OTR: A Friendly Debate

With the MCU's newest big hit Thunderbolts* (or *The New Avengers, spoiler alert) and James Gunn's upcoming take on Superman hitting theaters in 2025, what better time to discuss the comic book world's most iconic teams of anti-heroes (or even outright villains)? Lando reps the Thunderbolts and impresses Mucci with some of the cool things Marvel did in the comics that may not be able to make themselves into MCU movies because of rights issues. Meanwhile, Huy bravely and boldly vouches for Suicide Squad and the way the movies (even the bad one) brought a resurgence to Harley Quinn, thanks in no small part to Margot Robbie. But of course, Judge Mucci has to call a recess to make sure the debaters know what was in the court transcript with our acronym-based trivia segment, Court Reporter Shorthand.OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music, courtesy of Freesound.org: "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)" by AudioCoffee [Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/]; “Epic Orchestral Cue” by graham_makes; “Mysterious Music (Who Are You Super Hero?) by mrrap4food (Maurice "YoungBlaze" Clopton); “Tense Crime Soundscape” by Nancy_Sinclair; and "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!Sources:https://screenrant.com/marvel-thunderbolts-members-powers-comics-origin-history/https://gamerant.com/strongest-best-thunderbolts-lineups-marvel-comics/

With his new Robert Pattinson-starring Mickey 17, Korean director Bong Joon Ho displays his knack for blending genres and entertainingly covering sociopolitical and interpersonal themes. Mucci thinks he hasn't done that better than Okja, an adventure-thriller-heist-comedy with strong animal welfare themes. Lando, on the other hand, advocates for the dark and dreary serial killer mystery that is Memories of Murder, with strong characterizations and inspiration from real-life horrors. And when we take a Recess, Judge Huy says No Caps in Court as he quizzes Lando and Mucci with true/false questions about their respective films. OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music, courtesy of Freesound.org: "Sad Emotional - bpm 86 loop” by DenKyschuk, and “Born to Drive (loop ver.1)” and "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)" by AudioCoffee [all 3 found at Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/]; "Fly with Dragons" by Misterbates; “Dramatic Trailer Score for High Stakes” by LolaMoore; and "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!Sources:https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/okja-did-you-catch-the-joke-for-korean-americans.html https://www.newsweek.com/2017/06/30/okja-jon-ronson-veganism-heroism-corporate-harm-626829.htmlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/6400085.stmhttps://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/pr/2006/January/06_crm_030.htmlhttps://youtu.be/j8xG9DWwTPM?si=XqXL0LAg5qL5LvXLhttps://m.koreaherald.com/article/3162492https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/memories-of-murder-ending-solved-bong-joon-ho-criterion-1234631471/https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/7362-10-things-i-learned-memories-of-murder?srsltid=AfmBOopu5_gLO97XYWMk2-bWAPZvmf5vqImsTuQXKvleXvkGgCK5FfdC

We at OTR had several mini debates that we couldn't resolve amongst ourselves going into C2E2, so we took the questions to the cosplayers of the convention! Huy and Mucci had a quiet dispute over the chillest anime, Mucci and Lando went into the convention fighting over Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, and Lando and Huy could not agree on the best X-Men or their coolest mutant powers. Luckily, we had several cosplayers who were ready and willing to give their input on these topics and more -- including some not-so-chill anime and other video game series, such as Fallout. We may have disagreed on one or two things. But, we get to go home. OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music, courtesy of Freesound.org: "super hero theme 2" by humanoide9000, "Anime Girl Type Beat OwO" by Seth_Makes_Sounds, "Retro Game Music" by edwardszakal, and "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!

Two iconic magical girl franchises are back in the zeitgeist, as Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live continues its US tour and the fourth Madoka movie, Walpurgisnacht Rising, inches closer to its release…sometime in 2025! Huy details Sailor Moon's lasting influence, its iconic theme song, and the bizarre character renamings in the English dub. Mucci vouches for the short and sweet Puella Magi Madoka Magica, a 12-episode series that covers a lot of ground in a short time and gets darker than anyone could expect from such a show. Will Lando be swayed more by their arguments or their jokes during the Recess segment this week?OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music, courtesy of Freesound.org: “Dramatic Trailer. Score for High Stakes” by LolaMoore, “Cute Music” by Migfus20, “Guitar for indie game, Lain inspired” by Destructo20, “Anime Encounter Loop #3” by Sirkoto51, "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)" by AudioCoffee [Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net], and "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!Sources:https://wiki.puella-magi.net/Otona_Anime_Vol.20#Summary_of_Staff_Commentshttps://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/puella-magi-madoka-magica-the-movie-rebellion-review-1200922803/

We hope you're hungry for anime that distill the essence of RPGs, because on the menu this episode are Solo Leveling and Delicious in Dungeon! Lando takes us through an E-rank hunter's quest for strength and other stats as he levels up into a formidable fighter. Huy spins a yarn about a journey of a party of adventurers as they try to resurrect the hero's sister and cook delicious creatures along the way. Will Mucci's heart or his stomach get the better of him? And in our Recess segment this week: Interrogatories!OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music, courtesy of Freesound.org: "RPG Shop Village theme" by M-Murray, "Born To Drive (loop ver.1)" and "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)" by AudioCoffee [Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net], and "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!

Join us, True Believers, as we face off with our picks of the best people to have ever worn the Captain America suit! Huy picks two different characters named Steve Rogers (including the most famous one) as well as Kiyoshi Morales, or Commander A. Mucci assembles Bucky Barnes, Isaiah Bradley, and Roberta Mendez from the far-off year of 2099. Judge Lando will have to decide: Which Caps have the better stories? Which ones are stronger? Which ones were the best to ever hold the shield? And in our Recess segment, we do "No Caps in Court," where Judge Lando asks the debaters true/false questions about their positions. OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music, from Freesound.org: "Claire-Of-The-Mountains" and "Wing Nuts and Brier" by audiomirage (Steven F. Allen - AuDioChosis http://soundcloud.com/user-574803010), "Inspiring and Energetic" by Universfield (https://buymeacoffee.com/universfield), "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)" by AudioCoffee (Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠); and "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!Sources: Carpenter, Standford W. (2007). "Authorship and Creation of Black Captain America". In McLaughlin, Jeff (ed.). Comics as Philosophy. University Press of Mississippi. ISBN 9781604730661.

