Episode 159 - World's Finest (1990) with Kris Ingersoll

This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined by Kris Ingersoll (Media/Lit, Batman By The Numbers) to talk about the 1990 World’s Finest miniseries! We dig into how this story redefined the dynamic between Superman and Batman, the tone of early ’90s DC, and why this team-up still holds up decades later.

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Men of Steel Full Episode

Originally aired: December 5, 2025

Edited by Sophia Ricciardi

Scored by Geoff Moonen

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Outline

️ Introduction to Podcast and Guests (00:00 - 02:51)

• Hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson introduce the episode and guest Kris Ingersoll, who runs a Batman podcast and co-hosts Media Lit podcast.

• Topic: The 1990 DC Comics miniseries World's Finest by Dave Gibbons and Steve Rood.

Contextual Background of the 1990 World's Finest (02:51 - 05:34)

• The miniseries releases shortly after Crisis on Infinite Earths and John Byrne’s Man of Steel reboot (1986).

• Post-Dark Knight Returns, Batman and Superman’s relationship had changed, characterized by distance rather than camaraderie.

️ Plot Overview (05:34 - 08:14)

• Lex Luthor and Joker team up to take over Gotham and Metropolis with intertwined but largely separate schemes.

• Batman and Superman investigate, culminating in events involving an orphanage, a nuclear reactor, and city-wide explosions.

Decompression and Story Structure Critique (08:14 - 11:34)

• Discussion of story pacing issues: The narrative is elongated with side elements (e.g., orphan kids) that do not cohesively tie in.

• Emphasis on character moments over tight plotting.

Initial Impressions and Artistic Elements (11:34 - 17:59)

• Chris praises the visual storytelling and art, referencing the use of parallel imagery and distinctive flashback watercolor style.

• Noted the deliberate design choices to echo Silver Age and Max Fleischer era Superman and early Batman.

‍️ Characterization of Villains and Supporting Cast (17:59 - 30:39)

• Joker portrayed in a “zany," less menacing mode, more a prankster than murderously malicious.

• Lex Luthor features a robotic hand and operates like a mob boss, balancing businessman and villain traits.

Character Dynamics and Relationships (30:39 - 40:21)

• Lois Lane and Bruce Wayne’s interactions highlight mutual suspicion and gradual respect.

• Batman and Superman’s knowledge of each other’s secret identities is subtle initially, revealed more overtly in third issue.

️ Themes and Continuity Notes (40:21 - 50:27)

• Orphanage is a thematic midpoint between Gotham and Metropolis, symbolizing shared orphan backgrounds of Batman, Superman, and villain.

• The book emphasizes orphans and legacy but does not fully develop these thematic elements.

Technical and Artistic Praise (50:27 - 52:58)

• Art and character design praised for classic yet fresh look; great use of tableau pages showing Gotham and Metropolis.

• Noted the Batmobile’s stylish design and Batman’s athletic, sleek physique.

Character in Action: Batman and Superman (52:58 - 59:55)

• Batman characterized as efficient, brutal, and action-focused. His use of Batarangs and disguises recognized as authentic.

• Superman rendered as powerful but more grounded Burn era 'cop,' balancing investigative journalism and heroic strength.

Artistic and Thematic Highlights (59:55 - 01:09:46)

• Memorable moments include Superman carrying a nuclear reactor into space to save Metropolis.

• Subtle details such as Clark Kent’s mannerisms and investigative approach noted.

Overall Assessment and Legacy (01:09:46 - 01:14:36)

• The miniseries serves as a valuable snapshot of Batman and Superman dynamics post-Crisis and pre-mid-90s crossovers.

• While the narrative is considered "vibes-over-story," the series offers essential character moments, iconic imagery, and era-specific continuity.

Conclusion and Promotions (01:14:36 - 01:19:44)

• Guests share social media handles and podcast info.

• Hosts plug “Trade School” podcast and Certain POV Discord for further comic discussions.