Men of Steel

• Episode 152 - The Legion: Foundations with Jim Fetters, Jay McKiernan, and Chris Batista

  In this special crossover episode of Men of Steel, we kick off a two-part team-up with the Long Live the Legion podcast! We’re diving into “Foundations,” the early 2000s arc from The Legion—with special guests Jim and Jay from LLtL and the artist of the arc himself, Chris Batista! Together, we explore Superman’s legacy in the 31st century, the evolving identity of the Legion, and what it was like illustrating this future-forward storyline. Part 2 continues on Long Live the Legion—don’t miss it! Overview Case Aiken introduces crossover episode, featuring Jmike Folson, Jim Fetters, Jay McKiernan, and Chris Batista discussing the Legion of Superheroes 'Foundations' arc, celebrating its 45th anniversary. The plot centers on Darkseid snatching people from time to harness dark matter, with the Legion uncovering Superboy during the investigation. DNA (Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning) established as the core writing team; their earlier success with Marvel's cosmic stories enhances credibility. Chris Batista expresses concern over technology portrayal, advocating for a more advanced depiction of the Legion compared to Justice League. The Legion World headquarters is praised for its futuristic elements like replicated home worlds and teleportation gates. Despite rising sales and positive fan response, the series faced cancellation, causing frustration as issue 25 became the second-best selling of the series with a 25% readership increase. Character designs for the Servants of Darkness were mostly created by Chris Batista, with a conscious effort to maintain Kirby's aesthetic. Superboy's dual role as both Legion member and connection to Titans was anticipated, reflecting long-time fan expectations for character involvement. Kid Quantum is recognized as the first female leader of color in the Legion, showcasing character dynamics and development alongside Cosmic Boy. The evolution of Superboy's design aimed to match Teen Titans appearances, highlighting editorial influence on character aesthetics.   Notes ️ Podcast Introduction and Setup (00:00 - 02:09) Case Aiken introduces the Men of Steel podcast crossover episode with Long Live the Legion podcast, featuring co-host Jmike Folson and guests Jim Fetters, Jay McKiernan, and artist Chris Batista. Discussion focuses on Legion of Superheroes 'Foundations' arc, specifically issue 25 which serves as both story continuation and 45th anniversary celebration. Chris Batista reveals behind-the-scenes details about working as lead artist on the arc, noting DC doesn't produce this Legion continuity anymore so he can speak freely. Story Overview and Context (02:09 - 09:54) Jmike Folson summarizes the Foundations plot: people being snatched from time by Darkseid to steal dark matter for restarting Apokolips, with Legion discovering Superboy during investigation of warp phantoms. DNA (Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning) established as the writing team, with connections drawn to their later successful Marvel cosmic work including Guardians of the Galaxy. Legion Lost miniseries and Legion Worlds established crucial backstory, with 25 issues of world-building leading to this commemorative arc. ️ Technology and World-Building Discussion (09:54 - 16:05) Chris Batista expresses frustration with Paul Levitz rejecting advanced technology concepts for Legion, arguing they should appear far more advanced than Justice League. Legion World headquarters praised as major advancement - a planet with replicated home worlds and teleportation gates, making Legion feel appropriately futuristic. Discussion of how DNA run embraced technological advancement while previous runs kept Legion at similar tech level to 20th century heroes. Character Design and Development (01:01:03 - 01:24:10) Chris reveals Servants of Darkness designs were largely his creation except for Orion, with specific mentions of including Firestorm, White Martian, Lobo, Green Lantern, and Big Barda. Orion design intentionally modeled after Destroyer from Thor, maintaining Kirby aesthetic while creating intimidating servant appearance. Invisible Kid and Brainiac 5 romantic moment revealed as editor Steve Wacker's spontaneous addition 'just to mess with fans' - became lasting fan discussion point. Publishing History and Cancellation (01:24:16 - 01:59:06) Series cancellation explained as sudden higher-up decision despite rising sales and positive fan response to Superboy addition. Issue 25 was second-best selling of entire series with 25% increase in readership, making cancellation timing particularly frustrating. Original plans included Superboy remaining in both Legion and Titans simultaneously, with extensive story arcs planned for Element Lad return and Lightning Lad separation. Artist Collaboration and Creative Process (20:40 - 01:19:06) Chris describes working relationship with DNA as collaborative, with writers trusting him to design new characters like Legion cadets and including Easter eggs like Kent Shakespeare and Polar Boy. Multiple pencillers used for issue 25 to handle commemorative scope, with each artist assigned specific character groups to avoid overlap. Coloring technology evolution discussed, with modern computer coloring providing more tools but potentially reducing creative necessity of older 64-color process limitations. ⏳ Superman Connection and Time Travel Elements (34:02 - 01:54:06) Clark Kent and 90s Superboy both featured as characters pulled from time, with Clark becoming servant of darkness while Superboy joins Legion. Superboy wears classic costume with Legion belt buckle addition, fulfilling long-time fan expectations while serving story purposes. Time dilation plot involves universe getting smaller and past being erased, though hosts acknowledge the temporal mechanics don't fully make sense. Character Relationships and Dynamics (46:03 - 01:30:24) Mech (Lightning Lord) rehabilitation storyline discussed as more complex than typical villain treatment, showing struggle between evil nature and love for siblings. Kid Quantum established as Legion's first female leader of color, with organic romantic relationship with Cosmic Boy developing throughout arc. Livewire/Element Lad fusion creates extremely powerful character combining lightning abilities with matter transmutation in crystalline body. Technical and Production Details (01:36:23 - 01:51:38) Secret Files issue placement in continuity questioned due to timeline inconsistencies with main story events. Chris notes Superboy's physical design evolution throughout arc as editorial mandated size increases to match Teen Titans appearance. Force field technology and advanced Legion equipment discussed as properly futuristic elements that should distinguish team from contemporary heroes.