We start season 4 by diving into the PlayStation Plus monthly games for February 2025: High on Life and Pac-Man World Re-Pac! Lando advocates for the Rick and Morty humor of High on Life, with star voice actors such as JB Smoove and Tim Robinson. Mucci vouches for the wholesome family classic of Pac-Man World and this worthy remake version. Will Huy be swayed by raunchy comedy and find Pac-Man derivative of other platformers like Kirby and Sonic? Or will he pick Pac-Man World if only to solve the mystery of where he shoots his pellets from? And in today's Recess segment, we present "Court Reporter Shorthand," where the judge tries to get the debaters to figure out acronyms related to their topics!OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music, from Freesound.org: "The Summer Equation" by Casonika; "Electronica Techno" by TheoJT; "Inspiring and Energetic" by Universfield; "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)" by AudioCoffee (Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠); and "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!Sources:https://web.archive.org/web/20190404142405/http://www.flamingmayo.com/firstchurchofpacman/pac_interview.htmhttps://archive.org/details/NextGeneration32Aug1997/page/n83/mode/2up?q=pac-man+ghost+zonehttps://pacman.fandom.com/wiki/Pac-Man_World_Re-Pachttps://pacman.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Ms._Pac-Man_legal_issues

From Billy Madison to Spaceman, Adam Sandler's career has run the gamut from comedy to drama to thriller to sci-fi. This week, Lando and Huy must give Mucci their three picks of Adam Sandler movies to introduce to aliens, to give them an idea of what comedy is all about. Would the aliens prefer his Drew Barrymore romcoms to an action fantasy black comedy film featuring the Devil's son? Is it important to showcase his dramatic roles, like Spanglish, or just stick to pure comedy? Or, at the end of the day, should the aliens just watch one specific Al Pacino-featuring scene from the otherwise bottom-of-the-barrel Jack and Jill?OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!

Can anyone make Malört, the controversial Chicago wormwood liqueur, taste good? Classically a shot you have unsuspecting Chicago visitors try, maybe paired with an Old Style for a Chicago handshake, Malört has been described as tasting like bug spray or gasoline. Lando walks us through some of the history of the company, before Andy and Mucci make some cocktails to try to see if they can make Malört taste good (or hide its bite a little bit). Andy has the guys try his own concoction, Andy's Delight (you heard it here first!) and Mucci cribs from Wicker Park speakeasy The Violet Hour. Who made the best cocktail? And do you have any Malört cocktails you think work?OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: “Drum fill 2” and “Drum fill 5” by lewk on freesound.org.Follow us on our socials:IG: @otr_debateFB: @otrdebateor on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!

Happy Halloween from OTR Debate! Of course for us, that means a nerdy debate on the two biggest horror video game franchises! Andy, appearing as a pro se litigant and fresh off playing the Silent Hill 2 remake, directs us through deep and horrifying atmosphere and story of the Silent Hill games, including Hideo Kojima's P.T. that elicited a...certain reaction. And Mucci walks us through the fixed camera angles and intersecting storylines of the Resident Evil games, even though he can't accurately name the characters. Will Lando be swayed by the UFO ending of Silent Hill 2 or the stories told in the info files he never picks up in the Resident Evil games? OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "super hero theme 2" and "Breaking news intro music" by humanoide9000, "Midi Mix.mp3" by jasnbekr, and "sad mournful background music for game/tv/film etc" by Destructo20, all found on freesound.org. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://www.gamesradar.com/exploring-the-impact-of-resident-evil-4-and-how-it-redefined-the-series-forever/ https://residentevil.fandom.com/wiki/Lisa_Trevor

OTR rings in October with some horror anime! Huy advocates for a horror comedy that is a bright and colorful zombie apocalypse, which the main character may prefer to the hell of working life. Lando details the dread viewers can experience watching the Saw-like tests of Death Parade. But this is anime, so it may all come down to which opening theme is an absolute banger. And in our Recess segment, Quiet in Court, both counsels try to make Judge Mucci laugh with jokes referencing their anime of choice. OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music from Freesound.org: "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)" by AudioCoffee (Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/⁠⁠⁠); "TV Show Intro Music" by TheoJT; and "YEAH!" by shortiefoeva2. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!

OTR's battle of fast food titans is underway! But is it a battle of Americanized versions of cultural cuisines? Huy takes us through the history of Glenn Bell without trying to advocate for cultural appropriation. Lando takes us through the positivity and fun of Panda Express and its "funny" ads. Mucci insists there's no collusion, but he is drinking Beer for Tacos...And for our Recess segment, it's Contempt Proceeding, where we talk about fast food restaurants we don't like! OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music from Freesound.org: "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)," "Warm Abstraction (loop ver.1)," and "Hopeful Documentary (loop ver.1)," by AudioCoffee (Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/⁠⁠); "TV Show Intro Music" by TheoJT. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://digilab.libs.uga.edu/exhibits/exhibits/show/pandaexpresshistory/pandaexpressfounding#:~:text=The%20Panda%20Restaraunt%20Group%20was,food%20nature%20of%20Panda%20Express. https://www.dailynews.com/2021/03/08/panda-express-workers-forced-to-strip-in-cult-like-team-building-seminar-lawsuit-alleges/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2023/08/30/panda-express-class-action-lawsuit-settlement/70722361007/

