Podcast appearances and mentions of Jerry Siegel

Look!  Up in the sky...it's a bird, it's a plane...it's Necronomicast with author/speaker/lawyer William Bernhardt as a special guest! Blending legal insight, historical research, and deeply human storytelling, William Bernhardt delivers the definitive account of one of the most consequential and misunderstood creator-rights battles in American pop culture history. For generations, Superman has stood as a symbol of hope, morality, and idealism. Yet few readers know the true story behind his creation or the devastating cost paid by his original creators. In his book, "The Superman Wars", Bernhardt pulls back the curtain on the legal, cultural, and ethical conflicts that shaped the Man of Steel and forever changed the comics industry. Rather than retelling a well-known pop culture narrative, Bernhardt reframes Superman as history. He traces the character's creation to two young men, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, whose work helped define an industry while leaving them financially and creatively vulnerable. Their experience became one of the earliest and most influential examples of creators losing control of their intellectual property to powerful corporations. Bernhardt's background as a lawyer gives him a unique lens through which to examine the legal battles surrounding Superman. He translates complex copyright disputes into an accessible narrative, showing how early publishing contracts routinely stripped creators of long-term rights in exchange for modest, short-term compensation. These practices shaped not only the comics industry but the broader entertainment landscape. The Superman Wars places Superman within the social and historical context of the late 1930s, a time marked by economic hardship and global uncertainty. Bernhardt explains why Superman emerged at precisely the right moment in American history and why his emphasis on moral clarity and justice resonated so deeply with readers seeking reassurance and hope. The Superman Wars also speaks directly to modern creators. The book raises enduring questions about ownership, fairness, and the balance between art and commerce. Bernhardt argues that Siegel's story remains deeply relevant in today's publishing, film, and digital media industries. The Superman Wars stands as both a tribute to creative vision and a cautionary tale about power, legacy, and justice. Willam Bernhardt's official website. "The Superman Wars" at Amazon. Support the Necronomicast at "Buy Me A Coffee".   Thank you! "Phantom from Space" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Superman has become one of the most recognizable fictional characters in the world. But behind the cape, the shield, and the mythology is another story—one involving two young creators, a publishing industry, enormous sums of money, and a decades-long battle over who actually owned the character they created. In his new book, The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice and an American Icon, author William Bernhardt goes behind the legend to tell the complicated story of Superman's creation and the extraordinary legal and personal battles that followed. Who really created Superman? What did Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster actually receive for their creation? How did a couple of teenagers from Cleveland create a character that would become a multibillion-dollar cultural phenomenon? And why did the fight over Superman's ownership continue for generations? Today, William Bernhardt joins us to talk about the history behind the superhero, the business of comics, the meaning of creative ownership, and the uncomfortable question at the heart of the Superman story: Who gets to own an idea once it becomes bigger than the people who created it?

Send us Fan Mail Superman is supposed to be the symbol of justice, yet the real story behind his creation is a masterclass in how easily a creator can be erased. We talk with author William Bernhardt about Jerry Siegel, the writer who created Superman as a teenager and then watched the world fall in love with his character while he lost control, income, and even the credit line on the page. If you've ever felt invisible at work or watched someone else claim what you built, this conversation lands close to home. We walk through the turning points: the early dream of getting published, the contract language that quietly handed over intellectual property rights, and the long aftermath of disputes that shaped comic book history. William shares what he found in Siegel's private correspondence and what it reveals about the mental and emotional toll of being told, for years, that your contribution doesn't matter. We also dig into the bigger questions: why “art versus commerce” so often ends with commerce winning, and what that costs our culture when artists are treated as disposable. The story doesn't end in pure tragedy. We look at how fans and grassroots comics journalism helped force attention, how a late pension and restored creator credit finally arrived, and why Siegel's family's persistence became a model for creators' rights today. If you care about creativity, publishing contracts, artist credit, and the human side of intellectual property, you'll take something practical and personal from this one. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the moment that hit you hardest. Website: https://www.williambernhardt.com

Emil Wilson is the author of the new graphic novel The Nightingales, about a family in 1985 who take in an AIDS patient. The book shows us the panic and misinformation that prevailed about the disease then, and government apathy about a disease that was mainly killing gay men. Wilson is a former advertising man who went to comics school in his 50s. Tim talks with him about the book. Novelist William Bernhardt also joins Tim to talk about his exhaustively researched nonfiction book The Superman Wars, a history of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's battle over ownership of Superman and recognition as his creators. All superhero fans know the outlines of this controversy, but this book fills in all the details. Brought to you by: Full Manga Alchemists Our supporters on Patreon

This week, we are sharing an historic conversation among Ohio comic book royalty: Prolific, award-winning creators Brian Michael Bendis and Marc Andreyko. The conversation was moderated by Mike Sangiacomo, one of the Founders of the Siegel and Shuster Society. Recorded live on July 11, 2026, at the Cleveland Public Library as part of the weekend-long Icons Fest held in conjunction with the Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage (on display until August 23, 2026). Growing up together in Northeast Ohio, Bendis and Andreyko first teamed up as friends to create the true crime comic book series Torso, the story of the "Torso Murders" in Cleveland in the 1930s when Eliot Ness was the city's Safety Director. Their wide-ranging conversation included stories about their early collaboration and the on-going challenge of bringing Torso to the screen, their storied careers in the comic book and entertainment industries, and Cleveland Public Library's role in Bendis's decision to go to DC to write for Superman. Brian Michael Bendis was born in Cleveland, took classes at Cleveland Institute of Art, and did work for several Cleveland-area newspapers and magazines in his early career. He has co-created characters like Miles Morales, Jessica Jones, and dozens of others that populate the Marvel, DC and all-new original universes. He is a New York Times bestseller and has won numerous awards for his work, including multiple Eisner Awards and a Peabody for Jessica Jones. Bendis was Executive Producer of the Academy Award winning hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Bendis' fabled move to DC Entertainment after nearly two decades at Marvel made international headlines, making his DC debut in the landmark Action Comics 1000. Bendis continues to be a prolific creator, producer, Marc Andreyko grew up in Mentor, graduated from Mentor High School, and co-created the character Kate Spencer/Manhunter for DC and was the original writer on Wonder Woman '77. He has written comics for Dark Horse, DC, IDW, Image, and Marvel. Michael Sangiacomo is a long-time writer of articles on Superman and the comics industry for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. In 2006, he penned an article that urged Cleveland to embrace the creators of Superman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and this led to the creation of the Siegel and Shuster Society of which he was a founding board member. Sangiacomo has also taught comic book history at Case Western Reserve University and is a comics writer himself. In This Episode: Brian Michael Bendis Jinxworld: Brian Michael Bendis (official site) The Peabody Awards ceremony where Bendis was called “the original hero” for his creation of Jessica Jones ‘I'd Have Been a Fool Not to Try Everything': PW Talks with Brian Michael Bendis (Publishers Weekly, 2026) Marc Andreyko DC Comics Press Release for Love Is Love (2016) Marc Andreyko talks comic anthology Love Is Love (Entertainment Weekly, 2017) Supergirl & Superman Unite Against Krypton's Killers (ScreenRant.com, 2019) Michael Sangiacomo Cleveland, the True Birthplace of Superman (Smithsonian Magazine, 2010) Cleveland Torso Murders The Torso Killer: Cleveland's Lingering Mystery from Cleveland Public Library Cleveland Torso Murders (aka The Kingsbury Run Murders) from the Cleveland Police Museum Torso Murders from Encyclopedia of Cleveland History Siegel and Shuster Society (including information about the Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster Superman Plaza) Telling Lies in America (film by writer Joe Eszterhas (who also grew up in Ohio) mentioned in the conversation) Underexposed! The 50 Greatest Movies Never Made by Joshua Hall (find in a library) mentioned in the conversation and including David Fincher's Ness based on Torso.