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• Episode 151 - Cla$$War with Jesse Fresco

  This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined by writer and critic Jesse Fresco to dig into the early 2000s series Cla$$War. We unpack the political fury, superhero deconstruction, and lasting relevance of this overlooked gem from the Bush-era boom in gritty, socially charged comics. #MenOfSteelPod #Cla$$War #RobWilliams #SupermanAdjacent #JesseFresco #ComicsPodcast   Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia   Men of Steel Full Episode Originally aired: August 15, 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   Overview Class War comic serves as a political commentary on post-9/11 America, initially conceived as a 12-issue series but only 6 issues were published between 2002 and 2004. Writer Rob Williams influenced by Bill Hicks and Marvel's Miracle Man, blending humor with serious themes of government superhero programs. Characters feature a Superman-like hero and an Enola Gay team reflecting various archetypes, but backstory is minimal focusing more on action. The commentary emphasizes American superheroes as 'deterrents' entangled in corruption and drug operations rather than showcasing true class conflict. Artwork utilized innovative computer coloring for the early 2000s, with notable scenes praised for their intensity and execution. The series is linked to broader cultural events, including the Patriot Act and militarized entertainment, creating a lasting impact on the genre. Story arcs reveal escalating tensions, ending ambiguously without showing direct conflict or resolution in the finale. Hosts reflect on the comic's themes feeling 'adolescent' today, yet resonate with current events like rising political tensions and violence. Class War recommended alongside classics like The Authority and Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, highlighted for its unfinished nature and mystique. The discussion underscores a shift in superhero portrayals, questioning the effectiveness of traditional heroes in the current socio-political landscape.   Notes ️ Introduction and Setup (00:00 - 09:36) Discussion of Class War comic as political commentary on post-9/11 America, described as 'what if Superman was pissed off about 9/11'. Jesse Fresco returns after Jaguar Sharks podcast ended in January, currently working on a novel after crossing 200 pages. Class War intended as 12-issue series but only 6 issues published - first 3 in 2002, final 3 in 2004 by Com X publisher. Notable art style change between Trevor Harrison (issues 1-3) and Travel Foreman (issues 4-6), both considered high quality for indie publication. Historical Context and Influences (09:36 - 18:49) Comic written before 9/11 but published after, coincidentally capturing post-9/11 American sentiment perfectly. Received major attention from Wizard magazine and early comic websites despite being small indie publication. Writer Rob Williams heavily influenced by comedian Bill Hicks, directly copying Kennedy assassination joke in comic. Williams cited Marvel Man/Miracle Man as major influence, both featuring government superhero programs with Nazi scientist connections. ‍️ Character Analysis and Comic Structure (18:49 - 27:56) Superman-type character design with mostly white bodysuit, blue stripe, and star pattern - described as 'patriotic Apollo'. Minimal backstory provided beyond brief flashback showing protagonist's brother died of heroin overdose. Enola Gay superhero team includes The American, Heavyweight (Luke Cage-type), Icon (Wonder Woman analog), and Confusion (psychic character). ️ Political Commentary and Themes (27:56 - 38:02) Reveals American superheroes used as 'deterrents' rather than weapons, involved in drug trafficking operations. Despite title 'Class War,' actual class conflict rarely shown - more focused on government corruption than economic inequality. Problematic portrayal of Black character written by British creators, described as 'Mike Tyson as super soldier'. Art and Production Quality (38:02 - 48:12) Utilized cutting-edge computer coloring and gradients that were revolutionary for early 2000s comics. Heavyweight vs American battle particularly praised, featuring brutal jaw-punching scene later parodied by Garth Ennis. Com X publisher folded after initial run, Image Comics later acquired reprint rights. Cultural Impact and Comparisons (48:12 - 58:18) Frequently compared to Warren Ellis's Authority series despite Williams claiming unfamiliarity. Influenced Garth Ennis's The Boys, Warren Ellis's Black Summer, and Mark Millar's War Heroes. Part of broader cultural shift including 'freedom fries,' Patriot Act, and militarized entertainment. Story Structure Analysis (58:19 - 01:08:43) Issue 1 - Superman burns 'LIAR' into President's forehead; Issue 2 - Heavyweight fight; Issue 3 - Bridge episode; Issues 4-6 - Government conspiracy revelation. Series ends with American and Isaac preparing for civil war, never showing actual conflict or resolution. Heavyweight confirmed killed by shield weapon, Jefferson transforms into monster. ️ Modern Relevance Discussion (01:08:44 - 01:18:51) Comic feels 'adolescent' and 'naive' when read today, but captured appropriate anger for its time. Hosts discuss how recent events (CEO shooting, political tensions) make comic's themes more relevant. Question whether Superman-type heroes work in current political climate versus Punisher-style vigilantes. Conclusion and Recommendations (01:18:52 - 01:25:43) Recommended alongside The Authority, Garth Ennis's 303, and Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. Better remembered as unfinished work with mystique than potentially disappointing completion. Plugs for CPOV Media Patreon, Movie Struck podcast, and Discord community.  

