Welcome to second in my Summer Special series, which I'm doing because there's a big time Superman film coming out and extra content seemed like a fun idea. Also, I'm in the middle of big-time mega-series on the main show, and that series is pretty rigid in its format, so specials were the only way I was going to be able to talk about the things I am going to be talking about.
This time out I am joined by Rob O'Connor and Alan Burke of the All-Star Superfan Podcast to discuss a story that many Superman fans consider to be on the greatest of all time. Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow originally appeared in Superman #423 and Action Comics #583 and served as the close out to Silver and Bronze Age era that was just about to be shown the door in favor of John Byrne's Man of Steel series. Written by Alan Moore with art by Curt Swan, George Perez, and Kurt Schaffenberger, this story tells the story of Superman's final days, which are filled with violence, heart ache, and a last stand in the Fortress of Solitude.
So... not exactly a laugh riot, but a compelling story, nonetheless.
Rob, Alan, and I tackle this story from every angle. We talk about the previously mentioned violence, our favorite parts, our less than favorite parts, Superman's actions at the end of the story, and ask whether or not this was a fitting end to the Silver and Bronze Age of Superman. We also get into the thorny debate of whether or not Superman should kill or not, which is an issue that has come up a lot in Superman fandom since the snap heard round the world in Man of Steel.
I wanted to thank Alan and Rob again for joining me on this one. It was a lot of fun. Check out the All-Star Superfan Podcast. It's amazing.
Feedback for It All Comes Back To Superman Series 2 can be sent to [email protected]. At the end of this series I will be doing a feedback special going through all of the emails and comments that are left or sent!
You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or stream it through Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Audible.
The Fortress of Baileytude Podcasting Network is on Patreon. It’s mostly a tip jar as I have no time at the moment to produce exlcusive content, but if you like the content I do produce please consider contributing a dollar a month.
The opening and closing theme to the show is titled Journey and was composed by Pontus Rufelt. It is licensed from Shockwave-Sound.
Next Time: Come back on Monday for another installment of Moving Kryptonian Images. Tyler Patrick and I are talking about Superman Unbound. And then, in two weeks, another Summer Special where I go solo and talk about the various number one issues Superman has had.