Essential Issues: A DC Comics Podcast

“LOVING*” Green Lantern! (Essential Issues Podcast #038)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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DC K.O. Ends! A sneaky de-aged Jon Kent! And HUGE things coming from Green Lantern!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2026, DCUI Standard August 2026,

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TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 DC K.O. comes to an end and shows us what's next! DC K.O. Boss Battle DC K.O. 5 What Is Next? De-Aged Jon Kent!

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00:24:31 Some great moments and interesting ideas in this batch of DC Comics! Including brief explorations of the natures of Love, Compassion & Belief! Batman And Robin 30, Aquaman 14, Action Comics 1095, Green Lantern Corps 13, Wonder Woman 30, Nightwing 135

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00:54:01 A new Kyle Rayner Era coming? A Star Sapphire solo adventure? And REAL love finally explored! Everything I “loved” this week came from the pages of Green Lantern! Superman 35, Justice League Unlimited 16, The Flash 30, Detective Comics 1106, Green Lantern 32

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The Christian Geek Central Statement Of Faith can be found at: http://christiangeekcentral.blogspot.com/p/about.html Essential Issues: A DC Comics Podcast is written, recorded and produced by Paeter Frandsen. Christian Geek Central Logo created by Matthew Silber. Copyright 2026, Spirit Blade Productions. Music by Jon Adamich

Jon Kent & DC’s Potential (Essential Issues Podcast #037)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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Both Jon kent & DC’s forgotten characters are RICH with potential! PLUS, The Spectre “warps” God and Wonder Woman teaches objective truth!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra February 2026, DCUI Standard July 2026,

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TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 DC has some GREAT potential to remind us of their rich history and interesting characters in a couple of books this week. I also make note of how a recent portrayal of The Spectre reflects a warped view of God. Batman 5, Superman: Chains Of Love Special 1, Cheetah & Cheshire Rob The Justice League, JSA 15.

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00:17:55 DC is "teaching" the existence of absolute, objective truth... possibly from a source you wouldn't expect! Wonder Woman 29, Superman Unlimited 9, Wonder Woman Black And Gold 2026 Special 1

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00:35:25 Although not much grabbed me in this week's offerings from DC's Ultra Tier, Jon Kent potentially has a NEW team he'll be leading that, surprisingly has me interested even if they don't de-age him! New History Of The DC Universe: The Dakota Incident 1, Superman 34, The Flash 29, Detective Comics 1105, Green Lantern 31, Justice League Red 6, DC KO: The Kids Are All Fight Special 1 (Jon Kent's New Team?)

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Emotions & Morality (Essential Issues Podcast #036)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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Moral Dilemmas, unhealthy romance, preachy Wonder Women & loving Bat-dads!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra January 2025, DCUI Standard June 2026,

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TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Superboy has a moral dilemma that doesn't quite work, Green Lantern Corps is further exploring A.I. sentience/personhood while suggesting an unhealthy view of romance and human purpose, and Wonder Woman continues to barrel through the DCU being "right", but steps into delivering a self-defeating sermon... or perhaps her writer does. Action Comics 1093, Batman And Robin 28, Green Lantern Corps 11, DCKO 3, Wonder Woman 28

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00:36:55 Detective Comics gave me the feels, and "the thinks?" Stuff going on that reminds me why I LOVE comics! Green Lantern 30 (Oops! I should have said the Batman/GL contrast is fear vs. courage instead of darkness vs. light!), Justice League Red 5, Detective Comics 1104

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Aquaman Dominates! (Essential Issues Podcast #035)

Paeter Frandsen — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 20:28:00 +0000

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DC KO's tie-ins are better than the main books? And Aquaman DOMINATES with his new powers! Could he win the entire KO tournament? Very possibly! In this extra-large "catch-up" installment I cover Ultra-Tier DC Universe Infinite releases from November & December!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra November/December 2025, DCUI Standard May 2026,

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TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Justice League Unlimited 12, DC KO 2, Superman Red And Blue 2025 Special 1, Superman Vs. Captain Atom 1, Action Comics 1092, Green Lantern Corps 10, Batman/Deadpool 1, Aquaman 12, Superman Unlimited 7, Red Hood Vs The Joker 1, The Flash 26-28, JSA 13 & 14, Cheetah & Cheshire Rob The Justice League 4 & 5

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DC Comics Christmas Stories! (Essential Issues Podcast #034)

Paeter Frandsen — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:26:18 +0000

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My favorite DC Comics Christmas stories are probably not what DC expects. And I found a few good Thanksgiving stories, too! All explored from a nerd-fan, biblical, Christian perspective! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra November 2025, DCUI Standard April 2026,

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TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Batman's got a striking new villain, Superman learns a boyhood lesson Christians should take to heart, and a Green Lantern event ends while teasing big things coming! Batman: Dark Patterns 11, Batman & Robin 26, Action Comics 1091, Green Lantern Corps 9

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00:20:08 With Thanksgiving just around the corner, here's a short but worthwhile list of Thanksgiving DC Comics stories, and some scriptural comments in light of them about navigating grief during the holiday season.

