Essential Issues: A DC Comics Podcast

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Is Static a true hero? Can Superboy Prime be “redeemed”? Matriarchy Vs Patriarchy! Some GREAT topics to dig into this month!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra October 2026, DCUI Standard March 2027,

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00:01:09 Several books may be turning a corner for the better and Static has me wondering... is he truly a Hero? Wonder Woman 37, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 55, Superman Unlimited 17, New Titans 39 (& Static's Big Secret)

00:17:12 Can the mass-murder Superboy Prime actually be "redeemed"? And what do we even...

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Although it looks like the Spectre has been ruined worse than ever, numerous books this month were either great #1s, exciting developments or promising course corrections! Too soon to say, but DC might be heading toward a much greater consistency in quality!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra September 2026, DCUI Standard February 2027,

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00:01:09 I hope I've misjudged the intent of JSA 22, because if not they have RUINED The Spectre AGAIN, and even WORSE this time! Batman 12, Batgirl 22, JSA 22

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Some frustration over how DC is messing with Young Jon Kent fans, but also some respect for a better Supergirl in comics than in theaters!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2026, DCUI Standard January 2027,

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00:01:09 In HUGE contrast to the movie, we get a truly admirable, selfless, heroic Supergirl in the comics! And The Fury Of Firestorm is my new MUST READ monthly book! Clayface: Celebrity Dirt 1, Emperor Aquaman 19, Supergir...

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What the CRAP is going on with the “return” of Jon Kent! Argh! PLUS! I feel betrayed but intrigued by The Fury Of Firestorm, and The Spectre gets a re-establishment of his origin and purpose that… makes very little sense if you think about it. Hooray for Relativism and its unworthy “God”.

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra July 2026, DCUI Standard December 2026,

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00:01:09 Catching up on four weeks of DC Comics, there's a...

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Big changes are brewing for The Spectre, Barbara Gordon, Superboy Prime and The Flash! I share my hopes, fears and speculations about all of it!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra June 2026, DCUI Standard November 2026,

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00:01:09 The Spectre is returning! But will he be recognizable? And is he divine or demonic? The clues are being placed in front of us... Tales Of The Green Lantern Corps: Guy Gardner 1, Batman 9, JSA 19 (The Spec...

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YAY! Jon Kent staying for good! BOO! Tired out nonsensical alternatives to the Gospel accounts. DC definitely covers some interesting ground this month!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra May 2026, DCUI Standard October 2026,

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00:01:09 All signs point to Young Jon Kent being back for GOOD! Give me a few minutes and I'll show you why I think DC intends for him to stay! Wonder Woman 32, Nightwing 137, New Titans 34, Superman Unlimited 12

00:24:16 So I guess some weeks just aren't for Christians! Well, at least not for this one...

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It’s a WILD month of status quo changes, with some characters getting exciting changes and other getting head-scratching ones. But who am I kidding? Only one truly stands out. The BIG one finally happened! The return of young Jon Kent… FOR REAL!!!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra April 2026, DCUI Standard September 2026,

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00:01:09 Though Guy Gardner feels mismatched in Green Lantern Corps, Jeremy Adams is making Aquaman the character I've wanted...

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DC K.O. Ends! A sneaky de-aged Jon Kent! And HUGE things coming from Green Lantern!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2026, DCUI Standard August 2026,

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00:01:09 DC K.O. comes to an end and shows us what's next! DC K.O. Boss Battle DC K.O. 5 What Is Next? De-Aged Jon Kent!

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00:24:31 Some great moments and interesting ideas in this batch of DC...

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Both Jon kent & DC’s forgotten characters are RICH with potential! PLUS, The Spectre “warps” God and Wonder Woman teaches objective truth!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra February 2026, DCUI Standard July 2026,

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00:01:09 DC has some GREAT potential to remind us of their rich history and interesting characters in a couple of books this week. I also make note of how a recent portrayal of The Spectre reflects a warped view of God. B...