X-Men '97 Season 2 is here, and Frank and Thomas break down the first three episodes with the kind of comic book receipts only a guy who has read nearly every 90s X-Men run can bring. From Mother Askani and the Summers family timeline chaos to Storm's god-tier power up, X-Force's return, and the Rise of Apocalypse, they dig into what the show nails, where episode two stumbles, and whether Kang is being set up as the season's secret villain. Then Frank sits down with Bill Bernhardt, author of over 60 books, to talk about The Superman Wars, his narrative nonfiction account of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's decades-long fight with DC over the rights to Superman. Bill shares stories from his interviews with Siegel's daughter, the heartbreaking letters Jerry wrote in the 1950s, why Clark Kent is really just a taller Jerry, and hard-won advice for writers protecting their work today. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Intro and What's on This Episode 01:43 X-Men '97 Season 2 Review Begins: Episode 1, Days of Future Past 13:11 Episode 2: A Force to Be Reckoned With 23:13 Episode 3: Rise of Apocalypse Part One 24:57 Kang Theories and MCU Connections 34:31 Interview: Bill Bernhardt, Author of The Superman Wars 55:06 Rapid Fire Superman Questions with Bill 01:02:24 Wrap-Up, Network News, and What's Coming to Patreon Key Takeaways X-Men '97 Season 2 juggles three timelines and decades of convoluted comic lore, yet keeps the emotional core clear, especially Jean's relationship with Nathan and the Summers family dynamic. Storm's solar-powered upgrade and the synergy-style team attacks are standout moments, with animation and editing that continue to elevate the series. The Kang-style technology in episode three hints at a bigger villain reveal, and the hosts suspect the season was written while Jonathan Majors was still central to the MCU's plans. Bill Bernhardt's The Superman Wars tells the true story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's fight for Superman, drawn from court records, family interviews, and a 100-page autobiographical fragment Siegel typed himself. DC removed Siegel and Shuster's credits from Superman stories after the 1947 lawsuit, and the 1975 pension deal was only the middle of a legal battle that stretched decades further. Bill's advice for new writers: build a community, get a second opinion before signing anything, and stay alert, because the predators that took advantage of Siegel still exist in new forms. Quotes "Our old man bodies said no, but our heart said yes." – Thomas, on staying up for the premiere "The X-Men created Apocalypse. He's a leader because of the influence the X-Men put on him." – Frank "It's a taller, slender Jerry, but it's Jerry." – Bill Bernhardt, on Clark Kent "His origin story is basically Moses in outer space." – Bill Bernhardt, on Superman "Taking somebody's name off their work, that's immoral." – Bill Bernhardt Call to Action Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe so you never miss a show, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this one with a fellow X-Men or Superman fan on social media using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Every share helps the show grow. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com: the source of all news discussed during the podcast The Superman Wars by William Bernhardt: available at your local bookstore and all online retailers Check out the WriterCon Podcast Weekly X-Men '97 episode reviews on the Geek Freaks YouTube channel Follow Us Website: https://geekfreakspodcast.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Frank: @franklourence79 Thomas: @thomascraigviii Listener Questions Got a hot take on X-Men '97 Season 2, a question for a future guest, or a topic you want us to cover? Send your questions, reactions, and ideas to thegeekfreakspodcast@gmail.com and we might feature them on a future episode.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview WriterCon keynote speaker William Martin, the New York Times-bestselling author of twelve novels, a PBS documentary, book reviews, magazine articles, and a cult-classic horror movie. His most recent book is December '41, which Steve Berry (who has also keynoted at WriterCon), called “Another masterpiece from a master, and that's exactly what William Martin is.”0:00 Opening ThoughtsUpdates on the Commonwealth Prize controversy—and WriterCon '26!5:11 News1) Self-Published Book Sells Over 2.5 Million Copies!2) AI Stories Favor Elias Thorne and Lighthouses16:53 Craft CornerChristina Kaye discusses how to treat your books like a business, not a hobby20:17 Interview with William Martin49:46 Parting WordsBill's book The Superman Wars is about a writer, just like you, and the struggles he suffered are still with us today. Jerry Siegel, the kid who came up with the idea for Superman, was the first American writer to sue his publishers, and many other writers now benefit from what became the most important creator-rights battle of modern times.WriterCon is September 4-7, in Oklahoma City at the historic and haunted Skirvin Hilton. Lara and I will be there, plus Jesse, plus William Martin, plus about sixty other writers, agents, publishers, and people connected to the publishing industry. You can review the schedule on our website, www.writercon.com.If you haven't joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it today and join this wonderful community of writers. Click here!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Episode 298 of Tom Clark's 6M Podcast is a look at The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon by William Bernhardt. Tom breaks down the 2026 book that explores the decades-long battle behind the creation of Superman, focusing on Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's journey from two young creators in Cleveland to the men who changed comics forever. He examines how Superman was born, the infamous $130 sale to DC, the legal battles over ownership, and the decades of struggle for creator recognition, compensation, and credit. He also discusses Bernhardt's research into the court cases, copyright fights, the restoration of the creators' names, the impact of industry legends who fought on Siegel and Shuster's behalf, and what the Superman saga means for modern creators protecting their own work. Is The Superman Wars a powerful reminder of the human cost behind one of the world's greatest fictional icons, or does the complicated legal history show just how difficult creator rights remain in entertainment? Dive into that and a lot more! Boink Studios podcasts are created by humans. All hosts featured on our shows are human, and all podcast artwork, logos, and creative direction are created by humans. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boinkstudios Appreciate the content? Support the channel: https://buymeacoffee.com/tomclark Visit us at: https://boinkstudios.com Follow the 6M Podcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/6mpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6mpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/boinkstudios.bsky.social Listen to Boink Studios' Podcasts: Tom Clark's Main Event: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tom-clarks-main-event/id910362334 Bare Mode: A Podcast Review of The Bear: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/bare-mode-a-podcast-review-of-the-bear/id1828513020 Two Nations Under Ted: A Ted Lasso Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-nations-under-ted-a-ted-lasso-podcast/id16938703   © Boink Studios 2026

