Sidebar Forever

The Showcase of the Immortals was upon us once again as WWE's Wrestlemania 41 was unleashed this past Easter weekend. While there was little to rival the extravaganza of last year's Wrestlemania XL/40, Dwight and Adrian do discuss the sterling highlights as well as the match-ups that could have turned out better — or in some cases not at all! We close discussing the link between professional wrestling and comic books with storytelling and continuity being vital to both mediums. As always, thanks for listening. ‘Cause Sidebar said so…..!

Daredevil: Born Again has arrived, and we have thoughts! Join us as we break down the return of Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, welcome new faces like Nikki M. James and Clark Johnson, and question some of the show's biggest choices. Why did the series sideline Foggy, Karen, and even Bullseye so quickly? Do the exposition dumps and breakneck pacing undercut the stakes? And could they have handled White Tiger's introduction better? We say yes! Finally, the big question: Does Born Again need to surpass Netflix's Daredevil, or just be better than Marvel's recent offerings?

With Daredevil: Born Again premiering on Disney+ in March, now's the perfect time to revisit everyone's favorite blind superhero. On this episode, we explore Daredevil's comic book origins, spotlighting legendary creators like Gene Colan, Frank Miller, and John Romita, Jr., whose work helped define the character. But we don't stop there — we also trace Daredevil's evolution on screen, from Ben Affleck's 2003 film (ugh) to the iconic Netflix series starring Charlie Cox. We also explore Frank Miller's role in turning Daredevil into a star, highlight the women in DD's life (including Elektra and Karen Page), and have some fun with his delightfully goofy rogues gallery — yes, Leap Frog and Stilt-Man, we see you! Join us as we jump from rooftop to rooftop, celebrating the one and only Devil of Hell's Kitchen!

This week on the pod, we're taking a stroll down memory lane to revisit the early days of the show. We reflect on some of the greatest gifts we've received as hosts—ranging from original artwork and swag, to unforgettable moments on the mic and memorable experiences with guests and listeners. Dwight remembers meeting and interviewing the late, great Bernie Wrightson, Adrian recalls gifts he received from comic artist Ho Che Anderson, and Swain reminisces about a conversation with one of his artistic heroes, Neal Adams, at the end of a long convention weekend. As our first episode of the year and in the twilight of the holidays, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on all the meaningful moments we've had. We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season, and we're excited for what's to come in the new year! And hey, you can find all 339 episodes from our previous incarnation (SiDEBAR - The Art and Comics Podcast) available at archive.org. They have been graciously curated by our friend Christopher Hatfield. (Our eternal thanks, Chris!) And as always, thanks for listening.

This week on Sidebar Forever, we're diving into the surprising ways Christmas shows up in films, comics, and television shows that aren't about the holidays. From Die Hard and Trading Places, to comic book one-shots like Wanted: Santa Claus—Dead or Alive, to 30 Rock's infamous Ludachristmas episode, we're exploring how the festive backdrop amps up the drama, comedy, and chaos in unexpected ways. We also discuss what elements have to be present to call something a true Christmas story, and we cite examples like Frosty the Snowman and Home Alone. So grab your eggnog and join us as we unpack the holiday hijinks in stories where Christmas isn't the star—but it sure makes things interesting!

On today's episode, we explore characters in film who are consumed by the pursuit of greatness at any cost. We delve into modern hits such as Whiplash, Black Swan, and The Prestige, while also revisiting classics like Sunset Boulevard, Amadeus, and Basquiat. Our discussion centers on Hollywood's fascination with extreme ambition, the toll it takes on these characters' personal lives and mental health, and how these stories shape the public's view of the "tortured genius." We also compare fictional narratives like Sleight with the portrayal of real-life figures in films like I, Tonya. To wrap up, we tackle the concept of legacy in a digital world. Is the constant, ever-changing news cycle undermining the idea of lasting greatness? With every new viral trend and Hawk Tuah Girl, how long do we truly celebrate exceptional achievements before shifting our focus elsewhere?

