Caffeinated Comics on Radio Misfits

There are big plans afoot! Jon heard a podcast idea from Howie Weingarten so good it will shake the foundation of “Caffeinated Comics” itself! Stay tuned for all the details in the next episode. Plus, disappointing Super Bowl ads, a Batman creator steps on Jon’s legacy, and pinning all hopes on Ryan Reynolds. [Ep370]

In the age of social media is anyone worth admiring? Jon and Elliott meet face to face to discuss how to forgive franchises when they turn, keeping politics out of anything, and hating the creators of the things we love. Plus, ageism in comics, skipping “Ghostbusters” and exploring brandy. [Ep369]

Jon drops in for a quick podcast when life gets in the way. Jon’s son went into the hospital for a routine surgery that felt anything but routine. Jon discusses how Ben is doing now, the calming power of Adam West, and why geek culture is meant to be a distraction, not a stress. [Ep368]

Marvel releases an entire streaming series in one day about a D level character while the brand is on decline. So why watch it? Jon and Elliott discuss the return to form for the Netflix Marvel style series, how multiple differentiations keep it from being preachy and why the entire MCU needs to revolve around the Kingpin. Plus, the new Indiana Jones video game, the new, new Doctor Who companion,...

2023 shook up the collecting world and Mike Caplan is here to make sense of it. The owner of “Mr. Wayne’s Pop Culture Collectibles has a long talk with Jon about the gateway drug of  Funko Pops, how inflation is causing a move to higher-end collectibles and whether there is a ceiling for the prices collectors will pay for something they really want. Plus, podcasting in -11 degrees. [Ep...

Howie Weingarten is a die-hard Godzilla fan and has good reasons to be elated and angry. Jon and Howie discuss how the latest Japanese version of Godzilla may be the best iteration since the 50s. Also, why he hates hates hates the new Apple TV series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”. [Ep364]

Everybody hated 2023 and Jon hates that. In a quick minisode, he goes over what he loved about 2023, and it’s more than just “Picard: Season 3”. Want to add your thoughts? Send a comment to  https://www.facebook.com/CaffeinatedComics [Ep364]

In the midst of layoffs from one of the biggest American toy companies, Jon discusses what went right this year with Captain Toy himself! Michael Crawford runs down his personal Top 10 of 2023, how inflation and experience shapes a collection, and why Mezco is taking up so much of his time. Plus, knowing when to be a completist on a line and knowing when to get out.  [Ep363]

The comics market is changing and everyone has their own reason why. Jon and Elliott pore over the social media firestorm over the different ideas comic creators, retailers and fans have for falling comic book sales. From inflation to the end of periodicals to good old finger pointing, every excuse will be examined and dismissed. Plus, loving Mark Waid, feeling conflicted about Joss Whedon and arg...

It’s Doctor Who’s birthday and the BBC are celebrating with a soft reboot! Jon talks to JB Anderton, the host of the podcast “Doctor Who Gives a F*ck” on whether the Doctor is worth caring about again. Plus, breaking continuity, how David Tennant plays the Doctor today and why the long running sci-fi series is actually a magic trick. [Ep361]

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” has arrived on Disney Plus and it’s brought a new documentary on Harrison Ford with it. Jon and Elliott discuss what the doc covers (and doesn’t), how we can get to know the enigmatic Harrison Ford and how Disney Plus can save the reputation of the final Indy film. Plus, unstable digital libraries, the year of old men, and not being a...

Jon and Howie Weingarten took the holiday weekend to cram in as many “Mystery Science Theater 3000” level movies as possible. Some were amazing, some were painful and some were unwatchable. But if they were all bad, what’s the difference? Jon and Howie discuss the difference in tone and how the filmmakers sense of fun translates to an audience, even if the execution stinks. Plus,...