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Moral Dilemmas, unhealthy romance, preachy Wonder Women & loving Bat-dads!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra January 2025, DCUI Standard June 2026,

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00:01:09 Superboy has a moral dilemma that doesn't quite work, Green Lantern Corps is further exploring A.I. sentience/personhood while suggesting an unhealthy view of romance and human purpose, and Wonder Woman continues to barrel through the DCU being "right", but steps into delivering a self-defeating sermon... or perhaps her writer d...

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DC KO's tie-ins are better than the main books? And Aquaman DOMINATES with his new powers! Could he win the entire KO tournament? Very possibly! In this extra-large "catch-up" installment I cover Ultra-Tier DC Universe Infinite releases from November & December!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra November/December 2025, DCUI Standard May 2026,

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00:01:09 Justice League Unlimited 12, DC KO 2, Superman Red And Blue 2025 Special 1, Superman Vs. Captain Atom 1, Action Comics 1092, Green Lantern Corps 10...

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My favorite DC Comics Christmas stories are probably not what DC expects. And I found a few good Thanksgiving stories, too! All explored from a nerd-fan, biblical, Christian perspective! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra November 2025, DCUI Standard April 2026,

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00:01:09 Batman's got a striking new villain, Superman learns a boyhood lesson Christians should take to heart, and a Green Lantern event ends while teasing big things coming...

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An action-packed crossover begins and TWO DC heroes put their arrogance on display! A sampling of the nerdy fun and deeper ideas that make me glad I read DC Comics! That and MUCH MORE!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra October 2025, DCUI Standard March 2026,

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00:01:09 DC KO is looking to make an impact, but will it be something I feel, or just the sound of plastic action figures? Green Lantern Corps 8...

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Fresh revivals of 4th-tier characters, Green Lantern explores emotions and A.I., and we all might be turning into Superboy Prime if we can’t admit we’re “broken”! That and MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra September 2025, DCUI Standard February 2026,

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00:01:09 Are four different 4th-tier DC characters about to become some of my new favorites! VERY possibly so! JSA 10, Cheetah & Cheshire Rob The Justice League 1, Secret Six 6

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With evidence growing that Jon Kent might be de-aged, Batman struggling to raise two adopted sons, and Wonder Woman adventuring with a baby in tow, is DC leaning into parenthood more? And if so, how will they view parenting? Hopefully with more wisdom than Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, who has some monumentally bad advice for Batman! That and MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2025, DCUI Standard January 2026,

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00:01:09...

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With evidence growing that Jon Kent might be de-aged, Batman struggling to raise two adopted sons, and Wonder Woman adventuring with a baby in tow, is DC leaning into parenthood more? And if so, how will they view parenting? Hopefully with more wisdom than Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, who has some monumentally bad advice for Batman! That and MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2025, DCUI Standard January 2026,

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Essential Reading For Green Lantern’s Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner, along with a major encounter between Atheist superhero Mr. Terrific and God’s Agent Of Wrath, The Spectre! And MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra July 2025, DCUI Standard December 2025,

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00:01:09 Batgirl 8, JSA 8, Justice League: The Atom Project 6,

00:07:37 Trinity: Daughter Of Wonder Woman 1, Robin And Batman: Jason Todd 1, Action Comics 1087, Supergirl 2, Batman: Dark Patterns 7, Green Lantern Corps 5, Aquaman 6, Batman & Robin 22,

00:09:52 Guy...

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DC Pride gives us something to think about, JSA shows how to wreck your marriage and Hal Jordan & The Spectre can remind us that God’s wrath might be more nuanced and complex than we think! And MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra June 2025, DCUI Standard November 2025,

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00:01:09 Captain Atom has had ENOUGH, DC Pride gives Christians something to think about, Black Canary Vs. Lady Shiva is finally settled(or not) & the JSA shows us how to DESTROY ou...

