by CertainPOV Media
From a Certain Point of View, Case Aiken and JMike Folson discuss Superman in all of his incarnations and homages. For people who love the Man of Steel and want to think critically about what the character represents.
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/10/2019
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1 available
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April 11, 2025
<div id="app-0"> <div><strong>Case and Jmike are joined by Doug Lief (from the Nostalgium Arcanum podcast) to talk about a family that's pretty super, The Incredibles!</strong></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Overview</strong> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div>In Podcast episode 142 of Men of Steel, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson, alongside guest Doug Lief, delve into a comprehensive analysis of Disney's The Incredibles through the lens of Superman fandom. They explore the film's connections to other superhero media, notably its references to 60s Batman and Fleischer Superman, while debating the film's overall tone, which Case describes as having an 'angry' directorial voice. The discussion emphasizes Mr. Incredible as a Superman analog, revealing how his secret identity as Bob Parr reflects an average man grappling with superhero responsibilities amid family dynamics. The team draws parallels between the family members' powers and their roles, likening the villain Syndrome to a failed fan archetype obsessed with eliminating exceptionalism. Additionally, they analyze the film's aging animation, contextualize its place in the superhero genre before the rise of the MCU, and celebrate its blend of action and relatable family themes. The episode culminates in discussing the film's unresolved questions about the necessity of superheroes in society, concluding that it adeptly balances the extraordinary with the everyday.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="app-1"> <div> </div> <div><strong>Notes</strong></div> <div> <div> <div> <div><strong>️ Introduction and Context (01:12 - 15:47)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Case Aiken and Jmike Folson host the Men of Steel podcast with guest Doug Lief</div> </li> <li> <div>The discussion focuses on Disney's The Incredibles (2004) from a Superman fan perspective</div> </li> <li> <div>Doug mentions the movie's connections to Watchmen and other superhero media</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts establish that the film is a love letter to superheroes with influences from 60s Batman, James Bond, and Fleischer Superman</div> </li> <li> <div>Case acknowledges he likes but doesn't love the movie, finding it has an 'angry' directorial voice</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ Mr. Incredible as Superman Analog (15:47 - 24:52)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The group analyzes Mr. Incredible (Bob Parr) as a Superman analog</div> </li> <li> <div>Bob Parr's name means 'average' - perfect for a secret identity</div> </li> <li> <div>His job at an insurance company creates dramatic irony (helping after harm vs. preventing it)</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts discuss Mr. Incredible's durability, strength, and physical capabilities</div> </li> <li> <div>The film explores the tension between superhero responsibility and family obligations</div> </li> <li> <div>The 'Bob Parr' identity has real value to him beyond just being a disguise</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong> Family Dynamics and Powers (24:52 - 39:20)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The Incredibles compared to Fantastic Four but with a nuclear family structure</div> </li> <li> <div>Each family member's powers serve as metaphors for their roles:</div> </li> <li> <div>Elastigirl must 'bend over backwards' for her family</div> </li> <li> <div>Violet wants to be invisible/blend in as a teenager</div> </li> <li> <div>Dash wants to show off and stand out with his speed</div> </li> <li> <div>Holly Hunter praised for her performance as Elastigirl</div> </li> <li> <div>The married couple dynamic shows mature flirtation and partnership</div> </li> <li> <div>Sarah Vowell's performance as Violet highlighted despite not being a professional actress</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Syndrome as Villain (39:20 - 54:00)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Syndrome analyzed as Jimmy Olsen gone evil or fan-turned-Lex Luthor</div> </li> <li> <div>His character represents fandom and mediocrity wanting to eliminate specialness</div> </li> <li> <div>Syndrome observes and counters heroes' weaknesses but fails to examine his own</div> </li> <li> <div>His fatal flaw is wearing a cape, which Edna Mode had warned against</div> </li> <li> <div>The group discusses connections to Alan Moore's works (Watchmen and Captain Britain)</div> </li> <li> <div>Syndrome's robot compared to the squid from Watchmen's ending</div> </li> <li> <div>Brad Bird reportedly denies Watchmen influence despite many parallels</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Jack-Jack and Supporting Characters (54:00 - 01:03:00)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Jack-Jack has godlike powers (17 documented in the sequel)</div> </li> <li> <div>Compared to Franklin Richards from