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00:34:44 I discovered that my favorite "Christmas stories" in DC comics are not the special one-shots with "holiday" branding, but the great little stories in my favorite books that happen in the context of the Christmas season. With a focus this time on the 90's-2011, here are some of my new favorite Christmas stories in DC comics! The Flash 73, Green Lantern 59, The Spectre 26, Green Lantern 109, JLA 60, JSA 55, Detective Comics 826, Larfleeze Christmas Special, Shazam! Origins‍ ‍

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Virtuous Arrogance? (Essential Issues Podcast #033)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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An action-packed crossover begins and TWO DC heroes put their arrogance on display! A sampling of the nerdy fun and deeper ideas that make me glad I read DC Comics! That and MUCH MORE!

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra October 2025, DCUI Standard March 2026,

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TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 DC KO is looking to make an impact, but will it be something I feel, or just the sound of plastic action figures? Green Lantern Corps 8, Aquaman 9, Batman & Robin 25, DC KO 1

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00:22:55 Justice League Red is leveraging moral & philosophical complexity while Batman & Robin: Year One is going straight for the heart strings! Nightwing 130, Batman & Robin: Year One 11, Justice League Red 2

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00:36:39 Where does healthy confidence end and sinful pride begin? Wonder Woman & Mr. Terrific are both crossing that line, but only one may be able to admit it. Superman 30, The Flash 25, Green Lantern 27, Detective Comics 1101, Wonder Woman 25, Mr. Terrific: Year One 5

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01:09:31 Some weeks comics don't blow me away OR let me down, but give me just enough to remind me why I love DC comics... Batman 2, Batman 12, Cheetah & Cheshire Rob The Justice League 3, JSA 12

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We Are Superboy Prime! (Essential Issues Podcast #032)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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Fresh revivals of 4th-tier characters, Green Lantern explores emotions and A.I., and we all might be turning into Superboy Prime if we can’t admit we’re “broken”! That and MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra September 2025, DCUI Standard February 2026,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Are four different 4th-tier DC characters about to become some of my new favorites! VERY possibly so! JSA 10, Cheetah & Cheshire Rob The Justice League 1, Secret Six 6

00:15:02 How necessary are emotions? What role should they play in our lives? Can we pursue good without them? Can A.I. have true personhood? A lot going on in just one comic this month! Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum 1, Action Comics 1089, Aquaman 8, Green Lantern Corps 7 (A.I. Emotions & Personhood)

00:44:18 Although we can relate to Jason Todd in not wanting to feel "broken", if we don't admit we are we could end up like Superboy Prime! Justice League Unlimited 10, Green Lantern 26, Robin & Batman: Jason Todd 3, Superman 29

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Super-Parents & Bad Advice! (Essential Issues Podcast #031)

Paeter Frandsen — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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With evidence growing that Jon Kent might be de-aged, Batman struggling to raise two adopted sons, and Wonder Woman adventuring with a baby in tow, is DC leaning into parenthood more? And if so, how will they view parenting? Hopefully with more wisdom than Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, who has some monumentally bad advice for Batman! That and MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2025, DCUI Standard January 2026,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Aquaman 7, Batman & Robin 23, Action Comics 1088, Superman Treasury 2025 Hero For All (Jon Kent Being De-Aged Soon?)

00:17:24 Superman Unlimited 3, Nightwing 128, Batman & Robin: Year One 9, Robin & Batman: Jason Todd 2, Wonder Woman 23

00:33:22 Green Lantern 25, Green Arrow 26, Superman 28, Batman 161 (Botching Bane & Batgirl's Bad Advice), Justice League: Dark Tomorrow 1

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Super-Parents & Bad Advice! (Essential Issues Podcast #031)

Paeter Frandsen — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2025, DCUI Standard January 2026,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Aquaman 7, Batman & Robin 23, Action Comics 1088, Superman Treasury 2025 Hero For All (Jon Kent Being De-Aged Soon?)

00:17:24 Superman Unlimited 3, Nightwing 128, Batman & Robin: Year One 9, Robin & Batman: Jason Todd 2, Wonder Woman 23

00:33:22 Green Lantern 25, Green Arrow 26, Superman 28, Batman 161 (Botching Bane & Batgirl's Bad Advice), Justice League: Dark Tomorrow 1

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Guy Gardner & Kyle Rayner Essentials! (Essential Issues Podcast #030)

Paeter Frandsen — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 23:30:00 +0000

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Essential Reading For Green Lantern’s Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner, along with a major encounter between Atheist superhero Mr. Terrific and God’s Agent Of Wrath, The Spectre! And MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra July 2025, DCUI Standard December 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Batgirl 8, JSA 8, Justice League: The Atom Project 6,

00:07:37 Trinity: Daughter Of Wonder Woman 1, Robin And Batman: Jason Todd 1, Action Comics 1087, Supergirl 2, Batman: Dark Patterns 7, Green Lantern Corps 5, Aquaman 6, Batman & Robin 22,

