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Michael Holmes returns to the Superhero Politics Podcast with a powerful examination of America's political landscape in 2025, drawing fascinating parallels between current events and comic book narratives that feel eerily prophetic.

The episode dissects Trump's return to power after winning both the popular vote and Electoral College in 2024, despite Kamala Harris's valiant campaign. Holmes doesn't hold back in his analysis, noting how the assassination attempt on Trump seemed to galvanize his supporters who viewed it as an omen of his destined comeback.

Comic readers will appreciate the sharp comparisons between today's political climate and storylines like DC's "Absolute Power" and "Daredevil Reborn," where Amanda Waller controls metahumans and Wilson Fisk becomes mayor of New York – both mirroring the authoritarian tendencies emerging in American politics. "When I think about who he is," Holmes reflects, "I think about Lex Luthor as president and Wilson Fisk as mayor, but I also think about the Purple Man and how he's able to sway people's minds against their better judgment."

The episode explores what Holmes dubs the "billionaire civil war" between Trump and Elon Musk (sarcastically nicknamed "Phony Stark"). After spending $235 million to help elect Trump, Musk's Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) spectacularly failed, shifting from promises of saving $2 trillion to ultimately costing taxpayers money. Now threatening to form his own political party, Musk represents another comic book trope – the billionaire whose ego drives political ambition.

Perhaps most alarming is the discussion of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," which Holmes warns contains Medicaid cuts strategically delayed until after the 2026 midterms. The immigration crackdown targeting even those pursuing legal channels draws direct comparisons to dystopian comic scenarios where organizations like HYDRA-infiltrated SHIELD target vulnerable populations.

Whether you're a political junkie, comic enthusiast, or concerned citizen, this episode offers a unique framework for understanding America's current challenges. As Holmes reminds us in his powerful closing: "You are not powerless – you don't have to be a superhuman to be a super human."

Subscribe, follow us on TikTok and YouTube, and join our community as we continue navigating the intersection of politics and superhero narratives in these unprecedented times.

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Ever wondered how comics mirror the complexities of our political landscape? Join me, Michael Holmes, as I return to the Superhero Politics Podcast after a year of life-changing transitions that kept me away but also reshaped my perspectives. From being re-elected as the city council member for Ward 6 to establishing HMA Consulting Group LLC, I’ve embarked on a journey that blends the worlds of politics and entrepreneurship. Marvel and DC are facing seismic shifts, and there's a new battle on the U.S. political stage with Kamala Harris taking on Donald Trump. Less than 20 days remain until the election and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Listen in as we explore these developments and reflect on how they echo through the pages of our favorite comics.

Balancing public duties with personal milestones, like becoming an empty nester, has been a learning experience. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit, stepping away from corporate America to launch my own company has been both daunting and thrilling. Through my adventures, I’ve found that comics offer more than just entertainment—they unite us and inspire action. As I reignite the podcast, I want to thank you for being part of this journey. With a fresh slate of episodes on the horizon, I invite you to explore how superhero narratives continue to resonate with political themes. Your support has been invaluable, and I’m excited to share what's next as we rise, much like the Phoenix, to embrace the power of storytelling.

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Are you ready to hear from a comic book enthusiast who's been on the front lines of conventions and cosplay? Our intriguing guest peels back the pages of her life-long love for comics, anime, and cosplay - a journey that started with her family's history of collecting comic books. She unravels her personal experiences at conventions and grappling with race-bending characters, emphasizing the importance of respectful representation for characters of color.

We also crack open the sometimes murky world of representation for black people in the realms of comics and anime. We analyze the characters of Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Starfire, and Naomi, asking the hard-hitting question - are they truly advancing the industry or merely ticking boxes? We don't shy away from discussing the lack of sustainability for characters of color and the potential for change through upcoming titles featuring black and indigenous characters. Tune in as we also explore how the power of social media can be harnessed to educate about the rich history of black characters in comics. Get ready to embark on a deep exploration of the world of comics and anime!

“The world isn’t perfect. But it’s there for us, doing the best it can… that’s what makes it so damn beautiful.” — Roy Mustang (Full Metal Alchemist)

Follow Christina on TikTok @drkaori
Merch: https://bit.ly/kaoriakariMarvelDCMerch

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1285505/supporters/new

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Have you ever contemplated the power of comics? How they've been used throughout centuries to narrate potent political messages, shape societal beliefs, and even question the norm? We bring you an episode that will make you see comics in a different light. From our electrifying panel experience at Galaxy Con Rally to the analysis of the first comic strip created in the 1700s, we unravel the complexity and depth of comics. We also invite you, our listeners, to share your thoughts and questions ignited by our discussion.