Yep. It's time.What do we think about SUPERGIRL107 Minutes, Rated PG-13Written by Ana Nogueira, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster Directed by Craig GillespieSynopsis:Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice when an unexpected adversary strikes too close to home.Much ado has been ado-ing in the lead up to opening weekend.Let's discuss, shall we?~~~~~You can read more reviews and opinions on our website: https://VSMoviePodcast.com.Please LIKE, SHARE, and FOLLOW us on:Facebook (@vsmoviepodcast) (https://facebook.com/vsmoviepodcast)X (@vsmoviepodcast) (https://x.com/vsmoviepodcast)Instagram (@visuallystunningmoviepodcast) (https://instagram.com/visuallystunningmoviepodcast)Threads (@visuallystunningmoviepodcast) (https://threads.net/@visuallystunningmoviepodcast)BlueSky (@vsmoviepodcast.bsky.social) (https://bsky.app/profile/vsmoviepodcast.bsky.social)YouTube (@visuallystunningmoviepodcast) (https://youtube.com/visuallystunningmoviepodcast)Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our audio wherever you listen to podcasts (https://shows.acast.com/vsmoviepodcast).And please, if you like what we do, consider helping us keep on entertaining you. Find out how on our Contact/Support page (https://VSMoviePodcast.com/Contact-VSMP/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Cristina LePort, a cardiologist and writer of medical thrillers, including Dissection, Change of Heart, and Defrosted. 0:00 Opening ThoughtsAI stories are winning awards??? Calgon, take me away...6:27 News1) Author/Murderer Sentenced to Life2) Human Authors Can Now Verify That They're Human14:50 Craft CornerLara Bernhardt Discusses the Value of Writing Contests19:26 Interview with Christina LePort37:57 Parting WordsOne more plug for Bill's new book, The Superman Wars. This book is about a writer, just like you. Jerry Siegel was the first American writer to sue his publisher, and many other writers now benefit from his fight. Learn more about the most important creator-rights battle in modern history.The WriterCon Retreat is at Canebrake Resort near Tulsa, July 15-19. Lauren Smith will be there, with John Wooley and agent Hunter Strickland. Come join us! www.writercon.com/retreat/The annual WriterCon Conference is September 4-7, in Oklahoma City at the historic Skirvin Hilton. Lara and I will be there, plus Jesse and about sixty other writers, agents, publishers, and others connected to the publishing industry. You can review the schedule on our website, www.writercon.com.

This week on the podcast, Patrick and Tracy welcome William Bernhardt, author of The Superman Wars. About The Superman Wars: Almost everyone knows about the man from Krypton who, disguised as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent working with the fearless Lois Lane, fights for the vulnerable and the oppressed. But few know the truth about this indelible character's creation. From mobster tactics to decades-long courtroom drama, a beloved American myth was born, betrayed, and eventually reclaimed—almost eighty years after the character first appeared. New witnesses, unpublished manuscripts, personal letters, and more reveal the complex and dramatic history of Superman and his creator, Jerry Siegel. This is a David and Goliath clash with twists, turns, and devastating upheavals. An underdog tale of a creator who fought for his rights and finally found redemption in his battle for truth, justice, and the American Way. A story that has never been fully told… Until now. About William Bernhardt: William Bernhardt is the author of over sixty books, including the Daniel Pike legal thriller series (#1 best-selling novel The Last Chance Lawyer). His previous works include the bestselling Ben Kincaid series, the historical novels Challengers of the Dust and The Florentine Poet, three books of poetry, and the Red Sneaker books on fiction writing. In addition, Bernhardt founded WriterCon Programs to mentor aspiring writers. WriterCon hosts an annual writers conference, an annual cruise, small-group writing retreats, a magazine, plus free bi-weekly e-newsletters and podcasts. More than three dozen of Bernhardt's students have subsequently published with major houses. He is also the president/owner of Bernhardt Books, which publishes fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. This week's picks: William: 7 Wonders Dice (Game) Tracy: Resident Alien (Comics) Patrick: Pathfinder Quest (Board Game) Links: William Bernhardt on Instagram Tracy Townsend on BluSky Patrick Hester on Instagram The Functional Nerds Patreon Page © 2026 Patrick Hester The post Episode 707-With William Bernhardt appeared first on The Functional Nerds.

Dr. Valentino Zullo explores the Cleveland-created superhero's origin story in honor of Superman's 85th birthday. Dr. Zullo and Laura discuss some of the first-ever Superman comics; Superman's early focus on fighting social inequities vs. super villains; how creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster came to dream up the famous superhero; and more.   Since the original episode aired, Superman has come home to Ohio: James Gunn filmed major parts of Superman (2025) in Cleveland and Cincinnati; the Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster Superman Plaza has been unveiled in downtown Cleveland, Siegel and Shuster are featured in a current exhibit at the Maltz Museum, and the premiere of Supergirl in Cleveland will feature a weekend of events with Mariko Tamaki.   Dr. Zullo is now Assistant Professor of English and Co-Director of the Rust Belt Humanities Lab at Ursuline College. He is co-editor-in-chief of Rust Belt Studies and Associate Editor of the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics. He co-founded the Get Graphic! comics discussion program at Cleveland Public Library and is a board member of the Siegel & Shuster Society.   Page Count is produced by Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library. For full show notes and a transcript of this episode, visit the episode page. To get in touch, email ohiocenterforthebook@cpl.org (put “podcast” in the subject line) or follow us on Twitter or on Facebook.

Josh and Aaron Sarnecky are here to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Superman Returns.Superman Returns is a superhero film directed by Bryan Singer, who co-wrote the movie with Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris. It is based on the DC Comics character Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film acts as both an alternate sequel to Superman II and a reimagining for the 21st century. The film opened in theaters on June 28, 2006.In the film, Superman/Clark Kent (Brandon Routh) returns to Earth after five years in space looking for the remains of Krypton. He must stop Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) from reshaping the map with stolen Kryptonian technology. Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) now has a husband and son, Richard (James Marsden) and Jason (Tristan Lake Leabu). She has moved on from Superman until he flies back into her life.Other characters include Daily Planet Editor-in-Chief Perry White (Frank Langella), photographer Jimmy Olsen (Sam Huntington), Luthor's henchwoman Kitty Kowalski (Parker Posey), and Clark's mother Martha Kent (Eva Marie Saint).Superman Returns received generally positive reviews, though over the years it has been less well-received by fans. The desire to forget the film is due in part to Singer and Spacey's legal issues. The film was nominated for one Oscar for Best Visual Effects.Superman Returns was the ninth-highest grossing film of 2006 but a commercial disappointment, grossing $391 million on a $204 million budget. No sequel was made and the franchise was rebooted with Man of Steel. Brandon Routh donned the cape again on The CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths.Josh and Aaron discuss the first time each of them saw Superman Returns before going into the movie's plot, performances, action, and how the movie ties into previous installments. They also ponder the tricky question of what the movie's legacy is.For more superheroes, you can listen to Josh and Aaron's podcast with Kris Ingersoll on Captain America: Civil War.Superman Returns is streaming on HBO Max