On this special episode, we honor the extraordinary legacy of actor James Earl Jones, a voice that defined generations. From his groundbreaking roles in Dr. Strangelove and The Great White Hope, to his unforgettable performances in The Lion King and Coming to America, Jones left an indelible mark on cinema. But without question, his most iconic role was as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, where his commanding voice became the stuff of legend.  We also take a few moments to honor popular comic book artist and writer John Cassaday (Planetary, Astonishing X-Men, Captain America #1). Cassaday was a favorite of ours, and he and Jones both died on Monday, September 9, 2024.  Rest in peace, gentlemen. 

Gear up for a blast from the past as we time travel to the 1980s and draft our favorite action movies. It's like the NFL Draft, but with iconic action flicks! Your hosts battle it out over five categories to assemble their ultimate teams. Once a film is picked, it's off the board—no repeats allowed. The categories are: Solo Man on a Mission: One man versus all the bad guys like Commando and Die Hard. Buddy Cop: Duos who occasionally clash such as Lethal Weapon and 48 Hrs. Sci Fi-Fantasy: Intergalactic thrills and futuristic mayhem like Aliens and Robocop. Military Action: Films with boots on the ground; think First Blood and The Delta Force.  Wild Card: From action-comedies like Midnight Run to martial arts films that "hit back" such as Bloodsport, anything goes.  Tune in to see which movies make the cut and who drafts the ultimate 1980s action movie team!

Wade Wilson is back and he's brought the Ol' Canucklehead with him! Join us as we review the absolute bonkers ride that is Deadpool & Wolverine. We unpack why this film isn't called Deadpool 3, Hugh Jackman's epic return as our favorite mutton-chopped Canadian, each and every surprise cameo, and all the box office records it's breaking as Marvel Studios' first R-rated movie. Plus, we debate whether or not the character of Deadpool can truly find his place in the MCU while lampooning it at the same time. **This episode is full of spoilers if you haven't seen Deadpool & Wolverine. 

Join us on today's pod as we dive into the murky waters of fan service or ‘Stan' service to paraphrase one Marshall Mathers. From comic book adaptations to controversial casting choices like Hugh Jackman as Wolverine to artistic liberties taken such as the racially-diverse Norse gods in the Thor films, we explore where fandom expectations clash with creative vision. Should creators prioritize fan loyalty or forge their own paths? Don't changes have to be made when adapting 50 to 80 year-old IPs? Plus, we dissect the buzz around the Fantastic Four's 1960s revival and eagerly anticipate upcoming adaptations like Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips' Criminal series starring Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy, The Gentlemen). 

    On this episode, Adrian recorded audio from a panel featuring writer/artist/raconteur Howard Chaykin at HeroesCon 2024 this past weekend.  Moderated by Chris Brennaman of Infinite Realities Comics in Tucker, GA,  the panel follows Chaykin discussing his career, the true origin of his series ‘Black Kiss', Gil Kane, personal transformation and much more. And hey, stay until the end to hear Howard's impromptu performance of ‘Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)' by Jack Yellen. Audio recorded on June 15, 2024 with permission.

When it comes to creativity, inspiration is often taken from the works of others. But where do we draw the line between influence and outright copying? Join us on this thought-provoking episode as we ponder the age-old debate: When do imitation and homage become stealing? From comic book artists like Todd McFarlane and Rob Liefeld, to filmmakers such as Brian De Palma and Quentin Tarantino, to musicians like Beyoncé and Pharrell, our conversation navigates the gray areas where creativity intersects with ethics. Was Picasso right when he said, "Good artists copy. Great artists steal?" Is imitation truly the sincerest form of flattery, or does it cross the boundaries of artistic integrity?

In the third installment of our ‘5 Comics That Explain' series, we G-ride to the 1990s. The conversation includes Spawn #1 and the meteoric rise of Image Comics, the death (and inevitable return) of Superman in issue #75 and the ‘Bad Girl' craze led by scantily-clad characters such as Lady Death and Shi. We also cover the landmark mini-series DC's ‘Kingdom Come' with the sterling art of Alex Ross; as well as give the nod to Neil Gaiman's ‘Sandman' and becoming the bedrock of DC's late imprint, Vertigo. Lastly, we give honorable mention to the 8 million selling ‘X-Men' #1 by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, the reality-bending ‘Maxx' by Sam Kieth and the breath of diversity from Milestone Comics.   As always, thanks for listening.

