Jerry Seinfeld appeared in a 1998 U.S. American Express commercial with which cartoon superhero?

It was the last chic ad spot to run during Super Bowl XXXII (1998). An animated Superman (the Man of Steel) and Jerry Seinfeld are together for only five minutes, but they make this commercial for Seinfeld's longtime patron, American Express, truly easy and funny one to watch.

There are more than a few laughs in this ambitious short ad by Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson. First, Seinfeld uses the name of the Man of Steel to make restaurant reservations so they don't have to sit near the kitchen.

Next, we see that Superman has been re-imagined as an endearing, socially maladroit bumbler (not unlike George Costanza) who pretends to recognize a man he rescued years before. Also, voiced by Patrick Warburton (who played Elaine's immortal ex-boyfriend Puddy on "Seinfeld") and wittily animated by Radical Media, Seinfeld will decline Superman's suggestion to go cycling ("cycling with you is no fun"). He suggests that Superman might help him to hook up speakers for his new DVD player.

The two continue to bicker in classic "Seinfeld" fashion about reality TV shows and advertising blurbs. They do this until a robber steals Seinfeld's DVD player, oblivious to Superman's presence. A contrite superhero tries to make amends, but Seinfeld has a simpler solution. Surprise! - he will use his American Express card. Thus, it is clear here that the comedy works best because it comes in rather small doses.