Fantastic Four</div> </li> <li> <div>Jack-Jack helps defeat Syndrome at the end of the film</div> </li> <li> <div>Edna Mode (voiced by Brad Bird) praised as an excellent character</div> </li> <li> <div>Her role as the Q-like gadget designer who incorporates fashion</div> </li> <li> <div>The group discusses superhero costume design elements</div> </li> <li> <div>Frozone and his 'Where's my super suit?' scene mentioned</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Animation and Film Context (01:03:00 - 01:16:40)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The film's animation shows its age (from 2004) but holds up well due to stylization</div> </li> <li> <div>Technical limitations discussed (water effects, foliage, crowds)</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts note the film predates the MCU (2008) and Nolan's Batman (2005)</div> </li> <li> <div>The Incredibles came at a transition point for superhero cinema</div> </li> <li> <div>The movie successfully balances superhero action with relatable family dynamics</div> </li> <li> <div>Character designs discussed (Mr. Incredible's face based on a Roman helmet)</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Final Battle and Themes (01:16:40 - 01:26:47)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The Omnidroid battle showcases the family working together effectively</div> </li> <li> <div>Team power moves highlight each character's abilities and their coordination</div> </li> <li> <div>The question of 'do we need superheroes?' explored through the final battle</div> </li> <li> <div>Dash's athletic participation at the end (coming in second) compared to Superman hiding his abilities</div> </li> <li> <div>The film doesn't fully resolve questions about exceptional people's place in society</div> </li> <li> <div>The ending shows balance between superhero and ordinary life is beneficial</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Conclusions and Wrap-Up (01:26:47 - 01:38:04)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The Underminer appearance sets up the sequel and references Mole Man from Fantastic Four</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts appreciate the film's commentary on superhero tropes ('you caught me monologuing')</div> </li> <li> <div>The movie works well as both a superhero film and a family story</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion about how the film has aged and its historical context in superhero cinema</div> </li> <li> <div>Podcast information and social media contacts shared</div> </li> <li> <div>Recommendation for Books that Burn podcast from the Certain POV network</div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>
April 2, 2025
<div id="app-0"> <div><strong>Case and Jmike are joined by Micah McCaw to assess the Symbolism Supreme in Alan Moore's Supreme Story of the Year.</strong></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Overview</strong> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div>In episode 141 of the Men of Steel podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson, alongside guest Micah McCaw, delve into Alan Moore's influential 12-issue run on Supreme, titled "Supreme: The Story of the Year." They highlight the comic's groundbreaking nature upon its release in the mid-90s, reimagining Supreme—a character initially created by Rob Liefeld and akin to Superman—by incorporating innovative storytelling techniques, such as in-universe “revisions” of the character and comments on comic book history. The discussion spans various aspects of the series, including its artistic evolution through different illustrators and the provocative themes surrounding superhero relationships and villains. Notably, the podcast emphasizes Moore’s ability to blend humor with meta-narrative elements while maintaining continuity amidst complex plotlines, ultimately positioning Supreme as a celebrated reconstruction of traditional superhero narratives. As the hosts reflect on its significance, they recommend further explorations of Moore’s work, ensuring listeners are left with a comprehensive appreciation for the series and its impact on the comic book landscape.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div id="app-1"> <div><strong>Notes</strong></div> <div> <div> <div> <div><strong>Introduction to Supreme (00:50 - 11:43)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Case Aiken and Jmike Folson host the Men of Steel podcast with guest Micah McCaw</div> </li> <li> <div>The episode discusses Alan Moore's 12-issue run on Supreme, also known as 'Supreme: The Story of the Year'</div> </li> <li> <div>The comic was published in 1995-1996 and was considered groundbreaking at the time</div> </li> <li> <div>Supreme is described as a thinly veiled Superman analog with similar powers and characteristics</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts discuss how the book remained cutting edge for 20 years but now feels more commonplace</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ History of Supreme (11:43 - 25:55)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Supreme was originally created by Rob Liefeld as part of Image Comics' launch</div> </li> <li> <div>Before Alan Moore, Supreme was an amoral, extremely powerful character (a Superman analog)</div> </li> <li> <div>Moore took over with issue #41 and