00:09:52 Guy Gardner: Essential Reading & Character Examination

00:46:02 Superman Unlimited 2, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 40, Wonder Woman 22, Batman & Robin: Year One 8, Detective Comics 1098, New History Of The DC Universe 1, The Flash 22, Green Lantern 24, Mr. Terrific Year One 2 (Spectre Vs. Atheist)

01:14:27 Best Of The Kyle Rayner Green Lantern Era

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DC Pride, Marriage & God’s Wrath (Essential Issues Podcast #029)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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DC Pride gives us something to think about, JSA shows how to wreck your marriage and Hal Jordan & The Spectre can remind us that God’s wrath might be more nuanced and complex than we think! And MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra June 2025, DCUI Standard November 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Captain Atom has had ENOUGH, DC Pride gives Christians something to think about, Black Canary Vs. Lady Shiva is finally settled(or not) & the JSA shows us how to DESTROY our marriages! Justice League: The Atom Project 5, Black Canary: Best Of The Best 6, JSA 7 (How To Wreck Your Marriage, Or SAVE It!), DC Pride 2025 1

00:34:28 Although Mr. Terrific (or his writer) seems to have forgotten The Spectre exists, Green Lantern Hal Jordan definitely has NOT! His conversation with the agents of God's Wrath reminded me of some nuanced facets of God's wrath that are worth considering! Superman Unlimited 1, Titans 23, Mr. Terrific: Year One 1, Green Lantern 23 (The Spectre & God's Wrath)

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Christians, Be Like Wonder Woman! (Essential Issues Podcast #028)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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The “Righteous” Anger Of Batman & Wonder Woman makes them BOTH look like villains… but are the WRITERS aware of this? PLUS, Aquaman discovers even MORE cool stuff he can do with his new power over water! And MUCH MORE!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra May 2025, DCUI Standard October 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Clark Kent gets some GREAT treatment and attention and Aquaman continues his climb to what I've always dreamed he could be! Batman: Dark Patterns 5, Fire & Ice: When Hell Freezes Over 1, Green Lantern Corps 3, Action Comics 1085, Aquaman 4.

00:26:10 Despite some annoyingly anthropomorphic animals, DC had some solid books this week, and one in particular that Christians can learn from! Superman: A Friend Unleashed 1, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 38, Nightwing 125, Detective Comics 1096, Wonder Woman 20.

00:47:45 Another "mixed bag" week on DC Universe Infinite, more interesting to me for what is revealed and set up than for what actually happens... The Flash 20, Justice League Unlimited 6, Green Lantern 22, Superman 25, Batman 159.

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Christians, Be Like Aquaman! (Essential Issues Podcast #027)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2025, DCUI Standard August 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 While one returning team book fell flat for me, another ensemble title might be ramping up to something I've wanted for Captain Atom for YEARS! Secret Six 1, Justice League: The Atom Project 3

00:18:15 While a new/old romance seemingly begins in Green Lantern Corps and Superman wrestles with "Justice", Jeremy Adams still seems influenced by Christianity as he presents a motivation for Aquaman that Christians should especially be able to relate to! Batman: Dark Patterns 4, Action Comics 1084, Green Lantern Corps 2, Aquaman 3

00:38:31 For two weeks in a row DC has largely put out books I've found disappointing, but the very LAST comic I read, once again, had a curious ray of light... Summer Of Superman Special 1, Batman & Robin: Year One 6, The Question: All Along The Watchtower 5, Detective Comics 1095, Batman 158, Justice League Unlimited 5, Superman 24, Wonder Woman 19, Black Canary: Best Of The Best 5, Green Lantern 21

01:01:02 DC has some really cool ideas being set up and developed in their books, but are they actually going to make good on the potential of these great ideas, or take the easy way out? I have my doubts... Batgirl 6, Secret Six 2, Justice League: The Atom Project 4, JSA 6

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“Righteous” Anger (Essential Issues Podcast #026)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0000

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RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2025, DCUI Standard August 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 While the pages of Batman are dealing with "righteous" anger and flawed characters, the Green Lantern Corps is potentially re-discovering honesty as a value, and Aquaman is discovering even MORE of what he can do with his new ability to control water! Batman 157, JSA 4, Green Lantern Corps 1, Aquaman 2

00:27:37 More "righteous" anger comes into play at DC this week, but is Wonder Woman actually modelling & encouraging anger that is not only UN-righteous, but actually cruel and hateful? Zatanna 1, Nightwing 123, Batman and Robin: Year One 5, The Question: All Along The Watchtower 4, Wonder Woman 18

00:52:54 Is Black Canary on an awesome hero's journey, or is she turning out to be a "Girl Boss"? And DC is losing focus on some of their main characters and may be losing ME as a result! Green Lantern 20, The Flash 18, Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween 5, Superman 23, Green Arrow 21, Detective Comics 1094, Black Canary: Best Of The Best 4

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Emotions & Forgiveness! (Essential Issues Podcast #025)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Messy Relationships! (Essential Issues Podcast #024)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:03:00 +0000

(TIME STAMPS BELOW!)