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview...William Bernhardt, whose 67th published book is The Superman Wars, the true story of Superman's creator, Jerry Siegel, and his fight to create, then recover, his iconic character.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThe Superman Wars, WriterCon 2026, and the host steps into the interview chair!4:25 News1) Protest Filed Over AI Audiobooks—Including One from John Grisham2) New Literary Scout Program Wants to Send Your Work to Hollywood15:21 Interview with William BernhardtThe guest would like you to know that when he talked about Jerry Siegel serving his "company," he of course actually meant "country," but he just gets so excited when he talks about Siegel and Superman that his stutter returns and he trips over his own tongue. Which Superman would never do. 47:34 Parting WordsWriterCon 2026 will take place in Oklahoma City on Sept 4-7 with over sixty presenters headlined by #1 NYTimes bestselling author William Martin, and Edgar Award-winner Lou Berney. Visit the website for more info: www.writercon.comIf you want a small-group enviroment and a chance to workshop your work-in-progress, consider the WriterCon Retreat, at Canebrake Resort near Tulsa on July 15-19. More info on the website: www.writercon.com/retreat/Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Blending legal insight, historical research, and deeply human storytelling, Bernhardt delivers the definitive account of one of the most consequential and misunderstood creator-rights battles in American pop culture history.For generations, Superman has stood as a symbol of hope, morality, and idealism. Yet few readers know the true story behind his creation or the devastating cost paid by his original creators. In The Superman Wars, Bernhardt pulls back the curtain on the legal, cultural, and ethical conflicts that shaped the Man of Steel and forever changed the comics industry. “Most people think they know the backstory of Superman. They don't,” says Bernhardt. Rather than retelling a well-known pop culture narrative, Bernhardt reframes Superman as history. He traces the character's creation to two young men, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, whose work helped define an industry while leaving them financially and creatively vulnerable. Their experience became one of the earliest and most influential examples of creators losing control of their intellectual property to powerful corporations.Bernhardt's background as a lawyer gives him a unique lens through which to examine the legal battles surrounding Superman. He translates complex copyright disputes into an accessible narrative, showing how early publishing contracts routinely stripped creators of long-term rights in exchange for modest, short-term compensation. These practices shaped not only the comics industry but the broader entertainment landscape.The Superman Wars places Superman within the social and historical context of the late 1930s, a time marked by economic hardship and global uncertainty. Bernhardt explains why Superman emerged at precisely the right moment in American history and why his emphasis on moral clarity and justice resonated so deeply with readers seeking reassurance and hope. The Superman Wars also speaks directly to modern creators. The book raises enduring questions about ownership, fairness, and the balance between art and commerce. Bernhardt argues that Siegel's story remains deeply relevant in today's publishing, film, and digital media industries. The book arrives amid renewed cultural attention on Superman, as the character continues to evolve for new generations across film, television, and publishing. Bernhardt contends that understanding Superman's past is essential to shaping the future and to ensuring greater protections for creators moving forward. Blending meticulous research with compelling narrative, The Superman Wars stands as both a tribute to creative vision and a cautionary tale about power, legacy, and justiceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Rick London, author of The Dancing Wolfeman.Opening ThoughtsWilliam Bernhardt's new book, The Superman Wars, is ON SALE NOW! The book has already garnered rave reviews and a host of interviews, plus the #1 New Release flag on Amazon. This is the story of Jerry Siegel, the man who came up with the idea for Superman—only to find himself jobless and penniless. This is a story of interest not just to comic fans, but to anyone who cares about creator rights and protecting creative work from the predators who sadly still exist. Get your copy today!News1) Trad Wife Fiction Has Become the Year's Most Talked-About Genre2) Sacha Black Has Her Own Fulfillment ServiceCraft CornerBetsey Kulahowski (The Veritas Codex) explains how writers can protect themsleves from the pervasive scams and spam.Interview with Rick LondonParting WordsUp, up and way! Get your copy of The Superman Wars today!Only a few spots left in the WriterCon Retreat (July 15-19). Join us and workshop your work-in-progress!Register for WriterCon 2026 before the Early Bird pricing ends! Visit

Jace welcomes bestselling author William Bernhardt to the show to discuss Superman Wars, his deeply researched exploration of the decades-long battle over Superman ownership and the emotional toll it took on Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The conversation covers creator rights in comics, the contradictions at the center of Superman's legacy, the evolution of DC editorial culture, Jeanette Kahn's impact on the industry, why Superman continues to resonate across generations and how modern audiences still connect to the character as a symbol of hope. They also discuss modern Superman adaptations, the current resurgence of the character, the lasting impact of Siegel's fight for recognition and Bernhardt's upcoming project, The Batman Wars.

Blending legal insight, historical research, and deeply human storytelling, Bernhardt delivers the definitive account of one of the most consequential and misunderstood creator-rights battles in American pop culture history.For generations, Superman has stood as a symbol of hope, morality, and idealism. Yet few readers know the true story behind his creation or the devastating cost paid by his original creators. In The Superman Wars, Bernhardt pulls back the curtain on the legal, cultural, and ethical conflicts that shaped the Man of Steel and forever changed the comics industry. “Most people think they know the backstory of Superman. They don't,” says Bernhardt. Rather than retelling a well-known pop culture narrative, Bernhardt reframes Superman as history. He traces the character's creation to two young men, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, whose work helped define an industry while leaving them financially and creatively vulnerable. Their experience became one of the earliest and most influential examples of creators losing control of their intellectual property to powerful corporations.Bernhardt's background as a lawyer gives him a unique lens through which to examine the legal battles surrounding Superman. He translates complex copyright disputes into an accessible narrative, showing how early publishing contracts routinely stripped creators of long-term rights in exchange for modest, short-term compensation. These practices shaped not only the comics industry but the broader entertainment landscape.The Superman Wars places Superman within the social and historical context of the late 1930s, a time marked by economic hardship and global uncertainty. Bernhardt explains why Superman emerged at precisely the right moment in American history and why his emphasis on moral clarity and justice resonated so deeply with readers seeking reassurance and hope. The Superman Wars also speaks directly to modern creators. The book raises enduring questions about ownership, fairness, and the balance between art and commerce. Bernhardt argues that Siegel's story remains deeply relevant in today's publishing, film, and digital media industries. The book arrives amid renewed cultural attention on Superman, as the character continues to evolve for new generations across film, television, and publishing. Bernhardt contends that understanding Superman's past is essential to shaping the future and to ensuring greater protections for creators moving forward. Blending meticulous research with compelling narrative, The Superman Wars stands as both a tribute to creative vision and a cautionary tale about power, legacy, and justiceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Rob Fredette interviews William Bernhardt about his new narrative nonfiction book" The Superman Wars", tracing Jerry Siegel's creation of Superman, the decades-long legal battles over creator rights, and the injustices faced by comic creators. They also cover Bernhardt's writing process, editing tips, the WriterCon community, avoiding publishing scams, and practical advice for aspiring authors. www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com    

Rob Fredette interviews William Bernhardt about his new narrative nonfiction book" The Superman Wars", tracing Jerry Siegel's creation of Superman, the decades-long legal battles over creator rights, and the injustices faced by comic creators. They also cover Bernhardt's writing process, editing tips, the WriterCon community, avoiding publishing scams, and practical advice for aspiring authors. www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com    

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Eloisa James, the reigning queen of romance, who has over 7 million books in print, about her new novel The Last Lady B, which has been called "Jane Austen Meets The White Lotus."0:00 Opening ThoughtsBill wants everyone to know that his new book The Superman Wars is finally on sale. This is the story of Jerry Siegel, the man who came up with the idea for Superman only to lose control and see his character taken from him and his name stripped from the credits. This is a story about art vs commerce, still very relevant, and a cautionary tale for creatives working today.7:45 News1) Character AI Lets People Enter Book Worlds2) Stolen Rare Books Recovered after 40 Years15:48 Craft CornerLauren Smith, USA Today-bestselling author, discusses the Five Essential Ingrdients for a Romantasy Novel25:14 Interview with Eloisa James45:55 Parting WordsThe Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice and an American Icon is NOW ON SALE!!!The WriterCon Small-Group Retreat is July 15-19 at Canebrake Resort near Tulsa OK, Spend five days workshopping your work-in-progress and inproving your writing skills. You'll be glad you did.The WriterCon Annual Convention is Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, at the historic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. Register now to take advantage of the Early Bird prices!For more info about both WriterCon programs, visit www.writercon.com.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Most people know Superman as the heroic figure from Krypton, the mild-mannered Clark Kent who fights for truth, justice, and the American way. But as William Bernhardt reveals in The Superman Wars, the story behind Superman's creation is far more complicated, emotional, and dramatic than many fans realize. In this conversation, William Bernhardt joins Books That Make You to discuss the decades-long fight of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel, whose work helped launch the superhero genre and reshape American pop culture. Drawing from legal documents, personal letters, unpublished manuscripts, and interviews with people who had never spoken publicly before, Bernhardt uncovers a story of creativity, commerce, betrayal, persistence, and long-delayed recognition. The Superman Wars explores how Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created one of the most recognizable characters in the world, only to spend much of their lives fighting for credit, dignity, and justice. Bernhardt also discusses the larger impact this story had on comic book history, creator rights, and the way artists are treated when their work becomes valuable to powerful companies. This episode is for comic book fans, writers, creators, pop culture historians, and anyone interested in the real human story behind an American icon.

