Batman 1: Start of Tom King's Arc

Jason Book and I review Batman #1 (DC Comics) by Tom King and David Finch. This is the first official issue in the new ongoing series in the Rebirth era, though there was a Batman Rebirth issue a couple weeks ago that served as a transition between Scott Snyder's New 52 Batman and this new storyline.

In short, this was a great issue that mixed action and character dynamics brilliantly and it serves as a good launching pad for the story arc.

JLU Scene-by-Scene: Batman v Superman Scene 26

This episode of the Justice League Universe podcast focuses on Clark and Perry in the Daily Planet offices when Perry again shoots down Clark's coverage of the Batman story.

• Clark investigating his Batman story
• Press as the Fourth Estate (contrasting with the talking heads Superman montage)
• 1938
• Superman's idealism (Mark Hughes article)
• Powerlessness in the major characters
• BONUS: Responding to major criticisms of BvS (Part 1) -- starts around 15:30

Thanks to Alessandro Maniscalco

Man of Steel Answers, Suicide Squadcast, DCU_Club subreddit

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JLU Scene-by-Scene: Batman v Superman Scenes 24 and 25

This episode of the Justice League Universe podcast focuses on Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, scenes 24 and 25, which are when Wallace Keefe is bailed out by Lex and then goes to meet Senator Finch.

• Wallace Keefe's apartment contrasted with Lex's mansion
• Lex is "just a man" and Wallace is "half a man"
• Quotes about Lex's character (Times of Israel)
• Listener question: What's your response to the critiques that Superman is too depressed?
• Superman as an introvert (tumblr link)

Thanks to Alessandro Maniscalco for his help on the analysis.

Man of Steel Answers
Suicide Squadcast
DCU_Club subreddit

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Review of TMNT2: Solid family-friendly action

Here are my thoughts on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, directed by Dave Green (Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Pictures).

Overall I thought it was a well-executed family-friendly action comedy. The turtles were well rendered, both in terms of their character interactions and their CGI. My negatives would be Stephen Amell's performance as Casey Jones and some aspects of the main villains. But overall, it was very entertaining and I loved the turtles, and Vern, and Baxter, and Bebop and Rocksteady were pretty good too. I think it accomplished what it set out to do.

Here is my review of the first TMNT movie in the series and some of the comics.

JLU Scene-by-Scene: Batman v Superman Scenes 22 and 23

This episode of the Justice League Universe podcast focuses on Scenes 22 and 23 of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, that is, the Day of the Dead rescue and the Superman montage.

• Superman's character development during the fire rescue
• "Day of the Dead" musical score
• Ironic imagery of the godlike Superman taking it in from his couch (joons.tumblr.com)
• Superman as glorified first responder
• Reference to Superman: Peace on Earth (@superherospot)
• The talking heads debate about Superman
• Casper Richter's thoughts on Superman's reflection and what we can learn from him
• BONUS: Listener questions about the ultimate cut 

Thanks to Alessandro Maniscalco for his help on the analysis.
 
http://www.manofsteelanswers.com/43-a-beautiful-truth-you-are-not-alone/
http://joons.tumblr.com/post/144634373960/one-thing-that-i-see-a-lot-is-that-critics-cant
https://twitter.com/SuperheroSpot/status/720860323553488896
http://suicidesquadcast.libsyn.com

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JLU Scene-by-Scene: Batman v Superman Scene 21

This episode of the Justice League Universe podcast focuses on Scene 21 of Batman v Superman, which is Lex's fundraiser party for the library of Metropolis.

• Clark covering the "let them eat cake" beat. 
• Lex's power-based breakdown.
• Bruce "can't stay down here."
• Clark and Bruce's discussion (Man of Steel Answers analysis).
• Clark tails Bruce.
• Diana shows up and shows up Bruce (part one). 

Thanks to Alessandro Maniscalco for his help with the analysis

Man of Steel Answers, Suicide Squadcast, DCU_Club Subreddit


<TRANSCRIPT OF THE EPISODE>

Superman 52: End of the New 52

Jason Book and I share our thoughts on issue 52 of Superman and we also do a bit of a retrospective on the DC Comics New 52 era of Superman overall.

I thought issue 52, the conclusion to the "Final Days of Superman" arc by Peter Tomasi, was pretty good and it did hit some strong emotional beats in my opinion, but it had some limitations and Jason also had some drawbacks on it. But overall, I enjoyed the New 52 Superman run even though it had its ups and downs. I think it was sad to see this character go out because I think he still had lots of untapped potential. But with that being said, I am very excited for Rebirth Superman and the Rebirth era in general.