Lighting the Bat-Signal: A Batman Fan Journey

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Mike Sangregorio shine a light on Frank Miller's controversial (and misunderstood?) sequel to DKR, the 2001-2002 miniseries THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN.They consider Miller's frenetic, experimental approach, the impact of 9/11, Batman's minimal presence, the treatment of Silver Age Justice League characters, and more.PLUS! Anthony and guest Perry Constantine (Superhero Cinephiles) revisit the later sequel DK III: THE MASTER RACE (by Miller, Brian Azzarello, & Andy Kubert), along with THE LAST CRUSADE (by Miller, Azzarello, & John Romita Jr.) and THE GOLDEN CHILD (by Miller & Rafael Grampá).Happy Batman Day!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: [email protected]: 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:Rick ReasonFat Moose ComicsPop BreakAlways Hold On To SmallvilleAw Yeah Comics

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Shawn Hendricks (Fat Moose Comics) shine a light on Frank Miller's seminal Batman story THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS in its 40th anniversary year. They consider the book's legacy, impact on their personal fandoms, sociopolitical commentary, Rocky parallels, place within the wider Dark Knight Saga, and more.Anthony & Shawn also discuss the two-part animated film adaptation (released in 2012 and 2013) directed by Jay Oliva & starring Peter Weller as Bruce Wayne.Keep tuning in throughout the month of September as the podcast's coverage of The Dark Knight Saga continues!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: [email protected]: 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:Rick ReasonAw Yeah ComicsPop BreakAlways Hold On To Smallville

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Zach Moore (Always Hold On To Smallville) shine a light on the seminal BATMAN: YEAR ONE from Frank Miller & Dave Mazzucchelli — along with its follow-up, BATMAN: YEAR TWO by Mike W. Barr, Alan Davis, & Todd McFarlane.Anthony & Zach also compare notes on the 2011 animated adaptation of Year One and the classic 1993 film BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM, which seemingly borrowed key story elements from Year Two.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: [email protected]: 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:Aw Yeah ComicsFat Moose ComicsPop BreakRick Reason

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Ralph Puma (Kill Me Kate) shine a light H2SH Part One from BATMAN #158-163 by Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee. They discuss Hush's scheme to pit Bruce against his allies — by engineering a situation whereby Batman chooses to save the Joker's life — along with the book's delays, debatable character choices, and promised conclusion in the future.PLUS! Anthony & Ralph examine the extended "Hush Saga," including the villain's earlier return appearances in BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS by A.J. Lieberman & Al Barrionuevo and in DETECTIVE COMICS & BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM by Paul Dini & Dustin Nguyen.Features additional audio clips by JJ Hodges (For Comic Junkies)!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: [email protected]: 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:Fat Moose ComicsRick ReasonAw Yeah ComicsAlways Hold On To SmallvillePop Break

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Ralph Puma (Kill Me Kate) shine a light on the original HUSH storyline — from BATMAN #608-619 by Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee — which introduced Bruce Wayne's childhood friend Tommy Elliot as the titular villain clad in bandages & a trench coat.They relive the excitement of the story's release, examine its legacy and value almost 25 years later, question whether the ultimate reveals truly pay off the yearlong mystery, and compare notes on the 2019 animated film adaptation.NEXT MONTH: The podcast's two-part Hush event concludes with coverage of H2SH and other sequels from GOTHAM KNIGHTS and Paul Dini's DETECTIVE COMICS & STREETS OF GOTHAM!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: [email protected]: 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:Fat Moose ComicsAw Yeah ComicsDrunken AvengerAlways Hold On To Smallville