We speak with best-selling author and former attorney William Bernhardt about his latest book, "The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon." The book explores how Jerry Siegel created the iconic character of Superman ..... lost creative control of it .... and sought to regain it - a struggle that went on for decades.

Send us Fan MailWhen Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel created the character of Superman in the 1930s they had a specific vision. Has that vision been maligned for other purposes? Is it possible to view the character through the lens of the reality maligned? We answer these questions in ep 146 of Truth Unrestricted.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview David L Robbins, author of many novels involving 20th Century military history, including War of the Rats, a bestseller set during a critical WWII battle between Germany and Russia. He also helped launch The Mighty Pen Project, an intensive writing program for Virginia's military veterans and their families.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThe Superman Wars hits the stands on April 28. Order now to read this history/biography of Jerry Siegel, originator of Superman, the first American writer to sue his publisher, and the price he paid for standing up to power. This is a story still very relevant in today's creative world. Order your copy today!5:16 News1) Guess How Many Books Were Published Last Year. FOUR MILLION!2) BookTok Gets Its Own Bestseller List13:55 Interview with David L Robbins36:09 Parting WordsThe Superman Wars is now on sale. Tell your friends!The WriterCon Small-Group Retreat takes place July 15-19 at the Canebrake Resort outside Tulsa.The annual WriterCon conference is Labor Day weekend (Sept 4-7) in Oklahoma City.For more infor about WriterCon programs, visit: www.writercon.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Send us Fan MailBest selling author William Bernhardt stopped by to discuss his upcoming new release "The Superman Wars: The Battle For Truth, Justice, And An American Icon".Releasing this April 28th, the book sheds light on the decades long fight by Jerry Siegel, the co-creator of the Superman character, to reclaim the credit and justice taken by corporations as they built a multi-billion dollar industry around his creation.William Bernhardt is the best selling author of over 60 books and is a former attorney, which offers the reader a unique perspective on the legal and human stakes behind one of pop culture's most iconic figures.You can read more about, and pre-order, the book HERE Check our other links:TwitterRumbleInstagramYouTube

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Daniel Sanchez (@wearingthecape) dig into Supergirl's Silver Age origins as the star of her own decade-long ACTION COMICS backup feature from creators Otto Binder, Jerry Siegel, Leo Dorfman, Al Plastino, Jim Mooney, and more.In a wide-ranging discussion, Anthony & Daniel cover:Forerunners to Supergirl in the years preceding her 1959 introductionKara Zor-El's characterization, relationship with authoritarian Superman, and initial loneliness as his "emergency secret weapon" at Midvale OrphanageSupergirl's evolution as she makes her public debut, gets adopted, and starts collegeRomantic interests Jerro, Dick Malverne, and Comet the Super-HorseMega-arcs featuring nemesis Lesla-Lar and the alive Zor-El & AluraSupport the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato, including the spinoff podcasts BEYOND METROPOLIS and DIGGING FOR JUSTICE!Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies. Get your DFK merch at the podcast's TeePublic storefront!FACEBOOK GROUP: Digging for Kryptonite: A Superman Fan GroupFACEBOOK PAGE: @diggingforkryptonitepodINSTAGRAM: @diggingforkryptonitepodTWITTER: @diggingforkrpodBLUESKY: @diggingforkrpod.bsky.socialEMAIL: flatsquirrelproductions@gmail.comWEBSITE: FlatSquirrelProductions.com Digging for Kryptonite is a Flat Squirrel Production. Theme music by Dan Pritchard. Key art by Isaiah Simmons. Mentioned in this episode:Single Bound PodcastAlways Hold On To SmallvilleAw Yeah ComicsThis Podcast Will Never DieDrunken AvengerFat Moose Comics

In this episode, Jerry Siegel, Founder of Midway Moving & Storage, shares how he built one of Illinois' largest and most recommended moving companies by training and employing his own teams, prioritizing culture and retention, and delivering high touch, customized service. 

In this episode, Jerry Siegel, Founder of Midway Moving & Storage, shares how he built one of Illinois' largest and most recommended moving companies by training and employing his own teams, prioritizing culture and retention, and delivering high touch, customized service. 

David Armstrong interviewed Platinum and Golden Age great, Creig Flessel in 1998 on set at Long Island, New York about his early training in the Grand Central Art School, his entry into comic books in the mid 1930s with Vincent Sullivan on More Fun Comics for Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's National Allied Publications, his covers for Detective Comics, other artists like Leo O'Mealia, Bert Christman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, early Superman, depicting African American protagonists, why he left comic books for advertising at Johnstone and Cushing, comic strips and his relationships with other comic book professionals.  Armstrong also interviewed Platinum and Golden Age great, Fred Guardineer in 1998 on set at San Diego Comic Con about his entry into comic books in the 1930s, working with Street and Smith pulps, getting into the comic book business with Harry Chesler and Vincent Sullivan under Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, and the company shake up with Harry Donenfeld and Jack Liebowitz taking control of Detective Comics, his work in Action Comics creating Zatara, freelancing with other companies like Quality Comics, and lessons he learned about the power of the comic book medium. Interview conducted, recorded and copyrighted to David Armstrong. Remastered, edited, timestamped and postproduction by Alex Grand.Support the show

David Armstrong interviewed Golden Age great, Joe Simon in 1998 on set at San Diego Comic Con about his entry into Hearst comic strips in the 1930s, comic books in Funnies Inc and becoming Timely/Marvel Comics' first editor, meeting Jack Kirby at Victor Fox comics, Wonder Comics with Will Eisner's Wonder Man, Eisner and Iger's split, creating Captain America, leaving Timely for DC Comics, his relationship with Jack Liebowitz, Sandman & Boy Commandoes, his friend Charles Nicholas, Al Harvey, creating Romance Comics with Jack Kirby, their special contrast at Prize/Crestwood, leaving comic books and his encounter with Jim Steranko at the Harvey Thrillers line. Armstrong also interviewed Platinum and Golden Age superhero comic book medium cofounder, Vincent (Vin) Sullivan in 1998 on set at Long Island, New York about his beginnings as a sports cartoonist, entry into comic books with Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's New Fun comics, their bullpen, meeting Creig Flessel, distribution through Independent News, encouraging Bob Kane to create his superhero (Batman), working with Whitney Ellsworth, overseeing Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's early comics, editing Action Comics 1 with the first appearance of Superman, editing the covers of Adventure comics, his failed cartoon strip with Jimmy Durante, observing Donenfeld and Liebowitz's take over of the company, leaving DC to start Magazine Enterprises, his editor Ray Krank, international distribution, and looking back at the comic book industry 50 years later. Interview conducted, recorded and copyrighted to David Armstrong. Remastered, edited, timestamped and postproduction by Alex Grand.Support the show

