Are you legally responsible for the actions of your clone? What truly defines the self, and is it possible to upload or copy one’s consciousness? Rob McKenzie joins me for a deep dive into the realm of science fiction to explore the perplexing questions that arise from the concept of digitized consciousness.
Listen NowCan mutants earn love and acceptance by embodying heroism? Is Magneto’s vision of peace through separation attainable? And does Charles truly have Jean’s best interests at heart, or is he protecting her from her powers and past for his own reasons?
Listen NowWhat is the role of fate in the Terminator films? How faithfully do the subsequent movies adhere to this concept? And what actions can one take when they foresee the potential tragedy their current decisions might lead to?
Listen NowWhat if the Batman narrative unfolded in the late 19th century? What if Superman championed the ideals of the Soviet Union, having landed there instead of the United States? What happens when narratives take our cherished characters and defy canon by placing them in entirely different times, settings, situations, or tones?
Listen NowJess Plummer joins us for Part 2 of our dive into the Silver Age in Comics History.
Listen NowHow 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!
Listen NowDr. Doom is one of the most iconic villains in comic book history. Yet, he often transcends the traditional role of a villain, assuming the mantle of an anti-hero, a reluctant ally, or sometimes even a hero, all while maintaining his distinctive identity and perspective. Special guest J. Scotty St. Claire joins me for an in-depth discussion on Doctor Doom, exploring how his varied depictions illuminate the influential role of context in delineating the villain from the hero.
Listen NowWhen you do the right thing and bad things happen, does it mean you made a mistake? Paul and Matthew delve into the concept of results-oriented thinking and examine how Johnny succumbs to this pitfall with respect to morality and consequences in Season 3 of Cobra Kai. We also discuss the repercussions of violence, question why no one receives therapy in the Miyagi-verse, and explore how a show that began as an interesting critique of 1980s action movies ended up emulating them in its third season.
Listen NowThe 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?
Listen NowWhat makes canon and continuity such vital components of modern genre media? What are the dangers of becoming too focused on canon? MCUCast co-hosts Matthew Carroll and Jeff Randle join me to unpack these questions.
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