When Superman Learned to Fly

On this show, we explore the pop culture background noise of your life, and connect the dots between things known and unknown. Buckle up, Time Pilots. In this episode, we kick of our exploration of Superman's Silver Age comics. It's an era famous for greatly expanding the Man of Steel's mythology — and infamous for its profound moral weirdness. How did an eccentric editor, corporate self-censorship, and endless repetition shape Superman's personality? We trace the unlikely path from candy bar factory to the 10,020th Century to find out. And there's more!  Along the way, we'll also learn the secret identity of Batman's dog and how to be perfect liars.   Primary sources: Men of Tomorrow — Gerard Jones Superman: The Persistence of an American Icon — Ian Gordon Flights of Fantasy — Michael Hayde Of Comics and Men — Jean-Paul Gabilliet   Links: Biographical Interview of Jim Shooter — Comic Book Historians Superman in the Silver Age — Digging for Kryptonite   Errata — In 1955, the editor of the Superman newspaper strips was probably Jack Schiff, not Whit Ellsworth.

On this show, we explore the pop culture background noise of your life, and connect the dots between things known and unknown. Buckle up, Time Pilots! In this episode, we explore some wild stories from the Man of Steel's radio drama! Though practically forgotten today, radio's Adventures of Superman ran for 11 years and told over 200 original stories before it was retooled for TV as the beloved George Reeves show of the same title. This episode is "Side 2" of a two-part exploration of The Adventures of Superman, and it took forever to make. Sorry. And there's more!  Along the way, we'll also learn about Batman and Robin's radio appearances and the time Superman took on the KKK. Primary sources: Superman Smashes the Klan — Gene Luen Yang, Gurihiru Superman Vs. Atom Man on Radio— Smithsonian Collection Radio Mystery and Adventure — Jim Harmon Flights of Fantasy — Michael Hayde Tune In Tommorrow — Mary Jane Higby Adventures of Superman Links: Superman and the American Way: 1943 — Ken Quattro, Comics Detective You've Got Possibilities — Emilie Battle, Famous in NY Video War Rocket Ajax, Ep. 563 — Chris Sims, Matt D. Wilson  

On this show, we explore the pop culture background noise of your life, and connect the dots between things known and unknown. Buckle up, Time Pilots! In this episode, we acquaint ourselves with the Man of Steel's radio drama! Though practically forgotten today, radio's Adventures of Superman ran for 11 years, told over 200 original stories, and was the direct predecessor of the beloved George Reeves TV show. Most importantly, this show invented the Daily Planet, re-invented Lois Lane, and introduced the world to Superman's pal, Jimmy Olsen. This episode is "Side 1" of a two-part exploration of the invisible Superman of the airwaves, focusing on the show's history, actors, and characters. And there's more! Along the way, we'll also learn about the way the show was made, the actors who made it, and the typical career path of a 1940s newspaper copy boy! Primary sources: Our Hero: Superman on Earth — Tom DeHaven City Room — Arthur Gelb Flights of Fantasy — Michael Hayde War Rocket Ajax, Ep. 563 — Chris Sims, Matt D. Wilson Adventures of Superman

On this show, we explore the pop culture background noise of your life, and connect the dots between things known and unknown. In this episode, we examine reasons why Superman survived the strongest competition he ever faced, exploring the little-remembered nespaper strip, and the classic Fleischer Studios cartoons!  And there's more! We also dive into the surprisingly complicated story of when and where the Man of Steel learned to fly. Primary sources: Max Fleischer's Superman 1941-1943  Superman: The Dailies 1939-1942 Voices From Krypton — Ed Gross Of Comics and Men — Jean-Paul Gabilliet The Art and Inventions of Max Fleischer — Ray Pointer  Flights of Fantasy — Michael J. Hayde Superboys — Brad Ricca © 2025 Fortress of Certitude

On this show, we explore the pop culture background noise of your life, and connect the dots between things known and unknown. In this episode, we dive into Superman's debut in Action Comics #1. Why was the Man of Steel an immediate success? Why is this particular hero still hugely popular all over the world, despite being older than rock and roll, broadcast television, and many other things that barely exist today?  The answers involve everything from pro wrestling history, to fashion design, to bronze-bodied scientists, to creepy anime shows, to your innermost hopes and dreams! © 2025 Fortress of Certitude