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The “Righteous” Anger Of Batman & Wonder Woman makes them BOTH look like villains… but are the WRITERS aware of this? PLUS, Aquaman discovers even MORE cool stuff he can do with his new power over water! And MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra May 2025, DCUI Standard October 2025,

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00:01:09 Clark Kent gets some GREAT treatment and attention and Aquaman continues his climb to what I've always dreamed he could be! Batman: Dark Patterns 5, Fire & Ice: When Hell Freezes Over 1, Green...

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The “Righteous” Anger Of Batman & Wonder Woman makes them BOTH look like villains… but are the WRITERS aware of this? PLUS, Aquaman discovers even MORE cool stuff he can do with his new power over water! And MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2025, DCUI Standard August 2025,

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00:01:09 While one returning team book fell flat for me, another ensemble title might be ramping up to...

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The “Righteous” Anger Of Batman & Wonder Woman makes them BOTH look like villains… but are the WRITERS aware of this? PLUS, Aquaman discovers even MORE cool stuff he can do with his new power over water! And MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2025, DCUI Standard August 2025,

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00:01:09 While the pages of Batman are dealing with "righteous" anger and flawed characters, the Green Lanter...

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This month relationships are messy, beautiful and everything in between. But which of these are supposed to be examples to inspire, and which are intended as cautionary tales? Some great character stuff happening in the midst of the usual comic book craziness!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra January 2025, DCUI Standard June 2025,

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00:01:09 The moral fall of Jim Gordon, and more! Reactions to Two-Face 1, Batgirl 2...

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This month I'm reminded why I LOVE beig a DC fan! Some great character interactions, philosophical stories, family drama, a MASSIVE new Justice League that still cares about character, and the start of the ultimate martial arts fight in DC History!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra December 2024, DCUI Standard May 2025,

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00:01:09 In catching up with TWO weeks of releases from DC Comics I'm reminded...

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DC's "All-In" initiative is looking to help new readers jump onboard, and has so far involved a mixed bag of intriguing, frustrating and mystifying. But when Dick Grayson loses, readers might win! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra November 2024, DCUI Standard April 2025,

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00:01:09 Dick Grayson is harshly denied justice he has longed for his whole life... and that might be a good thing for us as readers! Reactions to Batman and Robin 14, Wonder Woman 14, Titans 16, Catwoman 69, Nightwing 118!

00:18:56 Although I'm not excited by the "...

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Jon Kent could be rebooted, DC missed some GREAT opportunities, Zero Hour is back, and Alan Scott effectively shows why comics can't work if atheism is true! That and MUCH MORE! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra September 2024, DCUI Standard February 2025,

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00:01:09 Is Jon Kent finally getting the reboot/restoration I've wanted? It at least seems possible after what happens to him this week! Reactions to Plastic Man No More 1, Batman 151, Absolute Power 2 and Jon Kent's Potential Big Change!

00:13:07 Trouble in paradise as L...

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The Absolute Power crossover event is here and making massive craters across the DCU! It's also giving readers some worthwhile things to think about long the way! That and MUCH MORE! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2024, DCUI Standard January 2025,

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00:01:09 Absolute Power 1 completely rocks the foundations of the DCU with Amanda Waller's seemingly unstoppable plan. And along the way there are some pretty worthwhile things for us to think about here in the real world! Reactions to Shazam 13, Justice Society Of America 10, Batman 150...

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A Batman saga ends and an earth-shattering crossover begins! And will REAL love finally be the center of Hal Jordan's relationship with Carol Ferris? That and MUCH MORE! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra July 2024, DCUI Standard December 2024,

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00:01:09 Some big changes happening in both the tone and lore of Shazam! And Batman wraps up a BIG and complicated arc in a way I have mixed feelings about.

Reactions to Shazam 12 & Batman 148.

00:25:00 Will Carol Ferris & Hal Jordan become the "Lois & Clark"...

