Episode 148 - Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man with Adam Lance Garcia

On this episode of Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined by nerd about town Adam Lance Garcia to dive into one of the perenial crossovers of the '70s: Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man! We talk tabloid-sized team-ups, Bronze Age bravado, and what happens when DC and Marvel let their icons share a skyline. Who wins? … I mean… It’s Superman. It’s obviously Superman. But that said, it’s a blast of a conversation, so tune in, True Believers!

Check out Adam's Stuff:

The Green Lama: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-green-lama/id1593061792

From A Certain Point of View: https://a.co/d/fiY396f

 

Overview

• Adam Lance Garcia, an established Star Wars author, shares his early fandom of Superman sparked by the 1976 Christopher Reeve film and its lasting influence on his work.
• The 1976 Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man marks the first DC/Marvel superhero crossover with a creative team that includes Gerry Conway and Stan Lee, highlighting its historical significance in comic book history.
• The story features a 92-page length with 36 pages dedicated to prologues to set character dynamics effectively, a considerable feat for comics at that time.
• Character interactions are facilitated by a news convention setting, notably altering the traditional roles of Superman as he works as a TV anchor at GBS.
• Lex Luthor emerges as the primary villain, while Doc Ock's role remains secondary, demonstrating the power dynamics within the narrative.
• Unique plot devices, such as a red sun ray that allows Spider-Man to challenge Superman, illustrate creative solutions for character conflicts.
• The discussion reveals dated elements in the narrative, particularly an Africa sequence deemed problematic, albeit 'well-intentioned' for its time.
• Comparisons to superior crossovers like JLA/Avengers emphasize shortcomings in Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, particularly regarding character integration and narrative depth.
• Iconic moments in the comic, including Spider-Man’s ineffective punches and Peter Parker saving Lois Lane, highlight successful character interactions that resonate with fans.

Notes

️ Podcast Introduction & Guest Background (00:00 - 03:10)

• Case Aiken and Jmike Folson host Men of Steel podcast discussing Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man
• Adam Lance Garcia joins as guest, established Star Wars author with extensive comic book background
• Superman was Garcia's first fandom, introduced through 1976 Christopher Reeve film, called it 'Super S' as child

Comic Book Historical Context (04:31 - 53:25)

• Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man (1976) - first DC/Marvel superhero crossover, technically second collaboration after Wizard of Oz project
• Creative team: Gerry Conway (writer), Ross Andrew (artist), Dick Giordano (inker), Carmine Infantino and Stan Lee (editors)
• Neal Adams uncredited for redrawing Superman panels, John Romita Sr. redrew Marvel character faces for house style consistency
• 92-page story with 36 pages of prologues - significant length for 1976 comic

Story Structure Analysis (11:49 - 24:04)

• Three prologues establish characters: Superman vs. giant robot, Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock, villains team up in prison
• Main story set at news convention in New York, allows natural meeting of characters
• Superman working as TV anchor at GBS (not Daily Planet reporter) creates awkward dynamic for classic Superman storytelling

️ Character Dynamics & Plot Elements (47:12 - 01:44:08)

• Lex Luthor dominates as alpha villain, Dr. Octopus relegated to secondary role throughout story
• Red sun ray device allows Spider-Man to physically fight Superman by weakening him
• Plot contrivances include fake Superman kidnapping Lois Lane and Mary Jane to force hero conflict

️ Problematic Elements Discussion (01:49:59 - 01:30:03)

• Africa sequence identified as dated and problematic, though noted as 'well-intentioned' for its era
• Ms./Miss distinction scene between Mary Jane and Lois Lane reflects 1970s women's liberation discourse
• Various plot holes and inconsistencies discussed, including gravity fight scene logic

Crossover Comparisons (01:05:02 - 01:20:54)

• JLA/Avengers by Busiek and Perez cited as superior crossover example with lasting consequences
• Superman/Hulk crossover praised for using iconic character versions rather than current continuity
• Batman/Captain America crossover noted for better integration of characters' respective worlds

Positive Aspects Highlighted (01:06:14 - 01:19:30)

• Iconic moments: Spider-Man punching ineffectively at Superman, two-page spread of first encounter
• Peter Parker saving Lois Lane scene appreciated as natural universe mixing
• J. Jonah Jameson and Morgan Edge drinking scene shows potential for character interactions

Historical Significance (53:53 - 01:38:37)

• Comic serves as important archaeological artifact showing evolution of crossover storytelling
• Earth Dollar Sign - joking designation for shared universe setting
• Foundation for future DC/Marvel collaborations despite narrative shortcomings