Superman and Deadman Battle the Mafia

In this episode of Worst Collection Ever, hosts Jen and Sean dive into the chaotic and bizarre world of DC Comics Presents #24 (August 1980), a forgotten gem featuring Superman and Deadman battling a mafia-like criminal syndicate led by a man named Beef. The duo dissects the absurd plot where a scientist's heart-monitoring device causes global earthquakes, leading to a surreal confrontation involving time travel, immortality, and a literal fight with the Grim Reaper. With their trademark crass humor and deep dive into comic book lore, they roast the comic's over-the-top art, questionable science, and Superman's increasingly unhinged behavior—especially his willingness to perform super-surgery on random civilians. They also explore the deeper themes of mortality, legacy, and the absurdity of superhero logic, all while reflecting on their own comic collecting habits and the strange joy of hunting down obscure issues like this one. The episode ends with a cliffhanger teasing the next issue's wild storyline involving Pete Ross and a time-traveling Superboy. Key takeaways include: 1) Superman’s tendency to overstep his bounds—especially in medical emergencies—makes him more dangerous than the villains; 2) Deadman’s chaotic presence, while entertaining, comes at a high cost to innocent lives; 3) The comic’s blend of 1980s camp, existential dread, and surrealism makes it a cult classic of unintentional brilliance; 4) The idea of immortality without youth or quality of life is deeply unappealing, even to the most desperate souls; 5) The episode serves as a reminder that some of the worst comics are also the most memorable—and worth collecting for their sheer audacity.