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The Secret Origins of Mint Condition: Comics, Movies, TV, Sports, Gaming and moreAuthor: James Louie
Welcome to the Secret Origins of Mint Condition. Join your hosts James, Joe , and Chris as they delve into the topics of comics, pop culture, sports, gaming and more. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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331. JLA: Tower of Babel
Wednesday, 22 July, 2026
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoIn JLA issues 43-46 Mark Waid and Howard Porter tell a Justice League of America/Batman centric story that dares to reveal one of comic's most severe and disturbing stories of betrayal. The Batman has hidden from his JLA colleagues his secret protocols: devious and cruel methods that would take down each and everyone of them in the event they should go rogue! With "friends" like that..." Join your Hosts James, Chris and Joe for a scary look inside thehead of the man who is prepared for everything--except perhaps trusting the people he goes to war with. Both James and Chris, relative newcomers to the annals of The Batman when this story came out, remember this it as shocking and earthshaking. Joe was shocked because this tale was so far afield from the camp era Batman he discovered in his childhood. At the time this story hit comic shops in the spring of 2000, most "batmaniacs" were praising The Batman for his brutal and calculating ways! But were they, and your Mint crew, taken in by the histrionics of The Dark Knight, and thus did they subsequently miss the whole point of this story--BETRAYAL! When the villainous Ra's al Ghul gets possession of these plans,the entire world faces extinction because one obsessed man--abrilliant tactician--could not foresee his "wisdom" being used against him and his friends The guys take all this into account and even delve into the mind of this tormented loner, and ask the BIG question: Does The Batman have friends?Does he even need friends to carry on his crusade against evil? As the story progresses, both the JLA members and the planet Earth fight for existence. Naturally a resolution that saves the day is reached, but where does the now exposed Batman stand on terms with colleagues? If you have already read this monumental story, there is a vote to determine if The Batman remains a member of the JLA, if not, some of the yay and nay votes may surprise you, as well as the outcome. And then there's the bigger question of the future ripplingramifications this story had on The Batman since itspublication.Hopefully after you have listened to this very sober and solemn podcast (Oh, don't worry it's still a fun listen.) wedefinitely would like to hear your thoughts on The Batman's great betrayal. Brilliance, intelligence and tenacity are great qualities to utilize when taking on evil, but a trusted friend at your side is the ultimate asset to winning the day.