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• Episode 150 - Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story with Ryan Luis Rodriguez

  On this heartfelt installment of Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined by Ryan Luis Rodriguez (One Track Mind, Reels of Justice) to discuss the powerful documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. We reflect on Reeve’s legacy as both a performer and a real-life hero, unpack the emotional depth of the film, and celebrate the enduring impact of the Man of Steel. #ChristopherReeve #Superman #SuperManDocumentary #MenOfSteelPod #ReelsOfJustice #OneTrackMind Find Ryan at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-track-mind-with-ryan-luis-rodriguez/id1431611476 and https://www.patreon.com/onetrackmindpodcast Overview Episode 150 of the Men of Steel podcast celebrates hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson's significant milestone, with guest Ryan Luis Rodriguez joining in the discussion. Ryan Luis Rodriguez boasts a 4-0 record on the Reels of Justice podcast, with an upcoming Frozen 2 prosecution case highlighting his expertise. The hosts shared personal memories of the impact of Christopher Reeve's 1995 horseback riding accident, shaping their childhood experiences at ages 9 and 11. A well-edited documentary chronicling Reeve's life compiles 40 years of footage, avoiding melodrama while effectively communicating emotional depth. Christopher Reeve's casting as Superman faced doubts; his physical presence and several life factors contributed to his iconic portrayal of the character. The documentary discusses the deep emotional bond between Reeve and Robin Williams, revealing their supportive friendship nurtured during their Juilliard days. Following Reeve's accident, Dana Reeve emerged as a dedicated caregiver, transforming their tragedy into advocacy for disability rights and research funding. The podcast notes Reeve's advocacy for stem cell research and his collaboration with John Kerry, which marked him as a significant political figure in this area. Reeve's legacy is sustained through the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which continues to advance research funding for spinal injury treatment. New Patreon initiatives were introduced, with gratitude extended to executive producers supporting the Men of Steel podcast and connected shows.   Notes ️ Episode Introduction & Guest Background (00:00 - 04:36) Episode 150 milestone celebration of Men of Steel podcast, marking significant achievement for hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson Ryan Luis Rodriguez joins as guest, known from Reels of Justice podcast where he serves as prosecutor/defender in fake movie court format Ryan's current 4-0 record on Reels of Justice, with upcoming Frozen 2 prosecution case Ryan also hosts One Track Mind podcast focusing on film through audio commentaries, featuring Case as previous guest ‍️ Personal Memories of Christopher Reeve's Accident (06:01 - 08:33) 1995 horseback riding accident deeply impacted all hosts as children - Case was 11, Jmike was 9, Ryan was 9 years old Case recalls watching news coverage at grandparents' house, vivid memories of the media coverage Jmike remembers his mother explaining 'Superman is paralyzed' while he was watching Superman animated series Ryan's emotional reaction as 'very feeling autistic child' to learning Superman would never walk again Documentary Structure & Production Quality (31:52 - 37:15) 40 years of footage compiled into remarkably well-edited documentary that feels like 55 minutes despite being 1 hour 40 minutes Stone Christopher Reeve statue used as visual metaphor throughout, starting pristine then showing cracks from kryptonite after accident No narrator approach - uses interviews with children and friends to weave story together organically Documentary avoids being 'tragedy