Superman Gets a Stomach Ache While Vacuuming

In this episode of Worst Collection Ever, hosts Jen and Sean dive into the absurdly bizarre and tonally inconsistent DC Comics #25 from September 1980, 'Superman and the Phantom Stranger.' The story follows a vacuuming Superman suffering from a sudden stomach ache—leading to a grotesque, O-face-worthy reaction—while grappling with a magical curse tied to his guilt over failing Pete Ross’s son. The narrative veers into surreal territory, featuring a Hall of Failures filled with disturbing memorabilia, a possessed Pete Ross, a bizarre romantic subplot with Lois Lane, and a chaotic, nonsensical battle against the fire demon Tala. Meanwhile, the episode also covers a separate, equally ridiculous backup story featuring 'Our Man'—a retired superhero named Rex Tyler—who takes an expired power pill, descends into a violent, 12-minute rampage, and ultimately saves the day with a headbutt. The hosts dissect the comic’s cringe-worthy art, illogical plot points, and unintentional humor, celebrating its status as a masterpiece of unintentional comedy. They also reflect on the nostalgia of mid-80s pop culture, the absurdity of superhero tropes, and the joy of collecting 'the worst' comics with crass sincerity. Key takeaways include: Superman’s vacuuming scene is a peak moment of absurd superhero vulnerability; the Hall of Failures is a disturbing shrine to trauma that blurs the line between homage and obsession; the 'O-face' is a visual punchline that defines the comic’s tone; the backup story of Our Man is a hilarious, expired-potion rampage that ends with a headbutt; and the entire comic thrives on its unintentional comedy, making it a perfect candidate for the show’s 'worst collection' theme. The episode closes with a meta-commentary on how even flawed, ridiculous comics can be deeply entertaining and culturally resonant.