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This month, Alan Scott's Gay Retcon story wraps up on a note worth thinking about, and a DC Transgender character gets pretty hateful! But elsewhere in DC, marriage and family are valued, healthy relationships are explored, and some classic Flash villains are preparing for a comeback! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra June 2024, DCUI Standard November 2024,

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00:01:09 Not a single comic this week was written in a way I enjoy, but at least ONE of them seemingly tried to explore a worthwhile topic. Did they...

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This month, Birds Of Prey mystifyingly objectifies women, Green Lantern shockingly referances a weird forgotten part of DC history, Batman has an important word for CHRISTIANS, and the Flash gets me to drop his book... by standing still! PLUS SO MUCH MORE!! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra May 2024, DCUI Standard October 2024,

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00:01:09 While Birds Of Prey & Shazam give no indication I'll enjoy them soon, Shazam has potential to explore some worthwhile, heavy themes... if allowed to. And Batman remains poised to comment on a...

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This month, Birds Of Prey mystifyingly objectifies women, Green Lantern shockingly referances a weird forgotten part of DC history, Batman has an important word for CHRISTIANS, and the Flash gets me to drop his book... by standing still! PLUS SO MUCH MORE!! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2024, DCUI Standard August 2024,

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00:01:09 Shazam! 9 & calling Captain Marvel "The Captain", Birds Of Prey 7 & "Primitive Coloring", Objectifying Women & Calling It "Empowerment", Batman 145, Unappealing Complexity & A.I. Personhood, Weekly Ring Selection & Wrap-Up

00:14:32 Suicide Squad: Dream Team 1...

This month was a reminder that a number of DC's characters are going through significant changes, some even more than others! If you're not a fan of retconning... brace yourself! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2024, DCUI Standard August 2024,

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00:01:09 Red Hood: The Hill 0, Kneel Before Zod 2 and Batman 142 (The Joker: Year One, Part 1)!

00:22:29 Action Comics 1062, Batman 143, Green Lantern 8, Sinister Sons 1 and Wesley Dodds: The Sandman 5.

00:41:36 Batman 144, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 24, Nightwing 111, Wonder Woman 6, Jay Garrick: The Flash 5, Green Arrow 9, The Penguin 7 and Alan Scott...

This month, Empathy may be The Sandman's secret weapon, while Jay Garrick & Alan Scott reveal NEW old enemies!

(SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra February 2024, DCUI Standard July 2024,

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00:01:09 DC’s How to Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days 1, Action Comics 1061, Green Lantern 7, Outsiders 3, & Wesley Dodds: The Sandman 4!

00:19:14 Wonder Woman 5, Jay Garrick: The Flash 4, Green Lantern: War Journal 5 & Batman/Superman: World's Finest 23!

00:40:26 Green Arrow 8, Power Girl 5, The Penguin 6 & The Flash 5!

01:02:28 Batman: Off-World 3 and Alan Scot: The Green Lantern 4!

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The culmination of Magog's origin arrives in Batman/Superman: World's Finest 22, Batman learns alien martial arts in Batman: Off-World 2 and Wonder Woman comforts (& "preaches" to?) a dying child in issue 4! In Alan Scott: Green Lantern 3 The Spectre is seemingly leveraged to suggest God approves of gay relationships. What can we learn from reading this? ALSO, Cyborg 6 fails to prove the personhood of the AI "copy" of Victor's dead father. Then, reactions to The Flash 4, Justice Society Of America 8 & The Penguin 5! FINALLY, family issues are the theme! Batman's fight against Zur-En-Arrh (now inhabiting the body of Failsafe!) intensifies and General...

