Let Me Know How It Is

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives. "Generally speaking, in animation, if you can dream it and draw it, you can make it. Cartoons have so many examples of unexpected, daring creative ideas that become classics. On occasion, however, an occasional cartoon comes along that can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Maybe they’re based on something that doesn’t have a clear cut story, or a property that might not be the most kid-friendly in hindsight. The panel has assembled a list of cartoons, that might make one wonder, “how did that get made in the first place?” This episode was originally released April 14, 2021

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives. During World War II, comic readers saw many characters address the conflict on the world stage head on. Creators on characters like Superman and Batman pivoted creatively to deal with the war effort in addition to other characters of The Golden Age, including a whole slew of new characters. Among these brand new creations, none was more successful than Captain America. Interestingly, for a character anchored so much in the time period of his creation, Captain America's popularity is one of the most enduring in all of comics. He is certainly one of Marvel's most loved characters, and Chris Evans' portrayal of the character in the MCU has only added to the character’s exposure. It's been 80 years since his creation, and Captain America is still as relevant today as he was in the 1940s. For Cap's 80th year, and just in time for the 4th of July, the panel will celebrate Captain America. Also stay tuned to the closing segment for our look back at Captain America: The First Avenger as we approach the 10th anniversary of the film's release. This episode was originally released July 7, 2021

40 years ago, John Carpenter's The Thing was released in cinemas and the world was treated to a film that straddled the lines between Sci-Fi and horror. Fondly remembered for it's and paranoid, "Don't trust anyone" tension throughout and cutting edge special effects, The Thing stands as one of the classic films of the 80s. To celebrate Halloween, the panel reviews the John Carpenter's classic The Thing.

Our Team Archetype series is back, but this installment will have some Halloween flare. We're looking at various teams' Monster Members. Not to be confused with the muscle or tank characters; there are similarities to be sure, but the Monster teammates play out a little differently. Join the panel as they talk Team Monster Members.

This week saw the release of Werewolf by Night on Disney Plus. Based on the 1970's Monster Comic published by Marvel of the same name, Werewolf by Night is the latest entry into the beloved MCU. Starring Gael García Bernal and Laura Donnelly, the ambitious project directed by Michael Giacchino pays homage to horror tropes from Hollywood's classic era and blends it with Marvel's signature style all while being shot in glorious black and white. Join the panel as they discuss the very first Marvel Studio's Special Presentation, Werewolf by Night.

Everyone loves a good alien invasion story. Whether it’s an army with superior technology or a quieter, more subtle form of terror, there are plenty of scary aliens we’ve seen in pop culture. Join the panel as they talk about their picks for the some of the most dangerous aliens in pop culture.

We are 30 years removed from the premiere of one of the most influential animated shows of all time. This month, Batman: The Animated Series turns 30, and to celebrate, the panel will examine just what makes the show so influential after all these years! And we share recommendations of some underrated episodes that are definitely worth checking out. Part 2 of 2.

We're diving into a different aspect of pop culture fandom than we normally cover and talking about the world of collecting. For many people, pop culture and fandom and collecting all go hand in hand. And that is definitely the case for us. Here, our crew shares a love of action figures and to help share our passion for the hobby with you we are going to explore the Marvel Legends line of toys. We cover where our collections started, the figures we just had to have, and what we're really excited to see coming. So join us to find out to what lengths we will go, and which international borders Frank and Tommy might cross, in order to find some holy grails to add to our Marvel Legends collections.

Every two years, D23 comes around, a big convention not unlike San Diego Comic Con, but solely covering the magical world of Disney. It’s where they unveil everything coming out for the next few years. Star Wars, Disney Plus, Marvel/MCU, Pixar, it’s all here and given the chance to shine with trailers, casting news, concept art, and other cool announcements. Join the panel as they react to all the news coming out of D23 2022!

We are 30 years removed from the premiere of one of the most influential animated shows of all time. This month, Batman: The Animated Series turns 30, and to celebrate, the panel will examine just what makes the show so influential after all these years! Part 1 of 2.

