Episode 214

full
Published on:

5th Aug 2025

The Complete Superman Works of CHUCK AUSTEN (Yes, THAT Chuck Austen)

Host Anthony Desiato and guest Mike Sangregorio dig into the Superman bibliography of notorious writer Chuck Austen, including his 2004-2005 run on ACTION COMICS with Ivan Reis — which resurrected the decades-old romantic rivalry between Lois Lane & Lana Lang, introduced a new Gog, and infused Clark with a Spidey-esque sensibility.

Anthony and Mike also unpack a pair of fill-in issues (on SUPERMAN and SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL), the 12-issue maxiseries SUPERMAN: METROPOLIS starring Jimmy Olsen, and the JLA arc "Pain of the Gods."

Are all the fans and critics right about Austen, or is there any redemption to be had? Oh, and have Anthony and Mike solved the mystery of writer J.D. Finn...?

Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato, including the spinoff podcasts BEYOND METROPOLIS and DIGGING FOR JUSTICE!

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Digging for Kryptonite is a Flat Squirrel Production. Theme music by Dan Pritchard. Key art by Isaiah Simmons.

Mentioned in this episode:

This Podcast Will Never Die

Caline: A Vlada Tale of the Damned

Aw Yeah Comics

Fat Moose Comics

Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival

Single Bound Podcast

Always Hold On To Smallville

Show artwork for Digging for Kryptonite: A Superman Fan Journey

About the Podcast

Digging for Kryptonite: A Superman Fan Journey
From the Host of My Comic Shop History
Host Anthony Desiato (My Comic Shop History) takes flight with an ongoing podcast series exploring Superman! Digging for Kryptonite is an examination of Krypton's Last Son across time and media, with deep dives into the creative visions, character elements, eras, and individual stories that have shaped the Man of Steel and the larger DC Universe since 1938. New episodes every Tuesday.
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About your host

Profile picture for Anthony Desiato

Anthony Desiato

Anthony Desiato, owner and founder of Flat Squirrel Productions, is a lifelong Superman fan, documentary filmmaker (MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY), and podcaster. He hosts a network of podcasts including: DIGGING FOR KRYPTONITE, ANOTHER EXCITING EPISODE IN THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, SUMMONING THE ZORDS, and MY COMIC SHOP HISTORY.