Steven Brown returns to the studio to talk MCU. Jon and Steven discuss skipping “The Marvels” to finish Loki Season 2, why Kevin Feige is the new Brian Michael Bendis, and whether pausing creative work recharges it or loses its spark forever. [Ep358]

We made up for starting our halloween celebration late by keeping it going an extra week. Howie Weingarten returns to speak of his love of haunted houses. He talks about the relationships between the guests and the actors, how out of the way locations bring more people in, and the responses he got when volunteering as his own monster. Plus, the fine line between scaring people and torturing them,...

Halloween came last this year! Jon and Howie line up a murderer’s row of horror recommendations as November rears its ugly head. Why were Roger Corman’s Edgar Allen Poe movies “A” list movies? When did “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” get an identity crisis? And, is “Sorority Babes at the Slimeball Bowl-a-Rama” just a good title? [Ep356]

Marvel Legend DG Chichester returns to comics in a big way! Dan tells Jon and Elliott all about his new 4-issue limited series “Daredevil: Black Armor” and how he returned to write Matt Murdock after 25 years. Plus, the shadow of Frank Miller, the next generation of Marvel talent and the kickstarter for his new creator-owned comic “Axles Infernal”! [Ep355]

Todd comes to the podcast with a Kickstarter already funded, so he tells Jon and Steven what’s in store for his latest novel and audiobook. Then, Todd uses his unique view into the comic book landscape to explain why sales charts no longer exist, what might actually be a hit and just what is going on with digital comics. [Ep354]

A comic legend has passed away. Jon and Elliott discuss how Keith Giffen’ dark art style and quirky sense of humor made him the backbone of DC comics for a generation, from Legion of Superheroes and Ambush Bug to Justice League International and 52 (not to mention creating Lobo). Plus, the return of Frasier Crane, why Loki is the new Doctor and how to let Batman back into your life. [Ep353]

Want to live in Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment? Neal Fischer can get you the next big thing. His new book “Behind the Screens” showcases floorplans from tv’s greatest shows from “The Brady Bunch” to “Scandal”. Jon and Neal discuss the missing fourth wall in most tv homes, impossible hallways and props that exist through the decades. Plus, missing writer&...

Toy Fair returns but in the fall, with no new announcements and planning to leave New York for New Orleans. Jon and Elliott discuss the changing face of press events, whether conventions are still the backbone of the industry and why AI doesn’t matter. Plus, streaming Vincent Price, VHS tapes and the problem with being Spider-Boy. [Ep351]

Jon had COVID all last week so we’re celebrating Batman Day today! Jon and Elliott discuss why the strikes have slowed down momentum for the world’s most popular comic book character, how current loyalty can turn into nostalgia and when we can expect the next Bat renaissance. Plus, a new Doctor Who trailer, non-sexual man crushes, and why no one will remember Larry, Daryll and Daryll....

Hasbro’s Marvel Legends has returned with another large figure! Steven tells Jon why the classic Avenger is already on his wish list, how Hasbro recovered from the failure of last year’s Engine of Destruction and whether a Quinjet is in the line’s future. Plus, McFarlane goes his own way, the endless choices of character selections through multiple eras and why Gen Xers and Mille...

The final Indiana Jones movie is available on digital and Jon and Elliott are kicking off Labor Day weekend watching it. Listen to this podcast along with the movie as the two super fans discuss behind the scenes stories, production secrets and recollections of the entire franchise in real time. [Ep348]

“Spider-Man: Lotus” cost $125,000. “The Flash” cost $200,000,000. And Jon and Elliott hate them both equally. How can a movie made out of love show no joy? How does the multiverse become formulaic? And what do both films miss about their core character? Plus, remembering the origin Harley Quinn, Arleen Sorkin. [Ep347]

How does Star Trek stay current while honoring its past? Jon welcomes Mr. Waynes Pop Culture Collectibles founder Mike Caplan to discuss all the series on Paramount Plus. How did “Picard” season 1 and 2 pave the way for the events of season 3? How does “Lower Decks” both parody and celebrate the franchise? Why is the viewscreen on “Strange New Worlds” so big? Pl...