Essential Issues: A DC Comics Podcast

Spirit Blade Productions
  • 3.7 (3)
  • Fiction
  • Updated Monthly

Paeter Frandsen (Spirit Blade Productions) reacts to the latest releases on the DC Universe Infinite subscription service, geeking out as a fan and also exploring their moral and philosophical themes.

  1. Sep 4

    Messing With Young Jon Fans (Essential Issues Podcast #043)

    (TIME STAMPS BELOW!) Some frustration over how DC is messing with Young Jon Kent fans, but also some respect for a better Supergirl in comics than in theaters! ‍ ‍ RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra August 2026, DCUI Standard January 2027, ‍ ‍ TIME STAMPS 00:01:09 In HUGE contrast to the movie, we get a truly admirable, selfless, heroic Supergirl in the comics! And The Fury Of Firestorm is my new MUST READ monthly book! Clayface: Celebrity Dirt 1, Emperor Aquaman 19, Supergirl 15, The Fury Of Firestorm 4 ‍ ‍ 00:20:59 Yeah, I'm irritated at what DC has done to Young Jon Kent fans. So I take some time to unpack it in detail, speculate on why this was done, what's next, and how (believe it or not) I COULD actually come to like adult Jon Kent as a character, if they will just, freaking, acknowledge ONE thing... Deathstroke The Terminator 5, Nightwing 140, Superman Unlimited 15 (And LOTS Of Jon Kent Talk) ‍ ‍ 00:59:41 Green Lantern takes on an internet Troll and Pa Kent & Alfred both reflect on fatherhood in a way that almost breaks me! Superman 40, Detective Comics 1111, The Flash 35, Green Lantern 37, Batman/Superman World's Finest 2026 Annual 1, Superman Year One Thousand 2026 Annual 1 ‍ ‍ GET THIS PODCAST 3 DAYS EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions ‍ ‍ Subscribe in a reader ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ Open In i-tunes- itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 i-tunes Page Link- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 Get fun, exclusive rewards for your support! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Or ‍ ‍ Become a Patron! ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ 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

    Messing With Young Jon Fans (Essential Issues Podcast #043)

  2. Aug 7

    Jon Kent “Returns” (Essential Issues Podcast #042)

    (TIME STAMPS BELOW!) What the CRAP is going on with the “return” of Jon Kent! Argh! PLUS! I feel betrayed but intrigued by The Fury Of Firestorm, and The Spectre gets a re-establishment of his origin and purpose that… makes very little sense if you think about it. Hooray for Relativism and its unworthy “God”. ‍ ‍ RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra July 2026, DCUI Standard December 2026, ‍ ‍ TIME STAMPS 00:01:09 Catching up on four weeks of DC Comics, there's a TON to cover, and we've ESPECIALLY got to talk about the jaw-dropping Fury Of Firestorm 3 and the CRAZY (kinda irritating) things happening with YOUNG JON KENT! (The Deadman 1, Batman 10, JSA 20, The Fury Of Firestorm 3, Supergirl 14, Emperor Aquaman 18, Green Lantern Corps 17, Nightwing 139, New Titans 36 (JON KENT DRAMA), Superman Unlimited 14 (JON KENT DRAMA), Superman 39, Wonder Woman 34, Detective Comics 1110, Green Lantern 36, The Flash 34. ‍ ‍ 01:32:13 As a big fan of The Spectre I was VERY interested to see what this new telling of his origin would say! Turns out it doesn't say much... that makes sense. JSA 21 ‍ ‍ GET THIS PODCAST 3 DAYS EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions ‍ ‍ Subscribe in a reader ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ Open In i-tunes- itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 i-tunes Page Link- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 Get fun, exclusive rewards for your support! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Or ‍ ‍ Become a Patron! ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ 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 “Returns” (Essential Issues Podcast #042)

  3. Jul 3

    Crazy Changes! (Essential Issues Podcast #041)

    (TIME STAMPS BELOW!) Big changes are brewing for The Spectre, Barbara Gordon, Superboy Prime and The Flash! I share my hopes, fears and speculations about all of it! ‍ ‍ RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra June 2026, DCUI Standard November 2026, ‍ ‍ TIME STAMPS 00:01:09 The Spectre is returning! But will he be recognizable? And is he divine or demonic? The clues are being placed in front of us... Tales Of The Green Lantern Corps: Guy Gardner 1, Batman 9, JSA 19 (The Spectre Is Returning! Divine or demonic?) ‍ ‍ 00:18:20 This week's offerings from DC reminded me that some characters in the DCU are just plain good people! Barbara Gordon Breakout 1, Action Comics 1098, The Fury Of Firestorm 2, Emperor Aquaman 17 ‍ ‍ 00:35:52 We all know Superboy prime is insane(and these days in the BEST way, I'll argue), but Wally West gets an absolutely INSANE new power in the latest from DCUI. It could either lead to some great stories, or irreversibly break the character... Superman 38, The Flash 33 ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ GET THIS PODCAST 3 DAYS EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions ‍ ‍ Subscribe in a reader ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ Open In i-tunes- itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 i-tunes Page Link- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 Get fun, exclusive rewards for your support! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Or ‍ ‍ Become a Patron! ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ 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 ‍ ‍

    Crazy Changes! (Essential Issues Podcast #041)

  4. Jun 5

    Weird Jesus Choices (Essential Issues Podcast #040)

