We are kicking off Trade School with Supergirl: Many Happy Returns! Our host for this one is Case Aiken, a podcaster and comic fan!

Overview

• Case Aiken introduces "Trade School," a comic book podcast series aimed at discussing trade paperbacks with emotional significance for guests, targeting accessibility for new readers.
• The inaugural episode highlights "Many Happy Returns," the 2003 closing arc of Peter David's Supergirl run, which comprises issues 75-80.
• Aiken reflects on his personal connection to the trade, describing it as a lifeline during college, particularly due to the absence of a local comic shop.
• The storyline features a pivotal encounter between Linda Danvers and Silver Age Kara Zor-El, showcasing a blend of unique character backgrounds and abilities.
• Elements like the infamous pink Kryptonite scene introduce significant moments in comic history, including a canonical gay Superman moment.
• The arc aimed to rejuvenate the series for new readers, illustrating an accessible entry point despite not being the originally planned finale.
• Ed Bennis' artwork is commended for enhancing the story, though the series finale feels brief in comparison to the overall narrative.
• Linda Danvers is acknowledged as a complex character overshadowed by the resurgence of Kara Zor-El in the 2000s Superman fandom.
• Issues are now available on DC Universe Infinite, providing modern readers easy access to this trade.
• The podcast encourages audience engagement by inviting submissions of meaningful trade paperbacks for future episodes and provides contact information for participation.

Notes ️ Introduction & Series Overview (00:00 - 01:17)

• Case Aiken introduces "Trade School," a comic book-focused podcast series similar to "Side Quests" from Fun and Games with Matt and Jeff.
• Series concept focuses on discussing trade paperbacks that guests have emotional attachments to, emphasizing accessibility for new readers.
• Opening episode dedicated to Peter David, who passed away a week before recording, acknowledging his controversial statements but emphasizing his importance in 1990s comics.

Book Selection & Personal Context (01:17 - 02:40)

• Featured trade: "Many Happy Returns" - the 2003 closing arc to Peter David's Supergirl run, collecting issues 75-80.
• Story concludes the Linda Danvers storyline, the Matrix entity Supergirl who became an earthbound angel.
• Initial series popularity driven by iconic Gary Frank cover showing Supergirl in flannel shirt revealing S-symbol underneath while holding skateboard.
• Artwork transitioned to Ed Bennis by the final arc, who became a prominent 2000s artist.

Personal Reading Experience (02:40 - 04:04)

• Aiken picked up the trade as a Colgate University student in 2003, struggling to access comics due to lack of local comic shop.
• Trade served as "lifeline" to comic hobby during college years when regular consumption was difficult.
• Represented both a return to beloved series and bittersweet ending to enjoyable run.

‍️ Plot Summary & Character Background (04:04 - 08:40)

• Story features two Supergirls meeting: Linda Danvers (Matrix entity) encounters Silver Age Kara Zor-El.
• Matrix Supergirl backstory: Created during John Byrne era as non-Kryptonian alternative, based on Lana Lang's DNA, protoplasmic shapeshifter.
• Peter David's approach: Fused Matrix with troubled human Linda Danvers, creating "earthborn angel" with flame wings and fire vision abilities.
• By "Many Happy Returns," angel elements removed, Linda retained flight, super strength, invulnerability, and psychokinetic powers.
• Contains infamous pink Kryptonite scene where Clark becomes interested in Jimmy, creating canonical gay Superman moment.

Story Assessment & Accessibility (08:40 - 11:24)

• Arc originally intended as "shot in the arm" to revitalize series with new reader accessibility, not planned series finale.
• Ed Bennis artwork praised as fantastic, story flows well despite feeling too short.
• Effectively serves as capstone to series while remaining accessible to newcomers.
• Linda Danvers character unfortunately overshadowed by 2000s Kara Zor-El in Superman fandom memory.
• Issues available on DC Universe Infinite app for modern readers.

Series Conclusion & Call to Action (11:24 - 12:44)

• Open invitation for audience to submit their meaningful trade paperbacks for future episodes.
• Contact information: @AceAiken on most platforms, @Quetzalcoatl5 on Instagram.
• Encourages reaching out via Discord server or Bluesky for episode submissions.
• Promotional outro for "Men of Steel" Superman podcast at certainpov.com.