Episode 141 - Supreme: The Story of the Year with Micah McCaw

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 Supreme—a character initially created by Rob Liefeld and akin to Superman—by incorporating innovative storytelling techniques, such as in-universe “revisions” of the character and comments on comic book history. The discussion spans various aspects of the series, including its artistic evolution through different illustrators and the provocative themes surrounding superhero relationships and villains. Notably, the podcast emphasizes Moore’s ability to blend humor with meta-narrative elements while maintaining continuity amidst complex plotlines, ultimately positioning Supreme as a celebrated reconstruction of traditional superhero narratives. As the hosts reflect on its significance, they recommend further explorations of Moore’s work, ensuring listeners are left with a comprehensive appreciation for the series and its impact on the comic book landscape.

 

Notes

Introduction to Supreme (00:50 - 11:43)

• Case Aiken and Jmike Folson host the Men of Steel podcast with guest Micah McCaw
• The episode discusses Alan Moore's 12-issue run on Supreme, also known as 'Supreme: The Story of the Year'
• The comic was published in 1995-1996 and was considered groundbreaking at the time
• Supreme is described as a thinly veiled Superman analog with similar powers and characteristics
• The hosts discuss how the book remained cutting edge for 20 years but now feels more commonplace

‍️ History of Supreme (11:43 - 25:55)

• Supreme was originally created by Rob Liefeld as part of Image Comics' launch
• Before Alan Moore, Supreme was an amoral, extremely powerful character (a Superman analog)
• Moore took over with issue #41 and completely reimagined the character
• The comic features regular flashbacks to different eras of comics, parodying Superman's timeline
• The art style shifts between contemporary and classic/retro depending on the time period shown

Art and Creative Teams (25:55 - 35:04)

• Joe Bennett was the main artist, who would later work on Immortal Hulk
• Rick Veitch created the flashback sequences with distinct period-appropriate art styles
• Chris Sprouse joins as artist later in the run (only one issue in this collection)
• Alex Ross created promotional art and cover designs for Supreme
• The hosts note that the art quality is inconsistent throughout the series

The Revision Concept (35:04 - 45:50)

• The comic introduces 'revisions' - an in-universe explanation for continuity changes
• Supreme visits the 'Supremacy' where all previous versions of himself exist after being revised out
• The concept explains why comic characters change over time
• The hosts discuss the meta-narrative of comics existing within a comics universe
• Ethan Crane (Supreme's alter ego) works as a comic artist in his civilian identity

Supreme's Universe (45:50 - 57:54)

• The Citadel Supreme is Supreme's Fortress of Solitude equivalent
• The Allied Supremes of America is the Justice Society/Justice League analog
• Supreme has his own version of supporting characters like Lois Lane (Diana Dane)
• The book features extensive flashbacks to previous eras of comics history
• Issue #44 features EC Comics-style horror hosts challenging superheroes, explaining why heroes fell out of favor

Supernatural Elements (57:54 - 01:06:50)

• Supreme's origin involves exposure to a radioactive meteor (Supremium)
• The League of Infinity includes heroes from throughout time periods including Achilles, Bill Hickok, and Aladdin
• The book includes various dimensions including the Hell of Mirrors and Amolinth (a photo world)
• The creative use of Supreme's powers includes his 'consciousness expanding' rather than using telescopic vision
• Goral the Living Galaxy serves as a Galactus-type cosmic entity

Relationships and Romance (01:06:50 - 01:17:03)

• Issue #50 explores Supreme's dating life and potential relationships
• Three scenarios show why relationships don't work for superheroes: domestication, exploitation, or conflict
• Diana Dane is positioned as Supreme's potential love interest
• The issue offers meta-commentary on why superheroes rarely maintain stable relationships
• Chris Sprouse's art in this issue is praised as superior to earlier issues

Villains and Antagonists (01:17:03 - 01:26:08)

• Darius Dax is Supreme's Lex Luthor equivalent and main antagonist
• The comic features various counterparts to Superman's rogues gallery
• Shadow Supreme serves as a negative version of the hero
• Optilux is a living light being with significant powers
• The heroes face challenges they can't simply punch their way through
• ⏳ Time Loop Concept (01:26:08 - 01:36:03)
• The comic features a time loop where Darius Dax becomes the meteor that gives Supreme his powers
• Supreme sees his past self, creating a stable time loop
• The hosts note that while time loops are common now, this was innovative in the mid-90s
• The League of Infinity adds to the time travel elements
• The hosts discuss how Moore keeps continuity coherent despite complex timeline issues

Meta-Commentary (01:36:04 - 01:45:32)

• The comic constantly references and comments on comics history
• Characters discuss the structure of comic books while living in one
• The book reconstructs superhero tropes rather than deconstructing them (unlike Watchmen)
• Alan Moore is described as being on an 'apology tour' for how Watchmen changed comics
• The series acknowledges and pokes fun at comic book conventions while embracing them

Final Plot Developments (01:45:32 - 01:54:22)

• Judy Jordan and her 'granddaughter' Hilda visit Citadel Supreme
• The drawing created by Hilda is revealed to be part of Darius Dax's plan
• Dax transfers his consciousness into Judy's body through nano-dust
• Supreme is trapped in the Hell of Mirrors as Dax takes control of the Citadel
• The plot twist reveals the 'child's drawing' had been a Chekhov's gun throughout the series

Conclusion and Reflections (01:54:22 - 02:11:44)

• The hosts discuss the significance of Supreme in comics history
• The comic is positioned as a reconstruction of Superman after the deconstruction era
• The series is praised for its humor, creativity, and meta-approach to comics
• The hosts recommend other Alan Moore works like Tom Strong
• The podcast ends with contact information for the hosts and guest Micah McCaw