On this episode, Dwight and Adrian review WRESTLEMANIA XL! As longtime wrestling fans, we totally ‘mark' out on the Grandest Stage of Them All! Titles change! Heroes and villains return! And will Cody Rhodes survive the onslaught of the Universal Champion Roman Reigns, The Rock and the combined might of the Bloodline faction?

Be it aliens, clones, or dystopian futures, we love us some science fiction. On today's podcast, we take inspiration from movieweb.com by compiling a list of nine underrated sci-fi movies. Terrific films like The Brother From Another Planet, Soylent Green, The Hidden, Equilibrium, and The Girl with All the Gifts are a few of the overlooked gems that make up our final list. We also ask questions on the pod: Are big budgets critical to the success of good sci-fi movies? Do the themes and concerns in these films often reflect the decades in which they were released? Is sci-fi as a genre better at telling cautionary tales? Check out the movieweb.com article by Brian Accardo: https://movieweb.com/cult-classic-sci-fi-movies/#beyond-the-black-rainbow

This week, we travel to a galaxy far, far away and ask the question: With all the films, TV shows, animated shows, comics, novels, and video games out there, is there too much Star Wars? Don't get us wrong, of course, we love the Star Wars Universe to pieces. But depending on which adaptation or spinoff you're talkin' about, mileage can vary. The Mandalorian and Andor were well received, but Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, not so much. And no one in fandom seems super excited after seeing The Acolyte trailer. We also discuss other movies that have been adapted for television like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Westworld, The Karate Kid (Cobra Kai), and What We Do in the Shadows. The conversation ends with a Highlander tangent based on the original films, the '90s TV show, and the recently-announced reboot starring Henry Cavill. 

With our second installment in this series, we jump to the 1980s. In the conversation, we discuss massive crossover events such as Crisis and Secret Wars, the rise of X-Men Mania, and the British Invasion in the form of anthologies like Warrior and 2000 AD. We also cover the phenomenon that was and is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as books that led us into the next decade like Alan Moore's run on The Saga of the Swamp Thing. 

Frank Castle a.k.a. The Punisher debuted in February 1974 in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man #129. Almost 50 years to the month, we celebrate Castle as a figure, not just within comics, but one who has also been adapted to film, TV, and animation. On the pod, we discuss Don Pendleton's The Executioner who was the original inspiration for The Punisher, actors who have portrayed the character like Dolph Lundgren, Thomas Jane, and Jon Bernthal, and how in modern day, The Punisher's iconic skull symbol has been co-opted by far right groups. We also chop up other antiheroes and "likeable" villains in popular culture such as Harry Callahan, Walter White, Arya Stark, and Deadpool.

In the wake of this year's Super Bowl, we have our first ever Superhero Movie Draft! We've prepared our 1st Round Picks in the categories of Sequels, Teams, Non-Marvel/DC, Solo and the Billion Dollar Club! It promises to be a humdinger with steals, surprises and alley-oops! As always, thanks for listening!

On this episode, we discuss the music, the movies, television, comics and personal memories from the year Kyle Reese came back to save humanity - 1984!

On this week's pod, we build an unofficial hall of fame to one of the greatest to ever do it — Walt Simonson. We include seminal works like his run on The Mighty Thor from the 1980s, his Manhunter backup stories from Detective Comics, and his art for one of the first Marvel-DC crossovers, The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans. Our discussion also gets into his unforgettably unique signature (in the shape of a dinosaur) and his quick cameo in the first Thor film from 2011.

