The Thrilling Adventures of Superman
97 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 11 years ago - ★★★★★ - 26 ratingsA journey through the Golden Age of Superman in comics, radio and film. Each episode, we explore the history and development of the Man of Steel through his earliest adventures. Episodes also feature Spotlights on creators, a look at the overall history of the Superman and more.
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Episodes
Episode 45: Action Comics #24
November 08, 2011 07:00 - 32.7 MBIs your son a no-good bum? Are you being bullies by bookies to pay off your gambling debt? Accused of your crime you didn't commit? This looks like a job for Superman! That's right folks. We are going back to the spinner rack for the last time in 2011 as Michael looks at the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #24!
Episode 44: Radio Episodes 10-15 (with special co-host Charlie Niemeyer)
November 01, 2011 07:00 - 67.3 MBMichael is once more joined by Charlie Niemeyer for a look at the third storyline, from the Superman radio serial! Superman goes into action to squelch a blazing inferno and try to recscue a trapped woman. But is there more to it than a simple fire? Find out in this six-episode story that leads Superman into adventure that traverses land, sea and air!
Episode 43: Sunday Strips #15-18
October 25, 2011 07:00 - 30.6 MBGiant vultures! Flame guns! Neanderthals! Ambiguous contraptions! Gas weapons! Bottomless pits! These are the things Superman must face as Michael looks at the third storyline from the Sunday continuity of the Superman newspaper strip. It is a short four-strip story, but packed full of action! Also this episode, Michael dives into the mailbag for some listener feedback.
Episode 42: Daily Strips #335-354
October 18, 2011 07:00 - 25.2 MBCan Superman end a war and squelch the tide of anger that has raised against the nations of Rutland and Blitzen? Find out as Michael wraps up the "Superman at War" trilogy with a look at the twelfth storyline from the Superman daily newspaper strip. Also this episode, Michael presents a Spotlight on radio's first Lois Lane, Rolly Bester.
Episode 41: Radio Episodes 7-9 (with special co-host Charlie Niemeyer)
October 11, 2011 07:00 - 50.9 MBMichael is re-joined by Charlie Niemeyer for a look at the the second storyline from the Superman radio serial! Comprising just episodes seven through nine, the story finds Superman dealing with the menace of the Yellow Mask! Plus, girl reporter Lois Lane takes her first step off the printed pages when she is introduced in this storyline.
Episode 40: Look Magazine, February 27, 1940
October 04, 2011 07:00 - 27.7 MBThe Man of Steel moves into the mainstream in a big way and it's the shot hear 'round the world as Superman takes on Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin in a special two-page story from Look Magazine! In this episode, Michael also examines the real-world context and after aftermath of his historic, pre-Pearl Harbor tale.
Episode 39: Radio Episodes 1-6 (with special co-host Charlie Niemeyer)
September 30, 2011 07:00 - 111 MBIt's an episode that's been a long time coming, folks. This episode, Michael is joined by Charlie Niemeyer of Superman in the Bronze Age for a look at the first six episodes of the Superman radio show! We begin with the destruction of Krypton and follow Superman all the way through his first adventure on Earth! It's a great set of episodes and a great conversation worthy of Superman's first steps off of the printed page. Plus: This episode, Michael makes a big announcement concerning the futu...
Episode 38: Action Comics #23
September 27, 2011 07:00 - 37.8 MBWe staying in the comic books as Michael looks at the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #23. Picking up from the events of issue #22, Superman continues to deal with the war between Toran and Galonia and uncovers the ruthless menace behind it all: A diabolical fiend known only as Luthor!
Episode 37: Superman #4 (with special guest co-host Billy Hogan)
September 23, 2011 07:00 - 93.8 MBMichael is joined by Billy Hogan of Superman Fan Podcast for at SUPERMAN #4. It's the first issue of the title to contain four new Superman stories, and it brings the action as we find Superman taking on the challenges posed by earthquakes, giant beasts, spies, racketeers and more! Also this issue, a brand new menace rears its head in the form of... a man named Luthor!
Episode 36: Daily Strips #307-334
September 20, 2011 07:00 - 25.2 MBPicking up from episode 32, we continue with part two of our Europe at war trilogy as Michael looks at the 11th storyline from the Superman daily newspaper strip! This installment finds Clark Kent framed for murder and forced into joining spies in their diabolical acts of terrorism. Its up to Superman to lend a hand and thwart their plans and prevent the U.S. from being plunged into war! Also this episode, Michael gives a Spotlight on Golden Age artist Dennis Neville!