You've heard of Alien VS Predator, but with Alien: Romulus and Terminator Zero having just come out, we debate Alien VS Terminator! Mucci advocates for the iconic xenomorph design and the stamp directors such as David Fincher, James Cameron, and of course Ridley Scott put on the franchise. Speaking of James Cameron, Lando details perhaps his most iconic franchise, with Arnold Schwarzenegger's most iconic role and the classic story of John Connor, future war hero. Will Judge Huy be impressed by the corporate law discussion of Skynet and Weyland-Yutani? And in our Recess segment, it's the return of Interrogatories -- Lando and Huy quiz each other on their respective properties! OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music from Freesound.org: "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2)" by AudioCoffee (Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/⁠); "TV Show Intro Music" by TheoJT; "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk; "Mission to planet Volx" by Victor_Natas(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8O46_WrQZEhSdZuwFQ3rQ); and "Attention" by kjartan_abel (licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International). Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://theasc.com/articles/behind-the-scenes-of-alien https://www.gamesradar.com/30-greatest-trivia-facts-about-alien-series https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/james-cameron-aliens-pitch-avatar-2-b2251831.html Penny Crofts (2021), University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Law: Aliens: Legal Conceptions of the Corporate Invasion, Law & Literature, DOI: 10.1080/1535685X.2020.1862521, available at https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3880842 (accessed 31 Aug 2024). https://collider.com/the-terminator-lawsuit/ https://www.businessinsider.com/james-cameron-came-up-terminator-during-dream-2015-6?amp https://screenrant.com/terminator-movie-every-viewing-order-chronological-release-date/ https://screenrant.com/terminator-sarah-connor-chronicles-canon-timeline/

We discuss how you can make your gatherings magical and revel in the splendor of an enjoyable time with your friends, as we debate board games versus trading card games! Huy advocates for the approachability of board games and their wide breadth of complexity, from simple games like Life to modern classics like Catan and Scythe. Mucci argues for the collectable nature of trading cards and the versatility of going against other people's decks in games like Magic: The Gathering and the One Piece Card Game. Will Judge Lando be swayed by the advocates' detail of the history and resurgence of their types of games? Or will it all come down to our Recess segment, "No Cap(s) in Court," where Lando asks True/False questions to the debaters? (It won't) OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music from Freesound.org: "Song of Little Ducks (loop ver.2) by AudioCoffee (Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/); "Orchestral trap music" by Bertsz; "Cyber Punk Drum Fill 100 BPM.wav" by holizna; and "Video Game Music" by Seth_Makes_Sounds. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://medium.com/coinmonks/the-enchanting-history-of-trading-card-games-d5d3aade9e43 https://innotechtoday.com/why-pokemon-cards-went-crazy-during-the-pandemic/ https://infinite.tcgplayer.com/article/How-to-Play-Disney-Lorcana-Rules-Mechanics-Winning-and-More/fe2cfafc-7d0c-4b73-973c-2d5c7340b0a1/ https://www.josephwriteranderson.com/blog/shift-mechanic-in-lorcanas-fourth-set-changes-the-game https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/operators-nationwide-sports-and-pokemon-trading-card-fraud-arrested https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article289517956.html

Happy Umbrella Academy season 4 release! To celebrate, we're having Netflix's comic adaptation face off against Amazon Prime's (at times loose) adaptation of The Boys. Lando advocates for Gerard Way's Umbrella Academy and the uniqueness of its characters and premise. Mucci vouches for the wide-ranging satire and positive changes made to Garth Ennis's sometimes edgelord-y comic. Will Homelander or Five draw Huy over to their side? And in our Recess segment "Refreshed Recollection," how well do Lando and Mucci know the characters of their shows? OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music (all from Freesound.org): "Soundtrack #1" by AxelTheCocker02, "Epic Orchestral Cue" by graham_makes, "funkygroove beat 0" and "Drum fill 5" by lewk, "Epic trailer action music 2" by humanoide9000, "TV Show Intro Music" by TheoJT, and "swage" by dpren. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/jun/28/the-boys-homelander-trump-rightwing-fanbase https://the-boys.fandom.com/wiki/Crash_of_Transoceanic_Flight_37 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/all-differences-between-amazons-the-boys-series-the-comic/ https://screenrant.com/boys-kimiko-female-species-powers-origins-explained/#:~:text=Kimiko%20Is%20Name%20%22The%20Female%20Of%20The%20Species%22%20In%20The%20Comics&text=In%20Ennis'%20version%20of%20The,different%20between%20the%20two%20mediums https://collider.com/the-umbrella-academy-11-things-the-show-changed-from-the-comics/ https://www.cbr.com/umbrella-academys-pogo-comics-vs-show-comparison/ https://www.nme.com/news/music/gerard-way-opens-up-on-writing-the-umbrella-academy-during-my-chemical-romances-early-years-2716736 https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/oct/05/gerard-way-my-chemical-romance-comic-book-writer https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/04/13/michigan-school-shooting-parents#:~:text=In%20separate%20trials%20earlier%20this,maximum%20penalty%20for%20the%20crime. https://www.cbr.com/best-umbrella-academy-comic-book-covers/

Two anime about fighting off giant creatures face off this week! Huy represents the '90s classic Neon Genesis Evangelion, with its in-depth explorations of philosophy and the psychology of such characters as Shinji, Asuka, and Misato. Mucci takes the new kid on the block, Kaiju No. 8, fresh off its first season, and points to its history-making livestreams of each episode on Crunchyroll and X, as well as its sense of humor and characters that twist common tropes like the typically young shonen protagonist and the harsh tsundere characters. And in our Recess segment, we have Interrogatories! Will Judge Lando be swayed to watch either of these anime this time? OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "Futuristic Sci Fi Cinematic (loop1)" by AudioCoffee [https://www.audiocoffee.net]; "Anime Style Soundscape - In The Hills" by Soughtaftersounds [Copyright (C) 2014 Grant Stevens www.varazuvi.com]; "Anime Intro type song" by Mike_306; "fill -16sh - crash.wav" by bigjoedrummer; "Funny music (orchestra) .wav" by Darkash28; and "TV Show Intro Music" by TheoJT -- all on Freesound.org. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://screenrant.com/kaiju-no-8-crunchyroll-livestream-dub-release/ https://gamerant.com/kaiju-no-8-kafka-hibino-name-pun-explained/ https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/anime-shows/kaiju-no-8-anime-adaptation-beloved-manga-best-superhero-comics-marvel-opinion/ https://www.cbr.com/kaiju-no-8-x-twitter-crunchyroll-stream-new-trailer/

