For the Fans who have Everything, Superman's best episode of TV
In 2004, Justice League Unlimited aired one of the best episodes of superhero TV ever. "For The Man Who Has Everything", based on the comic book of the same name, became one of Superman, and the Justice League's, greatest outings on the small screen.
"For The Man Who Has Everything" was originally published as a comic book from the legendary creative team of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. The story takes place entirely during Superman's birthday, within Superman's Fortress of Solitude, and within the minds of the characters.
The villain of the story, both in the original comic storyline and the Justice League Unlimited episode, is Mongul, the alien warlord from the planet Warworld. Mongul faces off against Batman and Wonder Woman, while Superman is incapacitated by an alien plant. The plant has the power to make its host believe they are living in their ideal world, all the while killing them.
Mongul is a tough and intimidating villain, who is a match for anybody, even Superman. Batman and Wonder Woman struggle to defeat him, especially given their need to awaken Superman while fighting Mongul.
Superman finds himself in a universe where Krypton was never destroyed. His greatest desire being to live his life on Krypton. Living his entire life as Kal-El, not as Superman or as Clark Kent, he begins to doubt the vision he finds himself in.
Superman is often pit against his foes, but "For The Man Who Has Everything" pits Superman against himself. His desire for Krypton to exist conflicts with the existence of Clark Kent and Superman. As much as he wants for Krypton to be safe, Superman and Clark can't allow for that.
The internal struggle is often a hallmark of the villains of Superman, when it is brought to Superman himself, it is an explosive new frontier. The innermost desire of Batman and Mongul are revealed at the hands of the alien plant, as well.
Anybody who enjoys superheroes, animation, or a great story will find what they are looking for in "For The Man Who Has Everything". A true gem of animation and the DC Animated Universe.