Caffeinated Comics on Radio Misfits

It’s Crisis on Multiple Series! Jon and Steven discuss the stunt castings, the legacy of DC on television and whether interconnected continuity keeps away a new audience as it caters to existing fans. Also, quitting paper monthly comics, when hardcover graphic novels are worth it, and why it’s hard to binge watch any show made before 1990.

Is it the greatest movie of the year or the greatest episode of “Gotham?” Jon, Steven and Kevin Ryan discuss the self-contained universe, the real-life mental illness it confronts, the debt the movie owes not only to Martin Scorcese but Heath Ledger and if there’s anyone to root for in the entire film. Plus, what was real and what was in Arthur’s head?

Live with Art Balthazar! Jon and Steven appear at the Blue Box Cafe to discuss George Lucas’ comments on Disney’s “Star Wars” movies with Elliott Serrano. Then legendary DC cartoonist Art Balthazar gets involved and keeps everyone on stage for his podcast, A Famous Cartoonist Says Things with his co host Mike Campobasso It’s a podcast crossover that covers everything...

Batman is 80! Jon, Steven and Lisa Brown discuss where Bruce Wayne is now. Can Tom King leave lasting change on the character? Where is the line between intense and two-dimensional? Blue or black? Plus, does Batman need a secret identity?

James Gunn announces over 20 cast members of his soft reboot. Who’s coming back form the first film? Who’s coming back from Guardians of the Galaxy? Who will get killed? Plus, how much we drank before recording.

While Steven sees the most anticipated horror movie of the year, Jon stays home with “Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” on Netflix. Jon and Steven discuss the blending off Stephen King’s novel’s structure into two films, the odd SPOILERY right turn it takes in the final act, and why the orgy scene should never be shot. Then, Jon discusses how Jim Henson’s heirs took hi...

EP138: Caffeinated Comics invades Libertyville! Jon and Steven visit The Bess Bower Dunn museum and their collection of Alex Ross originals! They discuss Ross’ detailed pencil work, early criticisms and the stuffed dolls he made of Marvel characters. Plus, how comics are pitched, the importance of collaborators and how seeing superheroes as a child never really changes your perception of the...

EP137: Disney makes its own SDCC! Jon and Steven wade through a deluge of announcements, from She-Hulk, Moon Knight and Ms. Marvel to Jeff Goldblum being Jeff Goldblum. Plus, Disney’s hands-off approach to the Muppets and Sony’s hands-off approach to Disney over Spider-Man

After cancelling his movie, it’s looking like Ewan McGregor is signing up for an entire Star Wars series! Jon and Steven discuss how  CBS streaming “Picard” may have influenced this decision. Plus, the return of “Invader Zim” and why Jon is not on board for “The Boys”.

Yes, Frank Miller’s “Daredevil” is great. Chris Claremont’s “X-Men” set the benchmark. Stan Lee’s “Amazing Spider-Man” is required reading. But what else? Jon and Steven discuss the great runs of characters that often fly beneath the radar. Why did no one know Paul Dini was writing monthly Batman comics? What did Jack Kirby do to Captain Americ...

When it comes to “Avengers: Endgame” there’s always more to talk about. Jon and Steven download the movie on iTunes and learn how well it fits with “Avengers: Infinity War”. They study the deleted scenes and audio commentary to learn everything they can about the most popular movie in the world. Plus, Kevin Conroy joins the CW, Muppets are on display in Queens and why...

Jonathan Hickman reboots the X-Men! Jon and Steven discuss plot vs. world-building, how the writer may alienate new fans, and what it will take to get Marvel’s flagship back to its peak. Plus, Rutger Hauer passes and “Batman: Hush” gets animated.

Oh, the announcements! Jon and Steven cover the phase 4 slate of MCU movies and streaming, Jonathan Hickman’s new “X-Men” run, trailers for “Picard” and the “Harley Quinn” animated series and the lack of a new “Batman” creative team. Plus all. The. Figures.

EP131: The icon turns 77! Jon and Steven discuss how the added a depth to the characters of Han Solo and Indiana Jones other action stars couldn’t match. Plus, the passing of Rip Torn, deep fakes and why there’s no limit to what Jon will send on action figures.

EP130: Marvel’s flagship character closes out the MCU Phase 3! Jon, Steven and Owen O’Riordan discuss the self-contained story, how to make Mysterio a complex and formidable character, the evolution of MJ and That. Mid. Credits. Scene. Also, was that really the black costume?

EP129: While Jon and Steven impatiently wait for “Spider-Man: Far From Home” Marvel rereleases “Avengers; Endgame” with additional footage! Is it worth another trip to the theater? Plus, why Jack Kirby kept recreating gods, comic fans still hate “Teen Titans Go” and J.J. Abrams writes Spider-Man in between Star Wars.

EP128: The Tim Burton adaptation of DC Comics flagship character turns 30! Steven, Lisa Brown and David Brown see it on the big screen for the first time at a Fathom event while Jon and Trafton Crandall recall how the film shaped the summer of ’89. Plus, how Jack Nicholson’s Joker measures up to Heath Ledger, why the most expensive movie made didn’t have enough budget for extras...

This summers’ “X-Men” and “Men in Black” movies are bombs but no one seems to care. In a world of evergreen properties and multi-media schedules, does one movie even matter anymore? How are Batman and Marvel so powerful into their 80s? Plus, Gen X makes toys great again and Steven learns that all “Spider-Man” paths lead to “Evil Dead 2”.

Steven has a kidney stone that’s not as bad as “Dark Phoenix”. He did make it to “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” for better or worse. Plus, the death of the DC Universe app and Harrison Ford gives the last word on Indiana Jones.

The writer of “Batman” leaves “Batman”! Jon and Steven discuss what factored in Tom King’s dismissal from the flagship title, how “Batman/Catwoman” commits to his 100 issue story and why he’s writing a “New Gods” movie. Plus, is “Amazing Spider-Man” the most consistent title in comics history

Disappointment sits on the Iron Throne. Jon, Steven, David Brown and Renee Clarke discuss the controversial final season, how George R.R. Martin’s future books could possibly compete and the value in terrified screams. Plus, now that it’s over, is it worth starting?

A new “Batman” actor! A new Bat TV series! A new animated film! And why all of these make people mad! Plus, anime conventions, more Rick and Morty, Disney double streaming sites and why Robert Downey Jr. deserves 75 million dollars.

EP122: Marvel announces the biggest creative team on a single comic ever! Jon and Steven discuss how the anniversary book will balance more than 80 writers and artists, how DC set the stage with Action and Detective Comics 1000, and if this issue will affect continuity. Plus, the new “Spider-Man: Far From Home” trailer spoils “Avengers: Endgame”.

In the afterglow of “Avengers: Endgame”, Jon and Steven seem to like everything, from “Free Comic Book Day” launching event books to “May the Fourth” taking a sentimental turn honoring the passing of Peter Mayhew. Plus, Jon meets Dana Gould for the first time since his appearance on the podcast.

**SPOILERS** Jon, Steven, Lisa Brown, Tina Canfield and Joe Pakovits go deep into the SPOILERS of the most SPOILERIFIC Marvel movie ever made. Plot points, character resolutions, tone and crying will all be discussed. SPOILERS!