How many corny action movie puns and references can we fit into one episode? Turns out quite a few, as we pit Sylvester Stallone, the Italian Stallion himself, against the world's most famous Scientologist, Tom Cruise. Lando takes us through Sly's origin story with Rocky and Rambo, up to the more recent ensemble action films, The Expendables. Mucci couches, I mean vouches, for Tom Cruise's increasingly death-defying stunts in such franchises as Mission: Impossible and Top Gun. But more importantly, whose bad puns will make Huy laugh the hardest? OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "swage" by dpren, "TV Show Intro Music" by TheoJT, "Action Movie Trailer" by FoolBoyMedia, "Dramatic Drums and Strings 120bpm 2.wav" by Mike TheTunk Woloszyn, "DrumLoop1.wav" by TH3r3m1x3d, "5-4 Loop 4.wav" by Audio Morpho, all on freesound.org Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://www.gq.com/story/mission-impossible-stunts-ranked-by-danger-tom-cruise https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/tom-cruise-most-intense-stunts/mission-impossible-2-and-the-rock-climbing-2/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/top-gun-maverick-lawsuit-rejected-by-us-judge-2024-04-08/ https://www.cbr.com/sylvester-stallone-hates-modern-cgi-action-rambo/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/02/22/sylvester-stallone-warns-not-do-own-stunts-expendables-injury/72701075007/ https://medium.com/@Ruben.Aster/did-you-know-the-inspiring-story-of-sylvester-stallone-821cbfda61a1 https://screenrant.com/good-life-movie-stallone-lawsuit-unreleased/ http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9708/19/stallone.lawsuit/

A trial takes place in the Kingdom of Hyrule. Princess Zelda herself is suing Nintendo's number one plumber, Mario, for defamation. Particularly galling is the comment that Mario's games are better than Zelda's, which the princess argues is patently untrue. Mucci represents Zelda and advocates for the open-world nature of The Legend of Zelda since its first NES entry and the strength of its story and lore. Huy, representing Mario, focuses on the breadth and variety of all the Mario games, from platformers perfected over the years, to racing, golf, tennis, and parties. OTR talks again about Nintendo's notorious litigiousness and discuss who should play certain roles as Link, Ganondorf, Wario, and Waluigi in upcoming movies -- and somehow come back to Danny DeVito. OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "8BitSFX.aif" by bennychico11, "Free 8-bit Video Game Style Music" by Geoff-Bremner-Audio, and "Video Game Music Seamless.wav" by Seth_Makes_Sounds (modified by x1shi), all from freesound.org Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://in.ign.com/india/82586/feature/ign-india-discusses-game-design-combat-in-open-world-gameshttps://web.archive.org/web/20100515053341/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/15influential/p9_01.htmlhttps://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Zelda_Timelinehttps://www.wired.com/story/nintendo-copyright-zelda-mod/#:~:text=Earlier%20this%20month%20the%20company,interactivity%20that%20fuels%20the%20medium

C2E2 has come and gone here in Chicago, but we're still talking nerdy stuff. This week, we discuss the two most famous comic book rogues galleries -- those of Batman and Spider-Man! Lando takes us through the symbiotes, scientists, and super-strong mob bosses of Marvel's biggest superhero. Meanwhile, Mucci takes us through the more down-to-earth villains of DC's Dark Knight...and makes the case that they don't need to always be dark to be good. Will Huy be more swayed by Asian Venom or connections to The Office? OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music, all from freesound.org: “Rock beat loop 5 - hiphop ride hangsnare fill” by bigjoedrummer, “The Dark Atmosphere for Films About Crime” by Antenalosmusic, and “Dark ship horror atmosphere” by szegvari. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://batman.fandom.com/wiki/Dent_Act https://gamerant.com/marvel-best-spiderman-villains/ https://gamerant.com/marvel-hawkeye-kingpin-powers-comics/ www.gq.com/story/sonys-weird-spider-man-extended-universe-explained https://comicbook.com/movies/news/matt-murdock-defends-peter-parker-in-court-comics-explained-spider-man-no-way-home/ https://www.cbr.com/spiderman-green-goblinbest-marvel-comics/ https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/spider-man-flash-thompson-comics/#9

C2E2 is this weekend in Chicago, and we're starting our duo of special C2E2 episodes with a face-off of sidekicks from video games and other nerdy media! Huy and Lando present their balanced teams of characters that represent brains, muscle, and loyalty. Will Lando's team of Falco Lombardi, Diddy Kong, and the dog from the Fable series win out? Or will Huy's squad of Knuckles, Pikachu, and Aku Aku knock us out (with a Falcon punch)? Listen to find out! OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "Cinematic Battle Song" and "Orchestral Hero Theme" by TheoJT and "video_game.mp3" by NeoSpica on freesound.org Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://www.giantbomb.com/falco-lombardi/3005-420/ https://comicvine.gamespot.com/falco-lombardi/4005-84052/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0229339/plotsummary/

We're debating Tim and Eric, but not the ones you might be thinking of...That's right, we're pitting two alternative comedy titans against one another: Tim Robinson and Eric Andre! Lando discusses Tim Robinson's beginnings with his buddy Sam Richardson, and his time on Saturday Night Live and Detroiters before coming out with Netflix's biggest meme-able sketch show, I Think You Should Leave. Huy represents Eric Andre through his early stand-up career and with the Geico cavemen before starting the absurd talk show on Adult Swim, The Eric Andre Show. Which of these comedians' funniest moments will sway Mucci? Or is he a biased judge that our debaters will find difficult to sway one way or the other? OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "Jazz-Drum-Beat-120-BPM" by jimrsbjorklund, "Numbskull" by Beetlemuse, and "Funny Background Music Orchestra" by Migfus20, all on freesound.org Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Sources: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/tim_robinson_5 https://www.vulture.com/2016/03/netflixs-the-characters-is-all-over-the-map-just-as-intended.html

