So Not Super The Web Series - A Tale Of Superheroes On The D List
It's safe to say superheroes films have become one of the most popular movie genres worldwide.
From Superman and Spider-Man, to the more quirky hit Guardians Of The Galaxy, it's becoming rare not to find at least one superhero movie being exhibited at the theaters at any given time.
Of course, these films becoming a part of the cultural zeitgeist also means they are ripe pickings for satirization.
Enter So Not Super, a low-budget comedy web series that lampoons superheroes.
Produced by Day 304 Productions - the firm behind the steampunk adventure Dirigible Days - the web series revolves around a support group for "D-List" superheroes lead by Samantha (Julie Wilhelm), a former A-list hero who has recently lost her powers.
As she struggles to help the members of the support group confront their respective issues, she must also contend with an equally complicated personal life.
You see, Samantha is the ex-lover of the world's most prominent hero Captain Famous. Their relationship ended due to her steadfast belief in the innocence of Steam, a super-villain convicted of murdering the mayor's daughter.
Samantha's support of Steam has also put her at odds with her former team the GALA (Guardians and Allies Looking after America) of Justice, the supergroup led by Captain Famous.
Matters get even more muddled for Samantha as her professional and personal lives become increasingly entangled - and a member of her support group turns to the dark side.
So Not Super as a whole succeeds in being an amusing satire of many superhero tropes, including:
Lampooning the incredible powers of most superheroes. For example, instead of being able to fly or lift cars, one super's ability is controlling paper, while another can attract cats. Yeah, you read that right
Secret identities are shown to be as ineffectual as they really would be
The witty and charming script by series star Julie Wilhelm compensates for the limitations of the bare-bones production.
Another highlight is scenes in which Samantha and her support group interact.
The group's neuroses and her exasperated attempts at therapy are sources of comedy gold.
However, there are some misfires, such as the weak motivation behind one group member turning evil, and the inclusion of a superfluous side plot about one super who procrastinates in joining the group.
Despite those narrative missteps, So Not Super is an amusing satire worth watching.
Watch the official series teaser for a sneak peek inside the world of So Not Super ...
You can watch the entire 10-episode first season on the series channel on YouTube.
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