porn' while still being emotionally impactful Christopher Reeve's Early Life & Career (12:35 - 48:44) Difficult relationship with father Arthur, described as 'douchebag' socialite poet who disapproved of Superman role Juilliard training alongside Robin Williams as roommates, establishing lifelong friendship Superman casting process involved auditioning 'everybody including the casting director's dentist' - Reeve wasn't obvious choice Arrogance during Superman production - some friction with cast/crew, though sources questioned Superman Performance & Legacy (44:37 - 50:09) Transformational acting in famous scene where Clark almost reveals identity to Lois - complete physical and vocal transformation Instinctive banking during first flying scene showed natural acting choices that made role work Height and physical presence key factors, though not initially seen as obvious Superman type ️ Personal Relationships & Family (19:26 - 25:47) First relationship with Gae Exton, mother of his first two children, ended after Superman IV failure Walking away from family after Superman IV disappointment, described as blindsiding them Dana Reeve entered life after separation, not as 'homewrecker' but as supportive partner Strong relationships with theater community including Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Daniels The Accident & Immediate Aftermath (09:56 - 38:42) May 1995 horseback riding accident during equestrian competition, paralyzed from neck down Life-threatening complications including potential suffocation from tubes, intense anxiety in early days Mental health struggles openly discussed, showing fears and adaptation process through rehabilitation ‍️ Dana Reeve's Role & Sacrifice (25:47 - 27:16) Incredible caretaker burden - being sole caregiver to paralyzed person described as 'herculean task' Transformative advocacy work - turned tragedy into hope for disabled community, advanced research funding Death from lung cancer at age 44 despite never smoking, tragically dying shortly after Christopher Will Reeves orphaned - lost both parents, overheard phone call about mother's death while pretending to sleep Advocacy & Political Impact (25:47 - 40:15) 1996 Oscar appearance - standing ovation moment showing his continued cultural influence Stem cell research advocacy - became major political figure, worked with John Kerry on legislation Christopher Reeve Foundation continues work through his children, funding research that has helped people walk again Federal funding advancement for spinal injury research and surgical procedures Robin Williams Connection (16:47 - 16:47) Juilliard roommates and lifelong close friends, surprising depth of relationship revealed Emotional documentary moment - suggestion that 'if Chris was still alive, Robin would be too' Mutual support system throughout both their careers and challenges Superman Film Legacy (22:16 - 47:26) Superman IV personal project - Reeve wrote the story, making its failure particularly devastating Anti-nuclear message in Superman IV, though film was commercial failure Production challenges of original Superman films, including Salkinds' questionable business practices Salkind Clause in actor contracts resulted from producers splitting one movie into two without additional pay Podcast Network Updates (55:58 - 57:26) Patreon launch at patreon.com/certainpovmedia covering Another Pass and Men of Steel productions Executive producers thanked: Carter Hallett, Sean Muir, Lee Greger, Memento Young, Logan Crowley, Joe Mastropiero, Nancy and Casey Aiken, Adam Samtur, Keith Lehtinen New network shows: Long Live the Legion (Legion of Superheroes podcast) and We Have Issues (Keith Lehtinen's show)

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• 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  

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• Episode 145 - Thunderbolts* with Joe Mastropiero