1992 was a stellar year for Marvel's Merry Mutants. It was the year X-Men: the Animated Series premiered. What some fans might not know, is that before that, a little-known pilot was produced for another X-Men animated series in 1989. The pilot, titled "Pryde of the X-Men" ultimately was never ordered to series, but none-the-less is a superb piece of superhero animation that maybe doesn't get the praise it deserves. Join the panel as they dive into the animation archive and revisit "Pryde of the X-Men"

Team Archetype series returns with every team's Heart & Soul characters. The team's moral compass. The team's north star. The glue that holds the team together. Join the panel as the talk Team Heart & Souls.

Definitive 5 has returned! Frank is back with a new list of some of pop culture's most popular and interesting characters that have all appeared in movies, comics, video games, animation, & TV. We go through and each decides which version is the host of the definitive version of that character. Including: Wolverine, Starfire, Thanos, Bart Simpson, the Huntress and many more! This is Definitive 5 IV.

A follow up to last episode where the panel discussed the details about characters with multiple superhero origins stories. We're looking at a new batch of characters and detailing what changes were made. Part 2 of 2 featuring: The Joker, Scarlet Witch, The Flash, Captain America, and the Justice League.

Origin stories are of utmost importance when it comes to superheroes, detailing who they are and how they came to be to readers and audiences. The issue though, especially when characters could have been created as long as 80 years ago, is that aspects of the origin story can become dated with time. What happens is that over time, characters can receive many retellings of their origin story updating it for the times. Join us for Part 1 of 2 as we discuss the details about characters with multiple origin stories. Including Spider-Man, Batman, Ms. Marvel and Superman.

It's Comic-Con time again! The big one in San Diego! The time of huge announcements for exciting new projects and collectables. Join us as we react to all the big animation, comic book, TV, and movie news from SDCC 2022!

Backwards episodes, Live shows, Marriages, and Murders: every show has that episode where they tried something crazy. A lot of times, it was a result of trying to get as many eyes on the show as possible for the much talked about "Sweeps Week." Some of these episodes went on to be long-forgotten television experiments; while others became know as monumental moments in pop culture. Join us as we discuss some of the craziest ratings stunt episodes in TV history.

We're back with the latest installment in our Team Archetype series, this time around we look at the Tanks. Every team has one. The big guy, the muscle, the immovable object; but this archetype can actually take many shapes and sizes. Join the panel as the talk Team Tanks.

The crew explores the "Kids on Bikes" sub-genre of action-adventure movies and shows that seems to be just as popular now, with shows such as Stranger Things, as it was back in its original E.T. and Goonies filled heyday of the 1980s. They discuss some of their favorite movies and shows, both new and old, to try to figure out why they loved them so much back then, and why these types of stories are still so enduring today.

This week the panel reviews Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), the 28th Film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The panel discusses performances, story, and the many twists and turns of the film as well as what it could mean for future MCU installments.

The Amazing Spider-Man is celebrating his 60th Anniversary this summer! The crew wraps up their talk about all things Spidey. Bring on the bad guys! Because this time they turn their focus to the many rogues of Spider-Man. They also share thoughts about some of their favorite Spider-Man creators throughout the characters' illustrious comic history. Part 2 of 2.

The Amazing Spider-Man is celebrating his 60th Anniversary this summer! The panel talks all things Spidey, and just what makes this character so enduring and unyieldingly popular. Part 1 of 2.

Growing up, our crew here was raised on a steady diet of G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero, which is currently celebrating several anniversaries. This year marks 40 years since the iconic toy line was launched along side the classic comic book series. In addition, it's been 35 years since the release of the animated G.I.Joe: The Movie! So the join the panel as they take a broad look at G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero!

We're back again for another round of Frank's Many Mini Movie Reviews. Join in and hear his thoughts on 2022's The Batman and much, much more!

