Superman: Volcano (1942) AKA Max Fleischer’s Superman – Episode 8 Directors: Dave Fleischer (uncredited), Seymour Kneitel Studio: Fleischer Studios / Paramount Pictures Starring: Bud Collyer (voice of Clark Kent / Superman), Joan Alexander (voice of Lois Lane) Release Date: July 10, 1942 Runtime: 9 minutes Format: Technicolor | Mono | Sound | Animated Country: United States Language: English Genres: Animation | Superhero | Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi Summary: In Volcano, the eighth installment of the iconic Max Fleischer Superman series, Superman faces off against a deadly force of nature. When a dormant volcano near a populated island begins to erupt, Clark Kent and Lois Lane are on assignment—but it’s Superman who must save the day. As lava threatens to engulf the town, Superman performs incredible feats to hold back the destruction, rescuing civilians and redirecting the forces of nature. This short blends thrilling action with lush, stylized animation that defined the Fleischer Superman series, offering a dramatic disaster scenario rarely tackled in animation of the era. Background: Produced during World War II, Volcano is one of the final episodes from the Fleischer Studios before the series transitioned to Famous Studios. Fleischer’s Superman shorts were groundbreaking in their use of rotoscope animation, dramatic lighting, and a serious tone more akin to film noir than Saturday morning cartoons. The Superman shorts are considered pioneers in superhero animation, showcasing Superman’s powers with cinematic flair. Volcano demonstrates the studio’s ability to create tension, spectacle, and emotional stakes in under 10 minutes. Trivia: This is the 8th of 17 Superman shorts produced between 1941 and 1943. The Fleischer Superman cartoons had some of the highest animation budgets of their time. Bud Collyer and Joan Alexander reprised their radio roles for consistency in voice acting. The volcano was animated using special effects techniques like painted overlays and multi-plane camera setups for depth. The short reflects 1940s fascination with natural disasters and heroic intervention. This was one of the last Fleischer-produced episodes before Paramount took over and rebranded the studio. Hashtags: #Superman #MaxFleischer #Volcano1942 #GoldenAgeAnimation #FleischerStudios #BudCollyer #LoisLane #AnimatedSuperman #VintageCartoon #ClassicSuperhero #1940sAnimation #PublicDomainCartoon #FilmNoirAnimation #TechnicolorToon #RotoscopeAnimation