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Episode 156 - An Interview with JM DeMatteis
Manage episode 515261791 series 3557932
This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike sit down with legendary comics writer J.M. DeMatteis to talk about his incredible career and his thoughts on the Man of Steel himself. From Kraven’s Last Hunt to Justice League International and beyond, we dive into storytelling, spirituality, and what makes Superman such an enduring symbol of hope.
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Men of Steel Full Episode
Originally aired: October 24, 2025
Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Scored by Geoff Moonen 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!
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Outline Introduction (00:00 - 00:10)- Introduction and discussion about J.M. DeMatteis' prolific career.
- Discussion on writing styles (Marvel style vs. full script) and collaborative relationships.
- J.M. DeMatteis shares his creative origins and early career struggles.
- Breakthrough into comics through short stories and TV writing with The Twilight Zone.
- His iconic Justice League International run with Keith Giffen.
- Creative chemistry with collaborators and evolution of their working relationship.
- Discussion of Marvel runs including Maximum Carnage and Clone Saga.
- Perspectives on long crossovers and storytelling challenges.
- Work with less-known characters like Booster Gold and Blue Beetle in Justice League International.
- Character development freedom with lesser-known heroes and influence on DC Universe.
- Focus on Superman-related work, especially Speeding Bullets Elseworlds story.
- Discussion on Superman’s character, symbolism, and challenges in keeping him human.
- Current and upcoming projects including the DeMultiverse Kickstarter series.
- Discussion on Spider-Man 94, prose novellas, and Batman: Caped Crusader animated series.
- J.M. DeMatteis adeptly switches between Marvel style (detailed plotting first) and full scripting based on collaborators and creative needs, emphasizing writer-artist synergy.
- His early career involved overcoming harsh rejections and learning from editors like Paul Levitz and Len Wein, highlighting the necessity of a 'hard head and thick skin' in freelancing.
- The seminal Justice League International run was a product of rare chemistry and creative freedom between DeMatteis, Keith Giffen, and Kevin Maguire, elevating offbeat characters.
- He described iconic runs like Kraven’s Last Hunt as successful but unplanned monumental works, and underscored the importance of the artist in storytelling and the emotional core of heroism in Maximum Carnage.
- DeMatteis expresses deep intimacy with characters like Peter Parker and Ben Reilly, treating them like real people and always seeking fresh narrative insights in revisiting familiar characters.
- Defines writing Superman as being 'in his heart' rather than just his mind, focusing on his decency, charm, and symbolic importance as cultural moral paragon and hopeful figure.
- Embracing Kickstarter for creator-owned projects like DeMultiverse, balancing traditional publishing with creative independence and audience engagement. Discusses upcoming projects including a Spider-Man miniseries and involvement in animated shows.
- Reflects on evolving trends such as Elseworlds and multiverse storytelling saturation, and the need to refresh narrative approaches.
- Notes enthusiasm from younger generations discovering older works like Justice League International, reinforcing enduring appeal.
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