Episode 35: Fifth Week 3 - Take It Easy
September 16, 2011 07:00 - 12.1 MBEverything you know will change in a flash... and someone's getting punched in the face! It is no secret the comics industry is facing changes on a number of fronts. They breed debate, talk and many cross words. But at the end of the day, the number one thing they breed is a whole of insane behavior from normally level-headed folks. This episode, in our third Fifth Week installment, Michael wades into the den of changes and reminds that we are all in this together.
Episode 34: Sunday Strips #9-14
September 13, 2011 07:00 - 20.5 MBWe return once more to the Sunday continuity of the Superman newspaper strip, as Michael looks at the second, six-strip storyline. It is a marked improvement over the first as Superman squares off against Lois Lane, a mad scientist, flamethrowers, hypnotized men and more in this Golden Age classic!
Episode 33: Action Comics #22
September 09, 2011 07:00 - 30.9 MBThis episode it's back to the spinner rack as Michael looks at the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #22, which finds Clark Kent and Lois Lane thrust into a war between neighboring European countries. But after strange happenings both on land and sea, it becomes apparent that there is something more sinister behind it all, meaning that this... is a job for Superman!
Episode 32: Daily Strips #289-306
September 06, 2011 07:00 - 27 MBThis episode, Michael looks at the tenth storyline from the Superman daily newspaper strip. A mysterious telegram leads Superman into an adventure where he must save a town from a destroyed dam, then deal with a thickening plot and a poisoned reservoir! The 18-strip story kicks off a trilogy which finds Superman dealing with ramifications from a war in Europe! Parts two and three will be covered in future episodes. But also in this episode, we wind up 1939 with our first glimpse at the Superm...
Episode 31: Action Comics #21
August 30, 2011 07:00 - 26.1 MBWhen destruction reigns in Metropolis and a scientist goes missing, Superman takes a hand (eventually) as Michael looks at the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #21. The issues sees Superman taking on the disasters, robots, the National Guard and more in a story that lets us bid farewell to Superman's most-frequent and nefarious foe, the Ultra-Humanite.
Episode 30: Sundays Strips #0-8
August 23, 2011 07:00 - 28.1 MBThe Superman media empire grows again as the newspaper strip expands to seven days a week with the addition of a full-color Sunday strip! This episode, Michael looks at the first storyline which features extortion, assault and animal abuse! And once Superman is done with that, he takes on the villain! HIJINKS!
Episode 29: Daily Strips #259-288
August 16, 2011 07:00 - 32.3 MBMetropolis' new district attorney sets out to clean up the town... and stirs up a hornets nest who doesn't take to kindly to it as Michael looks at the ninth storyline from the Superman daily newspaper strip! Our spunky gal reporter Lois Lane is hot on the story... and neck-deep in trouble -- literally! Can Superman save the girl and the day? All this, plus Lois finally get her interview with Superman! This 30-strip story has it all, folks! Also in this episode, Michael presents a Spotlight o...
Episode 28: Action Comics #19, Superman #3 and Action Comics #20 (with special guest co-host J. David Weter)
August 09, 2011 07:00 - 72.3 MBMichael is joined by J. David Weter of Superman Forever Radio for a look three excellent Superman comics. First up is ACTION COMICS #19 where a deadly plague wreaks havoc on Metropolis and Superman must confront the sinister force behind it all. Next up is SUPERMAN #3 which is mostly reprints, but brings some fun additions to Superman's history. And finally, David and Michael move on to ACTION COMICS #20, where Clark Kent goes to Hollywood and meets screen star Dolores Winters. But when Winte...
Episode 27: Daily Strips #163-258
July 27, 2011 07:00 - 42.6 MBIt's back to the newspapers as Superman look at the colossal-sized eighth storyline from the Superman daily strip. Running 96 strips for more than three-and-a-half months, the story sees Superman confronting foreign terrorists threatening as they attempt to kill visiting royalty! Plus, Clark Kent a hero? Or is he a traitor? And the most shocking puzzler of all, is Lois Lane actually being nice to... Clark Kent?! It's a thrill a minute, folks! Don't miss it!