In light of the upcoming new blockbuster movie Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, what better time for a MonsterVerse debate to determine who is the true king of the monsters? Lando takes us from Skull Island to the Empire State Building, as he draws upon King Kong's humanity and the lawsuit against Nintendo's Donkey Kong, with an ironically-named lawyer in the proceedings. Mucci argues for the historical and political themes of the Godzilla movies, with the country of Japan reckoning with the atomic bomb through its art -- and the butchering of that art for American audiences. Godzilla is also super-strong with that atomic breath and superhuman (?) strength. What kind of roller coaster ride will Judge Huy's decision take us on this time? Music: "Rock Pattern Key of E 120 BPM B" by BaDoink; "ゴジラ/Godzilla" by famian_lm; and "Jungle tribal hut" by szegvari, all on freesound.org. OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Sources: https://comicbook.com/movies/news/king-kong-complicated-rights-wild-character-peter-jackson-monsterverse/ https://screenrant.com/kong-height-tall-each-movie-explained/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/king-kong-unbelievable-true-story-hollywoods-favorite-giant-ape-984785/ https://www.looper.com/368061/the-history-of-king-kong-explained/ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-igodzillai-helped-isl_b_169015 https://www.cbr.com/godzilla-vs-kong-godzilla-strengths-weaknesses/ https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Godzilla_(MonsterVerse) https://apnews.com/general-news-movies-2abb61ec24464a1e84eb1c8283a5eef8

Bring along all your hopes and dreams on your voyage to master all four elements, because we're talking One Piece and Avatar this week! And what better time to do it than when both of Netflix's most successful live action adaptations of animated properties have been released? Mucci talks up mangka Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece, which he believes to be one of the greatest stories ever written, with roots going back to the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West. Huy discusses many of the great characters in Avatar: The Last Airbender, last but not least the cabbage salesman, and gets into the legal disputes with James Cameron's Avatar. Lando, of course being well-versed in both stories, asks a few questions that lead to sometimes painstakingly detailed responses from the debaters. Our guest this week is Raul of the Senor Nerd Podcast, who gives his expert opinion on the live action adaptations of both of these properties. I'm going to be the king of the pirates! (my cabbages!) Music: "Cinematic orchestral adventure music" by humanoide9000 (https://freesound.org/people/humanoide9000/sounds/689177/) and "Orchestral Adventure Theme" by TheoJT (https://freesound.org/people/TheoJT/sounds/569782/). Main theme by Lando and Mucci. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Sources: https://tokyoreview.net/2017/07/subversive-messages-in-anime/

Anime and manga fans, rev your chainsaws and start scribbling the names of people you'd rather see gone, because we're talking Chainsaw Man and Death Note this episode! Lando reveals how Death Note has spoiled him for all other anime, and highlights the cat-and-mouse machinations of Light Yagami (not Turner) and L as one boy genius tries to outwit the other. Mucci attempts to dance around the awkwardness of talking about a teenage flawed hero with base desires, but a lot of heart (even if said heart happens to be replaced by a chainsaw devil dog). Judge Huy tries not to disappoint Lando as much as the Netflix Death Note movie did. Music: "Mystical Music Box for TV Series" by UNIVERSFIELD and "The Spider" by felineterror on freesound.org. Main theme by Lando and Mucci. Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate Sources: https://www.polygon.com/23528252/chainsaw-man-endings-songs-anime-finale https://www.themarysue.com/fan-favorite-chainsaw-man-character-was-inspired-by-south-parks-eric-cartman/ https://youtu.be/eByb9s4InaA?si=glQ0-gAlAkEyz363 https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-death-note-series-from-stranger-things-creators-what-we-know-so-far/ https://www.dualshockers.com/5-most-iconic-moments-from-death-note/ https://www.cbr.com/death-note-lights-craziest-plans/

Mucci walks in on his cohosts playing Fortnite on a Switch by Lake Michigan. He insists that Super Smash Bros. is better and that they should all be playing that. Lando disagrees, and what follows is a lively discussion, judged by Huy, in which Mucci and Lando argue that their crossover game is the better one. Which has the better selection of characters? Better multiplayer experience and gameplay? And will Mucci's reference to Nintendo's notorious litigiousness sway Huy, or blow him off the debate stage? Listen to find out! Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate Sources: https://theboar.org/2021/01/nintendos-ip-war/

OTR returns to ring in 2024 with a young adult novel series face-off: The Hunger Games against Percy Jackson! As our witness this week, we have acclaimed fantasy author Danielle M. Orsino, who discusses writing female characters with strength and complexity and designing fight scenes to be comprehensible and believable for the reader. With Lando representing Katniss Everdeen and her crew, will his witness give him the edge this week? Or will Huy impress Judge Mucci with the demigods and Greek mythological creatures of the Percy Jackson series? Be sure to check out Danielle M. Orsino's Birth of the Fae series! Find more information at her Instagram: @birthofthefae_novel OTR theme music by Lando and Mucci. Sources: https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-just-war/ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/18/books/suzanne-collins-talks-about-the-hunger-games-the-books-and-the-movies.html https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/hunger-games-by-suzanne-collins/

OTR returns to one of its favorite Chicago neighborhoods, Lincoln Square, as we sit down for a bookish debate at The Book Cellar! This time, Huy and Mucci debate manga versus American comic books, for Lando to decide which is better. Mucci thinks manga needs anime to really come to life, whereas Huy argues for the greater diversity in topics and demographics of manga. Along the way, some Book Cellar employees share some of their great insights and recommendations on comics, manga, and beyond -- be sure to check out their lovely bookstore/cafe/bar in Chicago! Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "Podcast loop 001 90 bmp.wav" by josefpres on freesound.org. Sources: https://lawandthemultiverse.com/2011/04/06/the-trial-of-reed-richards/ https://bleedingcool.com/comics/kid-became-comic-book-hero-in-1946-hated-it/ Castillo v. Texas, 79 S.W.3d 817 (2002).