completely reimagined the character</div> </li> <li> <div>The comic features regular flashbacks to different eras of comics, parodying Superman's timeline</div> </li> <li> <div>The art style shifts between contemporary and classic/retro depending on the time period shown</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Art and Creative Teams (25:55 - 35:04)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Joe Bennett was the main artist, who would later work on Immortal Hulk</div> </li> <li> <div>Rick Veitch created the flashback sequences with distinct period-appropriate art styles</div> </li> <li> <div>Chris Sprouse joins as artist later in the run (only one issue in this collection)</div> </li> <li> <div>Alex Ross created promotional art and cover designs for Supreme</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts note that the art quality is inconsistent throughout the series</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>The Revision Concept (35:04 - 45:50)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The comic introduces 'revisions' - an in-universe explanation for continuity changes</div> </li> <li> <div>Supreme visits the 'Supremacy' where all previous versions of himself exist after being revised out</div> </li> <li> <div>The concept explains why comic characters change over time</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts discuss the meta-narrative of comics existing within a comics universe</div> </li> <li> <div>Ethan Crane (Supreme's alter ego) works as a comic artist in his civilian identity</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Supreme's Universe (45:50 - 57:54)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The Citadel Supreme is Supreme's Fortress of Solitude equivalent</div> </li> <li> <div>The Allied Supremes of America is the Justice Society/Justice League analog</div> </li> <li> <div>Supreme has his own version of supporting characters like Lois Lane (Diana Dane)</div> </li> <li> <div>The book features extensive flashbacks to previous eras of comics history</div> </li> <li> <div>Issue #44 features EC Comics-style horror hosts challenging superheroes, explaining why heroes fell out of favor</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Supernatural Elements (57:54 - 01:06:50)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Supreme's origin involves exposure to a radioactive meteor (Supremium)</div> </li> <li> <div>The League of Infinity includes heroes from throughout time periods including Achilles, Bill Hickok, and Aladdin</div> </li> <li> <div>The book includes various dimensions including the Hell of Mirrors and Amolinth (a photo world)</div> </li> <li> <div>The creative use of Supreme's powers includes his 'consciousness expanding' rather than using telescopic vision</div> </li> <li> <div>Goral the Living Galaxy serves as a Galactus-type cosmic entity</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Relationships and Romance (01:06:50 - 01:17:03)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Issue #50 explores Supreme's dating life and potential relationships</div> </li> <li> <div>Three scenarios show why relationships don't work for superheroes: domestication, exploitation, or conflict</div> </li> <li> <div>Diana Dane is positioned as Supreme's potential love interest</div> </li> <li> <div>The issue offers meta-commentary on why superheroes rarely maintain stable relationships</div> </li> <li> <div>Chris Sprouse's art in this issue is praised as superior to earlier issues</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Villains and Antagonists (01:17:03 - 01:26:08)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Darius Dax is Supreme's Lex Luthor equivalent and main antagonist</div> </li> <li> <div>The comic features various counterparts to Superman's rogues gallery</div> </li> <li> <div>Shadow Supreme serves as a negative version of the hero</div> </li> <li> <div>Optilux is a living light being with significant powers</div> </li> <li> <div>The heroes face challenges they can't simply punch their way through</div> </li> <li> <div>⏳ Time Loop Concept (01:26:08 - 01:36:03)</div> </li> <li> <div>The comic features a time loop where Darius Dax becomes the meteor that gives Supreme his powers</div> </li> <li> <div>Supreme sees his past self, creating a stable time loop</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts note that while time loops are common now, this was innovative in the mid-90s</div> </li> <li> <div>The League of Infinity adds to the time travel elements</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts discuss how Moore keeps continuity coherent despite complex timeline issues</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Meta-Commentary (01:36:04 - 01:45:32)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The comic constantly references and comments on comics history</div> </li> <li> <div>Characters discuss the structure of comic books while living in one</div> </li> <li> <div>The book reconstructs superhero tropes rather than deconstructing them (unlike Watchmen)</div> </li> <li> <div>Alan Moore is described as being on an 'apology tour' for how Watchmen changed comics</div> </li> <li> <div>The series acknowledges and pokes fun at comic book conventions while embracing them</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Final Plot