Send us a textA horrible toxic accident transforms an alien Kryptonian into a downtrodden janitor. When this new toxic version of him is exposed to Earth's selfish, inconsiderate ways he turns into a new evolution of a hero: Incel Space Jesus! On Episode 688 of Trick or Treat Radio we are joined by the Vegan Prince of Wales, Linus for his Patreon Takeover! Linus has selected an unlikely duo of Superhero films, The Toxic Avenger (2025) and Superman (2025) for us to discuss! We also talk about; the Frankenstein sequel the world needs now, well known actors who started out in Troma films, and how bad marketing can impact a film's release! So grab your toxic mop, save all the dogs and squirrels you can, and strap on your Kryptonian Bum Bag for the world's most dangerous podcast!Stuff we talk about: Remembering 1990, MC Hammer, The Curse of Frankenstein, Hammer Films, UK theatrical cuts, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Brexit, BST, Patreon Takeover, Linus, Atomsk, Wulf Gas, noise shows, basement shows, Xiphoid Dimentia, The Brute Man, The Abominable Snowman, Macabre, Attack of the Giant Leeches, Night of the Living Dead, Night of the Strangler, House on Skull Mountain, The Stranger Within, Mansion of the Doomed, Prey, Patrick, The Slayer, My Best Friend is a Vampire, Open House, Dark Carnival, Things, Night Terror, Jacquelin Hyde, Night of the Flesh Eaters, The Dead, 90210 Shark Attack, Cracoon, Insidious, Rupert Friend, Curse of Chucky, The Taking of Deborah Logan, Jeremy Holm, The Ranger, Brooklyn 45, Michelle Bauer, Demon Warp, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Granny, The Manitou, Peeping Tom, Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, The Toxic Avenger, Peter Dinklage, Macon Blair, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Sebastian Shaw, Billy Bob Thornton, Samuel L. Jackson, Oliver Stone, Kevin Costner, Vanna White, Graduation Day, Marisa Tomei, Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town, David Boreanaz, Terror Firmer, Paul Sorvino, John G. Avildsen, Troma Films, Lloyd Kaufman, Father's Day, Cannibal: The Music, Roger Corman, Blue Ruin, The Shitheads, Buttcrack, Elijah Wood, Avator, The Crow without Eric Draven, Alan Scott and Hal Jordan, Brian Michael Bendis, Slimetime, The Toxic Crusaders, CHUDHaven, Swamp Thing, Evil Dead, Fede Alvarez, The Mighty Crabjoys, Savatage, Hall of the Mountain King, Night on Bald Mountain, Ernest Borgnine, Jesus Lizard, James Gunn, Superman, Krypto, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, Alan Tudyk, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, Guy Gardner, John Byrne, The New Gods, Mr. Terrific, Brainiac, Jimmy and Stiggs, Joe Begos, Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, mate rate, RobertRodriguezMusic, RIP Renato Casaro, Space Jesus for Incels, Kryptonian Bum Bag, and The Four Swordsmen of the Girthening!Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trickortreatradioJoin our Discord Community: discord.trickortreatradio.comSend Email/Voicemail: mailto:podcast@trickortreatradio.comVisit our website: http://trickortreatradio.comStart your own podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=386Use our Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2CTdZzKFB Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/trickortreatradioTwitter: http://twitter.com/TrickTreatRadioFacebookSupport the show

MONSTER PARTY BRINGS YOU THE ONLY KRYPTO YOU CAN TRUST! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, salute what is arguably the most famous superhero of all time. Join us as we pry open the doors of The Fortress of Solitude to examine the meta-human miracle that is... THE LEGACY OF SUPERMAN! Created in 1933 as a villain by the ill-fated team of writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman made his heroic debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938. Since then, the orphan from the planet Krypton has been the subject of numerous pop culture interpretations, including serials, cartoons, live-action TV series, and major motion pictures. Although these vehicles have been hit and miss, the release of the most recent 2025 film, SUPERMAN, written and directed by JAMES GUNN, sees Superman come full circle back to the tone of his earlier comic book roots.  In this episode, MONSTER PARTY dissects what has made Superman retain his universal appeal. Concentrating primarily on his depictions in films and television, we tackle some of the pros and cons of this pop culture icon.  How did the Superman radio show lead to the early Kirk Alyn Superman serials of the 40's? What has animation contributed to the Superman mythology? Was the 1950's TV show starring George Reeves an effective portrayal of Supes? What are some of the problems that have plagued various feature film productions? Does the new Superman film stand up to the praise and criticism? And is it possible to make a truly decent superhero interesting?  Joining us for this yellow sun-powered yap fest is a man who has had the honor of creating Superman stories for D.C. Comics. He's a friend of the show and a celebrated artist and writer who has lent his talents to such projects as BLACK TERROR, BATMAN: THRILLKILLER, SUPERMAN AND BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD'S FINEST, THE PSYCHO, GIANTKILLER, JLA: SEVEN CASKETS, and his own groundbreaking series, THE NOCTURNALS. Please welcome back, Krypton's favorite son... DAN BRERETON! LOOK! UP IN THE SKY! IS IT A BIRD? IS IT A PLANE? IS IT AN INCREDIBLY HIGH JUMPING LEPUS? NO... IT'S MONSTER PARTY!

Is Superman Woke—or Just Wonderfully Human?   Can a superhero cut through the world's chaos better than a political debate or another sermon? New York Times columnist David French and Christianity Today editor-in-chief Russell Moore explore why Superman still strikes a cultural nerve—especially in the age of outrage and “wokeness” debates. From his immigrant origins to the often-overlooked theme of adoption, they unpack how James Gunn's 2025 reboot revives timeless questions about identity, belonging, moral courage, and kindness. This conversation is more than capes and kryptonite—it's a surprising, thoughtful, and even fun look at the stories shaping who we are.   (00:00) - Exploring the Resonance of Superhero Myths (07:24) - Fun That Connects To Deeper Needs (10:10) - A Jewish Immigrant's Myth (15:40) - Exploring James Gunn's Superman 2025 (23:06) - Is Superman Woke?  (27:04) - Kindness as a Countercultural Value (34:11) - Parenting With Superheroes and Morals (51:09) - Credits   Donate to Redeeming Babel   Resources mentioned in this episode: Russell Moore's article Why Superman Matters David French's column Kindness Is MAGA Kryptonite J.R.R. Tolkien's On Fairy Stories J.R.R. Tolkien's eucatastrophe (an essay) C.S. Lewis' “True Myth”: The Myth That Became Fact C.S. Lewis' Reviews of Lord of the Rings (veil of familiarity) Grant Morrison's Super Gods Official Trailer: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Sonny Bunch's article How to Decide If You Want to Watch ‘Superman' A short interview with Superman's creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (video) Übermensch Explained: the Meaning of Nietzsche's ‘Superman' The Times interview James Gunn: Some people will take offence at my new Superman Read Deuteronomy 17:16-17 (NLT) Social Commentary in The Office Wonder Woman vol. 5 Annual #1 Batman & Superman share their real names (video) Relevant Magazine: What the Superman Backlash Says About American Masculinity   More From David French: David French's New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads   More From Russell Moore: Sign up for Russell Moore's weekly newsletter Moore to the Point Listen to The Russell Moore Show (podcast)   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter

Superman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's comic book creation, has seen numerous incarnations over the last eight decades. The last son of Krypton has been heard on radio, and seen in animation, serials, films, and several TV series. While each is a product of its time, some are clearly hits while others are misses. At long last James Gunn, best known for Guardians of the Galaxy, has his turn at bat. And, in the view of critics, movie goers, and all three Regular Joes, he has hit it out of the ballpark. The Film both reclaims Superman‘s position as the cornerstone of the DC universe and heralds an exciting new era under Gunn's stewardship. Note: there will be SPOILERS. So, if you have had any hesitation, just see the movie. There's also the usual round of Random Topics and yet more What's in the Box! Thanks for listening!