This month relationships are messy, beautiful and everything in between. But which of these are supposed to be examples to inspire, and which are intended as cautionary tales? Some great character stuff happening in the midst of the usual comic book craziness!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra January 2025, DCUI Standard June 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 The moral fall of Jim Gordon, and more! Reactions to Two-Face 1, Batgirl 2, Batman 155

00:11:54 A GREAT new Batman villain, some complex/strange moralizing and love is defined in a surprisingly BIBLICAL way! Reactions to Superwoman Special 1, Batman: Dark Patterns 1, Black Lightning 2, Green Lantern 18

00:34:16 Pretty much every comic I read this week fell flat for me. In fact, I honestly did not want to share my thoughts about them at all. Give me a few minutes and I'll explain why... Reactions to The New Gods 1, The Question: All Along The Watchtower 2, Wonder Woman 16 (Should The U.S.A. Have A Queen?)

00:46:07 Martian Manhunter is keeping a dangerous secret and Black Canary has a devastatingly difficult choice to make! Reactions to Metamorpho: The Element Man 1, The Flash 16, Action Comics 1081, Justice League Unlimited 2, Black Canary: Best Of The Best 2

01:10:22 In the midst of the usual comic book craziness, a bunch of messy relationships shared the spotlight this week! With examples to learn from and others to avoid! Reactions to Justice League: The Atom Project 1, JSA 3, Batman 156, Batgirl 3

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Heaven Without God? (Essential Issues Podcast #023)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 21:47:00 +0000

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This month I'm reminded why I LOVE beig a DC fan! Some great character interactions, philosophical stories, family drama, a MASSIVE new Justice League that still cares about character, and the start of the ultimate martial arts fight in DC History!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra December 2024, DCUI Standard May 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 In catching up with TWO weeks of releases from DC Comics I'm reminded of the kinds of things I love most about being a DC fan! Reactions to Batman 154, Batgirl 1 (Mother-Daughter Stuff & Our Sinful Tendencies), JSA 1 (Marriage Conflict), Batman & Robin 15 (Father-Son Dynamic), Green Lantern 17, Black Lightning 1 (Marital Reconciliation?), Action Comics 1075!

00:47:24 The DCU MMA fight of the century, why heaven sucks if you leave out God, and more! Reactions to The Question: All Along The Watchtower 1, Wonder Woman 15, Justice League Unlimited 1, Superman 20, Green Arrow 18, Black Canary: Best Of The Best 1!

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How DC Is "All In"! - (Essential Issues Podcast #022)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 17:40:42 +0000

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DC's "All-In" initiative is looking to help new readers jump onboard, and has so far involved a mixed bag of intriguing, frustrating and mystifying. But when Dick Grayson loses, readers might win! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra November 2024, DCUI Standard April 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Dick Grayson is harshly denied justice he has longed for his whole life... and that might be a good thing for us as readers! Reactions to Batman and Robin 14, Wonder Woman 14, Titans 16, Catwoman 69, Nightwing 118!

00:18:56 Although I'm not excited by the "All-In" brand DC comics this week, Batman is wrestling with the value of human life in a VERY interesting way! Reactions to Absolute Wonder Woman 1, Green Arrow 17, Nightwing 119, Superman 19, The Flash 14, Detective Comics 1090 (Batman's Mortality & Valuing Lives Of Evil People)!

00:48:08 DC fell flat for me this week. Despite a nice spotlight given to The Penguin, a strange artistic choice and a baffling philosophical choice left me hoping next week will be more my cup of tea. Here's why... Reactions to The Penguin Special 1, Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween 2, Poison Ivy Swamp Thing: Feral Trees 1!

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The Christian Geek Central Statement Of Faith can be found at: http://christiangeekcentral.blogspot.com/p/about.html Essential Issues: A DC Comics Podcast is written, recorded and produced by Paeter Frandsen. Christian Geek Central Logo created by Matthew Silber. Copyright 2024, Spirit Blade Productions. Music by Jon Adamich

Absolute Letdown (Essential Issues Podcast #021)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Comics MUST Reject Atheism! (Essential Issues Podcast #020)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

(TIME STAMPS BELOW!)

Jon Kent could be rebooted, DC missed some GREAT opportunities, Zero Hour is back, and Alan Scott effectively shows why comics can't work if atheism is true! That and MUCH MORE! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra September 2024, DCUI Standard February 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Is Jon Kent finally getting the reboot/restoration I've wanted? It at least seems possible after what happens to him this week! Reactions to Plastic Man No More 1, Batman 151, Absolute Power 2 and Jon Kent's Potential Big Change!

00:13:07 Trouble in paradise as Lois & Clark are dealing with a work-related relational rift between them, and Alan Scott inadvertently makes a case for why comics can't function if atheism is true! Reactions to Absolute Power Task Force VII 4, Action Comics 1068 & Lois & Clark Marital Troubles and Green Lantern 14 & Free Will!

