Supergirl crashes to Earth, and we’re ready to talk fashion, fights, and Fourth World politics.
Joined by Alex and Amanda from Night of the Batman, we revisit the iconic Superman/Batman arc “The Supergirl From Krypton” and its animated adaptation “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse”, but which version flies higher?

Check out Alex and Amanda’s stuff:
SSYSK LINK: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperheroSYSK

FLASHBACKS FLASH REWATCH POD: youtube.com/@flashbacksflashrewatchpod?si=y_c_SHnI9bKwu-Qz

NIGHT OF THE BATMEN: open.spotify.com/show/1od04JzRbU9OrePOyVbeOx?si=qRzXtTAcSjWholUYhjLRpw

OUR CROSSOVER WITH MEN OF STEEL: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-of-the-batmen-podcast/id1663635355?i=1000674213822

REVIEWMORE GIRLS GILMORE GIRLS REWATCH POD: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zhmdEqCNHiBqptKLpMuD8?si=qdTx5-D4QNa6T0NGs5fKRw

TANGENTIAL EXCHANGE POD: https://youtube.com/@thetangentialexchange6469?si=w2V6sZ2meB6ANLqQ

  Overview

• Case criticized the decompressed storytelling in the comic, contrasting it with the more engaging 'Many Happy Returns' Supergirl story from 2022.
• Discussion highlighted Michael Turner's art style, emphasizing the influence of early 2000s teenage fashion depicted in character designs.
• Hosts noted that the first issue could have been condensed significantly, criticizing its pacing and structure.
• Superman's omitted kryptonite quarantine subplot from the movie adaptation raised concerns about character depth.
• Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy received praise for reprising their iconic roles, while mixed reviews were given to Ed Asner and Andre Brauer's performances.
• A debate on Wonder Woman's training methods questioned the conflict resolution techniques used within the storyline.
• Criticism arose over the implausibility of Batman defeating a Doomsday clone in the action sequences, situating him against a powerful foe.
• The significance of Superman’s kryptonite ring was analyzed, noting its implications on comic book continuity.
• The final Darkseid battle was deemed as unnecessary padding, detracting from the story's overall quality.
• Overall assessment categorized the comic as "mid" quality, recommending it over the movie for improved pacing and dialogue.

 

Notes ️ Opening & Introduction (00:00 - 11:18)

• Podcast introduction and guest welcome from Night of the Batman podcast
• Discussion of second major Superman Batman story arc following their previous crossover episode on Public Enemies
• Case's initial criticism of the comic's decompressed storytelling, comparing it unfavorably to the earlier 'Many Happy Returns' Supergirl story that came out 1.5 years prior
• Analysis of Jeph Loeb's writing style and tendency to retell existing stories, with comparison to Long Halloween vs. Eye of the Beholder

Art Style & Character Design Discussion (06:02 - 22:24)

• Michael Turner's artwork analysis, particularly his portrayal of Supergirl and the male gaze perspective in character design
• Debate over teenage fashion authenticity in early 2000s, with specific mention of Degrassi character Manny's influence on style choices
• Case's personal reflection on aging out of the target demographic at 22-23 years old when the comic was released
• Discussion of Batman's visual design and 'toyetic' appeal of his various gear throughout the story

Story Structure & Pacing Analysis (15:32 - 33:23)

• Critique of first issue's extreme decompression - could have been condensed to 5 pages according to hosts
• Analysis of Superman's quarantine subplot from kryptonite exposure, which was omitted from the movie adaptation
• Discussion of Batman's characterization and his collection of various colored kryptonite
• Comparison of Supergirl's introduction sequence between comic and movie versions

Character Development & Voice Acting (33:23 - 44:32)

• Praise for Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy reprising their animated series roles in the movie
• Mixed reactions to Ed Asner as Granny Goodness and criticism of Andre Brauer's rushed Darkseid performance
• Analysis of Krypto's characterization as more aggressive than traditional versions
• Discussion of Superman's uncharacteristically irrational behavior throughout the story

️ Plot Development & Action Sequences (44:32 - 01:06:47)

• Wonder Woman and Amazons' training approach debate, including the problematic conflict resolution method
• Analysis of the Doomsday army sequence and its implausibility - criticism of Batman defeating a Doomsday clone
• Discussion of Big Barda's introduction and her height representation differences between comic and movie
• Trinity argument analysis, particularly Superman's inappropriate Jason Todd/Donna Troy comment

Apocalypse Arc & Final Battle (01:06:48 - 01:18:02)

• Female Furies fight sequence comparison between mediums
• Batman's confrontation with Darkseid using hellspore threat as leverage
• Analysis of Superman's kryptonite ring usage and its comic book continuity
• Critique of final Darkseid battle as unnecessary padding for story length
• Discussion of ending differences between comic (heroic sacrifice) vs. movie (extended fight)

Final Analysis & Recommendations (01:18:02 - 01:24:29)

• Overall assessment: story is 'mid' quality, overly decompressed for the content
• Recommendation to read comic over watching movie due to better pacing and dialogue
• Acknowledgment that 4 issues would have been optimal length instead of 6
• Recognition of story's influence on modern Supergirl characterization going forward