OTR escapes to a quiet cabin in Wisconsin for this analysis of Netflix's biggest and bloodiest battle royale shows, Squid Game and Alice in Borderland! Huy takes us through the social commentary of Squid Game, including its satire of capitalism (which, side note, Netflix seems to have missed with its new "Squid Game: The Challenge"). Lando argues for Alice in Borderland's greater range and its originality -- its show did come first, after all, and the manga even before that. Both try to impress Judge Mucci with the most devastating deaths of each series, but will he be swayed from his personal feelings on each show? Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: “Cinematic Crime Suspense” by tyops and “Dramatic Scene Character Death Separation Melancholy Sadness” by UNIVERSFIELD on freesound.org. Sources: https://www.cherrychumagazine.com/entertainment/squid-game-follows-alice-in-borderland-in-tackling-social-issues https://medium.com/@excogitatio/alice-in-borderland-a-sophist-on-life-9cb2323a9965

OTR continues its spooky discussions past Halloween, with our debate of two classic creepy 90's kids shows! Lando backs Goosebumps, with Judge Mucci allowing some commentary on the books as well as the TV show, and gets into R.L. Stine's personal life and behaviors. Huy advocates for Are You Afraid of the Dark? and takes us through all the twists and turns of one of its most legal-themed episodes. In what direction will Judge Mucci's nostalgia pull him? Do any of these stories still stick with these podcasters well into their 30s? Listen to find out! Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate Intro and outro music by Lando and Mucci. Other music: “12281 creepy memories ambiance” by Robinhood76 and “campfire deer camp - adding kindling - med wind - part 4” by Ambient-X from freesound.org. Sources: https://time.com/6190593/rl-stine-goosebumps-anniversary-interview/ https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/r-l-stine-goosebumps-book-series-facts https://www.foxnews.com/media/rl-stine-accuses-publisher-changing-goosebumps-books-permission-never-changed-word https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/r-l-stine-goosebumps-inteview-books-censorship-horror-1234849389/ https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/goosebumps-author-denies-editing-his-books-with-more-inclusive-language-changes-were-never-shown-to-me-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory-roald-dahl https://world.edu/banned-books-awareness-goosebumps-rl-stine/

It's a special Halloween episode of OTR Debate, as Mucci and Lando debate what is the best urban legend. Mucci brings melonheads to the picnic table, delving into the lore from three different states and focusing on the violent nature of their history and their purported attacks. Lando tries to convince Huy why you should not let the black-eyed kids in when they knock on your door, and explores whether they have some connections to the men in black or other alien lore. As OTR strolls around Lincoln Square, Chicago, on a crisp fall evening, which argument will sway Judge Huy (still rocking the shorts as he struggles to let go of the summer)? Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate Intro and outro music by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "What lies beneath" (⁠https://freesound.org/people/Victor_Natas/sounds/617049/⁠) and "Eerie and mysterious" (https://freesound.org/people/Victor_Natas/sounds/587023/) by Victor_Natas. Subscribe to his YouTube channel at Victors Crypt: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8O46_WrQZEhSdZuwFQ3rQ Sources: https://www.clickondetroit.com/features/2017/01/18/the-legend-of-the-michigan-melon-heads/ https://web.archive.org/web/20071022062615/http://www.freetimes.com/stories/14/27/mutant-melon-heads-terrorize-kirtland https://www.wkyc.com/article/life/holidays/halloween/3news-investigates-melon-heads-kirtland/95-31c66168-e6b3-4348-a7c6-7a34127b19eb https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/the-melon-heads-of-connecticut/ JF Rodo Rome: Sightings: Monsters of the World - Saugatuck Melonheads (2017) https://columnsfairmontstate.com/2858/conspiracy-corner/conspiracy-corner-black-eyed-kids/ https://cynthiavarady.medium.com/what-are-black-eyed-children-4612e5b27256 https://the-line-up.com/black-eyed-children

A year ago, a settlement was reached at the end of Aliens v. Ghosts, Part 2. Lando agreed not to say ghosts weren't real, if Mucci agreed not to say aliens weren't real. In a fit of rage, Mucci broke that settlement -- but he's glad he did, because it allowed OTR to have this incredible discussion with the cohosts of the Astonishing Legends podcast, Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess! Huy judges as Lando and Mucci go at it again, with Lando focusing on the recent disclosure before Congress, while Mucci focuses on the mental and spiritual benefits of believing in ghosts. Our guests offer some amazing insights into both aliens and ghosts, but do they have any opinion on which is more likely to exist than the other? Will their expert opinion sway Judge Huy one way or the other? Follow us on our socials: IG: @otr_debate Twitter: @OTRdebate FB: @otrdebate or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate Intro and outro music by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "Gastly sounds" by menvafaan (https://freesound.org/people/menvafaan/sounds/169665/). Sources: Stambovsky v. Ackley, 169 A.D.2d 254 (N.Y. App. Div. 1991). https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/we-re-not-crazy-listen-to-a-flight-report-unusual-lights-near-yellowknife-in-january-1.6277389 https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/read-secret-memo-for-trudeau-on-unidentified-object-shot-down-over-yukon-1.6548510 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/12/us/politics/us-shoots-down-object-michigan.html https://abc7chicago.com/canada-high-altitude-airborne-object-justin-trudeau-north-american-aerospace-defense-command/12801392/ https://www.npr.org/2023/02/12/1156428862/us-shoot-down-ufo-unidentified-object-lake-huron

OTR is back with Season 3! In this episode, we welcome on our new co-host, Huy, for a music debate: EDM v. Punk. Huy represents EDM and its origins from early electronic groups like Kraftwerk to its explosion in the mid-2000s with acts like Tiesto and Daft...what was it again? Mucci advocates for the necessity of punk in stripping music down to its basics after becoming over-complicated, as well as its venting of political anger and disaffection. Will he be screwed by side-stepping over pop punk for blink-182 lover Lando? And can EDM also be political? Listen to find out! Follow us on our socials (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate OTR Theme by Lando and Mucci. Other music: "Pop Punk Short 31" by bainmack (youtube.com/bainmack) and a free EDM song by Seth_Makes_Sounds (https://www.patreon.com/sethmakessounds). (Intentionally?) stilted snippet of Sarah McLachlan's “I Will Remember You” performed by Mucci.