Wonder Woman might be saying interesting things about "manhood", Jay Garrick: The Flash values the traditional family, Geoff Johns unearths bonkers DC history in Justice Society and Supergirl gets weirdly competitive! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra December 2023, DCUI Standard May 2024,

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00:01:09 Batman/Catwoman: Gotham War: Scorched Earth 1, Batman 139 & Supergirl Special 1

00:16:56 Outsiders 1, Speed Force, Batman- Santa Clause: Silent Knight 2, Wesley Dodds: Sandman 2, Green Lantern 5 & The Vigil 6

00:30:41 WonderWoman 3, Jay Garrick: TheFlash 2, Justice Society of America 7

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Barry Allen & Hal Jordan Grow Up, Alan Scott changes in... OTHER ways. PLUS, Batman explores complex moral issues in Gotham & Superman becomes a victim of "Cancel Culture"!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra November 2023, DCUI Standard April 2024,

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00:01:09 Are Barry Allen & Hal Jordan finally growing up? Batman has some COMPLEX moral issues going on! Reactions to Batman 138, Wesley Dodds: The Sandman 1, Batman and Robin 2, World's Finest: Teen Titans 4 and Green Lantern 4!

00:14:29 The latest issue of Superman has a moment ripe for reflecting on cancel culture, Jay Garrick adjust to having a...

Superman's moral compass needs fixing, Gotham's heroes are at war with each other and why surviving death by "uploading" will NEVER work! PLUS, Dawn Of DC kicks into full gear as multiple characters are being rebuilt from the ground up!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra October 2023, DCUI Standard March 2024,

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00:01:09 Geoff Johns may be back in his stride and Gotham's heroes are at each other's throats! Reactions to Birds Of Prey 1, Blue Beetle 1, Justice Society Of America 6, Batman 137, City Boy 4 & Shazam 3!

00:33:19 Is DC about to make the same mistake with...

Aqualad takes centerstage in a key moment with powerful words of wisdom... that are lacking something vital: Truth! And DC is playing with a LOT of interesting ideas, including: Hell, Anger (toward God?), compassion for criminals, re-distribution of wealth and more! See Time Stamps For More!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra September 2023, DCUI Standard February 2024,

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00:01:09 Superman Annual 2023 and World's Finest: Teen Titans 2!

00:10:33 Batman/Superman World's Finest 18, The Vigil 4

00:20:21 Knight Terrors: Nights End 1, Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War: Battle Lines 1, and Action Comics Presents: Doomsday Special (2023) 1

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Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent comes to an end! And Steelworks & City Boy seem to have very DIFFERENT opinions about the moral state of humanity! See Time Stamps For More!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2023, DCUI Standard January 2024,

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00:01:13 Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 5, Steelworks 2,

00:10:43 Knight Terrors 1, World's Finest: Teen Titans 1,

00:24:12 Hawkgirl 1, Tales Of The Titans 1, The Vigil 3, & Batman/Superman: World's Finest 17

00:42:24 The Last Days Of Lex Luthor 1,

00:52:21 Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 6, Justice Society 5, Steelworks 3, City Boy 3

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The Future Of The Flash! A "Joyful" Green Lantern? Some interesting potential politics in the writing of Steelworks, and much, much more! Paeter speculates and also reacts to numerous comics in the Dawn Of DC initiative!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: Print June 2023, DCUI Ultra July 2023, DCUI Standard December 2023,

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00:01:13 Steelworks 1, The Flash 800, Knight Terrors: First Blood 1, Knight Terrors: Batman 1, Batman 136, Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 4, Shazam 2

00:24:34 Green Lantern 2

00:29:42 Superman 5, Titans 2, The Vigil 2, Cyborg 2, Nightwing 105, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 16

00:44:51 City Boy 2, Detective Comics 1073, Green Arrow 3,

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Dawn Of DC has new beginnings, bold choices... and mixed results! PLUS, is one Superman writer ready to re-define "Life"? Paeter speculates and also reacts to numerous comics in the Dawn Of DC initiative, covering books originally published in May 2023!

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00:01:06 Green Lantern 1, Superman: Lost 3 & "Defining Life"

00:12:16 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 1, Titans 1, Cyborg 1, Superman 4, The Flash 799, & World's Finest 15

00:31:45 Green Arrow 2, Justice Society 4,

GET THIS PODCAST 1 WEEK EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions

The Christian Geek Central Statement Of Faith...