In this thought-provoking episode of Against the Mountains of Madness, Jason and John explore the moral foundations of heroism through the lens of Superman and his darker counterpart, Homelander from The Boys. The discussion begins with the question: what difference does upbringing make to a super-powered being?
They reflect on how Superman’s Kansas farm-boy values, instilled by Ma and Pa Kent, shaped him into a protector rather than a tyrant, while Homelander—power without moral grounding—represents a cautionary tale. Along the way, they dive into comparisons with Invincible, Red Son, Ultraman, and other “evil Superman” stories, considering whether atheism, materialism, or utopian ideologies can provide a true moral compass.
The conversation weaves through philosophy, C.S. Lewis, Ayn Rand, Maslow’s hierarchy, and the temptations of unchecked power. At its heart is the claim that genuine morality requires something beyond man-made codes—something transcendent. Without it, power tends to corrupt, and utopian dreams turn into nightmares.
A lively, witty, and sometimes biting episode that asks: if Superman hadn’t been raised in Smallville, would the world have survived?
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