Men of Steel
Marvel's The Incredible Hulk wanders around the desert and then stumbles into the middle of a barbecue and that interferes with Superman getting a milkshake. Hilarity ensues. But in all seriousness, this is a great comic! Join us for our discussion about it with Logan Crowley! Men of Steel Full Episode Originally aired: June 6, 2025 Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Scored by Geoff Moonen Overview In this episode of the podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike welcome back guest Logan Crowley to delve into the thrilling crossover comic "The Incredible Hulk vs. Superman" from the DC vs. Marvel...
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Marvel's Most Wanted are here to deliver some Justice like Lightning! Case and Jmike reflect on the latest MCU entry, Thunderbolts*, with friend of the show, Joe Mastropiero. Overview In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson, along with guest Joe Mastropiero, delve into Marvel's Thunderbolts movie, connecting its themes to the recently released Superman trailer. They discuss the film's characters, including Yelena, Bucky, and the controversial Sentry, addressing how the characters' darker backstories lend themselves to a redemption arc that deviates from their...
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Case and Jmike are joined by Logan Crowley to discuss one of the few times where Superman is the underdog in the story, when he crossed over with the Silver Surfer! Overview In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson welcome guest Logan Crowley to discuss the recently published DC versus Marvel omnibus, centering on the 90s crossover story featuring Silver Surfer and Superman. The hosts delve into character power dynamics, plot setups, and the comic's creative team while highlighting their appreciation for artists like Ron Lim and writers like George...
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Case and Jmike are joined by Ed Gross to talk about his books on Superman! Overview In this engaging podcast interview, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike welcome Ed Gross, a prolific author known for his in-depth oral histories, particularly focusing on Superman. The conversation begins with an exploration of Edβs background and his extensive work, including the recently released 'The Definitive History of Superman' and the ambitious 'Voices from Krypton,' which features insights from 250 interviews. Ed shares the intricate process behind creating oral histories, akin...
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Case and Jmike are joined by Doug Lief (from the Nostalgium Arcanum podcast) to talk about a family that's pretty super, The Incredibles! Overview In Podcast episode 142 of Men of Steel, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson, alongside guest Doug Lief, delve into a comprehensive analysis of Disney's The Incredibles through the lens of Superman fandom. They explore the film's connections to other superhero media, notably its references to 60s Batman and Fleischer Superman, while debating the film's overall tone, which Case describes as having an 'angry' directorial...
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Case and Jmike are joined by Micah McCaw to assess the Symbolism Supreme in Alan Moore's Supreme Story of the Year. Overview In episode 141 of the Men of Steel podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson, alongside guest Micah McCaw, delve into Alan Moore's influential 12-issue run on Supreme, titled "Supreme: The Story of the Year." They highlight the comic's groundbreaking nature upon its release in the mid-90s, reimagining Supremeβa character initially created by Rob Liefeld and akin to Supermanβby incorporating innovative storytelling techniques, such as in-universe...
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Years ago, Case wrote a radio script that crossed over Superman with The Shadow. Now, he's gathered a host of actors to read it with full orchestration and foley! Overview In the Creative Collaboration and Script Reading meeting titled "The Shadow Meets Superman in The Searing Silhouette," hosted by Case Aiken and Jmike Folson, participants including Rachel Quirky Schenk, Geoff Moonen, Olivia Gilliatt, Ben Goldsmith, Peter Coleman, and Sarah Moonen engaged in a collaborative reading of the script. The meeting began with introductions and role assignments, followed by...
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Case and Jmike are joined by Jesse Galdston to excavate the deepest secrets of the Wildstorm Universe in the landmark series, Planetary. Overview In this episode of the podcast, the hosts delve into "Planetary," a groundbreaking comic series from the late 90s to early 2000s, paying tribute to its co-creator John Cassaday, who recently passed away. The discussion covers the series' unique approach to superhero narratives, its complex charactersβincluding Elijah Snow and the Drummerβand its exploration of themes such as lost potential, the grotesque realities of heroism,...
