We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about MoonKnight Vol. 9! Our host this week is J Kennedy!

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 and Setting the Tone (00:00 - 01:32)

• Overview of Certain Point of View's Trade School podcast format.
• Introduction to Eight Ball, an eccentric Marvel character, and a standout line spoken by him to Moon Knight.

Positive Representation in Modern Moon Knight (01:32 - 04:41)

• The importance of reading Modern Moon Knight Volume 9 for its representation of DID and therapy.
• Mark's therapy portrayed as normal and wholesome, with emotional support from friends to maintain his sessions.

️ Visual and Artistic Merits of the Comic (04:41 - 06:13)

• Praise of the exceptional artwork in Modern Moon Knight and its sidebar in Modern Hulk.
• Exploration of moral complexity through a binary lens portrayed in the comic.

️ Thematic Exploration of Moon Knight and Khonshu (06:13 - 08:43)

• The complicated and strained relationship between Mark and Khonshu, the god figure.
• Portrayal of Khonshu as manipulative and not a positive force.

Recommendations and Conclusion (08:43 - 10:28)

• Strong recommendation to begin reading the series at Age of Khonshu and continue forward.
• Closing with a mention of another podcast—The Word From Tomorrow—which analyzes dystopian comics by Warren Ellis.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about We Stand on Guard! Our host this week is Jay McKiernan!

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

️ Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School Podcast and Host (00:00 - 00:30)

• Overview of podcast's theme: spotlight on comic book trade paperbacks.
• Host introduction: Jay McKiernan, also host of Long Live the Legion podcast.
• Choice of We Stand On Guard (00:30 - 01:20)
• Jay's intention to cover a non-DC, more contemporary comic.
• Book is 10 years old; appreciated as a shift from his usual subjects.
• Story and Premise Overview of We Stand On Guard (01:20 - 04:07)
• Setting: year 2124, future war between Canada and the United States.
• Catalyst incident: Drone attack on White House killing President and cabinet.

Creative Team and Artistic Merit (04:07 - 06:56)

• Writer: Brian K. Vaughan, acclaimed for series like Y: The Last Man, Runaways, Saga.
• Artist: Steve Skroci, Canadian, known for work on Matrix and V for Vendetta, compared to Jeff Darrow and Moebius.
• 🇨🇦 Cultural Significance & Canadian Perspective (06:56 - 10:06)
• Book features Canadian characters and setting, addressing the rarity of Canadian representation in comics.
• Explores Canadian-American relationship – likened to a 'little brother' relationship with the U.S.

️ Themes and Final Recommendation (10:06 - 12:47)

• Exploration of resistance against a more powerful foe.
• Ethical and existential questions around sacrifice and truth.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about The Surrogates! Our host this week is Sean Muir!

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 and Host Introduction (00:00 - 00:30)

• Sean Muir presents himself as Movie Midness and introduces the Trade School podcast segment where contributors discuss beloved comic book trade paperbacks.

• He thanks Case Aiken and CPOV Network for the opportunity.

Overview of 'The Surrogates' Comic Series and its Movie Adaptation (00:30 - 04:45)

• Sean describes 'The Surrogates,' a graphic novel anthology by Robert Venditti and Brett Weldele, originally a comic series starting in 2005 and later compiled.
• He shares his personal connection tracing from the 2009 movie adaptation starring Bruce Willis back to the comic origins.

️ Themes and Narrative Conflict in 'The Surrogates' (04:46 - 07:00)

• Explanation of societal impact and abuse of surrogate technology, particularly by youths and bad faith actors.
• The story is set in Central Georgia Metropolis, a fictional metropolitan area.

Religious and Political Dimension: Debate Between the Prophet and the Mayor (07:02 - 11:04)

• Highlight of a key intellectual debate featuring the Prophet, leader of the anti-surrogate religious faction, and the mayor of the city.
• The dialogue reveals tensions about human rights, autonomy, use of lethal force, and demands for separate land under their own laws.

️ Escalation in Main Story: Lethal Threat to Both Surrogates and Humans (11:06 - 13:17)

• Description of plot development where the human resistance learns to kill surrogates and, consequentially, kill the humans operating them, marking a darker turn in the narrative.
• The conflict escalates as the resistance becomes more lethal.

Critical Reception and Literary Comparisons (13:18 - 15:28)

• Sean shares reviews from Entertainment Weekly and i09 highlighting the graphic novel as a grim commentary on consumer culture.
• It is recommended as an intelligent, compelling, and adult work posing difficult questions with no easy answers.

Recommendation on Reading Order and Movie Companion (15:29 - 17:39)

• Sean recommends purchasing and reading the two anthologies separately: the prequel 'Flesh and Bone' and the main 'The Surrogates' graphic novel.
• He suggests that the 2009 movie is a decent companion piece, though thematically the graphic novels are denser.

Closing Thanks and Encouragement to Read 'The Surrogates' (17:40 - 18:35)

• Sean thanks the CPOV team, especially Case Aiken, and wishes listeners an enjoyable reading experience.
• The episode closes with a brief outro from the hosts Casey and Sam promoting another podcast focused on films.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about the first chapter in the tale of the Young Avengers: Sidekicks! Our host this week is Keith Lehtinen!

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

️ Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School Podcast (00:00 - 00:30)

• Host Keith Letinen introduces the show's concept: discussing comic book trade paperbacks they love.
• Recap of significant Marvel comic launches from early 2000s: Runaways (2003), New Mutants (2004), and presents the focus title of 2005, Young Avengers.

