Captain America punched a lot of Nazis — does that mean we should too? While we’re pretty pro-Nazi punching, we want to delve into the complexities surrounding it. In this episode, Paul and Matthew explore the ethical issues involved in translating superhero justice from the page to real life.
Listen NowDid Galen Erso make the right choice in helping to build the Death Star while embedding a fatal flaw? What lessons can Rogue One teach us about rebellion and what it means to find your own path to combat tyranny? Paul and Matthew explore these complex themes in this week’s episode.
Listen NowPaul and Matthew delve into the enigma of Gotham’s Clown Prince of Crime. They ponder the symbiotic relationship between hero and villain: Does the Joker need Batman, or is it Batman who needs the Joker? And they tackle the contentious debate — who was the best Joker?
Listen NowThis week, Rebecca Rose Vassey joins Matthew for a discussion on the “Chosen One” trope in superhero media. Does a hero need to be chosen? Who gets to choose, and who gets to accept or reject being chosen?
Listen NowThis week, special guest Robin Gee joins Matthew to discuss the balance between ethics and storytelling for writers. They explore Robin’s webcomic Pin Porter, as well as Supergirl, Calvin & Hobbes, and The Lord of the Rings.
Listen NowPaul is back and joins Matthew for a discussion of the new Doctor Strange movie. They dive deep into the nature of identity, the emergence of magic in the MCU, the concept of hubris, and the power of nonviolent confrontation.
Listen NowWhat does it take to be considered a hero? How have our perceptions of heroes evolved, and does portraying a hero on screen confer real-life heroism? This week, special guest Adam Hulse joins Matthew to delve into these topics and more.
Listen NowThis week, Paul and Matthew are joined by Logan Grendel, who talks with them about V for Vendetta, dystopian stories, and the ethics of violence. (It all ties together, we promise!)
“Dog man” Logan Grendel is a writer, artist, and activist born and raised in New York City. He is a lifelong fan of comics, fantasy, and dystopian tales. His own photo/graphic novel,Harlequin’s Song, was completed in 2006, and has never seemed more timely.
Listen NowPaul and Matthew talk about the Luke Cage series in its entirety, diving deep into Cottonmouth vs. Diamondback, what it means for a comic book show to comment on real-world situations, and the portrayal of the police in the MCU.
Listen NowThis week, Matthew talks with special guest Dr. Katy Valentine about Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the concept of apocalypse in the stories we love. We discuss the show and some of the questions it raises, especially in terms of its approach to themes such as good versus evil, personal sacrifice, and redemption.
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