In filmmaking, surprise endings and quests for mysterious objects can derail your movie entirely if not handled well. Today, we take on the best (and worst) plot twists and MacGuffins in cinematic history. We're talkin' final reveals in Psycho and The Sixth Sense, Marcellus Wallace's briefcase in Pulp Fiction, the "one ring to rule them all," and many more. We also discuss the careers of such directors as Alfred Hitchcock, M. Night Shyamalan, and David Fincher, and whether or not being known for plot twists and MacGuffins is a good thing. 

We're back with another installment in this award-winning series. Up for crapnalysis, The Substitute from 1996 starring Tom Berenger and The Chronicles of Riddick from 2004 featuring Vin Diesel. In our conversation, we discuss Tom Berenger's less than believable martial arts skills, which role is Vin Diesel's true breakout: Dominic Torreto or Riddick, what these two films got right versus what they got wrong, and why casting Dame Judy Dench is never a bad move. We also get into the sequels associated with The Substitute and The Chronicles of Riddick, all of which were equally craptastic.

Everyone's a critic nowadays, especially the hosts of this podcast. But when Rotten Tomatoes launched in 1998, it quickly became the recognized standard of cinematic good taste for a generation. In today's conversation, we debate the accuracy of the fans vs. critics rating system on Rotten Tomatoes, the site's ownership by Comcast-Universal and Warner Bros, and whether or not Rotten Tomatoes is still relevant in a world where opinions are in abundance online. We also go through a short list of highly and not-so highly regarded films to see where they fall on the ol' Tomatometer.

Which actors have appeared in more sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book movies than any other? Which ones will dominate with fans at pop culture conventions over the next decade? On today's pod, we run down actors with the most “geek credibility.” Names that are synonymous with far-flung futures, magic wands, and caped crusading such as Samuel Jackson, Sigourney Weaver, Karl Urban, Hugo Weaving, Zoe Saldana, and more. We also discuss the careers of actors like Mark Hamill and Linda Hamilton who live in the shadow of popular characters they've played, and how taking those roles has been both a blessing and a curse. 

Today's pod is the conclusion of our 2-part Classic episode with legendary artist/illustrator Brian Stelfreeze! 'The Sensei' continues the discussion with his working process, the science of cover art for comics and more!

Today's pod is part 1 of our Classic episode with legendary artist/illustrator Brian Stelfreeze! Known throughout the industry for his nigh-cinematic comic storytelling and lush coloring, Stelfreeze discusses his first art gig, his incredible run as cover artist on Batman: Shadow of The Bat series and the (then) state of the comic biz. Part 2 will be dropping later this week! Thanks!

Today, we name-check five comics that will tell you what the 1970s were all about. Books that feature adaptations of toys like Micronauts and Shogun Warriors, characters with occult backgrounds such as Ghost Rider and the Demon, and heroes who were influenced by the martial arts craze of the '70s like Shang Chi and the Sons of the Tiger. We also give credit to Bronze Age creators like Denny O'Neil, and Don McGregor for trying different things in an attempt to capture the spirit of the times.

From 2010, we present our Classic interview with comics legend Whilce Portacio. With a career spanning close to four decades, Portacio's kinetic and stylized artwork has graced the pages of Uncanny X-Men, The Punisher, Iron Man (Heroes Reborn) and many more! He is the creator of X-Men character 'Bishop' and one of the seven original founders of Image Comics; under which he published his creator-owned title 'WetWorks' in 1994.

In the halcyon days of the early 1990s, Jim Lee's Wildstorm Studios boasted an amazing crop of young talent, but one would rise meteorically to the heights of the industry — Travis Charest. On the pod, we discuss Charest's beginnings on DC's Darkstars, his run on WildCATs with writer Alan Moore, as well as the book that cemented him one of the comic art greats, WildCATs/X-Men: The Golden Age. We end things on The Dreamshifters, which many consider to be Charest's masterpiece. Was it worth the three-year wait? Did Charest exhaust the limits of his talent working on that book?

Director Steven Soderbergh says his 1998 film Out of Sight saved his career. After the success of his debut, Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Soderbergh went through a drought and needed a hit. This week, we discuss the terrifically entertaining Out of Sight including its cast led by George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, screenwriter Scott Frank's adaptation of the original Elmore Leonard novel, and the movie's brilliant use of color, music and time shifting. We also note that even though Out of Sight wasn't a box office smash, it set up Soderbergh and Clooney for the hugely popular Ocean's trilogy a few years later.

