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Superhero Swap

Back in the mid 1990s there was a bizarre and shocking moment in comic book history where a swap of two characters between the Big Two comic book companies almost took place. Marvel Comics and DC Comics had in the works a deal that would see one character from each company go on loan to the other company for a period of one year. First, our panel will dive into the details of this surprising plan that almost happened. And then, using it as jumping off point, our panel members will daydream and discuss what other crazy cross-company swaps they would love to see.

Spotlight: The Rocketeer

There are certain movies that are remembered as being crucially important signifiers to Hollywood that comic books could be profitable subject matter; 1979’s Superman, 1989’s Batman, 1998’s Blade, X-Men from 2000 and Spider-Man from 2002 all played a part in building the modern superhero movie. One maybe not remembered enough however is 1991’s The Rocketeer;  one of the earliest comic adaptations to film, and still possibly one of the most faithful translations of comic to movie we have seen to date.  An actioner in the spirit of the same movie serials that inspired the creation of Indiana Jones, The Rocketeer is an epically, fun adventure movie that stood out then and continues to stand out today.  To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the panel spotlights the 1991 film The Rocketeer.

Fictional Dads (Good and Bad)

Pop culture is filled with notable fathers and father figures. From Star Wars to The Simpsons, dad's play an important part in the development of our lead characters. They can act as an influence towards positive growth, but sometimes through the sins of the father, they can also present some internal obstacles for our protagonists to face and overcome. In honor of Father’s Day (this coming Sunday in the United States) we’re looking at fathers in media and the effect they have on their children.

Super Suits on Screen

We are currently living in the Golden Age of Superhero movies. It’s hard to remember the fact that superhero movies were far less prevalent than they are today; and back then when one was made, usually there were all kinds of changes where the finished product didn’t always resemble the comics we read. One aspect that has changed drastically in the years since is the look of superhero movies. There is a much bigger emphasis now on making the aesthetics more closely match the comics, and a big part of that is the costumes. No longer are we getting only the leather jumpsuits that were a favorite design choice in the 90s. The costumes now are showcased with all the bright colors and other aspects drawn straight from the pages of the comics. Today, the panel discusses what happens, good and bad, when superhero costumes get adapted to live action.

Definitive Five: Part II (More of Our Favorite Character Versions)

The Definitive Five returns!  There are occasions where you might find a single character appear in films, tv, comics, animation, and video games, and you might also find that there are often significant differences between the different versions.  Sometimes the changes are welcome and well-regarded while other times not as much. Frank has assembled another list of characters that have appeared across multiple forms of media, and the panel will decide which of the five formats is home to the definitive take of that character. 

Spotlight: The Venture Bros.

Adult Swim has produced many cult-favorite animated shows, and high among them is The Venture Bros.  An action-comedy about a failed scientist, his two dim-witted boys, their bodyguard and the globe-trotting adventures they go on. What once started as a fun, spoof of Jonny Quest, has grown into a beloved animated series that really has left a unique print on the world of cartoons with it's lush world building and hilarious pop-culture references. Today the panel Spotlights, a beloved favorite of theirs, The Venture Bros. “Go Team Venture!!!”

Remember When

Chances are, somewhere, in your media viewing past, you have encountered a flashback. Be it in a comic book, tv show or movie; what was once a tool in the storytellers toolbox, flashbacks have now become so incredibly common place in media. Sometimes this trope can be gimmicky and overused, but sometimes they can illuminate crucial points in a characters past. Hop in the way-back machine and buckle in as the panel takes a deep look at Flashbacks.

Who Would Win ... ? (And Other Questions)

If you have ever stepped foot into a comic book shop, chances are you were lucky enough have overheard or partook in some colorful comic shop conversation. Banter that typically centers on dream battles that pit characters of similar power sets against each other, exercises in logic, or even philosophical debate. In some cases these conversations can venture into the downright absurd, but they are always lively and they are always a blast. For today the panel partakes in some popular stereotypical banter overheard in comic shops.

Episodes in a Bottle

"Bottle Episode" is a loose term that describes a notable style of episode in Television. Stories that are set in one location or the famed “clip show” are two examples of the kinds of bottle episodes fans will see. But, bottle stories don't exist solely in Television; comics and animation have had fun trying to recreate the feel of a bottle episode in their mediums, and as audiences have become more aware of the concept, there is a lot of fun to be had when creators start to get, well, creative with the idea and find new ways to play with the trope. Pull up a chair and enjoy as the panel discusses the concept of Bottle episodes.

When Fictional Universes Collide!

Every franchise out there is looking for a way to bring more eyeballs to their product and maybe the easiest way to create interest by fans is to bring two franchises together for a crossover that combines the best of multiple worlds. Franchise crossovers, despite seemingly being done more and more, still have the aura of something rare. That this event is something fleeting. You’re seeing these two characters together for this story, and that's it. After this, fans won’t see it again. The panel is taking a look at some of their favorite franchise mash-ups and intercompany crossovers from movies, TV, video games, and comics books.