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