Digging for Kryptonite: A Superman Fan Journey

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Dr. Anj (Supergirl Comic Box Commentary) dig into the classic Peter David SUPERGIRL series — with pencillers Gary Frank and Leonard Kirk — which merged the Matrix Supergirl with Linda Danvers to form an Earth-Born Angel across its initial 50-issue mega-arc.Anthony & Anj discuss key themes of identity, sin, forgiveness, & sacrifice; the bold choice to take Linda down such a dark path before merging; the impactful injection of Pre-Crisis characters like the Danvers family, Comet, & Dick Malverne; the thematic consistency in choice of villain; and DC's misstep in relegating Linda to character limbo after this series.STAY TUNED for a special bonus episode later this week on the "Linda Danvers Era" of the title from #51-74. And NEXT WEEK, the podcast will cover "Many Happy Returns," the standout final arc of the PAD series that temporarily brought back the Pre-Crisis Kara Zor-El!Support 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:This Podcast Will Never DieAw Yeah ComicsFat Moose ComicsAlways Hold On To SmallvilleSingle Bound PodcastDrunken Avenger

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Shawn Eastridge (Missing Frames) dig into Supergirl as depicted across the DC Animated Universe, from her debut & initial appearances in SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES through her evolution & eventual departure to the future in JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED.They discuss Kara In-Ze's characterization, costume, origin, key relationships, and more — including critical backstory & character development as shown in the pages SUPERMAN ADVENTURES.Don't miss the milestone 250th episode of the podcast NEXT WEEK!Support 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:Drunken AvengerSingle Bound PodcastFat Moose ComicsThis Podcast Will Never DieAw Yeah ComicsAlways Hold On To Smallville

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Tyler Patrick (The Krypton Report) assemble the ultimate all-media Luthor family tree from across time & media!Branches of the family tree include Lex's parents (Jules & Arlene, then Lionel & Lillian/Leticia), siblings (Lena, Lucas, & Julian), wives (Contessa, Lana, & many more), children (Lex Luthor Jr., Jerry White, Lena, & Conner), nieces (Nasthalthia & Lori), nephews (Val Colby & Lenny), and distant relatives (the Olsens).Even more deep cuts abound in this special episode. In the immortal words of SMALLVILLE's Lionel: "We're Luthors . . . We're Luthors!"Support 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:Always Hold On To SmallvilleDrunken AvengerAw Yeah ComicsSingle Bound PodcastThis Podcast Will Never DieFat Moose Comics

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Lance Laster (Always Hold On To Arrow) shine a light on the 1999 storyline "No Man's Land," in which an earthquake-ravaged Gotham City is cut off from the rest of the nation.They discuss the event's innovative approach to assigning creative teams; emphasis on character — rather than plot — in what is ultimately a morality play; rich development of the Batman & Gordon partnership; and moral complexity of Gotham's heroes & villains as they vie for territory in the NML.Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato!Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.Join the conversation on the social media channels for parent podcast Digging for Kryptonite:FACEBOOK GROUP: Digging for Kryptonite: A Superman Fan GroupFACEBOOK PAGE: @diggingforkryptonitepodINSTAGRAM: @diggingforkryptonitepodTWITTER: @diggingforkrpodBLUESKY: @diggingforkrpod.bsky.socialEMAIL: flatsquirrelproductions@gmail.comWEBSITE: FlatSquirrelProductions.comLighting the Bat-Signal is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Isaiah Simmons. Theme music by Kill Me Kate.Mentioned in this episode:Drunken AvengerAlways Hold On To SmallvilleFat Moose ComicsAw Yeah Comics

Host Anthony Desiato presents a special Superman Day bonus episode! Anthony and guest Ed Gross (Superman: The Definitive History) survey Supergirl's adaptations across film, television, and animation — including the 1984 Helen Slater film, SMALLVILLE, the CBS/CW series starring Melissa Benoist, and more.They also dig into the original SUPERMAN III treatment by Ilya Salkind, which reimagined Superman & Supergirl as lovers and Brainiac as Supergirl's adoptive father-turned-suitor.MORE talk about Supergirl on STAS, SMALLVILLE, and the CBS/CW series is coming later in this event!Support 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.