This week the crew dives into director Matt Reeves' The Batman. They give their thoughts on performances by Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Paul Dano, Colin Ferrell, and more. And with host and resident Batmanologist, Zack, they share insights into the world of Batman from the comics and other media and also make some predictions about what could be in store next for this version of the Caped Crusader.

Every team has their class clown. The person who is there to lighten the mood with a quick joke or comment. Continuing with our Team Member Archetype series, join the panel as they discuss some of the best examples of Comic Relief characters.

The comic book world lost two all-time great artists over the past several weeks. The crew is joined again by guest Devon Sanders as they look back at the legendary careers of comic creators Neal Adams & George Pérez.

This week the crew imagines a world where they have been tasked with RE-launching a Shared DC Cinematic Universe. Starting anew from scratch, they spell out what characters/properties they would use and what stories they think should be told as the foundation of this new hypothetical movie universe.

The world of superheroes can be daunting, especially for newcomers. With superhero movies and shows being as popular as they are now, more than ever new fans are interested in checking out their favorite heroes in their original storytelling medium: comic books. But where to start? That's where we come in! We're going over some of the most popular heroes and listing our choices of safe places for new readers to jump on board.

Frank, unfortunately, had to go under the knife recently. But now that he's all healed up and rested we thought it would be fun to go over all the films he checked out during that time. Join us for a bunch of mini-movie reviews, as Frank walks us through what he watched while he was taking some time off to recover.

It's used to be a common thing to hear, "the sequel is never as good as the original". These days that isn't necessarily true. Many films have sequels just as good if not better than the original. Trilogies are another story though. What seems to be the most common is for there to be two great installments with a lacking third entry. But there are examples where all three films have been wonderful. Join the panel as they talk Perfect Trilogies.

Continuing with our Team Member Archetype series, today the panel looks at some of the best examples of Team Leaders. Arguably the characters that come to mind first when you thing about various teams and groups. Join the conversation as the panel discusses Team Leaders.

Unquestionably cinema's highest prize in Hollywood is the Academy Award aka the Oscar. Over the years, though, their existence and relevance has come into question more and more by movie goers. Are the right movies being recognized? We tackle some age old questions here: How is great defined? What does success look like? What is the nature of art? It's all here, using the Oscars as our jumping off point.

Our third annual March Madness Tournament concludes here! We started with 64 of the best main characters and here we are. This is it! We now find out who the panel’s favorite protagonist in all of pop culture! Also included are some honorable mentions of characters that didn’t make the cut. Part 3 of 3.

Our third annual March Madness Tournament continues! We've got even more crazy main character match-ups and even more arbitrary decisions. We're on a mission to crown the greatest protagonist in all of pop culture. Part Two of our tournament takes us through the Round of 32 and the Sweet Sixteen. (Part 2 of a 3-part series)

It's our third annual March Madness Tournament! Tommy takes the lead as we go through all of the first round matchups to crown the greatest protagonist in the history of pop-culture! Join us for Part One of this three part series where we pit 64 of our personal favorite main characters against each other one-on-one and choose winners based on completely arbitrary criteria.

In the world of animation, there are few figures more important than Tex Avery. A bombastic creative force who brought his unique brand of comedy, energy, and wit. In addition he introduced us to many of the favorites we know and love: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig, all are household names in part because of Avery's influence. Today the panel honors one of the greats from the Golden Age of animation, Tex Avery.

Continuing with our Team Member Character Archetype series, today the panel looks at some of the best examples of the Team Rogue. This Archetype includes some of media's most popular characters -- people love the scoundrel rebels type. Join the conversation as the panel discusses Team Rogues.

The hey-day for Action Movies was the 80s and early 90s, and few are more synonymous with the genre than Bruce Willis. Everybody knows his most famous role, but he also starred in a lesser known favorite called The Last Boy Scout. As we do from time to time we're jumping in and doing a deep dive on a movie from the past, so join us as we discuss this thrilling actioner from 1991.