    (TIME STAMPS BELOW!) YAY! Jon Kent staying for good! BOO! Tired out nonsensical alternatives to the Gospel accounts. DC definitely covers some interesting ground this month! RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra May 2026, DCUI Standard October 2026, TIME STAMPS 00:01:09 All signs point to Young Jon Kent being back for GOOD! Give me a few minutes and I'll show you why I think DC intends for him to stay! Wonder Woman 32, Nightwing 137, New Titans 34, Superman Unlimited 12 00:24:16 So I guess some weeks just aren't for Christians! Well, at least not for this one. Pretty weird choices... Batman/Wonder Woman: Truth 1, Zatanna 1, Justice League Intergalactic Special 1 (& Reacting To LGBTQ+ "Bait & Switch"), Swamp Thing 1989 1 (& Reacting To Some Pretty Weird Jesus Choices) GET THIS PODCAST 3 DAYS EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Subscribe in a reader Open In i-tunes- itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 i-tunes Page Link- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 Get fun, exclusive rewards for your support! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Or Become a Patron! 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

    Weird Jesus Choices (Essential Issues Podcast #040)

  5. May 8

    Young Jon Kent For REAL!! (Essential Issues Podcast #039)

    (TIME STAMPS BELOW!) It’s a WILD month of status quo changes, with some characters getting exciting changes and other getting head-scratching ones. But who am I kidding? Only one truly stands out. The BIG one finally happened! The return of young Jon Kent… FOR REAL!!! ‍ ‍ RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra April 2026, DCUI Standard September 2026, ‍ ‍ TIME STAMPS 00:01:09 Though Guy Gardner feels mismatched in Green Lantern Corps, Jeremy Adams is making Aquaman the character I've wanted him to be for DECADES, and doing so by making choices that possibly only a Christian would make! Green Lantern Corps 14, Emperor Aquaman 15 ‍ ‍ 00:19:06 Is this really happening?? Crap, I think it IS!! Jon Kent FINALLY being restored to his original vision as a young BOY! But how can they do this while protecting themselves from pitchforks from the left? The answer isn't exactly elegant... but it works! QUICK Run-throughs of: Deathstroke: The Terminator 1, Wonder Woman 31, Batman/Superman World's Finest 49, New Titans 33, Nightwing 136, and then Superman Unlimited 11 & JON KENT DE-AGED!! ‍ ‍ 00:46:18 The past is resurfacing and status quos are CHANGING in multiple DC books, and I'm feeling optimistic! Superman/Spider-man 1, Green Lantern 33, Justice League Unlimited 17, Detective Comics 1107, The Flash 31, Superman 36 ‍ ‍ 01:11:16 Forgotten characters return! (And other characters used oddly or neglected...) Batgirl 18, Adventures Of Superman: Book Of El 7, Batman 8, JSA 18 ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ GET THIS PODCAST 3 DAYS EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions ‍ ‍ Subscribe in a reader ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ Open In i-tunes- itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 i-tunes Page Link- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 Get fun, exclusive rewards for your support! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Or ‍ ‍ Become a Patron! ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ 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

    Young Jon Kent For REAL!! (Essential Issues Podcast #039)

  6. Apr 3

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

    (TIME STAMPS BELOW!) DC K.O. Ends! A sneaky de-aged Jon Kent! And HUGE things coming from Green Lantern! ‍ ‍ RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra March 2026, DCUI Standard August 2026, ‍ ‍ 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! ‍ ‍ 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 ‍ ‍ 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 ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ GET THIS PODCAST 3 DAYS EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions ‍ ‍ Subscribe in a reader ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ Open In i-tunes- itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 i-tunes Page Link- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 Get fun, exclusive rewards for your support! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Or ‍ ‍ Become a Patron! ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ 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

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

  7. Mar 6

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

    (TIME STAMPS BELOW!) Both Jon kent & DC’s forgotten characters are RICH with potential! PLUS, The Spectre “warps” God and Wonder Woman teaches objective truth! ‍ ‍ RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra February 2026, DCUI Standard July 2026, ‍ ‍ 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. ‍ ‍ 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 ‍ ‍ 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?) ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ GET THIS PODCAST 3 DAYS EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions ‍ ‍ Subscribe in a reader ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ Open In i-tunes- itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 i-tunes Page Link- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 Get fun, exclusive rewards for your support! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Or ‍ ‍ Become a Patron! ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ 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)

  8. Feb 6

    Emotions & Morality (Essential Issues Podcast #036)

    (TIME STAMPS BELOW!) Moral Dilemmas, unhealthy romance, preachy Wonder Women & loving Bat-dads! ‍ ‍ RELEASE PERIODS COVERED: DCUI Ultra January 2025, DCUI Standard June 2026, ‍ ‍ 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 ‍ ‍ 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 ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ GET THIS PODCAST 3 DAYS EARLY and enjoy exclusive rewards at https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions ‍ ‍ Subscribe in a reader ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ Open In i-tunes- itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 i-tunes Page Link- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-issues-a-dc-comics-podcast/id1697221899?mt=2 Get fun, exclusive rewards for your support! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/spiritbladeproductions Or ‍ ‍ Become a Patron! ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ 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

    Emotions & Morality (Essential Issues Podcast #036)
See All (42)

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Paeter Frandsen (Spirit Blade Productions) reacts to the latest releases on the DC Universe Infinite subscription service, geeking out as a fan and also exploring their moral and philosophical themes.

Information