Caffeinated Comics on Radio Misfits

Jon gives a guest lecture! Wally Podrazik invites Jon to speak to his media class on advertising, comics and podcasting. From the right microphones to when you’ll see Deadpool in the MCU, Jon talks to Bhavini Nayi, Mark Plese,Michelle Campos Tony Mazzarri and Jaelyn Vickers before they start their own careers in media.

It’s all been building to this. Jon and Steven have a MASSIVE SPOILER discussion with Lisa Brown and Tina Canfield about the 19th Marvel Studios film. Is Thanos the best MCU villain? Are a decade of storylines finally paid off? What about that ending? And how important will next year’s Avengers 4 be to understanding this movie?

The oldest comic book ever just got older! Jon and Steven discuss the legacy of the first superhero comic, whether there are classic stories in it, what impact Superman has had on the comic book industry and why series renumber themselves. Plus, a “Smallville” actress is arrested for running a sex cult. Because 2018.

After three years, Dan Slott brings back Marvel’s first family! Jon and Steven discuss the role Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’ original creation plays in the Marvel Universe, what impact they might have on the movies when the Fox/Disney deal goes through and why Doctor Doom is the center of the Marvel Universe. Plus, more and more footage of “Avengers: Infinity War” and is Stan L...

Steven stops by the studio in between visits to McCormick Place to talk the biggest Chicago convention of 2018! What happens at the privately guarded retailer summit? How do Dan DiDio and C.B. Cebulski connect with retailers? Why has there never been a national chain of comic book stores? Plus, who’s responsible for the carpets?

Did we get the whole truth? Lauren Faits rejoins us to close the 25 year saga. How does this comeback measure against “Roseanne” and “Star Trek: Discovery”? And, what’s more important, nostalgia or a satisfying conclusion?

Two major Marvel trailers are out! Jon and Steven discuss the expanded budget of a sequel for a movie intended to be a cult hit, the balance of spoilers vs the excitement of new footage and how Jonathan Hickman may have influenced the biggest superhero movie off all time.

The last of the big toy chains is gone. Mike Caplan, owner of Mr. Wayne’s Pop Culture Collectibles and Steven share insights of how the loss of the anchor store affects small businesses. Jon tells stories of how growing up changed his relationship with the franchise and all three compare Geoffrey’s demise with the disappearance of KB Toys earlier in the aughts.

Jon’s out to sea! Bill Monroe takes Jon for his first geek cruise to Mexico and they record several check-in podcasts in between events. Panels! Performances! Karaoke! Tequila! Plus, what it’s like to live in the grey area between convention and summer camp and how to be neighborly to Will Wheaton, Maria Bamford, Matt Fraction, Jonathan Coulton and more.

Steven published a graphic novel! He and Dani Romero tell Jon about the nine-year process creating the hardcover, his influences shining through his work, how Kickstarter made a difference and the freedom of drawing in a “cover band”.

Live from the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago! Jon and Steven talk to curator Wally Podrazik about the new interactive exhibit of a television milestone. Wally discusses the impact a show with such history can have on current events, his own experiences in the studio audience and how the exhibit takes you through a typical week of production.

Marvel’s first all African-American film is out! Is there anything to dislike about this film? Jon, Steven gush over the unique tone and three dimensional characters while Davis Miller finds some issues and immediately feels bad about it. Plus, the drawings are fighting!

The Super Bowl brings big commercials. But seriously, FIVE movie trailers? Jon and Steven cover the teases for Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Deadpool 2, Venom and Solo: A Star Wars Story. These run the gamut from amazing to misguided garbage but which is which? Check out this episode and you will know, young padawan.

Live from the first Lyons Township comic convention! Jon, Steven and Joe Pakovits take the main stage to talk trying new things, whether it’s a con, a long-running series or a new creative team. Plus, how boycotting “Black Panther” makes you look racist.

Scott Snyder is taking over “Justice League” but only after he finishes the “Metal” event. And one more event. Jon, Steven and Dani Romero discuss the recent escalation of crossovers to the point where their schedules overlap. Do the stories still have impact? Are they asking too much financially from a shrinking market? Do tie-ins hurt the trade market? Plus, the wisdom in...

After writing the wall-crawler for ten years, Dan Slott is moving on. Jon, Steven and Joe Pakovits discuss his most impactful stories, his early days as part of a think-tank of writers on “Amazing Spider-Man” and how he paid off the multiple wild directions for Peter Parker. Plus, how he might approach his new assignment; Iron Man.

How long do you let it go on? Jon and Steven discuss when to leave a show, comic or movie franchise. Is it one bad story or a case of “boiling the frog”? And, can it ever return to its former heights?

The X Files comeback returns for its second season and goes off the rails immediately. Lauren Faits returns to discuss the retcon of the premiere episode, its treatment of Scully and whether the mythology should even matter anymore. Plus, what happens when female characters suddenly become mothers.

Yes, 2017 was horrible. Nevertheless, Jon and Steven push through the onslaught of daily disasters to find something positive. Find out their choices for the best movie, TV, comic and collectible of the year. Plus, they both still love “Star Wars: the Last Jedi”.

Twas the night before Christmas and Jon just got a free moment. He talks about his childhood memories of the holiday, how action figures shaped his experience each year and how becoming a parent is like joining the backstage crew of Christmas. Also, where everyone else is.

It’s the movie that split fandom in half and now it does the same to our podcast! Elliott Serrano and Kevin Ryan are here to talk Rian Johnson’s take on a galaxy far, far away. Who loved it? Who hated it? Who forgives the prequels and who’s done with the franchise? Debate, debate, debate!

Jon gets back from Disney World to a stack of comics in his pull list. Steven talks the validity of DC’s “Doomsday Clock” while Jon questions its release before the “Metal” event is complete. Then, Jon relates how Netflix’s “Punisher” washes the taste of “Iron Fist” and “Defenders” out of your brain. Plus, everyone’s sti...

Next year’s Marvel movie is so big it takes an hour to discuss this 2 and a half minute trailer! Dani Romero joins

The creator of Kyle Rayner is here! Ron Marz talks the first comics that connected with him as a child, his ability to transcend genre and the Kickstarter for his new project “Beasts of the Black Hand”! Plus, the real story behind Hal Jordan’s transformation into Parallax and the introduction of the 90’s Green Lantern!

It’s been through the ringer and now it’s here! Jon and Elliott Serrano discuss the clashing tones of two directors, the omnipresent CG and the similarities to “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”! Plus one of us likes it