeSuperman: The Animated Seriespremiered.
During the aforementioned interview, Timm admitted that he was a fan of Kirby’s work and wanted to pay tribute to the late artist. The two-part episodeApokolips…Now!, which features Turpin’s death is dedicated to Kirby’s memory and even features a funeral for the character.
Timm explained he wanted to explore the theme of despair in the episode through Darkseid’s quest to make Superman succumb to the Anti-Life Equation. However, Timm also wanted to make humanity the hero of the episode.
“I said, That’s not right. I wanted humanity to be the hero, not Superman. That’s where the whole thing with Turpin came about.”
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Timm made the above statement explaining the scene where Turpin fearlessly berates Darkseid after Superman’s capture. Timm noted that the scene was inspired by a scene in the comics, which sees Turpin fight Darkseid’s henchman Kalibak, also a creation of Kirby. As a result, despite the darker undertones of the story, the death of Turpin was actually meant as a tribute to Kirby.
Superman: The Animated Seriesis streaming on Max.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1775
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