00:29:51 The DC books I read this week almost all had one thing in common: They zigged when I REALLY think they should have zagged! So much potential that went unrealized! Reactions to Superman 17, Wonder Woman 12, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 30, Green Lantern: War Journal 12, Nightwing 117, Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween 0

00:47:43 DC digs into their past and makes it matter TODAY in this week's selection of comics! Did you think "Zero Hour" ended back in the 90's! Turns out, 30 years later, it's still happening and about to possibly have a BIG effect on today's DC Universe! PLUS! The origin the "brain bombs" of the Suicide Squad! Reactions to Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween 1, The Flash 12, Zero Hour 30th Anniversary Special 1 and Absolute Power: Origins 2!

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Absolute Power Begins! (Essential Issues Podcast #019)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000

(TIME STAMPS BELOW!)

The Absolute Power crossover event is here and making massive craters across the DCU! It's also giving readers some worthwhile things to think about long the way! That and MUCH MORE! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2024, DCUI Standard January 2025,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Absolute Power 1 completely rocks the foundations of the DCU with Amanda Waller's seemingly unstoppable plan. And along the way there are some pretty worthwhile things for us to think about here in the real world! Reactions to Shazam 13, Justice Society Of America 10, Batman 150, Absolute Power 1

00:25:11 An emotion I've REALLY want to see added to the emotional spectrum mythos of Green Lantern arrives, and Hal & Carol still seem on the road to lasting, maturing love! We'll see! Reactions to Absolute Power: Task Force VII 1, Death In The Family: Robin Lives 1, Action Comics 1067 & Green Lantern 13.

00:42:25 The latest issue of Nightwing features such a great surprise that was totally unexpected and yet so delightful I can't believe it hasn't been done already! Reactions to Wonder Woman 11, Superman 16 and Nightwing 116!

01:05:54 Amanda Waller's definitive origins story is presented and it turns out... she's kinda like US! Reactions to Absolute Power: Task Force VIII 2, Green Arrow 14 and Absolute Power: Origins 1!

01:20:53 Intentionally or not, a DC story this week defined defined free will in... an interesting way. And one we should think carefully about as we consider our conversations about the nature of A.I., personhood and humanity's future! Reactions to Absolute Power: Task Force VII 3!

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Sapphire's Love & Absolute Power! (Essential Issues Podcast #018)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 22:36:00 +0000

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A Batman saga ends and an earth-shattering crossover begins! And will REAL love finally be the center of Hal Jordan's relationship with Carol Ferris? That and MUCH MORE! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra July 2024, DCUI Standard December 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Some big changes happening in both the tone and lore of Shazam! And Batman wraps up a BIG and complicated arc in a way I have mixed feelings about.

Reactions to Shazam 12 & Batman 148.

00:25:00 Will Carol Ferris & Hal Jordan become the "Lois & Clark" of Green Lantern? I hope so, and right now there is good reason to as Carol begins to discover true "Agape" love! Reactions to Suicide Squad: Dream Team 4 and Green Lantern 12!

00:37:48 As the Absolute Power crossover begins, one hero makes a VERY surprising move that makes me reflect on our divisions in this election year. Meanwhile, Amanda Waller is convincing me she is a MAJOR threat to the entire DCU! Reactions to Zatanna: Bring Down The House 1, Wonder Woman 10, Action Comics 1066, Batman 149, The Penguin 11, Absolute Power: Ground Zero 1, Green Arrow 13 & The Flash 10

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Gay Love & Trans Hate! (Essential Issues Podcast #017)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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This month, Alan Scott's Gay Retcon story wraps up on a note worth thinking about, and a DC Transgender character gets pretty hateful! But elsewhere in DC, marriage and family are valued, healthy relationships are explored, and some classic Flash villains are preparing for a comeback! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra June 2024, DCUI Standard November 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Not a single comic this week was written in a way I enjoy, but at least ONE of them seemingly tried to explore a worthwhile topic. Did they succeed? Not in my book. Reactions to DC Pride 2024, Nightwing Annual 2024, Superman: House Of Brainiac Special 1, & The Flash Annual 2024.

00:15:31 It's coming to a boil in GreenLantern 11, but there's still time in the story to suggest marriage should have value! And Suicide Squad Dream Team 3 unleashes the power, and HATRED, of Transgender DC Character "Dreamer"! What can WE learn from that hatred?

00:37:54 Wonder Woman touches on healthy and unhealthy "need" in relationships, and Alan Scott wraps up its gay retcon of his origin story in a way worth noticing even if you strongly disagree... maybe especially if you do! Reactions to Nightwing 114, Superman 14, Titans 11 and Wonder Woman 9 and Alan Scott Green Lantern 6!

00:59:21 Penguin's family is trying to kill each other, Green Arrow's family is reunited, and the biggest villains of The Flash mythos might be getting a reboot! Reactions to The Penguin 10, The Flash 9 & Green Arrow 12!