Developments (01:45:32 - 01:54:22)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Judy Jordan and her 'granddaughter' Hilda visit Citadel Supreme</div> </li> <li> <div>The drawing created by Hilda is revealed to be part of Darius Dax's plan</div> </li> <li> <div>Dax transfers his consciousness into Judy's body through nano-dust</div> </li> <li> <div>Supreme is trapped in the Hell of Mirrors as Dax takes control of the Citadel</div> </li> <li> <div>The plot twist reveals the 'child's drawing' had been a Chekhov's gun throughout the series</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Conclusion and Reflections (01:54:22 - 02:11:44)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The hosts discuss the significance of Supreme in comics history</div> </li> <li> <div>The comic is positioned as a reconstruction of Superman after the deconstruction era</div> </li> <li> <div>The series is praised for its humor, creativity, and meta-approach to comics</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts recommend other Alan Moore works like Tom Strong</div> </li> <li> <div>The podcast ends with contact information for the hosts and guest Micah McCaw</div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>
March 12, 2025
<div id="app-0"> <div><strong>Years ago, Case wrote a radio script that crossed over Superman with The Shadow. Now, he's gathered a host of actors to read it with full orchestration and foley! </strong></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Overview</strong> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div>In the Creative Collaboration and Script Reading meeting titled "The Shadow Meets Superman in The Searing Silhouette," hosted by Case Aiken and Jmike Folson, participants including Rachel Quirky Schenk, Geoff Moonen, Olivia Gilliatt, Ben Goldsmith, Peter Coleman, and Sarah Moonen engaged in a collaborative reading of the script. The meeting began with introductions and role assignments, followed by a two-part reading that introduced the characters of The Shadow and Superman, set against the backdrop of a major metropolitan law firm and a kidnapping plot. The discussion segment allowed participants to share feedback on the script, explore its historical context, and draw comparisons with other media crossovers. Additionally, tangential discussions covered related topics, such as pinball machines and potential sequels. The meeting concluded with a wrap-up where participants exchanged final thoughts and social media information, and Case Aiken outlined the action items, including editing the script for sound effects and encouraging ongoing conversations in a dedicated Discord server.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div id="app-1"> <div><strong>Notes</strong></div> <div> <div> <div> <div><strong>Introduction and Script Reading (00:00 - 09:24)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Case Aiken introduces the Men of Steel podcast</div> </li> <li> <div>Participants introduced: Rachel Quirky Schenk, Geoff Moonen, Olivia Gilliatt, Ben Goldsmith, Peter Coleman, Sarah Moonen</div> </li> <li> <div>Jmike Folson as co-host</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Script Reading Part 1 (09:24 - 18:08)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Reading of 'The Shadow meets Superman in the searing silhouette' script begins</div> </li> <li> <div>Introduction of characters: Lamont Cranston (The Shadow), Margo Lane</div> </li> <li> <div>Setting established: Major metropolitan law firm</div> </li> <li> <div>Kidnapping plot introduced</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Script Reading Part 2 (18:08 - 28:35)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Superman's introduction in the script</div> </li> <li> <div>Crossover between The Shadow and Superman storylines</div> </li> <li> <div>Investigation of the kidnapping case</div> </li> <li> <div>Interaction between Clark Kent and Margo Lane</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ Discussion and Feedback (28:35 - 40:33)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Participants share thoughts on the script reading</div> </li> <li> <div>Case Aiken explains script background and influences</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of radio show era and character portrayals</div> </li> <li> <div>Comparison to other media crossovers</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Tangential Discussions (40:33 - 49:08)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Conversation about pinball machines related to The Shadow</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion about potential sequels or extensions of the script</div> </li> <li> <div>Participants share personal experiences and connections to the material</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Wrap-up and Social Media (49:08 - 58:48)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Final thoughts from participants</div> </li> <li> <div>Sharing of social media handles and upcoming projects</div> </li> <li> <div>Case Aiken provides contact information and podcast details</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of Discord server for further conversations</div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="app-2"> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>
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