105 - The 'Evil Superman' Trope: Understanding its Influence and Impact in Comics

The Project Infinite Podcast

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Imagine a world where the iconic symbol of hope, Superman, turns rogue. That's exactly what we're taking a hard look at today as we explore the rising trope of the 'evil Superman' and its gripping narratives in comics. From its early 2000s origin to the popular comic series Injustice, we're deconstructing the shocking storyline where the Joker goes to the length of planting a nuclear weapon and tethering it to Lois Lane's heartbeat. This shift in Superman's character has been met with intrigue and has led to numerous copycats since its inception. Together, we uncover the compelling contrasts between Injustice 1 and Injustice 2 and their connection to the DC universe. This exploration also leads us to examine the repercussions of Superman's failure to protect his city and how this impacts the decisions of other heroes. We then compare different versions of Superman, such as Omni Man and Homelander, shedding light on how upbringing and environment play a part in their character development. We ruminate on the broader impact and themes of comics, particularly how the 'evil Superman' trope has been used to illustrate the tragedy of a hero gone rogue.
As we wrap up, we share some personal comic book recommendations, highlighting our favorite writers and artists, including the likes of Tom King, Donny Cates, Mark Waid, and Alex Ross. Tune in for an enlightening journey into the world of the 'evil Superman' trope. Timecodes are provided if you want to skip around to your topic of choice! Thank you to everyone who continues to support and don’t forget to subscribe to download new episodes as they become available and don’t be afraid to share a rating!

00:00 Intro
01:26 SAG-AFTRA Strike Update
02:58 Analyzing the “Evil Superman” Trope in Comics & Gaming
42:18 Just Some Comics Things
59:25 Signing Off & Topic for Next Week (Kingdom Come Maybe??)
In the wake of the tragic death of Power Ranger actor Jason David Frank, from this episode on, the number for the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline will be displayed here: 9-8-8. It's that simple. Call or text that number to be instantly sourced to a crisis counselor. Speak with someone today if you feel alone and need help.

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In the wake of the tragic death of Power Ranger actor Jason David Frank, from this episode on, the number for the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline will be displayed here: 9-8-8. It's that simple. Call or text that number to be instantly sourced to a crisis counselor. Speak with someone today if you feel alone and need help.