  Marvel's Most Wanted are here to deliver some Justice like Lightning! Case and Jmike reflect on the latest MCU entry, Thunderbolts*, with friend of the show, Joe Mastropiero. Overview In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson, along with guest Joe Mastropiero, delve into Marvel's Thunderbolts movie, connecting its themes to the recently released Superman trailer. They discuss the film's characters, including Yelena, Bucky, and the controversial Sentry, addressing how the characters' darker backstories lend themselves to a redemption arc that deviates from their comic origins. The hosts explore the movie's structure, its exploration of trauma through the lens of the Void character, and the significance of the Superman archetype in modern storytelling, highlighting a potential cultural shift towards more hopeful narratives. The episode concludes with updates about the podcast, including upcoming episodes and ways for listeners to engage through Discord and Patreon, while emphasizing the importance of community interaction in discussing these themes. Notes Introduction and Superman Trailer Discussion (00:00 - 15:45) Hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson welcome guest Joe Mastropiero to discuss Marvel's Thunderbolts movie The hosts explained the Superman connection to Thunderbolts: the Sentry character is a Superman analog The group discussed the recently released Superman trailer featuring David Corenswet Logan Crowley provided audio commentary praising the trailer's rural American portrayal of the Kents The trailer shows Lois Lane interviewing Clark Kent and Superman's moral conflict with authority figures Group discussed potential Justice Society appearance and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor Thunderbolts Team History and Setup (15:46 - 29:34) Original Thunderbolts comic (1996) featured villains disguised as heroes after mainstream heroes disappeared The comic team was led by Baron Zemo with members including Moonstone, Atlas, Mach 1, and Songbird The team evolved over time from redemption-seeking villains to government ops team (similar to Suicide Squad) The movie roster differs significantly from comic versions, causing initial fan confusion The Sentry character is a controversial Superman analog with bipolar disorder and a dark alter ego called 'The Void' The Sentry has extreme power levels that create storytelling challenges in the Marvel universe Movie Characters Review: Part 1 (29:35 - 49:41) Yelena (Florence Pugh): Burned-out assassin who serves as the audience viewpoint character Bucky (Sebastian Stan): Former Winter Soldier, moved away from his congressman storyline Red Guardian (David Harbour): Soviet super-soldier who brings enthusiasm and comic relief Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen): Character with phasing abilities who had plot elements removed Taskmaster: Briefly appears in the film but is killed early to establish stakes All characters are government-created weapons now without masters, seeking purpose Movie Characters Review: Part 2 (49:42 - 01:00:08) US Agent (Wyatt Russell): Portrayed as a physically powerful but unlikeable douchebag Val (Julia Louis-Dreyfus): Manipulative politician/spymaster who brings the team together Mel: Character who unexpectedly survives despite seeming setup for death Bob/Sentry (Lewis Pullman): Mild-mannered man who transforms into the golden-costumed Sentry The Void manifestation was effectively portrayed through shadow effects and 'Hiroshima-style shadows' The film effectively handles Sentry's extreme power levels by keeping him sidelined for most of the story ️ Movie Structure and Themes (01:00:10 - 01:10:23) Film has strong setup and payoff elements with well-structured action sequences Team is brought together when 'they are the evidence' that needs to be eliminated The movie differs from expectations of being a Suicide Squad-type government contract story The Void serves as vehicle for showing characters' trauma and psychological issues Despite differences from comics, film maintains core theme of redemption for characters with dark pasts Characters take on 'New Avengers' name by the end, connecting to comic history Superman Archetype Discussion (01:10:26 - 01:21:42) Discussion about why both dark and hopeful Superman archetypes resonate with audiences Joe highlighted importance of Superman's moral compass coming from supportive family/community Dark Superman versions explore 'what if' scenarios without those support structures The group noted a possible cultural shift toward desiring more hopeful superhero stories after a period of darker interpretations Century briefly shows Superman-like qualities before reverting to darker nature Film effectively portrays the burden of power on someone with mental health issues Show Updates and Promotion (01:21:43 - 01:27:49) Case announced upcoming Men of Steel episodes (#146-150) including Hulk vs Superman and Supergirl from Krypton The hosts promoted their Discord community as the best way for listeners to interact with them Men of Steel now has a Patreon at patreon.com/certainpovmedia with various support tiers Case thanked their first ten executive producer-level supporters by name Carter Hallett Sean Muir Lee Greger Memento Young Logan Crowley Joe Mastropiero Casey Aiken Nancy Aiken Adam Samtur Keith Lehtinen Case mentioned writing essays for Patreon subscribers (even at free tier) Final promotion for 'We Have Issues' podcast reviewing weekly comic releases Action items Listeners Join the Men of Steel Discord to interact with hosts and discuss the Superman trailer and Thunderbolts (01:21:42) Check out and possibly support the show's new Patreon at patreon.com/certainpovmedia (01:23:07) Case Aiken Schedule essay releases more consistently on Patreon going forward (01:25:57) Complete and release the Naomi episode that was previously mentioned

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