Men of Steel
CertainPOV Media
Recent Episodes
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.
#MenOfSteelPod #WorldsFinest #Superman #Batman #DCComics #ComicsPodcast #KrisIngersoll
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Men of Steel Full Episode
Originally aired: December 5, 2025
Edited by Sophia Ricciardi
Scored by Geoff Moonen
Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4
PODCAST SHOWS:
▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel
FOLLOW US:
▶ Twitter: @certainpovmedia @menofsteelpod
▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia
Outline
️ Introduction to Podcast and Guests (00:00 - 02:51)
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Hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson introduce the episode and guest Kris Ingersoll, who runs a Batman podcast and co-hosts Media Lit podcast.
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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)
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The miniseries releases shortly after Crisis on Infinite Earths and John Byrne's Man of Steel reboot (1986).
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Post-Dark Knight Returns, Batman and Superman's relationship had changed, characterized by distance rather than camaraderie.
️ Plot Overview (05:34 - 08:14)
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Lex Luthor and Joker team up to take over Gotham and Metropolis with intertwined but largely separate schemes.
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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)
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Discussion of story pacing issues: The narrative is elongated with side elements (e.g., orphan kids) that do not cohesively tie in.
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Emphasis on character moments over tight plotting.
Initial Impressions and Artistic Elements (11:34 - 17:59)
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Chris praises the visual storytelling and art, referencing the use of parallel imagery and distinctive flashback watercolor style.
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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)
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Joker portrayed in a "zany," less menacing mode, more a prankster than murderously malicious.
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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)
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Lois Lane and Bruce Wayne's interactions highlight mutual suspicion and gradual respect.
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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)
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Orphanage is a thematic midpoint between Gotham and Metropolis, symbolizing shared orphan backgrounds of Batman, Superman, and villain.
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The book emphasizes orphans and legacy but does not fully develop these thematic elements.
Technical and Artistic Praise (50:27 - 52:58)
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Art and character design praised for classic yet fresh look; great use of tableau pages showing Gotham and Metropolis.
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Noted the Batmobile's stylish design and Batman's athletic, sleek physique.
Character in Action: Batman and Superman (52:58 - 59:55)
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Batman characterized as efficient, brutal, and action-focused. His use of Batarangs and disguises recognized as authentic.
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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)
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Memorable moments include Superman carrying a nuclear reactor into space to save Metropolis.
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Subtle details such as Clark Kent's mannerisms and investigative approach noted.
Overall Assessment and Legacy (01:09:46 - 01:14:36)
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The miniseries serves as a valuable snapshot of Batman and Superman dynamics post-Crisis and pre-mid-90s crossovers.
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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)
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Guests share social media handles and podcast info.
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Hosts plug "Trade School" podcast and Certain POV Discord for further comic discussions.
No guests this time — just Case and Jmike diving into Naomi, both the first comic volume by Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker, and Jamal Campbell, and the CW pilot it inspired! We unpack her origins, the themes of identity and legacy, and how this new hero fits into the Superman-adjacent universe.
Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia
Men of Steel Full Episode
Originally aired: November 21, 2025
Edited by Sophia Ricciardi
Scored by Geoff Moonen
Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4
PODCAST SHOWS:
▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel
FOLLOW US:
▶ Twitter: @certainpovmedia @menofsteelpod
▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia
Outline
️ Introduction and Topic Setup (00:00 - 10:36)- Discussion opens with commentary on a break-in scenario as a humorous analogy.
- Hosts introduce the podcast episode focused on Naomi, a comic series and its TV adaptation.
- Case shares his late discovery of Naomi via Superman comics.
- Discussion of typical Brian Michael Bendis storytelling traits and Naomi's origin story.
- Discussion of the comic's minimal action narrative; Naomi only fights once near the end.
- Critique of the pacing and suggestions for narrative recap.
- Hosts express strong disappointment with the Naomi TV series.
- Exploration of key changes from comic to show, including character depth.
- Further criticism of the TV show's deviation from comic lore.
- Exploration of Naomi's 'Mary Sue' characterization and visual production issues.
- Frustration with the show's pacing and poor adaptation of comic's style.
- Suggestions for animated series instead of live action.
- Reflection on comic's pacing translating into TV episodic structure.
- Challenges of stretching limited content to a full season.
- Overall enjoyment of the comic despite flaws and disapproval of the TV show.
