Episode 162 - Legends of Dead Earth: The Adventures of Superman with Frank Hernandez

This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined by Frank Hernandez to discuss the Legends of Dead Earth annual for The Adventures of Superman. We unpack how the story explores an oppressed people who’ve been gaslit into believing they were the villains—and the role Superman plays in revealing the truth, restoring history, and reframing heroism in a broken world.

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Men of Steel Full Episode

Originally aired: February 6, 2026

Edited by Sophia Ricciardi

Scored by Geoff Moonen

 

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Outline

 

️ Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00 - 01:40)

 

Hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson introduce the episode of the Men of Steel podcast.

 

Special guest Frank Hernandez, actor known for Star Wars Revelations and Farragut projects, joins to discuss the 1996 'Legends of Dead Earth' annual for Adventures of Superman.

 

Context Setting: Legends of Dead Earth Event and Superman Annual (01:40 - 03:40)

 

Explanation of the 1996 DC Comics event: not a traditional crossover but annual issues connected with a future after Earth’s death.

 

Connection of this Superman annual to prior Men of Steel conversations, especially referencing the Man of Steel miniseries and the Supergirl annual.

 

Plot Summary and Story Explanation (03:40 - 08:00)

 

J. Mike explains the story: a future alien (Willig) discovers a Jor-El hologram crystal that downloads Superman’s legacy into his mind.

 

Willig mistakes himself for Superman and tries to live up to that heroism amid a slave-like alien society oppressed by space pirates called the Sarkons.

 

Introduction of Characters and Setting Details (08:00 - 13:00)

 

The Sarkons are space pirates enslaving the Kirati race.

 

Willig adopts a homemade Superman costume inspired by the crystal's data.

 

️ Willig’s Character Development and Conflict (13:00 - 18:00)

 

Willig’s blue-collar background and family life portrayed humorously but insightfully.

 

His assumption of the Superman mantle is both a personal awakening and rebellion against the slave narrative imposed by the Sarkons.

 

Climax and Resolution Summary (18:00 - 23:00)

 

Willig confronts his oppressors and is ultimately killed, delivering a heroic speech before dying.

 

The story is capped with a statue commemorating Willig as a hero, echoing Superman’s mythos.

 

Critical Analysis and Reflection (23:00 - 27:00)

 

Discussion about the story’s condensed nature—could have been a longer arc.

 

The story is a science fiction parable about oppression, mythology, and heroism.

 

Social and Mythological Themes (27:00 - 33:00)

 

The story deals with themes of historical revisionism, systemic oppression, and the reclaiming of heroism by the oppressed.

 

Reflections on how Superman stories absorb and reflect cultural values and how myth evolves through retelling.

 

️ Dated Elements and Audience (33:00 - 44:00)

 

One-dimensional villainy discussed; space pirates having a 'district manager' seen as anachronistic or odd.

 

Possible target audience as younger readers.

 

Legends of Dead Earth’s Format and Distribution (44:00 - 50:30)

 

The story’s place in DC’s publication history noted.

 

Availability issues raised: this issue not currently on the DC Universe app, unlike other annuals.

 

Closing and Guest Information (50:30 - 55:42)

 

Frank Hernandez shares updates on his production company, Elysian Sky Productions, work with AI music, and upcoming Farragut projects.

 

Hosts share social media and Patreon information.