Episode 147 - The Supergirl From Krypton with Alex and Amanda Ramsey

Supergirl crashes to Earth, and we’re ready to talk fashion, fights, and Fourth World politics.
Joined by Alex and Amanda from Night of the Batman, we revisit the iconic Superman/Batman arc “The Supergirl From Krypton” and its animated adaptation “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse”, but which version flies higher?

Check out Alex and Amanda’s stuff:
SSYSK LINK: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperheroSYSK

FLASHBACKS FLASH REWATCH POD: youtube.com/@flashbacksflashrewatchpod?si=y_c_SHnI9bKwu-Qz

NIGHT OF THE BATMEN: open.spotify.com/show/1od04JzRbU9OrePOyVbeOx?si=qRzXtTAcSjWholUYhjLRpw

OUR CROSSOVER WITH MEN OF STEEL: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-of-the-batmen-podcast/id1663635355?i=1000674213822

REVIEWMORE GIRLS GILMORE GIRLS REWATCH POD: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zhmdEqCNHiBqptKLpMuD8?si=qdTx5-D4QNa6T0NGs5fKRw

TANGENTIAL EXCHANGE POD: https://youtube.com/@thetangentialexchange6469?si=w2V6sZ2meB6ANLqQ

 

Overview

• Case criticized the decompressed storytelling in the comic, contrasting it with the more engaging 'Many Happy Returns' Supergirl story from 2022.
• Discussion highlighted Michael Turner's art style, emphasizing the influence of early 2000s teenage fashion depicted in character designs.
• Hosts noted that the first issue could have been condensed significantly, criticizing its pacing and structure.
• Superman's omitted kryptonite quarantine subplot from the movie adaptation raised concerns about character depth.
• Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy received praise for reprising their iconic roles, while mixed reviews were given to Ed Asner and Andre Brauer's performances.
• A debate on Wonder Woman's training methods questioned the conflict resolution techniques used within the storyline.
• Criticism arose over the implausibility of Batman defeating a Doomsday clone in the action sequences, situating him against a powerful foe.
• The significance of Superman’s kryptonite ring was analyzed, noting its implications on comic book continuity.
• The final Darkseid battle was deemed as unnecessary padding, detracting from the story's overall quality.
• Overall assessment categorized the comic as "mid" quality, recommending it over the movie for improved pacing and dialogue.

 

Notes

️ Opening & Introduction (00:00 - 11:18)

• Podcast introduction and guest welcome from Night of the Batman podcast
• Discussion of second major Superman Batman story arc following their previous crossover episode on Public Enemies
• Case's initial criticism of the comic's decompressed storytelling, comparing it unfavorably to the earlier 'Many Happy Returns' Supergirl story that came out 1.5 years prior
• Analysis of Jeph Loeb's writing style and tendency to retell existing stories, with comparison to Long Halloween vs. Eye of the Beholder

Art Style & Character Design Discussion (06:02 - 22:24)

• Michael Turner's artwork analysis, particularly his portrayal of Supergirl and the male gaze perspective in character design
• Debate over teenage fashion authenticity in early 2000s, with specific mention of Degrassi character Manny's influence on style choices
• Case's personal reflection on aging out of the target demographic at 22-23 years old when the comic was released
• Discussion of Batman's visual design and 'toyetic' appeal of his various gear throughout the story

Story Structure & Pacing Analysis (15:32 - 33:23)

• Critique of first issue's extreme decompression - could have been condensed to 5 pages according to hosts
• Analysis of Superman's quarantine subplot from kryptonite exposure, which was omitted from the movie adaptation
• Discussion of Batman's characterization and his collection of various colored kryptonite
• Comparison of Supergirl's introduction sequence between comic and movie versions

Character Development & Voice Acting (33:23 - 44:32)

• Praise for Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy reprising their animated series roles in the movie
• Mixed reactions to Ed Asner as Granny Goodness and criticism of Andre Brauer's rushed Darkseid performance
• Analysis of Krypto's characterization as more aggressive than traditional versions
• Discussion of Superman's uncharacteristically irrational behavior throughout the story

️ Plot Development & Action Sequences (44:32 - 01:06:47)

• Wonder Woman and Amazons' training approach debate, including the problematic conflict resolution method
• Analysis of the Doomsday army sequence and its implausibility - criticism of Batman defeating a Doomsday clone
• Discussion of Big Barda's introduction and her height representation differences between comic and movie
• Trinity argument analysis, particularly Superman's inappropriate Jason Todd/Donna Troy comment

Apocalypse Arc & Final Battle (01:06:48 - 01:18:02)

• Female Furies fight sequence comparison between mediums
• Batman's confrontation with Darkseid using hellspore threat as leverage
• Analysis of Superman's kryptonite ring usage and its comic book continuity
• Critique of final Darkseid battle as unnecessary padding for story length
• Discussion of ending differences between comic (heroic sacrifice) vs. movie (extended fight)

Final Analysis & Recommendations (01:18:02 - 01:24:29)

• Overall assessment: story is 'mid' quality, overly decompressed for the content
• Recommendation to read comic over watching movie due to better pacing and dialogue
• Acknowledgment that 4 issues would have been optimal length instead of 6
• Recognition of story's influence on modern Supergirl characterization going forward