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Few questions inspire as much debate as "Who is faster, the Flash or Superman?" Case and Jmike are joined by Austin Funk, from the Rolling with Difficulty podcast ( , to take a closer look at the photo finish that is the various races between Superman and the Flash. Overview The Discussion/Analysis meeting centered around the iconic races between Superman and The Flash, covering their historical significance in comics from the first race in Superman 199 to contemporary depictions in animated series and live-action adaptations. Key topics included the power dynamics and...
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There's nothing more important to developing creativity than play, so let's look at the toys that featured the Man of Steel. In particular, back in thew 80s, DC put out a line that distilled the raw power of their characters into figures that punched and kicked without the need for buttons or levers! That's right, Case and Jmike are joined by guest Rick Lee James to discuss the venerable DC Super Powers line! Overview In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Case Aiken and JMike Folson welcome guest Rick Lee James for an engaging discussion about the impact of action figures on...
info_outlineWhat is this? A podcast or an operating table? Duke is back to join Case and Jmike into the legendary book, The Dark Knight Returns⦠from the perspective of Superman fans.
Meeting summary:
β In the recent Podcast Recording meeting titled "The Dark Knight Returns," the hosts engaged in a comprehensive discussion about the iconic comic "The Dark Knight Returns." Starting with episode art options, they settled on a dynamic design featuring Superman above Batman. The conversation delved into various facets of the comic, analyzing its commentary on 1980s society, politics, and character portrayals, particularly of Batman, Superman, and new characters like Carrie Kelly. They highlighted themes such as Batman's psychological struggles post-retirement, the intense Batman vs. Superman conflict, and the significance of media influence within the story. The meeting concluded with reflections on the comic's legacy and recommendations for listeners to explore more content from the podcast network.
Notes:
β π¦Έ Dark Knight Returns Discussion (00:00 - 11:48)
β Discussed episode art options for the podcast
β Decided on J Mike's suggestion of Superman floating above Batman
β Introduced the topic of 'The Dark Knight Returns' comic
β Highlighted Frank Miller's storytelling techniques and panel layouts
β Discussed the comic's portrayal of Batman and its influence on the character
β π Comic Analysis and Context (11:48 - 21:32)
β Examined the comic's representation of 1980s society and politics
β Discussed the portrayal of various characters, including Superman, Lana Lang, and Jimmy Olsen
β Analyzed the comic's themes and its critique of Reagan-era politics
β Highlighted the comic's dense storytelling and efficient use of panels
β π¦ Batman's Return and Character Development (21:32 - 31:23)
β Discussed Batman's return from retirement and his psychological state
β Analyzed the introduction of Carrie Kelly as the new Robin
β Examined the portrayal of villains, particularly Two-Face and Joker
β Discussed the comic's commentary on media and society
β π Superman's Role and Portrayal (31:23 - 42:40)
β Analyzed Superman's presence in the story and his relationship with the government
β Discussed the comic's portrayal of Superman as a powerful but conflicted character
β Examined the build-up to the confrontation between Batman and Superman
β Highlighted the comic's use of media commentary and world events
β π₯ Batman vs. Superman Conflict (42:42 - 52:02)
β Discussed the iconic fight between Batman and Superman
β Analyzed the tactics and preparation Batman uses against Superman
β Examined the weakened state of Superman due to various factors
β Discussed the implications of the fight and its resolution
β π Character Analysis and Comic Impact (52:02 - 01:00:02)
β Analyzed the portrayal of various characters, including Green Arrow and Carrie Kelly
β Discussed the comic's influence on subsequent Batman and Superman stories
β Examined the comic's legacy and its impact on the superhero genre
β Highlighted the comic's nuanced portrayal of its characters
β π¬ Wrap-up and Final Thoughts (01:00:03 - 01:08:56)
β Discussed the comic's standalone nature and its sequels
β Shared personal opinions on the comic and its various adaptations
β Provided information on where to find the podcast hosts and guest online
β Promoted other podcasts and content from the network