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Wonder Woman's "Bible Torture"! (Essential Issues Podcast #016)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 31 May 2024 18:23:49 +0000

(TIME STAMPS BELOW!)

This month, Birds Of Prey mystifyingly objectifies women, Green Lantern shockingly referances a weird forgotten part of DC history, Batman has an important word for CHRISTIANS, and the Flash gets me to drop his book... by standing still! PLUS SO MUCH MORE!! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra May 2024, DCUI Standard October 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 While Birds Of Prey & Shazam give no indication I'll enjoy them soon, Shazam has potential to explore some worthwhile, heavy themes... if allowed to. And Batman remains poised to comment on a MAJOR life after death issue! Reactions to Shazam! 10, Birds of Prey 8 and Batman 146!

00:14:29 So many characters that I don't care about even one! Except Amanda Waller, whose moral complexity is potentially worthwhile for us to try and sort through! Reactions to Action Comics 1064, Green Lantern 10 & Suicide Squad: Dream Team 2!

00:24:37 Wonder Woman is almost literally beaten down with the BIBLE in Wonder Woman 8, as The Sovereign leverages some easily misunderstood scripture to serve his twisted purposes! PLUS, Lobo has some surprisingly wise words about Anger! Reactions to Titans 10, Jay Garrick: The Flash 6, Superman 13 & Wonder Woman 8!

00:59:31 While The Flash & Power Girl have crawled back from the brink to regain my potential interest, they are far from in the clear, and both Green Arrow and Penguin may be taking some steps that turn me off as well! Will any of these books be on my list next month? Reactions to The Flash 8, Power Girl 8, Green Arrow 11 and The Penguin 9!

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Batman's Word For Christians! (Essential Issues Podcast #015)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 03 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000

(TIME STAMPS BELOW!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2024, DCUI Standard August 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Shazam! 9 & calling Captain Marvel "The Captain", Birds Of Prey 7 & "Primitive Coloring", Objectifying Women & Calling It "Empowerment", Batman 145, Unappealing Complexity & A.I. Personhood, Weekly Ring Selection & Wrap-Up

00:14:32 Suicide Squad: Dream Team 1, Sinister Sons 2, Action Comics 1036, Wesley Dodds: The Sandman 6, Green Lantern 9: Disobedience A GOOD Thing? & The CRAZY Deep-Cut Story Reference

00:33:34 Justice Society Of America 9, Green Lantern: War Journal 7, Batman Superman: World's Finest 25, Wonder Woman 7, Titans 9, Superman 12, Nightwing 112: Nightwing As Batman's "Son", Batman's Word For Christians & A Father-Son Moment That Made Me Better!, Weekly Ring Selection

01:00:05 The Flash 7, Green Arrow 10, The Penguin 8, Ring Selection & Getting Angry Over Comics

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Major Character Changes! (Essential Issues Podcast #014)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000

This month was a reminder that a number of DC's characters are going through significant changes, some even more than others! If you're not a fan of retconning... brace yourself! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2024, DCUI Standard August 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Red Hood: The Hill 0, Kneel Before Zod 2 and Batman 142 (The Joker: Year One, Part 1)!

00:22:29 Action Comics 1062, Batman 143, Green Lantern 8, Sinister Sons 1 and Wesley Dodds: The Sandman 5.

00:41:36 Batman 144, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 24, Nightwing 111, Wonder Woman 6, Jay Garrick: The Flash 5, Green Arrow 9, The Penguin 7 and Alan Scott: The Green Lantern 5!

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Reinventing Golden Age Heroes (Essential Issues Podcast #013)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 22:23:00 +0000

This month, Empathy may be The Sandman's secret weapon, while Jay Garrick & Alan Scott reveal NEW old enemies!

(SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra February 2024, DCUI Standard July 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 DC’s How to Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days 1, Action Comics 1061, Green Lantern 7, Outsiders 3, & Wesley Dodds: The Sandman 4!

00:19:14 Wonder Woman 5, Jay Garrick: The Flash 4, Green Lantern: War Journal 5 & Batman/Superman: World's Finest 23!

00:40:26 Green Arrow 8, Power Girl 5, The Penguin 6 & The Flash 5!

01:02:28 Batman: Off-World 3 and Alan Scot: The Green Lantern 4!