While Pat is away, Lando and Mucci decided to resurrect some topics from a live discussion OTR had regarding legal misconceptions in pop culture. Lando demonstrates how TV shows and movies often get the actual work of a lawyer completely wrong, always depicting them in a courtroom and, in that setting, getting to do whatever they want without objection. Mucci discusses misconceptions about immigration topics such as "green card marriages" and the nebulous concept of a visa, as well as some personal injury inaccuracies in TV shows and movies (such as the McDonald's coffee lawsuit). Follow us on our socials (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Or for easy access to everything: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Back on Museum Campus in Chicago, IL, OTR debates their favorite classic Nicktoons! Pat takes the side of Hey Arnold! while Mucci advocates for Rugrats (#babymucci). With Lando judging, how big a role will Reptar play in his decision? Is Stoop Kid a more sympathetic character than Chuckie Finster? Is Rugrats a show for babies, or just a show about babies? Listen to find out -- and let us know what your favorite Nicktoon is! Follow us on our socials (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Or for easy access to everything: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Recorded LIVE at Museum Campus in Chicago, IL - watch the video version on YouTube! Mucci and Lando face off with two trilogies that spanned the 90s to the early 2000s - Jurassic Park and Scream. For help, Mucci calls an expert witness - Danielle from the No More Late Fees Podcast! Who better to ask than someone who cohosts a podcast about the movies of the late 90s and early 2000s, the prime Blockbuster rental era? Danielle discusses differences of opinion on movies, how she would rate these two trilogies, and what 90s-2000s trilogy she would pick. With Pat as the judge, will box office numbers sway him in any way? Or will the pre-Community meta-commentary of the Scream movies give Mucci the win? Many thanks to Danielle for giving her time and expert opinion on movies. Check out No More Late Fees wherever you get your podcasts, and follow them on IG or TikTok @nomorelatefees Follow us on our socials (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Or for easy access to everything: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Surprise! We recorded a second (micro) episode live at the Garden of the Phoenix in Chicago! Pat and Mucci debate “The Veil of Ignorance” thought experiment by John Rawls. The theory posits that, in a hypothetical “original position” of equality, if people had the ability to create a society, they would create one that is fair to all, because each person does not know where they would end up in that society. Lando isn't sure how to come out on this one, so we are asking for an audience vote! Leave a comment on our socials (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or on YouTube! You can also email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Mucci and Pat are sandwich fans, but they disagree on which one is best. However, they believe there are two heavyweight contenders that should duke it out: the Monte Cristo and the Reuben. They put their culinary skills to the test for Lando, who judges this week based on flavor and presentation. Will he go for the heavy, sweet-and-savory, kinda-carnival-food Monte Cristo? Or will the balance of salty meat, tangy Thousand Island dressing, mild Swiss, and sauerkraut give the -- admittedly simpler in construction -- Reuben the win? Listen to find out -- or better yet, watch this episode on YouTube to see us trying the sandwiches! Which do you prefer? Or do you have another contender we should have considered (or should consider next time)? Let us know on our socials (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate OTR Theme Music by Lando, Pat, and Mucci. Other music: "Music elevator" by Jay_You (https://freesound.org/people/Jay_You/sounds/460432/)

LIVE from Chicago's Garden of the Phoenix, Pat and Lando face off with their choices of the best depictions in the media of our future AI overlords. Pat's picks, including Halo's Cortana and 2001's HAL, emphasize the attempts for connection between AI and human beings. Meanwhile, Lando's choices emphasize the journeys that AI beings have taken in such movies as Wall-E and Ex Machina, and the implications for humanity. Sound off with your favorite examples of AI in pop culture! Is there anything huge we missed? Let us know on our socials (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate OTR Theme by Lando, Pat, and Mucci. Other music: "Army of mean robots" by Victor_Natas -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8O46_WrQZEhSdZuwFQ3rQ

At C2E2 on 4/1/23, Matt Murdock (Lando) and Phoenix Wright (Mucci) joined forces (what is this, a crossover episode?) to debate superheroes and comics as they relate to legal concepts. Among cosplayers whose time and money put into their extravagant costumes causes them to rise like Galactus above Mucci's and Lando's efforts, famous trials in comic books are dissected, real-world concepts are explored through the lens of comics, and vigilantism is lambasted as highly unhelpful to the prosecution. OTR Theme by Lando, Pat, and Mucci. Other music: "Orchestral Adventure Theme" by TheoJT (https://www.t-heo.com/music/) and "Realm of Adventure" by waxsocks (https://freesound.org/people/waxsocks/sounds/683938/). Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

It all comes down to this: The final four of our March Malice Aforethought tournament of fictional attorneys! First up, we have Elle Woods v. Jackie Chiles, in a battle of passion versus alliteration. Then, Lionel Hutz goes up against Vincent Gambini, and this one might come down to pure likeability. Listen to find out which lawyer of those matchups will make it to the finals, and who will win it all! Intro music by tyops — find this track at https://youtu.be/gZRw6wrzpmw Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate Special Guests: Huy and Commissioner Derek

The tournament of fictional attorneys begins! The attorneys are judged on their legal acumen and likability, while we are reminded to put aside our feelings on the source material from which each attorney hails. Kim Wexler is a better attorney than Jack Kelly, but does she have the familiarity or likability to move on? Why are there two Arrested Development attorneys in this tourney? And will Vincent Gambini, Benjamin Matlock, Elle Woods, or Jackie Chiles take it all the way? Listen to find out who will move on to the semifinals! Intro music by tyops — find this track at https://youtu.be/gZRw6wrzpmw Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate Special guests: Huy and Commissioner Derek

