The Suicide Squad
Paul Hoppe and Jessica Plummer join me to unravel the ethical conundrums presented in The Suicide Squad. We dissect character motivations, moral dilemmas, and the surprisingly deep layers within the film.
August 17, 2021
Paul Hoppe and Jessica Plummer join me to unravel the ethical conundrums presented in The Suicide Squad. We dissect character motivations, moral dilemmas, and the surprisingly deep layers within the film.
Should superheroes make a vow to never kill? Is there a moral difference between killing in battle and executing a supervillain to prevent future crimes? We explore these intense debates using Jupiter’s Legacy as a starting point for broader discussion—no need to have seen the show, as one of our guests hasn’t either! Joining me are Paul Hoppe and Jessica Plummer.
The Comics Code gets sidelined, teen angst and diversity rise among our heroes, and Wonder Woman graces the cover of Ms. Magazine—the Bronze Age of comic books was indeed a wild time. Jessica Plummer returns to discuss this captivating period in comic book history with me.
Jess Plummer joins us for Part 2 of our dive into the Silver Age in Comics History.
How did Marvel revolutionize the comic book industry in the 60s? Who were Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and what made the idea of relatable superheroes resonate so deeply with readers? Jessica Plummer and I explore these questions and more in the third episode of our Comics History Series!
The new Wonder Woman movie is out, and Jessica Plummer and I have opinions! What have we learned about Wonder Woman, and what questions do we still have? What is the significance of a final battle fought with words, not weapons? And did a movie set in the 1980s need to draw on so many of the sexist and racist tropes of that era?
In part two of our history of comic book superheroes, we round out the golden age with a discussion of the Comics Code Authority, which sought to rescue America’s youth from the “10 cent plague!”
When discussing superheroes and the decisions they make, a favorite topic among fans is the origins of these characters and how they have evolved through different writers and mediums. Today, we kick off a special series where Matthew is joined by superhero history expert Jess Plummer. Together, we will trace the history and development of these caped crusaders. Expect new episodes about once a month.
For our milestone 100th episode, we assembled a panel of FIVE distinguished guests for a riveting discussion on some of our favorite ethical quandaries. Who should heroes answer to? What defines a compelling villain? And in these trying times, would it be ethical for a person with mind-control powers to compel universal mask-wearing until the pandemic’s conclusion?
Jess Plummer and Becky Allen join us to discuss She-Ra! What makes Catra such a compelling character? How does this show blur the lines between hero and villain, friend and dating, and different shades of morality? What makes this show such a powerful example of representation, on so many levels? And just how hard do you have to work in this world to NOT get a redemption arc?