Original films featuring superheroes have been around for decades and show no signs of stopping. On this week's pod, we run down hits like Darkman, Unbreakable, and Chronicle, as well as a few misses such as The Toxic Avenger, The Meteor Man, and Hancock. Where did Hollywood's fascination with original superhero concepts come from? Because these films aren't adaptations, are they freer to subvert certain tropes and clichés? We end the pod with an age-old debate: Is The Matrix a superhero movie?

It's been 15 years since the first Iron Man movie officially launched Marvel Studios. In that time, Marvel has done billion dollar business at the box office, and Hollywood became obsessed with all things superhero. But nothing lasts forever. Despite still getting butts in seats and eyeballs on screens, superhero movies and TV shows are not the pop culture touchstones they once were. Are we at a saturation point with masks and capes? Have plans to revitalize the DCEU come a little too late? Are mainstream audiences beginning to lose interest in superheroes?

Cartoonist or comic artist? TV or film? Rock, hip-hop or jazz? In the podversation, we debate the importance and relevance of categories. Do they help an audience find what they're looking for, or do they put creative types in a box? Are categories mostly in service to companies who want to sell us things? In nerd circles, categorization definitely matters. Try calling Star Wars an action movie or refer to The Mandalorian as a superhero, and see what kind of looks you get. We close out the pod by debating in which categories a few movies, TV shows, musicians, and artists should be placed.

Here is our classic interview from the 'Barchives' with comic book writer/artist Howard V. Chaykin (1970-2022). Chaykin is known for his creator-owned American Flagg and TIME2; in addition to his reinventions of The Shadow and Blackhawk for DC Comics. Chaykin has worked in the comics industry for over 50 years and has no intent of slowing down.  This episode continues our re-presentation of classic interviews and roundtables from our previous incarnation as SiDEBAR: The Pop Culture Podcast into our podcast feed. We hope that our listeners, both new and old, will enjoy these vintage back episodes and follow us here for new episodes of Sidebar Forever!

In 1992, the Hong Kong crime-thriller Hard Boiled was released internationally and blew the minds of audiences everywhere. The film established actor Chow Yun-Fat as a worldwide star and director John Woo as an absolute master of cinematic action. We discuss Hard Boiled's influence on American moviemakers, the electric performance by Fat playing a Dirty Harry-styled cop, the film's somewhat fraught production, and other movies in the gun fu subgenre such as The Killer, Equilibrium, and John Wick. We also debate Hard Boiled's legacy against the long and vast canon of action films. 

Our Bad Boys episode was so much fun that we decided to keep chatting about prison movies. Covered in the conversation are prison movie themes like revenge and redemption, tropes such as the guy who can get anything or the inevitable shower scene, and how great prison films like The Longest Yard, The Shawshank Redemption, and Starred Up have more to say about the human condition. We also chop up films that have elements of prison movies within them like Deadlock, Face Off, Tango & Cash, and Out of Sight.

Sean Penn, Esai Morales, and Clancy Brown are amazing in the 1983 prison film, Bad Boys. In our playback review, we discuss the rest of the cast including Ally Sheedy, Jim Moody, and Reni Santoni, the movie's gritty portrayal of prison culture, and how this film established Penn as a serious young actor in Hollywood. We close it out by ranking Bad Boys against other prison movies like Escape from Alcatraz, The Longest Yard, and The Shawshank Redemption. 

Who are the four most influential artists in your life? The four names that could be carved into a memorial that would represent your birth, growth, and continued development as a creative? As tough as it was to break it down to just four, we did it. So many to consider: N.C. Wyeth, Frank Frazetta, Mary Cassatt, Bob Peak, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Leiji Matsumoto, Jeffrey Jones, Jack Kirby, Neal Adams, John Byrne, Claire Wendling, Thomas Blackshear... The list goes on and on.  Who is on your personal Mount Rushmore of artists? 

