We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen?! Our host this week is Anthony Desiato, host of Digging for Kryptonite and Another Exciting Episode in the Adventures of Superman!

Check out Anthony's stuff: https://www.flatsquirrelproductions.com/

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

️ Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School & Host Introduction (00:00 - 00:00)

• Anthony Desiato introduces the show and himself, and sets the context for the episode focused on a comic book trade paperback.

Spotlight on 'Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen?' Maxi Series by Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber (00:00 - 01:34)

• Underrated series, originally released 2019-2020, collected in softcover and deluxe edition hardcover issued August 2025.
• Story premise: Jimmy Olsen's tour through the DC universe trying to find who is trying to kill him.

Key Story Moments and Character Dynamics (01:34 - 04:22)

• Memorable rooftop Daily Planet scene between Superman and Jimmy Olsen highlighting their friendship and Jimmy's value to Superman.
• Revealed deep backstory tying Jimmy Olsen and the Olsen family as founding, wealthy figures in Metropolis.

️ Artistic and Creative Team Analysis (04:22 - 05:48)

• Steve Lieber's art praised for the blend of cartoonish style with emotional expression, complementing Matt Fraction's script.
• Series is self-contained, created during Brian Michael Bendis's tenure on Superman books; Bendis helped bring Matt Fraction onboard.

Jimmy Olsen's Role and Character Exploration (05:48 - 07:08)

• Series explores Jimmy's friendship with Superman as well as his independent adventures.
• Recommended to readers for its depth and complexity despite being dense and non-linear.

Closing and Call to Action (07:08 - 07:10)

• Encouragement to enjoy the series and explore Superman mythology via Anthony's podcast and Certainpov.com.

We’re back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we’re talking about JSA: The Golden Age! Our host this week is Logan Crowley, a comedian and podcaster!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you!

Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

PODCAST SHOWS:

▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel​

FOLLOW US:

▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

• Introduction and Overview of JSA: The Golden Age (00:00 - 07:54)

• Introduction to the podcast and gratitude for the opportunity to discuss JSA: The Golden Age

• Praise of James Robinson and Paul Smith’s miniseries as foundational for the later revival of the JSA, prior to Geoff Johns’ well-known run

‍️ Thematic Analysis, Fight Scenes, and Personal Reflections (07:54 - 16:03)

• Highlighting the climactic superhero battle against the Hitler-superman villain

• Discussion on the importance of physical conflicts in comics as metaphorical storytelling rooted in Western mythology and religion

• Significance of JSA: The Golden Age (00:20 - 01:26)

• An underrated classic comic series by James Robinson and Paul Smith that set the stage for the later popular Geoff Johns’ JSA run

• The series is situated in post-WWII America amid McCarthyism and HUAC political witch hunts, expertly integrating historic tension into superhero narratives

‍️ Characterization of Alan Scott (02:50 - 03:40)

• Alan Scott is portrayed as a stoic, warm, and complex hero distinct from Superman, with strong visual and narrative presence

• The comic presents a compelling story exploring patriotism, suspicion, and resistance against government oppression, especially through Alan Scott’s defense of persecuted creatives

️ Climactic Conflict and Themes (06:00 - 09:50)

• The dark plot twist reveals a brain-swapped Mr. America/Hitler villain, culminating in a memorable, well-choreographed superhero fight that symbolizes the ideological battle of WWII

• Physical superhero conflicts in comics serve as powerful metaphors and are essential narrative tools drawn from deep cultural and mythological roots

Logan's Personal Connection (11:49 - 14:45)

• Logan’s personal connection with the JSA and plans to develop a comic inspired by JSA: The Golden Age illustrates the lasting influence of this work

• The host encourages readers to discover or revisit this comic, praising its storytelling, art, and thematic richness

️ Podcast Promotion (15:10 - 16:03)

• Promotion of the Single Bound podcast offers listeners a related resource for comic conversations focused on single issues

• Encouragement for listener engagement and suggestions

• Keith Lehtinen introduced Certain Point of View's Trade School podcast format, focusing on discussions of beloved comic book trade paperbacks instead of new releases.
• The meeting analyzed Marvel's New Generation Initiative, highlighting the lasting impact of the 2000s effort and recognizing Runaways as a foundational series for launching new characters.
• Runaways Volume 1: Pride and Joy, created by Brian K. Vaughan and team in 2003, serves as a personal favorite linked to the host's connection to Vaughan’s earlier work.
• The story centers on six California teenagers who uncover their parents' true nature during a party, showcasing diverse backgrounds and relatability to characters like Alex and Chase.
• The dialogue style was compared to Aaron Sorkin's, emphasizing strong family dynamics and character development as standout elements of the series.
• Runaways characters have made significant appearances in Marvel crossover events, including Civil War and Secret Invasion, indicating their ongoing relevance in the Marvel Universe.
• Notable character arcs include Nico’s role in Strange Academy and Chase’s survival story in Avengers Arena, pointing to continued character development beyond the original series.
• The Hulu TV adaptation of Runaways maintained the heart of the original story, albeit with mixed reviews on creative changes.
• The meeting included a promotional segment for the 'We Have Issues' comic review show hosted by Keith and Josway, highlighting weekly coverage of multiple publishers.

• Keith Lettanen introduces Certain Point of View's Trade School podcast format where different hosts discuss beloved comic book trade paperbacks.
• Host explains deviation from normal purview of reviewing new releases to focus on older trades.

• Analysis of Marvel's pattern of introducing new hero generations, with 2000s effort having lasting impact on the brand.
• Runaways identified as the foundational series that enabled other new character launches to reach print.

• 2003 Runaways Volume 1: Pride and Joy by Brian K. Vaughan (writer), Adrian Alphona (pencils), David Newbold (inks), Brian Reber (colors), Paul Tutrone (letters).
• Host's personal connection during comic reading lull, motivated by Vaughan's work on Y: The Last Man.

• Six California teenagers from varying socioeconomic backgrounds discover their parents' true nature during annual house party.
• Host's personal identification with characters: Chase (mechanical genius), Carolina (perfect daughter), Nico (goth), Molly (ignored), and especially Alex (too-smart gifted kid).
• Aaron Sorkin-style dialogue and family dynamics highlighted as key strengths.

• Characters integrated into Marvel crossover events: Civil War, Secret Invasion, One World Under Doom.
• Nico's appearances in Strange Academy, A Force, Mystic Arcana.
• Chase featured in Avengers Arena (Hunger Games-style survival story).
• Molly joined Wolverine's young proteges group.
• Hulu TV adaptation maintained story's heart with mixed success on changes.

• Advertisement for 'We Have Issues' weekly comic review show with Keith and Josway, covering multiple publishers weekly.
• Show available on Geek Elite Media and podcast platforms.