Episode 144 - Silver Surfer / Superman with Logan Crowley

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 Perez. As the discussion unfolds, they explore the narrative twists involving characters like the Impossible Man and Mr. Mxyzptlk, engaging in debates about iconic character matchups and the significance of their unique abilities. The episode concludes with reflections on the crossover's implications, Logan's upcoming podcast launch, and an invitation for listeners to engage with their online community.

 

Notes

Introduction and DC vs Marvel Omnibus (00:00 - 09:43)

• Case Aiken and Jmike Folson welcome Discord community member Logan Crowley as guest
• Discussion focuses on recently published DC versus Marvel omnibus
• The group plans to discuss Silver Surfer Superman crossover from the 90s
• Logan mentions it feels surreal to be on the podcast as a fan
• Ron Lim highlighted as perfect artist for Silver Surfer comics
• George Perez noted as writer for this issue (though the hosts prefer his art to his writing)
• Logan shares touching personal story about meeting George Perez at a convention

Comic Setting and Character Power Levels (09:43 - 19:59)

• The comic features 90s 'Triangle era' Superman (post-Crisis, post-death)
• Superman is at his weakest power level compared to extremely powerful Silver Surfer
• Creative team: George Perez (writer) and Ron Lim (artist)
• Comic establishes two separate realities (Marvel and DC as different multiverses)
• The Contessa appears instead of Lex Luthor (specific to this Superman era)
• Silver Surfer's immense power emphasized - 'strides light year after light year in mere seconds'
• Silver Surfer discovers mysterious, rapidly evolving planet that shouldn't exist

Plot Setup and Character Situations (19:59 - 29:44)

• Superman finds himself apparently on Krypton (with John Byrne-style mushroom dress designs)
• Silver Surfer crash lands in Metropolis and causes destruction with his powers
• Superman's powers begin to fade due to mental blocks related to the red sun
• Superman realizes he's not actually on Krypton and his powers return
• Introduction of Klert the Super Skrull as Superman's opponent (though it's a fake-out)
• Discussion of how the 90s-era Superman depiction differs from other versions

Surfer in the Fortress and Character Revelations (29:44 - 39:35)

• Silver Surfer enters what appears to be Superman's Fortress of Solitude
• The Fortress attacks Surfer, first formally then with humor
• Mix of Fortress of Solitude and Batcave elements (dinosaur robot, giant coin)
• Superman realizes he's not actually fighting the real Super Skrull
• Brief glimpse of 'spaghetti-headed aliens' reveals the deception
• Superman punches 'Super Skrull' while shouting 'Game over imp' - suspecting Mr. Mxyzptlk
• Silver Surfer discovers Metropolis is bottled like the city of Kandor
• 🃏 Villain Reveal and Confrontation (39:35 - 49:00)
• Reveal of Impossible Man as the trickster (Marvel's equivalent to Mr. Mxyzptlk)
• Discussion of the Impossible Man's character origin and powers (shapeshifter from a world with many threats)
• Hosts theorize about possible connection between Impossible Man and Mr. Mxyzptlk
• Possible timeline where they could be the same fifth-dimensional being at different points
• Discussion of various incarnations of Mr. Mxyzptlk across different DC comics
• Impossible Man reveals his 'prank' of pretending to be Mr. Mxyzptlk to Superman

Imp Battle and Universe Crossover (49:00 - 58:37)

• Skrull armada now attacking the planet (plot point feels unexplained)
• Mr. Mxyzptlk reveals he didn't follow the 'rules' Impossible Man thought they had
• The imps begin transforming sections of reality into Marvel vs DC character battles
• Notable matchups include Hulk vs Doomsday, Thing vs Lobo, Wolverine vs Wonder Woman
• These are the only official comic panels of some of these matchups
• The hosts discuss which matchups they'd most want to see in full comics
• Debate about whether Wolverine or Wonder Woman would win their fight

Conflict Resolution and Farewell (58:37 - 01:08:10)

• Superman and Silver Surfer end up in same room together, fulfilling Mxyzptlk's conditions
• Silver Surfer uses Power Cosmic to restore Metropolis to full size (beyond Superman's abilities)
• Metropolis citizens initially cheer Superman but want to 'kill the alien' (Silver Surfer)
• Superman promises to set the record straight about Surfer's help
• Surfer returns to the alien planet where he's seen as a hero despite his reputation
• Superman and Silver Surfer part ways, appreciating meeting someone of similar power levels
• Their memories of the encounter will fade (allowing for story to exist despite contradicting other crossovers)

️ Analysis and Show Wrap-up (01:08:10 - 01:19:28)

• Hosts note it's unusual that Superman and Silver Surfer never fight each other in the comic
• Superman doesn't have top billing in this crossover (or the Hulk crossover)
• Discussion of Ron Lim's excellent art, particularly the kinetic quality of action scenes
• Logan shares details about his upcoming podcast 'Single Bound' focusing on individual comic issues
• J. Mike and Case provide their social media information and other podcast recommendations
• The hosts promote their YouTube channel and Discord community