Here is our classic interview from our 'Barchives' with comic book artist, the late Jason Pearson (1970-2022). Pearson was known for his dynamic linework and coloring on Legion of Super-Heroes, Dragon: Blood and Guts and his creator-owned work Body Bags. He was also a member of the Atlanta-based art collective Gaijin Studios. This episode continues our re-presentation of classic interviews and roundtables from our previous incarnation as SiDEBAR: The Pop Culture Podcast into our podcast feed. We hope that our listeners, both new and old, will enjoy these vintage back episodes and follow us here for new episodes of Sidebar Forever!

Here is our classic interview from our 'Barchives' with illustrator/animator Eric Canete. This episode continues our re-presentation of classic interviews and roundtables from our previous incarnation as SiDEBAR: The Pop Culture Podcast into our podcast feed. We hope that our listeners, both new and old, will enjoy these vintage back episodes and follow us here for new episodes of Sidebar Forever!  

"You're gonna need a good supply of body bags" for this playback review of the 1982 action classic First Blood. On the pod, we discuss the ten years this film spent in Development Hell, why Sylvester Stallone was against releasing it, casting alternatives including Steve McQueen as Rambo and Kirk Douglas as Trautman, and where does First Blood fall among other Vietnam vet movies like The Deer Hunter and Born on the 4th of July. 

With the holidays here and nostalgia in the air, the last episode of the year is on the topic of why we collect things. Do we do it because of perceived value or investment purposes? Are we holding on to a memory from the past? Is there a difference between collecting and hoarding? Items covered on the pod are comics, toys, G.I. Joe figures, baseball cards, Archie digests, discs, photos, convention badges, life lessons, and more.

Grab your popcorn and take a seat as we pay tribute to the greatest director in the history of Hollywood. Steven Spielberg's filmography is undeniable: Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan... Hell, even Catch Me If You Can and Munich are pretty entertaining in their own way. Plus his newest film, The Fabelmans, is in theaters now.

Doesn't matter if you're talking Justice League, Avengers, or X-Men, superhero teams are one of the cornerstones of comics. Our conversation covers why teams form in the first place, classic team tropes, and which headquarters would make the coolest hangout spot. We also discuss comic creators like Chris Claremont, John Byrne, and Joe Madureira who all made their superstar reputations telling stories about superhero teams.

We celebrate The Bourne Identity's 20th anniversary by discussing its loose adaptation of Robert Ludlum's 1980 novel, the film's influence on the spy subgenre especially Daniel Craig's Bond, and how this movie and eventual franchise turned Matt Damon into a bankable action star. We also discuss other films like Bourne such as Three Days of the Condor, La Femme Nikita, The Recruit, Atomic Blonde, and Red Sparrow. 

Remember when you had to go over to a friend's house in order to play video games with them? What about shipping physical artwork via FedEx? Today's pod is all about technology and practices that have gone the way of the dodo bird. They are extinct. Also discussed are pagers, typewriters, malls, cashing checks at the bank, and movies with a runtime of under two hours. 

A spoiler-filled review of the sequel to Marvel Studios' 2018 blockbuster Black Panther; starring Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong'o, and Tenoch Huerta.

Your three hosts have fun playing a Jeopardy-style trivia game that we made up. Each player gets a category and they have 30 seconds to come up with their answers. Categories like: "Name three comic book characters who gained their powers via radiation" or "Name five armored characters in the Iron Man universe who are not Iron Man."

We start off with a list of over 40 and break it down to a solid 10. Our one rule: It only counts as a sequel if it's the second film. Up for discussion are The Godfather Part II, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Aliens, The Empire Strikes Back, Evil Dead 2, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Raid 2, Top Gun: Maverick and more! What are your favorite sequels?

"Someone's in my fruit cellar! Someone with a fresh sooouuul!" And that someone is Bruce Campbell as we do a short playback of writer-director Sam Raimi's stylized, blood-soaked sequel to the original Evil Dead (1981). Groovy, right?