Superman is everywhere this summer, but today's bonus episode has nothing to do with James Gunn or David Corenswet. Let's go back to the beginning, when young Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster first conjured up the character. Superman may have never seen the light of day if not for a real crime that changed the duo’s lives forever. * This bonus episode was written by Jake Rossen and originally appeared as part of the Stealing Superman podcast. Go listen to that show and help us find Nic Cage's stolen comics!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Superman is everywhere this summer, but today's bonus episode has nothing to do with James Gunn or David Corenswet. Let's go back to the beginning, when young Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster first conjured up the character. Superman may have never seen the light of day if not for a real crime that changed the duo’s lives forever. * This bonus episode was written by Jake Rossen and originally appeared as part of the Stealing Superman podcast. Go listen to that show and help us find Nic Cage's stolen comics!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rudy sits down with Hank Kennedy, author of From Champion of the Oppressed to Truth, Justice, and the American Way: Who Took the Socialism Out of Superman? to discuss the surprising political journey of Superman, tracing his evolution from a Depression-era defender of the oppressed to a complex symbol shaped by changing American ideologies. We dive into the roots of Superman's creation by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, how Superman originally tackled social injustices head-on and follow his evolution from his early anti-authoritarian stances to his shifting roles in WWII, the Cold War, and beyond -including his emergence as a “SuperRepublican” in the 1980s and a more progressive figure in the 21st century. We also talk about the broader role of comics as a political tool in the left, and how they correspond to the Zeitgeist and culture.

Republican lawmakers will be back at work later this month, interrupting their summer recess, to consider overrides on three of Gov. Mike DeWine's budget line-item vetoes, all focused on property taxes. The governor used his red pen 67 times to strike out items in the massive $60 billion-dollar two-year operating budget. He signed off on the budget at the end of June. We will begin Friday's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with a discussion on why lawmakers are taking the unusual step of returning during summer break to address these specific vetoes. Plus, the anticipated summer blockbuster "Superman" has swooped into theaters with some predictions looking at a $200 million global box office haul by the end of the weekend. Directed by James Gunn, the reboot brings Superman back to his hometown. Two Glenville teens, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, created the "man of steel." Superman debuted in Action Comics in 1938.

Last summer, our city played host to DC Studios' filming of the upcoming film "Superman". Early trailer footage gives Cleveland much love, putting many of our city's landmarks front and center. It was a sort of homecoming for Superman, who was created by two Glenville High School students in 1933, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Adding to the anticipation, the Siegel and Shuster Society, an all-volunteer nonprofit, announced they will construct a Superman statue in downtown Cleveland.rnrnBefore the July 11th theatrical release of "Superman," we will be joined by Bill Garvey from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and Valentino Zullo with the Siegel and Shuster Society. Ideastream's Mike McIntyre will lead a conversation on what it takes to bring Hollywood to The CLE and how we can all honor the creators of The Man of Steel.

Show notes provided by Joe PelusoTen days before Christmas, 1978 cinema fans of all ages were the recipients of a wonderful gift--"...the gift of flight". It was THE Christmas Season that delivered the granddaddy of all super-hero films--SUPERMAN:THE MOVIE.   Come with us now as we break through the earthly bonds of time and space, and join your hosts James, Richie and Joe for a trek back to the late 1970's (Disco, Yankees World Championships, polyester, and incredible films) as they critique the film that made "you believe a man could fly". From the sterile surface of Krypton, to the rolling corn fields of Kansas, onto the concrete canyons of Metropolis, the guys relive the grand adventure that reintroduced The Man of Steel toa world much in need of an iconic hero.    Superman/Clark Kent, Jor-El and Lara, Ma and Pa Kent, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Otis, Miss Teschmacher(!), and of course the villain everyone loves to hate--Lex Luthor--all brought to vivid life by skilled actors, and a visionary director; a cast of creatives that took the spawn of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and delivered an offering that would forever alter the genre of heroic cinema. The guys discuss all these aspects of the film, and more as they have a "super" time getting caught up in a wild comic book fantasy that continues to deliver the adventure, excitement, romance, and laughs nearly a halfcentury after its bombastic debut!    I know I speak for James and Richie, when I say we had aKrypton-sized blast recording this special episode.. And we hope you will experience the same fun when you give it a listen. Just be sure to look up in the sky because as Lois Lane found out to her amazement after Superman rescues her for the first time--in SUPERMAN you always have "a friend".

July 7, 1938. Superman has the villain in his grasp. They soar through the air, then slam into the ground. This villain wants to start a war. Our hero won't let that happen. At this point, Superman only has two comic book appearances. And yet, his legend is already beginning to grow. Kids read about heroics at the community pool, sitting on their stoops, late at night under their covers. Soon enough, Superman becomes America's hero, but the two young men who created him will get left behind. How did two friends from Cleveland invent a national icon? And how did he slip from their grasp? Special thanks to Brad Ricca, author of Super Boys: The Amazing Adventures of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster – the Creators of Superman. His newest book is Lincoln's Ghost. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

today we bring you Part 3 of my Summer 2011 conversation with the late, great Marty Pasko. In this installment, we explore Marty's work from the 1980s, including his run on Blackhawk, and get his sharp perspective on what was then the big unknown — the launch of DC's New 52. Marty had a lot to say about how that relaunch might alter the company's history and how it stacked up against past reinventions of the DC Universe.We also take a hard look back at the Silver and Bronze Age stewardship of Superman under controversial editor Mort Weisinger — including Weisinger's infamous treatment of co-creator Jerry Siegel and his iron grip on the Man of Steel's mythos.Plus, you'll get a behind-the-scenes peek at the origins of DC's beloved reprint formats — the 80-Page Giants and 100-Page Spectaculars. Where did the idea come from? Why did they work? And what legacy did they leave? This is essential listening for anyone who loves DC Comics history — as told by someone who lived it.