Episode 26: Action Comics #18
July 19, 2011 07:00 - 31.4 MBIt starts with a mysterious woman in the road ends with Superman taking on one of his own: A crooked journalist and his scandal-lovin' publisher. Yellow journalism and blackmail lead our red, yellow and blue-clad hero on his latest four-color adventure as Michael looks at the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #18!
Episode 25: Action Comics #16, Superman #2 and Action Comics #17 (with special guest co-host Charlie Niemeyer)
July 12, 2011 07:00 - 92.8 MBAnother big episode is here as Michael is joined by Charlie Niemeyer of "Superman in the Bronze Age" for a look at another three amazing issues! Things get kicked off with ACTION COMICS #16 where Superman smashes -- literally! -- a gambling racket. They then move on to SUPERMAN #2, with the second Superman text story. And finally, they take a look at ACTION COMICS #17, where our hero takes on the challenge of rescuing a stranded steamer, and is drawn into a larger plot formed by a very famili...
Episode 24: Daily Strips #127-162
July 05, 2011 07:00 - 32.3 MBThis episode, we go back to the newspapers as Michael looks at the seventh storyline from the Superman daily strip. A runaway boy and a last-minute save by Superman lead the Daily Star's finest reporters, Clark Kent and Lois Lane, into a crooked orphanage. This looks like a job for... Frankie Dennis? Also this episode, Michael shines the spotlight on Golden Age artist Fred Guardineer!
Episode 23: Action Comics #15
June 28, 2011 07:00 - 30.3 MBAvast, me hearties! Perk yer ears and enjoy some grog as I spin ye a tale, the likes a' which ye ne'er seen before! 'Tis thrill an' chills on the high seas as Superman fights a pack a' scurvy landlubbers who dare try lay claim to a booty meant to aid a flock a' nippers. By the powers, 'tis not a tale for the lily-livered among ye, as their be fisticuffs and sharks ahead. But fer ye gentlemen o' fortune, I say 'tis for you, or I surely be headin' to Davey Jones' locker! Arr!
Episode 22: Fifth Week 2 - ...and the American Way!
June 21, 2011 07:00 - 11.5 MBThis week, we again interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you the second of the show's special Fifth Week episodes. This week, Michael weighs in on a story from ACTION COMICS #900. Yeah, THAT story. It's generated a lot of controversy, but Michael briefly talks about why that's a moot subject, then opens up about a different aspect of the story and explains what got under.
Episode 21: Daily Strips #91-126
June 14, 2011 07:00 - 36.7 MBWhen a deadly gas falls into the wrong hands, it's up to Superman to reclaim it! But the adventure puts him smack in the middle of a civil war and even bigger problems. Would-be dictators! Firing squads! Baby monkeys! It's all here in this epic 36-part story that spans two continents! Plus, two integral parts of the Superman mythology are finally given proper introductions in this historic tale. Also this episode, a Spotlight on the first editor of the Superman comic book stories: Vin Sullivan!
Episode 20: Action Comics #13, Superman #1 and Action Comics #14 (with special guest co-host Michael Kaiser)
June 07, 2011 07:00 - 106 MBThe show returns in grand style as Michael is joined by Michael Kaiser of "Legends of the Batman" and "The Mighty Shield: A Captain America Podcast" an epic look at not one, not two, but three sensational issues! The adventures begin with ACTION COMICS #13 where Superman unravels the mystery of a taxi racket, and finds something -- or someone -- far more sinister is behind it: The wheelchair-bound madman known as the Ultra-Humanite! They then move on to the historic SUPERMAN #1, which unveils...
Episode 19.5: Narrative Interruptus
May 17, 2011 07:00 - 3.79 MBIn an unexpected turn, the show is going on a temporary and hopefully very brief hiatus. In this special installment, Michael explains why.
Episode 19: New York World's Fair Comics (1939)
May 10, 2011 07:00 - 36.9 MBIt may not be ACTION COMICS, but there's still plenty of action as Michael look at the 1939 issue of NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR COMICS! Mystery, thrills and adventure follow when Clark Kent and Lois Lane are sent to cover the greatest show on Earth -- the historic New York World's Fair! The Trylon, the Perisphere, and Helicline and, of course, our hero, Superman, are all on full display as the Fair celebrates the "World of Tomorrow!"