OTR gets ready for its first tournament of fictional attorneys by drafting the lawyers who will compete in the upcoming March Malice Aforethought: Barrister's Battle. After Commissioner Derek lays out the ground rules, Mucci, Lando, Pat, and special guest Huy snake-draft their fantasy team of fictional lawyers from movies, TV, video games, and literature. Intro music by tyops — find this track at https://youtu.be/gZRw6wrzpmw Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Following up on last week's The Last of Us debate, OTR discusses some toxic fan bases related to some of their favorite subjects. Mucci discusses the gaming community and its distaste for “woke” stuff, Lando talks about Star Wars fans never being satisfied, and Pat brings up the toxic aspects of the fashion community. What do you think is the most toxic fan base? Are there others we should discuss? Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s-UH7Uw_b_c Recorded live at Birch Road Lincoln Park in Chicago, producer Andy gets on mic to debate Mucci in a topic near and dear to his heart: Is the first The Last of Us game better than its sequel? Pat and Lando co-judge as Mucci vouches for the more refined mechanics and deeper storytelling of Part II, while Andy uses his decade of experience with countless playthroughs of the original game to argue for its massively influential place in video game history. Will the judges be swayed by Mucci's cheap shot about a certain mechanic? Listen or watch on YouTube to find out! Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Watch video on YouTube here, along with all our minis: https://youtu.be/PTlQOluHOoQ While we were recording our last episode at Ravinia Brewing Company, we caught the attention of Jamie and Rachel, who wanted to share their opinions as to whether Pokemon is better than Digimon. Is Digimon really the Walmart knock-off of Pokemon? What do they think when Mucci tells them Digimon started as Tamagotchi-like toys? And why is no one talking about Neopets? Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com!  Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Recorded LIVE at Ravinia Brewing Company in Chicago, IL -- THANK YOU to Ravinia for letting us use their awesome space! Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/y1muEQSYwhM This week, Mucci judges which Japanese cute-monster-multimedia-franchise is better: Pokemon or Digimon. Lando makes a case for the darker storytelling of Digimon's anime, while also taking us through important moments in the history of the franchise, such as its beginnings as a Tamagotchi-like toy and its PS1 video game that sells for around $300 today. Pat advocates for Pokemon based on its massive financial success, its iconic characters, and Pokemon Go, which ate up a couple of our cohosts' time when they should have been studying for the bar. Will Mucci find that Digimon are the champions, or does he know it is his destiny to crown Pokemon the winner? Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Check out the full video of OTR's playthrough of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Case 1-1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkkFt7-gCmI Full video of our Twitch livestream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPmv0H0LdXk On 1/8/23, live on Twitch, OTR Debate played through Phoenix Wright's first-ever case! We talk about all the things that differ between the US and Japanese court systems, and otherwise react to the game's surprising reveals and well-placed text boxes. Will we get Phoenix to win his first-ever case? And will Capcom ever sponsor us? Streamed at: https://www.twitch.tv/otrdebate_mucci Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Scooby Doo, Shaggy, and their Mystery Inc. coworkers (or co-conspirators?) love to solve crimes. But are they guilty themselves of committing certain crimes in the process of nabbing the costumed criminals that would've gotten away with it if it weren't those meddling kids? Prosecutor, Lando, seems to think so. Pat takes on the defense for the crew -- don't call them a gang! Mucci tries to keep his courtroom in order and wonders if the worst crime of all is the canned laughter of the original series. Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYiHrzN2x1k After our Best On-Screen Santa mini debate, Lando and Mucci tried to quickly debate Christmas songs.  Is "Baby, It's Cold Outside" problematic for Mucci? Is Lando a poptimist with his Mariah and Sia picks? Lando and Mucci regroup in the studio to add context  and re-evaluate their picks they chose off-the-cuff in the Chicago Athletic Association. Make sure to follow our friend Stew of Stewpendous Productions, who hosts trivia around Chicago! Check out his website: https://www.stewpendousproductions.com/ and find him on Instagram @stewpendousproductions -- Thank you Stew and Merry Christmas, Santa! All episodes and social media available at: https://linktr.ee/otrdebate

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bVyUS8sXeE Recorded LIVE from Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, IL What is your favorite on-screen Santa Claus? Mucci and Pat debate their favorite Santa while Lando ice skates around their arguments. Mucci goes back to the 1940s for Edmund Gwenn's classic take on the role in the original Miracle on 34th Street, while Pat picks perhaps the skinniest Santa Claus since Cosmo Kramer: Jack Skellington in A Nightmare Before Christmas. How will Lando decide the winner?  Who do you think should have won? Vote in our poll on Spotify! All episodes and social media available at:  https://linktr.ee/otrdebate

Lando's appeal of the ruling in episode 2 of season 1 is finally heard, with Judge Pat again moderating as Lando continues his steadfast advocacy for the belief in alien life. Mucci, on the other hand, finally brings an actual argument on the side of ghosts. Both are determined to be more well-researched in this episode -- and in this season. Will this episode finally put the nail in the coffin of the controversial aliens v. ghosts debate? Follow us (IG: @otr_debate, Twitter: @OTRdebate, FB: @otrdebate) or email topics you think we should cover at OTRdebate@gmail.com! Or for easy access to everything: https://linktr.ee/Otrdebate OTR theme song by Lando and Mucci, all other music by Victor_Natas (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8O46_WrQZEhSdZuwFQ3rQ) and Audiomirage (https://freesound.org/people/audiomirage). Sources: Caitlin Morton, “The 32 Most Haunted Places in America,” Oct. 7, 2021, https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-most-haunted-places-in-america; Mark Charvat, Q985 Rockford, “Creepy Illinois Bridge Is Definitely Haunted,” Oct. 16, 2017, https://q985online.com/creepy-illinois-bridge-is-definitely-haunted/; Source: Dangerous Roads, “Top 10 Most Haunted Bridges of Illinois,” https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/4919-top-10-most-haunted-bridges-in-illinois.html; Renee Martin, Way.com, “Get ‘ghosted' at the six most haunted airports in the US,” https://www.way.com/blog/get-ghosted-at-the-six-most-haunted-airports-in-the-us/; Cedric Yamanaka, Honolulu Magazine, “Menehune, Hauntings and Choking Ghosts: 6 Beloved Ghost Stories From Hawai‘i's Spooky Past,” Oct. 24, 2014, https://www.honolulumagazine.com/menehune-hauntings-and-choking-ghosts-6-beloved-ghost-stories-from-hawaiis-spooky-past/; Illinois Haunted Houses, “Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago IL Real Haunt,” https://www.illinoishauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/lincoln-park-zoo.html; Isabel Davis and Ted Bloecher, Close Encounter at Kelly and Others of 1955 (Center for UFO Studies, 1978); Ryan Smith, Chicago Tribune, "O'Hare UFO sighting in 2006 one of the most famous reported," Mar. 20, 2013, https://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/ct-redeye-xpm-2013-03-20-37880251-story.html; Jon Hilkevitch, Chicago Tribune, "In the sky! A bird? A plane? A...UFO?," Jan. 1, 2007, http://web.archive.org/web/20071117073414/www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/columnists/chi-0701010141jan01,0,5874175.column?page=1&coll=chi-newsnationworldiraq-hed; Hadley Meares, History.com, "The Unsolved Mystery of the Lubbock Lights UFO Sightings," Aug. 18, 2018, updated Jan. 10, 2020, https://www.history.com/news/lubbock-lights-ufo-sightings; Whitley Strieber, Communion: A True Story, Avon, Feb. 25, 1987.