- Hope for future projects that better capture the comic's qualities.
- Hosts encourage listeners to read the comic and promote Patreon.
- Plug for Case's new podcast project Trade School.
This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined once again by Logan Crowley to dive into the back half of Alan Moore's Supreme saga — Supreme: The Return! We explore how Moore redefined heroism through metafiction, nostalgia, and some of the boldest Superman-adjacent storytelling of the '90s.
Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia
Men of Steel Full Episode
Originally aired: November 8, 2025
Edited by Sophia Ricciardi
Scored by Geoff Moonen
Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4
PODCAST SHOWS:
▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel
FOLLOW US:
▶ Twitter: @certainpovmedia @menofsteelpod
▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia
Outline Introduction and Context Setting on Supreme Comic Series (00:00 - 10:00)- Discussed the Alan Moore run on Supreme comics, focusing on the second volume, Supreme: The Return and its relation to the initial story, Supreme: The Story of the Year.
- Introduced guest Logan Crowley and recapped the original Story of the Year to bring listeners up to speed.
- Explored themes, characters, and narrative arcs of Supreme: The Return in granular detail.
- Noted meta-narrative techniques, cultural references, inconsistencies, tonal shifts, and artistic variations issue by issue.
- Critiqued the inconsistent artwork across different issues and artists including Rick Veitch, Chris Sprouse, Jim Starlin, Ian Churchill, and Matt Smith.
- Noted the impact of publisher issues and artist changes on overall series cohesion and visual storytelling.
- Discussed controversial storylines such as the Confederacy winning the Civil War due to Wild Bill Hickok's actions and its culturally sensitive implications.
- Analyzed dated humor and some problematic depictions reflecting 1990s sensibilities.
- Discussed thematic motifs like closed time loops, meta-fictional elements, homage to classic Silver Age Superman narratives, and the contrast with other Alan Moore works like Tom Strong.
- Explored the balance between classic superhero optimism vs. cynicism leaking through the narrative.
- Elaborated on the roles of various supporting characters enhancing the Supreme mythos like Judy Jordan, Diana Dane, and Radar the canine hero.
- Highlighted the influence on later comics and the impact on the Superman archetype and analog characters.
- Logan Crowley shared fresh perspectives, especially on the nostalgic value and unique features of Supreme.
- J. Mike and Case Aiken reflected on the series' strengths and weaknesses as longtime fans and comic enthusiasts.
- Promoted related podcasts like Single Bound and Trade School and thanked Patreon supporters.
- Encouraged listeners to engage with the content and share their thoughts.
This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike sit down with legendary comics writer J.M. DeMatteis to talk about his incredible career and his thoughts on the Man of Steel himself. From Kraven's Last Hunt to Justice League International and beyond, we dive into storytelling, spirituality, and what makes Superman such an enduring symbol of hope.
#MenOfSteelPod #JMDeMatteis #Superman #DCComics #ComicsPodcast #SupermanAdjacent
Support us on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia
Men of Steel Full Episode
Originally aired: October 24, 2025
Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Scored by Geoff Moonen Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you!
Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4
PODCAST SHOWS:
▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel
FOLLOW US:
▶ Twitter: @certainpovmedia @menofsteelpod
▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia
Outline Introduction (00:00 - 00:10)- Introduction and discussion about J.M. DeMatteis' prolific career.
- Discussion on writing styles (Marvel style vs. full script) and collaborative relationships.
- J.M. DeMatteis shares his creative origins and early career struggles.
- Breakthrough into comics through short stories and TV writing with The Twilight Zone.
- His iconic Justice League International run with Keith Giffen.
- Creative chemistry with collaborators and evolution of their working relationship.
- Discussion of Marvel runs including Maximum Carnage and Clone Saga.
- Perspectives on long crossovers and storytelling challenges.
- Work with less-known characters like Booster Gold and Blue Beetle in Justice League International.
- Character development freedom with lesser-known heroes and influence on DC Universe.
- Focus on Superman-related work, especially Speeding Bullets Elseworlds story.
- Discussion on Superman's character, symbolism, and challenges in keeping him human.
- Current and upcoming projects including the DeMultiverse Kickstarter series.
- Discussion on Spider-Man 94, prose novellas, and Batman: Caped Crusader animated series.
- J.M. DeMatteis adeptly switches between Marvel style (detailed plotting first) and full scripting based on collaborators and creative needs, emphasizing writer-artist synergy.