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Alan Scott Nerfs The Spectre (Essential Issues Podcast #012)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The culmination of Magog's origin arrives in Batman/Superman: World's Finest 22, Batman learns alien martial arts in Batman: Off-World 2 and Wonder Woman comforts (& "preaches" to?) a dying child in issue 4! In Alan Scott: Green Lantern 3 The Spectre is seemingly leveraged to suggest God approves of gay relationships. What can we learn from reading this? ALSO, Cyborg 6 fails to prove the personhood of the AI "copy" of Victor's dead father. Then, reactions to The Flash 4, Justice Society Of America 8 & The Penguin 5! FINALLY, family issues are the theme! Batman's fight against Zur-En-Arrh (now inhabiting the body of Failsafe!) intensifies and General Zod has no patience for fathering when there's a universe to conquer! Reactions to Batman 141 &

Kneel Before Zod 1!(SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra January 2024, DCUI Standard June 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Batman: Off World 2, Wonder Woman 4

00:26:56 Alan Scott: Green Lantern 3, Cyborg 6, The Flash 4, Justice Society Of America 8, The Penguin 5

01:02:17 Batman 141, Kneel Before Zod 1

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Wonder Woman On "Manhood" (Essential Issues Podcast #011)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Wonder Woman might be saying interesting things about "manhood", Jay Garrick: The Flash values the traditional family, Geoff Johns unearths bonkers DC history in Justice Society and Supergirl gets weirdly competitive! (SEE TIME STAMPS!)

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra December 2023, DCUI Standard May 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Batman/Catwoman: Gotham War: Scorched Earth 1, Batman 139 & Supergirl Special 1

00:16:56 Outsiders 1, Speed Force, Batman- Santa Clause: Silent Knight 2, Wesley Dodds: Sandman 2, Green Lantern 5 & The Vigil 6

00:30:41 WonderWoman 3, Jay Garrick: TheFlash 2, Justice Society of America 7

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Green Lantern's "Gay Retcon" (Essential Issues Podcast #010)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Barry Allen & Hal Jordan Grow Up, Alan Scott changes in... OTHER ways. PLUS, Batman explores complex moral issues in Gotham & Superman becomes a victim of "Cancel Culture"!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra November 2023, DCUI Standard April 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Are Barry Allen & Hal Jordan finally growing up? Batman has some COMPLEX moral issues going on! Reactions to Batman 138, Wesley Dodds: The Sandman 1, Batman and Robin 2, World's Finest: Teen Titans 4 and Green Lantern 4!

00:14:29 The latest issue of Superman has a moment ripe for reflecting on cancel culture, Jay Garrick adjust to having a daughter and Wonder Woman faces off against the U.S. military... and Steve Trevor! Reactions to Superman 7, Wonder Woman 2 and Jay Garrick: The Flash 1.

00:30:01 Alan Scott: Green Lantern 1. Created via retcon, the gay status of Golden Age Green Lantern Alan Scott is not just incorporated into the story of his new series, but stands at the very center of it. I attempt to offer a biblical Christian response.

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Post-Death "Uploading" CAN'T Work! (Essential Issues Podcast #009)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Superman's moral compass needs fixing, Gotham's heroes are at war with each other and why surviving death by "uploading" will NEVER work! PLUS, Dawn Of DC kicks into full gear as multiple characters are being rebuilt from the ground up!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra October 2023, DCUI Standard March 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Geoff Johns may be back in his stride and Gotham's heroes are at each other's throats! Reactions to Birds Of Prey 1, Blue Beetle 1, Justice Society Of America 6, Batman 137, City Boy 4 & Shazam 3!

00:33:19 Is DC about to make the same mistake with Damian Wayne they made with Jon Kent?!? I hope not but signs don't look good... Reactions to Batman And Robin 1, World's Finest: Teen Titans 3 and Green Lantern 3!

00:44:38 Superman may need a more sophisticated moral compass! And why "uploading" our consciousness will NEVER help people survive death! Plus TONS more! Batman/Superman: World's Finest, Batman: Gargoly Of Gotham Book 1, Catwoman 57 (Gotham War, Part 3), Cyborg 3 (Why Transcendence/Eternal Life Through "Uploading" Consciousness Won't Work), Green Lantern: War Journal 1, Nightwing 106, Superman 6, The Vigil 5, Titans 3, Wonder Woman 1 [Legacy 801]

01:25:48 Dawn Of DC is ramping up their re-invention or re-establishment of characters, creating some wonderful and moving character-driven moments along the way! Penguin 2, Batman/Catwoman: Gotham War: Red Hood, The Flash 1, Green Arrow 4, Power Girl 1, Action Comics 1057

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Missing Truth & Gotham War (Essential Issues Podcast #008)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:09:00 +0000

Aqualad takes centerstage in a key moment with powerful words of wisdom... that are lacking something vital: Truth! And DC is playing with a LOT of interesting ideas, including: Hell, Anger (toward God?), compassion for criminals, re-distribution of wealth and more! See Time Stamps For More!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra September 2023, DCUI Standard February 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:09 Superman Annual 2023 and World's Finest: Teen Titans 2!