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

Host Anthony Desiato welcomes writer STERLING GATES to the podcast to dig into his classic 2008-2010 SUPERGIRL run with artist Jamal Igle and the sprawling NEW KRYPTON Saga! They discuss the original making of the New Krypton Saga, from its initial pitch to reworked ending; Sterling’s re-mapping of approximately 130 issues for the new line of omnibus collections to reflect the intended reading order; his approach to Kara and her supporting cast, including Lana Lang, Cat Grant, & Lucy Lane; where he intended to take Kara & co. if he had stayed on the SUPERGIRL title; his ALL-STAR SUPERGIRL dream project; and what the character means to him personally. Visit Sterling's website to keep up with his current & upcoming work!Support 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:Always Hold On To SmallvilleThis Podcast Will Never DieSingle Bound PodcastFat Moose ComicsAw Yeah Comics

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Kara Szamborski (I Read Comics Books) dig into the basis for the forthcoming Supergirl movie — SUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW by Tom King & Bilquis Evely. They discuss Kara Zor-El's characterization, Ruthye's POV, possible interpretations of the ending, how the project changed from its initial pitch, potential approaches to adapting the work, and more. Episode contains SPOILERS!"A Supergirl Fan Journey" begins here!Support 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:Always Hold On To SmallvilleAw Yeah ComicsSingle Bound PodcastFat Moose ComicsThis Podcast Will Never Die

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Tim Bruns dig into the various "final" Superman stories across time & media.Their survey covers "The Death of Superman" from SUPERMAN #149 (1961), "The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue" from SUPERMAN #162 (1963), "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?", KINGDOM COME, the Tom Welling Crisis scene, the series finale of SUPERMAN & LOIS, and more.In the end, which final fate is right for the Man of Steel: death in battle, immortality, centuries in the sun, humanity, or something else?Support 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:Aw Yeah ComicsAlways Hold On To SmallvilleFat Moose ComicsThis Podcast Will Never DieSingle Bound Podcast

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Mike Sangregorio dig into SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM, the 2025 Black Label miniseries from the creative team of ICE CREAM MAN (W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo, Chris O'Halloran, & Good Old Neon).Anthony and Mike discuss the new Kryptonite varieties & their effects on Superman, whether this work serves as a worthy successor to ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, the roles of Batman, Lex Luthor, & Lois Lane, THAT ending, and more.Episode contains SPOILERS!Support 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:Hang On To Your Shorts Film FestivalThis Podcast Will Never DieAw Yeah ComicsAlways Hold On To SmallvilleSingle Bound PodcastFat Moose Comics

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Ralph Puma (Kill Me Kate) dig into the red-hot ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN series by Jason Aaron & Rafa Sandoval. This episode covers issues 1-14 — aka the first two collected editions of the series — and contains SPOILERS!Anthony and Ralph discuss the popularity of the series & how it compares to past publishing initiatives, an inspired take on Krypton & the Els, real-world parallels, a new Brainiac, and the ways in which certain core elements of the Superman mythology manifest in this new imagining.Support 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:Hang On To Your Shorts Film FestivalFat Moose ComicsSingle Bound PodcastThis Podcast Will Never DieAlways Hold On To SmallvilleAw Yeah Comics

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Logan Crowley (Single Bound) dig into the "one, true Brainiac" introduced by Geoff Johns & Gary Frank in ACTION COMICS post-Infinite Crisis: the cold, Coluan collector of worlds who bottled Kandor and has appeared in many previous forms.Anthony & Logan discuss the original 2008 "Brainiac" comic book arc by Johns & Frank along with its 2013 animated adaptation (SUPERMAN: UNBOUND). They also cover subsequent interpretations of Brainiac in the New 52 & Rebirth eras, in live action on SyFy's KRYPTON, and in animated form during the 2025 season of HBO Max's HARLEY QUINN.This concludes the podcast's epic Brainiac coverage. Thank you to all guests and audience members who came along for the ride. Next week: a return appearance by Superman Group Editor PAUL KAMINSKI!Support 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:Hang On To Your Shorts Film FestivalThis Podcast Will Never DieFat Moose ComicsAw Yeah ComicsAlways Hold On To Smallville

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Sweet-Sweet Bernie Gerstmayr (Aw Yeah Comics - Skokie) dig into the Brainiac of the Post-Crisis era — in which the alien mind of Coluan scientist Vril Dox possesses the body of circus mentalist Milton Fine.Anthony and Bernie track this incarnation of Brainiac across his debut, physical rebirth in Roger Stern's "Brainiac Trilogy," starring turn in "Panic in the Sky," return appearances in "Dead Again" and "Identity Crisis" (no, not that one), and transition to Brainiac 13. They also address Milton Fine as adapted on SMALLVILLE and SUPERMAN & LOIS.PLUS: In a special prologue, Anthony and Bernie address recent reports that "Panic in the Sky" will serve as the basis for James Gunn's forthcoming MAN OF TOMORROW film!Support 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:Always Hold On To SmallvilleSingle Bound PodcastAw Yeah ComicsFat Moose ComicsThis Podcast Will Never DieHang On To Your Shorts Film Festival