Background and Creation of Young Avengers (00:30 - 01:24)

• How the teen drama The OC inspired Young Avengers via writer Alan Heinberg.
• Marvel's strategic decision to bring Heinberg aboard to write the Young Avengers mini-series.

Details of Young Avengers Volume 1: Sidekicks (01:25 - 04:00)

• Creative team: Writer Alan Heinberg, Artist Jim Chung, Inker John Dell, Colorist Justin Ponsor, Letterer Corey Petit.
• Context of storyline: Avengers recently disassembled, new heroes filling the void.

Series Impact, Continuation, and Legacy (04:00 - 05:15)

• Heinberg's limited availability preventing ongoing series writing.
• Subsequent run handled by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, known for high-quality storytelling.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans (05:15 - 07:00)

• Host's personal appreciation for the 2000s generation of Marvel heroes and their lasting impact.
• Invitation to continued readership and engagement with Marvel comics.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Mark Gruenwald's epic, Squadron Supreme! Our host this week is Case Aiken!

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 and Host (00:00 - 00:20)

• Case Aiken introduces the podcast episode centered on comic book trade paperbacks, focusing this time on Squadron Supreme.

Background on Squadron Supreme Trade Paperback (00:20 - 01:23)

• Original publication in 1985-1986; first collected in trade paperback form in 1997.

• Tribute edition includes ashes of author Mark Gruenwald in the ink.

‍️ Why Squadron Supreme is Worth Reading Despite Edition (01:23 - 02:56)

• Available digitally and via omnibus collections.

• Early deconstructionist superhero comic; predates Watchmen but follows Miracle Man.

️ Historical Context and Team Origins (02:56 - 04:28)

• Marvel and DC attempted a crossover that was blocked; introduced parody teams.

• Squadron Supreme as a heroic alternate reality concept parodying DC heroes.

Plot Summary and Themes in Maxi-Series (04:28 - 05:49)

• Story about Earth's recovery after supervillain devastation, focusing on America.

• Squadron Supreme's takeover of the US to enforce utopian reforms.

Narrative Structure and Character Arcs (05:49 - 07:14)

• Each issue covers one month of Squadron Supreme's year in power.

• Nighthawk's resistance against the Squadron's authoritarian rule.

Collector's Perspective and Additional Editions (07:14 - 08:39)

• Owner's personal attachment to first edition with ashes of Gruenwald.

• Includes tributes from other comic creators and striking Alex Ross cover art.

Reading Recommendations and Bonus Content (08:39 - 09:51)

• Available on Marvel app and omnibus collections.

• Captain America tie-in issue important for full story understanding.

Host's Personal Promotions and Podcast Info (09:51 - 11:05)

• Hosts two other podcasts: Men of Steel and Another Pass.

• Social media handles and continued presence on Certain POV network.

Promotion of Related Podcast - Books That Burn (11:05 - 11:16)

• Highlights the Books That Burn podcast focusing on trauma in fictional works.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about The Metabarons by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Juan Giménez! Our host this week is Jesse Fresco, a podcaster, production guru, and novelist!

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 Podcast and Guest Introduction (00:00 - 00:20)

• Jesse Fresco introduced as guest host for the Trade School series.
• Objective: Discuss a notable comic book trade paperback.

Overview of Meta Barons Series and Alejandro Jodorowsky's Works (00:20 - 01:40)

• Meta Barons described as a spin-off prequel to The Incal.
• Trilogy includes The Incal, Meta Barons, Techno Priest.

️ Narrative Style and Artistic Elements (01:40 - 02:53)

• The story is narrated by two robots, Lothar and Tonto.
• Artwork by Juan Jimenez praised for its high quality and inventive panel usage.

Literary and Thematic Depth (02:53 - 04:34)

• Series is dense with metaphysical topics, existentialism, and religious symbolism.
• Tragic family saga with reflections of themes later echoed in Star Wars.

Cultural Impact and Influence on Other Media (04:34 - 05:44)

• Strong suggestion that George Lucas drew inspiration from Meta Barons for Star Wars.
• Influence on The Wachowskis for The Matrix ship and machine design.

Series Availability and Continuation (05:44 - 06:30)

• The original four storylines collected but expensive European comics.
• Asserted that the series is likely unfilmable or unadaptable outside comics.

️ Key Story Highlight: The Father-Son Battle for Inheritance of Title (06:30 - 07:07)

• Unique scene where son kills father in a battle witnessed galaxy-wide.
• Emphasizes comic medium's unique ability to portray such concepts.

️ Artistic and Narrative Praise (07:07 - 08:37)

• Elaborate ship designs resembling crustaceans and sea creatures.
• Rich lore with Greek tragedy elements, samurai inspirations.

Reading Recommendations and Difficulty Level (08:37 - 09:50)

• Not recommended as casual reading; requires investment and mood.
• Jodorowsky's work known for graphic, sexualized, yet spiritual storytelling.

️ Coincidental Tribute to Actor Terrence Stamp (09:50 - 10:30)

• One Meta Baron character's visual based on Terrence Stamp.
• Jesse notes the appropriateness of the timing of this discussion.

Closing Recommendations and Final Thoughts (10:30 - 11:30)

• Highly unique, unlike American comics, worth seeking out.
• Recommended to pick up physical copies at comic stores or through online orders.

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.