Superman is an American fictional character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and featured pervasively in DC Comic books. The character debuted in Action Comics issue #1 in June 1938[1] and has since become a paradigm for superhero characters.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

DC Comics's Superman franchise, based on the character of the same name created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in June 1938, has seen the release of various films since its inception.[1]The character debuted in cinemas in a series of animated shorts beginning in 1941 and was the protagonist of two movie serials in 1948 and 1950. An independent studio, Lippert Pictures, released the first Superman feature film, Superman and the Mole Men, starring George Reeves, in 1951. In 1973, the film rights to the Superman character were purchased by Ilya Salkind, Alexander Salkind, and Pierre Spengler. After multiple scripts and several years in development, Richard Donner was hired as director, and he shot two films, Superman (1978) (marketed as Superman: The Movie), and Superman II (1980), at the same time, both starring Christopher ReeveHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Surprise, friends. Grant Morrison joins the show for Superman Day! As the writer behind the seminal All-Star Superman, which observes its 20th anniversary this November, we cannot think of a better person to help us celebrate the Last Son of Krypton on his 87th birthday. Action Comics #1, featuring the first appearance of Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, hit newsstands on April 18th, 1938. It is the source of everything you love about superhero comics. When Action Comics first arrived, America was in economic ruin. The world was about to enter its second great war. Despair was easily accessible, but two Jewish kids from Cleveland imagined a Man of Steel who could do the impossible and would act for those who could not act for themselves. As we look outside our windows in 2025, we see an incredible darkness, but we strive for a future beyond it. We can imitate the devils in the dark, or we can seek Superman, who reflects the best version of ourselves. Like most people, probably, we first encountered Superman through television and film; it was the All-Star Superman comics by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, Jamie Grant, Phil Balsman, and Travis Lanham that solidified our passion for the character. Those twelve issues showcased the joyous, awful, absurd, and adventurous universe Superman populated, making us fall in love with it and our own realm in return. As Morrison writes in Supergods, we are the stories we tell ourselves. In Superman, we see who we've been, who we are, and who we could be. We're positively chuffed to chat Superman with Grant Morrison. We discuss their approach to the character in All-Star Superman and how it differs from the version they wrote in JLA, Action Comics, Final Crisis, and other stories. We discuss the significance of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and what it means for Grant and others to extend their great idea. We talk about Lois and Clark, Lex Luthor, Samson, and Atlas, and Grant Morrison reveals their next big comic project somewhere along the line. Continue our conversation with Grant Morrison by visiting their Website, Substack, Instagram, and Bluesky. This Week's Sponsor: We're sponsored by 2000 AD, the greatest comic you're not reading! Within its pages is a whole universe of characters, from Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog to Rogue Trooper, Shakara, Halo Jones, and the poor sods slogging across the Cursed Earth in The Helltrekkers. Get a print subscription at your door every week - and the first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, get free back issues, and download DRM-free copies of each issue for just $9 a month. That's 128 pages of incredible monthly comics for less than $10. Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Dan Slott and Mark Waid on Action Comics #1 Joshua Williamson, Dan Slott, and Mark Waid on Summer of Superman Missing Frames: Celebrating Superman Geeksplained: All-Star Superman - Chapter 3 w/CBCC CBCC on Grant Morrison's New X-Men Four Color Fantasies Charity Sketch Cover Auction Patreon Exclusive: Saga of the Swamp Thing Book Club Support Your Local Comic Shop Free Patreon Series Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. The Comic Book Couples Counseling TeePublic Merch Page. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

This is it! The exciting conclusion! The finale of the live script reading of the never-seen first draft of the unmade 5th Christopher Reeve Superman movie that was performed in Los Angeles on November 12th, 2024. The stage reading of the script was made with actors. The audio is presented here like an old-fashioned radio play. It stars Ray Carsillo as The Narrator, Jonathan Cahill as Clark Kent / Superman, Kenna Roubicek as Lois Lane, Jamal Henderson as Brainiac, David Pinion as Kosmo David Kocher as Jimmy Olsen / Ensemble Barry Papick as Perry White / Ensemble Veronica Warner as Lyla / Ensemble Bill Kates as Max - Dur / Ensemble and Caitlin Morris as Martha Kent / Ensemble. It was directed by Ray Carsillo and produced by Ilya Salkind, David Kocher, and Ray Carsillo.—story by Ilya Salkind, Mark Jones, and Cary Bates Screenplay by Mark Jones and Cary Bates. The story so far: Superman was “killed” in Part 1 (Episode 413) and was transported to the Bottle City of Kandor. Lois Lane, desperate to find out what happened to Superman, gets transported to the bottled city as well. Superman V was in the script stage that was drafted when Alexander and Ilya Salkind reacquired the rights to Superman. They attempted to restore the franchise to greatness by making Superman V. Salkind met with Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder to discuss a plan to make the 5th movie, but ultimately, it was never made. Superman is created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Based on characters from DC. This Presentation was funded by the Kaplan-Loring Foundation. For more information on the project and history of Superman Reborn, please visit our official IMDb page at the link below. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34615846... Please donate to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for spinal cord injury research at the link below. https://www.christopherreeve.org/.

This episode is a continuation of a live script reading performance of the never-seen first draft of the unmade 5th Christopher Reeve Superman movie that took place on November 12th, 2024. The stage reading of the script was made with actors. The audio is presented here like an old-fashioned radio play. The presentation stars Ray Carsillo as The Narrator Jonathan Cahill as Clark Kent / Superman Kenna Roubicek as Lois Lane Jamal Henderson as Brainiac David Pinion as Kosmo David Kocher as Jimmy Olsen / Ensemble Barry Papick as Perry White / Ensemble Veronica Warner as Lyla / Ensemble Bill Kates as Max - Dur / Ensemble and Caitlin Morris as Martha Kent / Ensemble. It was directed by Ray Carsillo, and produced by Ilya Salkind, David Kocher, and Ray Carsillo. Story by Ilya Salkind, Mark Jones, and Cary Bates Screenplay by Mark Jones and Cary Bates. The story so far: After Superman IV bombed, Alexander and Ilya Salkind reacquired the rights to Superman. They attempted to restore the franchise to greatness by making Superman V. Salkind met with Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder to discuss a plan to make the 5th movie but ultimately, it was never made. After the events of Part 1, the story continues in this episode. Notably, the original script was written BEFORE the famous “Death of Superman” comic book was released in 1992. Superman is created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Based on characters from DC. This Presentation was funded by the Kaplan-Loring Foundation. For more information on the project and history of Superman Reborn, please visit our official IMDb page at the link below. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34615846... Please donate to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for spinal cord injury research at the link below. https://www.christopherreeve.org/.

For the first time ever, a live script reading performance of the never-seen first draft of the unmade 5th Christopher Reeve Superman movie took place in late 2024. After Superman IV bombed, Alexander and Ilya Salkind reacquired the rights to Superman. They attempted to restore the franchise to greatness by making Superman V. Salkind met with Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder to discuss a plan to make the 5th movie but ultimately, it was never made. Now, a staged reading of the script was made with actors. The audio is presented here like an old-fashioned radio play. The presentation stars Ray Carsillo as The Narrator Jonathan Cahill as Clark Kent / Superman Kenna Roubicek as Lois Lane Jamal Henderson as Brainiac David Pinion as Kosmo David Kocher as Jimmy Olsen / Ensemble Barry Papick as Perry White / Ensemble Veronica Warner as Lyla / Ensemble Bill Kates as Max - Dur / Ensemble and Caitlin Morris as Martha Kent / Ensemble. It was directed by Ray Carsillo, and produced by Ilya Salkind, David Kocher, and Ray Carsillo. Story by Ilya Salkind, Mark Jones, and Cary Bates Screenplay by Mark Jones and Cary Bates. Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster Based on characters from DC. This Presentation was funded by the Kaplan-Loring Foundation. For more information on the project and history of Superman Reborn, please visit our official IMDb page at the link below. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34615846... Please donate to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for spinal cord injury research at the link below. https://www.christopherreeve.org/.