Episode 18: Daily Strips #67-90
May 03, 2011 07:00 - 27.4 MBIt's back to the newspapers as Michael looks at the fifth storyline from the daily strip. Five men killed in five days during the construction of a new skyscraper. Is it a curse? A jinx? Or something far worse? Superman battles a sinister menace on the high steel in one of his most exciting and dynamic adventures to date! Also this episode, Michael shines a Spotlight on early Superman artist, Paul J. Lauretta!
Episode 17: Action Comics #12
April 26, 2011 07:00 - 29 MBThe death of a close friend is the instigator for Superman's adventure as Michael looks at ACTION COMICS #12. Superman does a whole lot of smashin', crashin', mashin' and trashin' (and has an unsettling amount of fun doing it) — all in the name of making the roads safer you and I. Will Superman succeed in his campaign? Or will he just endanger more lives than he saves? And what's this rumor about Superman creeping about under a strange man's bed?! Only one way to find out!
Episode 16: Daily Strips #55-66
April 19, 2011 07:00 - 31.4 MBWe're sticking with the daily strip for a second episode in a row as Michael look at the fourth storyline from the Superman daily newspaper strip. Clark Kent, promoted... Lois Lane, demoted?! That's right... Lois makes her largest appearance in the newspaper strip to date -- only to get demoted back to the Lovelorn column! Scheming to get her job back, she gets on to the trail of a wife-beating, jewel-smuggling nogoodnik and hilarity ensues. It's only a 12-strip story, but Lois is still as fu...
Episode 15: Daily Strips #31-54
April 12, 2011 07:00 - 42.5 MBIt's an epic slobberknocker this episode when Superman meets Larry Trent, a disgraced ex-heavyweight boxing champ, and decides to help him win back his former glory! Can Superman help Trent recapture “the eye of the tiger” to win back the title? Or will Superman just “help” him by drugging him, holding him hostage and winning the title back for him? Surprises, excitement and insanity are certain, that's for sure! Also this episode, Michael reads listener mail and gives the first of a two-part...
Episode 14: Action Comics #11
April 05, 2011 07:00 - 30.5 MBAs the show gets back to it's regular routine, Michael dives head-first into the comics rack with a look at ACTION COMICS #11. A pair of ne'er-do-wells are bilking investors with a phony stock scheme. This looks like a job for... Homer Ramsey? Of course! But don't worry, Superman gets involved as well, taking on the oil stock swindlers... and giving them a taste of their own medicine. After all, what's a Superman story without a little arson? Yes, we said arson. Plus, Michael reads more liste...
Episode 13: Fifth Week 1 - What is a Fifth Week?
March 29, 2011 07:00 - 19 MBThis week, we interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you a very special episode. What kind of special episode? A fifth week episode, that's what kind! What's a fifth week episode and what's it have to do with Superman? Well, you'll have to listen to the episode to find out!
Episode 12: Daily Strips #13-30
March 22, 2011 07:00 - 34.7 MBThis time out, Michael looks at the second storyline from the Superman daily newspaper strip. It's a major storyline where we learn for the first time how Clark Kent landed his job at the Daily Star! The 18 strip-long story also features Superman meeting Lois again for the first time, and details one of our hero's earliest exploits (even if it is strangely familiar). Also in this episode, Michael concludes his two-part Spotlight on Superman's co-creator, writer Jerry Siegel. And stay tuned fo...
Episode 11: Action Comics #10
March 15, 2011 07:00 - 22.7 MBThis episode, we go back to the spinner rack as Michael dives head-first into ACTION COMICS #10. You won't believe your ears when you hear the shocking and unbelievable events that fill this episode. Clark Kent... revealing a source? Superman... aiding a prisoner? Lois Lane... berating Clark Kent? Okay, that last one's not a stretch. But the other two? Not a hoax! Not a dream! And certainly not an imaginary story (since comics haven't started using them yet...). No, they're all part of the wa...
Episode 10: Daily Strips #1-12
March 08, 2011 07:00 - 37.8 MBIt's the show's tenth episode and that marks the beginning of a new era in the show as Michael begins his look at the Superman daily newspaper strip! The story begins on a planet far from Earth and reveals, for the first time in detail, the origin of our hero. Jor-L and Lora are introduced and their tragic fate is revealed in a story that's only 12 strips long, but provides a roller coaster ride of emotion and drama. Also, debuting this episode is a new segment, Spotlight, which will profile ...