We have an honest conversation about the vital issue of representation in comics and wider society. The impact of recent legislation, Supreme Court decisions, and their potential to erase history and reverse progress is alarming. We discuss such instances as the controversy surrounding Chadwick Boseman’s covered face in the Asian release of Black Panther. The narrative of how comics can serve as a medium of self-expression and celebration, particularly for children, wraps up this part.

The topic of race-swapping in pop culture is a contentious one. We delve into representations of darker-skinned characters in historical art pieces and the implications of race-swaps today. Representation in media and comics has the potential to shape societal beliefs and opinions. We touch on the Bud Light controversy and the impact of actor strikes, illustrating the power of storytelling. The episode concludes with a deep look into diversity in X-Men comics, the upcoming Blue Beetle series, and how the 'otherness' phenomenon unites people against a common adversary. Tune in for an insightful, enlightening, and thought-provoking conversation.

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Ever wondered what a superhero movie could teach us about real-world politics? Strap in, because we're venturing into an intriguing intersection of pop culture and politics, with DC's The Flash as our cinematic pivot point. This episode will unravel intriguing parallels between Barry Allen's timeline alterations and the current attempts to rewrite history within the US government, as we navigate the depths of the Flashpoint Theory and discuss Ezra Miller's stellar performance.

We're not stopping at superheroes, though. This conversation also digs into the critical issue of affirmative action laws in the United States—originally designed to uplift minorities but later colonized and co-opted. We'll dissect how these mechanisms, tainted by white privilege and racial advantage, inadvertently contribute to societal resegregation and could be hindering the progress of diversity. And if that's not enough, we'll also shed light on the power of voting and its capacity to effect real-world change. So, are you ready to connect the world of superheroes with the hard-hitting realities of politics and societal norms?

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/20-

1199_hgdj.pdfhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/affirmative-action

http://holmesforhighpoint.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3tochTgPVc

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Have you ever considered the connection between superhero politics and real-world power dynamics? Join us for a captivating conversation with comic book enthusiast and political science major, Joshua Drumming, as we unravel the politics of superheroes and their reflection on our views of justice and morality. Joshua enlightens us on the presence of white supremacy in juvenile mediums and how neoliberal policies exacerbate its effects.

Together, we examine the implications of American-centric messages in superhero stories, focusing on how Superman often represents the United States. We discuss the idea of wealth and power as superpowers and the way they contribute to feelings of powerlessness. Throughout our conversation, we explore the shift from 'Truth, Justice, and the American Way' to a less America-centric message, and the importance of speaking truth to power in today's confused America.

Lastly, we dive into the impact of critical race theory on black history and culture, discussing the erasure of African American contributions due to white cultural imperialism. This episode is an eye-opening exploration of the intersection of comic books, politics, and social issues. Join us and learn how we can use our power to make a difference in the world and become the heroes we are meant to be.

Follow Joshua on his Social Media Links:
Linkedin: Joshua Drumming

Tik Tok: @joshuadrumming

Here are some of Joshua's suggested reading:

Political Texts:

1. Groundings with my Brothers

2. Inglorious Empire

3. Fire on the Levee

4. Caste

5. Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream

Comics:

1. Kingdom Come

2. Superman (current run)

3. Action Comics

4. Bitter Root

5. Black Hammer

6. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

7. Sins of Sinister

8. Icon and Rocket: Season 1

9. Static:Season 1/ Static: Shadows of Dakota

10. Duo

11. Blood Syndicate: Season 1

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In this episode, we address mental health and the phenomenon of masks in the superhero and political arenas. Our guests are Dr. Nannette Funderburk and her husband and partner Minister Keith Funderburk. They are the owners and practitioners of the S.E.L. Group (Social and Emotional Learning Group). What's behind your mask?


You can find the SEL Group here. http://theselgroup.com/index.html

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Happy Black History Month and Happy Super Bowl Sunday. In this bonus episode we will respond to some of your emails (I love that btw..keep em coming!) and give you a preview of our Black History Series that starts next week.

I am so grateful for your support and interest that I wanted to give this episode back to you. Remember, just because I didn't get to you this episode, doesn't mean I didn't see your emails and messages and appreciate them. I love all of you guys! Thanks again.

You don't have to be a superhuman to be a super human...

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