We talk a lot about heroes on Let Me Know How It Is. Characters who never say die. Characters who believe in themselves. Characters who find the courage to do the right thing no matter what. These characters are plentiful, but they don’t have to wear a cape to be a hero. Sports movies share many of the themes that we all know and love from superheroes. A genre with its own conventions and tropes and no shortage of memorable entries. Join us as we talk up our favorite sports movies.

Batman has some of the best and most popular rogues gallery in all of comics, and Two-Face is one of the brightest villainous standouts. There is so much to his character: the grotesque visual, the two-toned/patterned suits, and of course the coin flipping. One of Two-Face's many obsessions is also with the number two. In honor of 2/2/22, and as we approach his 80th anniversary, the panel will focus on the Batman Rogue, Two-Face.

Pop culture has more than its fair share of geniuses. Practically any property or franchise you can think of has a resident intellectual; but which is the best? Who is the smartest of the smart? The panel today is looking at the Brains of the Operations, and we're listing our favorites. Following our Super Team Dynamics episode, where we touched on some of the common types of characters that often comprise teams, this episode is the first in a series we will regularly revisit where we explore each character archetype more in depth.

Team books are a staple of comic books. The Fantastic Four and the Justice League were break out hits in the 60s. Teen Titans and the X-Men were some of the hottest books of the 80s and 90s. And of course, there may be nothing in pop-culture hotter than The Avengers at the moment. Each team has its own feel, it's own vibe, and the panel wanted to explore the dynamics and character interactions of some of our favorite team books. Come along and join the conversation as the panel tackles Team Dynamics.

World building is a term that applies to the vastness of a fictional world. Its a concept that interestingly sees that the fuller a universe becomes, the more scrutinized the world gets, as its devoted fan base tries to understand every facet of that fictional environment. There is a component of this to all art, but the best examples of world building can create an engaging experience for audiences no matter how fantastical that world might be. Buckle in as the panel takes a good long look at world building.

As promised, it's Part 2 of our Year End Annual! This time the panel looks ahead to 2022 and lists all the movies, tv, & comics we have high anticipation and hopes for. Help us usher in 2022 with some hopefully future classics coming out way in the New Year.

It's time again for our Year End Annual! Here, in Part 1, the panel will look back and discuss all the pop culture goodness that came our way in 2021! Join the panel as we say goodbye to 2021 and get ready for the new year.

There is no more iconic female superhero in the world than Wonder Woman. For decades, she has been a staple of pop culture and a symbol of feminism, and women's empowerment and this year she's turning 80! A warrior, a princess, an activist, a superhero, and a founding member of the Justice League -- there is so much to unpack so we brought in some help. Featuring guest panelist, and Wonder Woman enthusiast, Devon Sanders. Join us as the panel celebrates 80 years of Wonder Woman!

1961, the year that started it all. Some argue it's the start of the silver age of comics. That part is certainly up for debate but what is not is that 1961 saw the release of one of the most seminal books of all time. 60 years ago, Fantastic Four #1 hit newsstands. Its creative team, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, not only created some of the most enduring characters of all time, but their work in FF led to the creation of almost the entire Marvel Universe as well as one of the most celebrated runs in all of comics. Join the panel as we tackle all things Fantastic Four and celebrate the first family of Marvel's 60th anniversary!

Can you believe it’s been 101 episodes so far?! For such a momentous milestone, we just couldn’t settle for one topic. Or even two topics. No, for our 101st episode we are shooting out 101 of the hottest takes there are. That’s right! 101 hot takes in 101 minutes across a plethora of pop cultural topics that we believe deep down to our very cores! Plus we share many other nuggets of information, thoughts, and opinions along the way. So, saddle up for episode number 101, and counting!

Definitive 5 is back! Frank has assembled a list of some of the most popular and interesting characters from pop culture. The only thing they all have in common, is they have all appeared in movies, comics, video games, animation, AND Television. In this third installment, the panel goes through this list to decide each of their preferred versions of beloved characters from pop culture, including Cyclops, Venom, Boba Fett, and many, many, more.