Episode 9: Action Comics #9
March 01, 2011 07:00 - 31.7 MBSuperman: Wanted as a criminal? That's the situation in this hijinks-filled episode when Michael takes a look at ACTION COMICS #9, which follows up on Superman's actions from last issue. A bounty is put on Superman's cape and two detectives set their sights on getting the money in their pocket and the Man of Steel behind bars. And as if that wasn't enough to keep our hero busy, Clark Kent also has to deal with the most off-her-rocker Lois Lane yet. Also in this episode, Michael reads another ...
Episode 8: Action Comics #8
February 22, 2011 07:00 - 31.6 MBThis episode, Michael takes a look at the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #8. A group of troubled youths draw the attention of Clark Kent, leading Superman to not only confront the man responsible for drawing the boys into his web of crime, but to also take on the larger problem driving these boys to the wrong side of the tracks. Superman's actions are an defining moment in the history of Golden Age of Superman and leave the character in a place you might not expect — the most-wanted list! ...
Episode 7: Action Comics #7
February 15, 2011 07:00 - 34.2 MBIt's three rings of excitement, adventure and thrills this time out, when Michael takes a look at ACTION COMICS #7. The issue finds Superman setting out to do a good turn for a down-on-his luck circus owner and taking on a roughneck who tries to bully the owner. Meanwhile, Clark Kent confronts a challenge of his own in the form of a co-worker named Curly. Also in this episode, Michael reads an email from a listener and discusses yet another little-known side project bearing a Siegel-Shuster b...
Episode 6: Action Comics #6
February 08, 2011 07:00 - 33.3 MBWith a Superman story that returns to its regular page count, Michael takes a look at ACTION COMICS #6, which finds Superman taking on... copyright infringement! (Ironic, no?) Find out what happens when a shyster tries to make a quick buck off the name of the Man of Steel. Don't miss out on this historic tale which also features the debut of a new face on the book... and, no, it's not Jimmy Olsen.
Episode 5: Action Comics #5
February 01, 2011 07:00 - 24.9 MBIn this installment, Michael takes a look at the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #5. The story might be shorter than the norm, but the excitement is still full-throttle as Superman takes on the very forces of nature itself in a story that bears strange similarities to one of the most well-known Superman stories of all time! Plus, things go to a whole new level between Superman and Lois, kicking off a historic relationship that will become the stuff of legend. And don't miss the "Meanwhile" ...
Episode 4: Action Comics #4
January 25, 2011 07:00 - 25.6 MBAre you ready for some football? This episode, Michael takes a look at ACTION COMICS #4, which finds Superman hitting the gridiron in an adventure that involves assault, kidnapping, identity theft and dubious ethical decisions! And don't worry, the villains engage in their own villainous hijinks, as well. So grab your leather helmet and suit up... it's time for kickoff!
Episode 3: Action Comics #3
January 18, 2011 07:00 - 20.1 MBThis time out, Michael examines the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #3, which finds our favorite hero leaping into action to save a miner after a cave-in; then Superman takes on The Man by giving him a taste of his own medicine. As well, Michael gives a bit of history on the practice of comic book ashcans, talks briefly about comic book reprints and introduces you to what may be the most under-appreciated character in comic book history: Sandwich Guy!
Episode 2: Action Comics #2
January 11, 2011 07:00 - 31.2 MBThis episode, Michael dives into ACTION COMICS #2, which resolves the cliffhanger left in Superman's debut and sends our hero into an adventure in the war-torn country of San Monte, where he deals with weapons manufacturers, confronts military leaders and leaps questionable logic in a single bound. All this, and Lois Lane is arrested and sentenced to die for espionage!
Episode 1: Action Comics #1
January 04, 2011 07:00 - 42.3 MBWelcome to the premiere episode of The Thrilling Adventures of Superman. This episode, the journey kicks off with an in-depth look at Superman's debut in ACTION COMICS #1, the monumental issue that gave us our first look at the strange visitor from another planet, as well as the historic first meeting between Superman and Lois. Also in this episode, your host, Michael, also gives a bit of background on the podcast, the format and what you can expect in future episodes.
Promo
December 14, 2010 07:00 - 707 KBPromo for The Thrilling Adventures of Superman... a journey through the Golden Age of the the Man of Steel in comics, radio and film.