00:10:33 Batman/Superman World's Finest 18, The Vigil 4

00:20:21 Knight Terrors: Nights End 1, Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War: Battle Lines 1, and Action Comics Presents: Doomsday Special (2023) 1

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The End Of Jon Kent (Essential Issues Podcast #007)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 20:28:00 +0000

Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent comes to an end! And Steelworks & City Boy seem to have very DIFFERENT opinions about the moral state of humanity! See Time Stamps For More!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2023, DCUI Standard January 2024,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:13 Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 5, Steelworks 2,

00:10:43 Knight Terrors 1, World's Finest: Teen Titans 1,

00:24:12 Hawkgirl 1, Tales Of The Titans 1, The Vigil 3, & Batman/Superman: World's Finest 17

00:42:24 The Last Days Of Lex Luthor 1,

00:52:21 Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 6, Justice Society 5, Steelworks 3, City Boy 3

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GL's Joy & Steel's Politics (Essential Issues Podcast #006)

Paeter Frandsen — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 21:29:00 +0000

The Future Of The Flash! A "Joyful" Green Lantern? Some interesting potential politics in the writing of Steelworks, and much, much more! Paeter speculates and also reacts to numerous comics in the Dawn Of DC initiative!

RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: Print June 2023, DCUI Ultra July 2023, DCUI Standard December 2023,

TIME STAMPS

00:01:13 Steelworks 1, The Flash 800, Knight Terrors: First Blood 1, Knight Terrors: Batman 1, Batman 136, Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 4, Shazam 2

00:24:34 Green Lantern 2

00:29:42 Superman 5, Titans 2, The Vigil 2, Cyborg 2, Nightwing 105, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 16

00:44:51 City Boy 2, Detective Comics 1073, Green Arrow 3,

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Dawn Of DC's Potential & Pitfalls (Essential Issues Podcast #005)

Paeter Frandsen — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:57:06 +0000

Dawn Of DC has new beginnings, bold choices... and mixed results! PLUS, is one Superman writer ready to re-define "Life"? Paeter speculates and also reacts to numerous comics in the Dawn Of DC initiative, covering books originally published in May 2023!

TIME STAMPS

00:01:06 Green Lantern 1, Superman: Lost 3 & "Defining Life"

00:12:16 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 1, Titans 1, Cyborg 1, Superman 4, The Flash 799, & World's Finest 15

00:31:45 Green Arrow 2, Justice Society 4,

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DC's Liberal Agenda (Essential Issues Podcast #004)

Paeter Frandsen — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:44:51 +0000

Is DC figuring out how to promote their liberal agenda more subtly and tastefully? Maybe...maybe not! Examples of BOTH this month as Paeter speculates and also reacts to numerous comics in the Dawn Of DC initiative, covering books originally published in April 2023!

TIME STAMPS

00:01:06 Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 2, The Flash 796

00:23:09 Spirit World 1, Stargirl And The Lost Children 6, Superman Lost 2 and Knight Terrors

00:41:35 The Vigil 1, The Flash 797, Superman 3 & World's Finest 14

00:56:27 City Boy 1 and Green Arrow 1

01:11:30 Shazam! 1, DC Pride 2023 1, Peacemaker Tries Hard 1, Batman 135, Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 3, & The Flash 798

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The Christian Geek Central Statement Of Faith can be found at: http://christiangeekcentral.blogspot.com/p/about.html Essential Issues: A DC Comics Podcast is written, recorded and produced by Paeter Frandsen. Christian Geek Central Logo created by Matthew Silber. Copyright 2023, Spirit Blade Productions. Music by Jon Adamich

Christian-Flavored Flash? (Essential Issues Podcast #003)

Paeter Frandsen — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:37:16 +0000

Is a Christian perspective influencing the writing of Jeremy Adams on The Flash? Paeter speculates, and also reacts to numerous comics in the Dawn Of DC initiative, covering books originally published in March 2023!

TIME STAMPS

00:01:10 Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent 1, The Flash 794

00:11:43 Superman Lost 1, Superboy: Man Of Tomorrow 1, Batgirls 16, Lazarus Planet: Revenge Of The Gods, Justice Society Of America 3

00:40:18 Superman 2, Nightwing 102, The Flash 795 and Wonder Woman 797

01:13:00 Unstoppable Doom Patrol 1

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Lazarus Planet, Flash & Superman (Essential Issues Podcast #002)

Paeter Frandsen — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:30:12 +0000

In this installment of the monthly DC Comics reactions/review podcast, Paeter wraps up his thoughts on DC's "Lazarus Planet" crossover event and begins reacting to the "Dawn Of DC" initiative, looking at comics published in February 2023!

TIME STAMPS

00:01:10 Lazarus Planet: Next Evolution & The Flash #792

00:17:57 Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate

00:28:12 The Flash #793

00:40:43 Lazarus Planet: Omega & Superman #1(Dawn Of DC)

00:48:39 Action Comics #1052 & Stargirl And The Lost Children #4

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Lazarus Planet & Dawn Of DC (Essential Issues Podcast #001)

Paeter Frandsen — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 21:18:28 +0000

In the first installment of this monthly DC Comics reactions/review podcast, Paeter anticipates the launch of the year-long "Dawn Of DC" initiative by looking at comics published in January 2023!

TIME STAMPS

00:01:10 Lazarus Planet: Alpha #1 & The Flash #790.

00:23:12 Nightwing #100 & Lazarus Planet: Assault On Krypton #1

00:48:45 Action Comics #1051 & Justice Society Of America #2

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