- His early career involved overcoming harsh rejections and learning from editors like Paul Levitz and Len Wein, highlighting the necessity of a 'hard head and thick skin' in freelancing.
- The seminal Justice League International run was a product of rare chemistry and creative freedom between DeMatteis, Keith Giffen, and Kevin Maguire, elevating offbeat characters.
- He described iconic runs like Kraven's Last Hunt as successful but unplanned monumental works, and underscored the importance of the artist in storytelling and the emotional core of heroism in Maximum Carnage.
- DeMatteis expresses deep intimacy with characters like Peter Parker and Ben Reilly, treating them like real people and always seeking fresh narrative insights in revisiting familiar characters.
- Defines writing Superman as being 'in his heart' rather than just his mind, focusing on his decency, charm, and symbolic importance as cultural moral paragon and hopeful figure.
- Embracing Kickstarter for creator-owned projects like DeMultiverse, balancing traditional publishing with creative independence and audience engagement. Discusses upcoming projects including a Spider-Man miniseries and involvement in animated shows.
- Reflects on evolving trends such as Elseworlds and multiverse storytelling saturation, and the need to refresh narrative approaches.
- Notes enthusiasm from younger generations discovering older works like Justice League International, reinforcing enduring appeal.
This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined once again by friend of the show JD Martin to talk about the 2010 animated super-comedy Megamind! We dig into its sharp humor, surprisingly heartfelt themes, and why this blue-skinned "villain" might be one of the most Superman-adjacent characters DreamWorks ever created.
#MenOfSteelPod #Megamind #SupermanAdjacent #JDmartin #Animation #SuperheroMovies
Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia
Men of Steel Full Episode
Originally aired: October 10, 2025
Edited by Sophia Ricciardi
Scored by Geoff Moonen
Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you!
Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4
PODCAST SHOWS:
▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel
FOLLOW US:
▶ Twitter: @certainpovmedia @menofsteelpod
▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia
▶ Website: https://www.certainpov.com
Outline Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00 - 02:00)- Discussion starts with a humorous observation of the misspelling of 'Titan' throughout the film.
- Hosts: Case Aiken and J. Mike Folson, with returning guest J.D. Martin.
- JD relates personal experience watching the movie during a back pain episode.
- He praises the voice cast: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, and Brad Pitt.
- Discussion of the main characters and voice actors: Will Ferrell as Megamind praised for his comedic timing.
- Tina Fey as Roxanne Ritchi, the strong Lois Lane archetype.
- Soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and Lauren Balfe well received for blending classic superhero score with many rock needle drops.
- Noted needle drops include 'Highway to Hell,' 'Back in Black,' 'Crazy Train,' and 'Bad to the Bone.'
- Minion, Megamind's pet, is highlighted as a great comic sidekick balancing Krypto and Otis-type roles.
- The film's dense joke rate is praised in comparison to sitcom qualities.
- Discussion appreciates that the Superman analog Metro Man faking his death and quitting is a strong story beat.
- Titan's rise and subsequent villainy highlighted as key to forcing Megamind into the hero role.
- The endgame where Megamind takes on the identity of the hero (Metro Man) using disguises is highlighted.
- Love story between Megamind and Roxanne praised as a slow burn and effective emotional core.
- Megamind's release context: 2010, alongside Iron Man 2, Toy Story 3, and before MCU dominance.
- Positioned as a parody, deconstruction, and love letter to superhero genre before the MCU explosion.
- Recognition of Patreon supporters and invitation to join.
- Tribute to actor Terence Stamp (General Zod in Superman films) who passed away on recording day.
- Inverts the traditional Superman archetype by showing a villain becoming a hero.
- Notable performances, especially Will Ferrell as Megamind and Tina Fey as Roxanne Ritchi.
- Jonah Hill's character adds a darker twist on typical sidekick tropes.
- A hallmark of DreamWorks animated movies aimed at older kids and adults.
- Surprisingly well-executed and impactful, elevating the animated action to near live-action standards.
- Well-paced with a high joke-per-minute ratio making it enjoyable for multiple viewings.
- From villain to hero effectively supported by strong thematic elements, including friendship, identity, and redemption.
- Before the MCU boom, making it a timely and insightful satire and love letter to superhero media.
- Tribute to Terence Stamp and encouragement for listeners to join broader fandoms through podcasts and social media.