Podcasting since 2007, the new iteration of the Sidebar podcast features even more entertaining and off-the-wall discussions on comics, art, and other pop culture topics.
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When John Byrne was given the creative reins of DC's The Man of Steel, he reimagined Superman for a new generation, redefining the character while challenging long-held assumptions about who the Last Son of Krypton was and what he could be. In the final installment of our 1986 series, we trace Byrne's career leading up to The Man of Steel, explore the sweeping changes he made to Superman's…
The fourth installment in Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man series is finally here, and of course, we’re all over it. Spider-Man: Brand New Day has swung into theaters as both a critical and box-office smash, raking in a billion dollars in just six days and boasting a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. On the pod, we nerd out over all the comic book goodness packed into the movie, including…
Frank Miller is one of the most influential—and controversial—creators in comic book history. With the release of his new memoir, we couldn't wait to dive in. Part autobiography and part creative playbook, Miller reflects on the defining moments of his life and career while pulling back the curtain on the storytelling techniques behind some of comics' most iconic works. In the conversation, we…
After all this time, is there anything else that can be said about the Watchmen comic series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons? On this week's pod, we sure give it our best shot! We compare the endless stream of Watchmen adaptations to the ever-expanding sprawl of the Star Wars universe. We debate whether Watchmen singlehandedly created the modern lens through which everyone now views superheroes.…
Frank Castle returns, wreaking havoc on those who got it comin' in this action-packed, one-shot special on Disney+. Co-written by the man behind the skull himself, Jon Bernthal, One Last Kill finds Frank trapped in a high-rise tenement, dispatching bad guys after a bounty is placed on his head by an enemy with a personal score to settle. On the pod, we discuss how this special fits into the larger…
Have you ever been exposed to radiation and walked away all the better for it? Or maybe you have a coworker who’s secretly an alien from another planet… and thankfully, one of the good ones? On this week’s episode, we examine the thin line between the iconic and the absurd as we rank the best—and worst—superhero origins. We talk about why, as kids, we were so obsessed with where these heroes came…
Back in 1966, a little science fiction show boldly went where no television series had gone before. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series, we assembled a pod dedicated to the show that changed TV with its swashbuckling adventure, big ideas, and thoughtful morality tales. We discuss the initial vision for the series and the unforgettable cast who brought it to life —…
It was bound to happen eventually, right? As longtime cinephiles (and, sure, a little snobby about it), we finally turn our attention to the state of modern movies and TV. On this episode, we dive into what today’s film and streaming landscape gets right—and where it leaves us scratchin’ our heads. There’s a lot to love: the convenience of firing up a movie at home without tracking down a physical…
When Frank Miller wrote and drew The Dark Knight Returns in 1986, he didn’t just reimagine Batman—he detonated the character and rebuilt him inside a grim, dystopian Gotham City. This installment of our “1986: A Landmark Year in Comics” series revisits Miller’s bold reinvention of Gotham’s protector. On the pod, we recount the buzz in the mid-’80s when Miller took on one of DC Comics' flagship…
In this installment of our series on groundbreaking releases from 1986, we’re spotlighting Maus, Art Spiegelman’s landmark graphic novel about his father, Vladek, a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. Written and illustrated by Spiegelman, Maus moves between Vladek’s harrowing wartime experiences and the complicated relationship between father and son decades later. Through the now-famous device of…
What happens when superhero comics get weird—like, really weird? On this episode of "Unsung Ink," we explore the world of Sam Kieth, a creator who bent anatomy, tone, and storytelling into something wholly his own. We dig into Kieth’s early days in comics, from his inking work on Mage with Matt Wagner to his memorable contributions to The Sandman alongside Neil Gaiman. From there, we discuss his…
Forty years ago, comics hit a turning point. Mainstream and indie publishers alike released a wave of bold, groundbreaking stories that reshaped the medium. This is the first installment in our series, “1986: A Landmark Year in Comics,” and we’re kicking things off with Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. On the episode, we dig into the story’s brutal premise, as the…
For every hero soaring overhead, there’s a creator behind the scenes who deserves their shine. This Black History Month, we’re giving flowers to the Black writers and artists who helped define comics as we know it. From Matt Baker and Billy Graham, to Denys Cowan and Christopher Priest, to Stephanie Williams and Khary Randolph, we follow a creative throughline across generations. We also highlight…
Not all art is love at first sight. This week, we spotlight the hard-to-get artists — those acquired tastes who confuse you before they convert you. In the conversation, we celebrate bold originals like Richard Corben and Tony Salmons, unpacking how their styles challenged comic readers and pushed boundaries within the medium. Beyond the panel borders, we cite rule-breakers Ralph Steadman and…
Since the 1980s, mainstream comics has had more than its fair share of superstar creators. But for every Chris Claremont and John Byrne, there have been hundreds of writers and artists quietly doing good work month after month. On this episode, we’re celebrating those “blue-collar” creators—the ones who may not have been treated like stars, but wrote and drew good-ass comics. We champion Silver…
We're starting off the New Year racing against the clock with movies that unfold over the course of a single day—or night. From sunup-to-sundown classics like Dog Day Afternoon, to 24-hour pressure cookers such as Sinners, to noir thrillers that take place fully at night like Panic Room, we break down how filmmakers make limited time feel limitless. We also discuss comedies that utilize this…
The holidays are a time for looking back, so this week we’re doing exactly that. We’re talking about the ones that got away—the Sidebar guest interviews we sought out that never quite happened. We won’t spoil every name here, but let’s just say David Mazzucchelli, Jeffrey Jones, and Bill Sienkiewicz were among the many heartbreakers (kidding… mostly). We close out the conversation with a wish list…
When subjects like rape, domestic violence, and bigotry make their way into the pages of American superhero comics, they don’t just grab readers’ attention—they make headlines. Today, we revisit some of the most controversial moments in superhero comics history. From the sexual assault of Barbara Gordon at the hands of the Joker, to Yellow Jacket physically abusing the Wasp, to the Punisher’s…
This week, we’re talking about those moments in film, television, and comics when everything shifted. From The Matrix redefining action movies, to Netflix establishing binge culture, to Neal Adams reshaping comic book art—we break down the creative breakthroughs that changed the game forever. We also discuss game changers in modern music and art like rise of music videos in the 80s, the use of…
Everyone longs for the glory days—that moment in life or career when everything clicked and it felt like you couldn’t miss. On this episode, we’re talking about actors and filmmakers who decided, decades later, to try and capture that magic again. From Tom Cruise revving back up as Maverick, to Michael Keaton slipping on the wig and makeup for Beetlejuice once more, to icons like Harrison Ford,…
We’re heartbroken to say goodbye to one of our artistic heroes—and a true friend of the show—Drew Struzan. Known around the world for his unforgettable movie posters, Drew’s brush brought to life the magic of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Blade Runner, Harry Potter, and so many more films that shaped generations. A legend in every sense, Drew received countless honors throughout…
In part two of our Halloween specials, things go bump in the night as we look at what we’re calling the Black Horror Canon—horror films that feature Black heroes and protagonists, majority Black casts, or stories rooted in the Black experience. We resurrect some true classics like Night of the Living Dead, Blacula, and Candyman, then creep our way into more modern examples such as Attack the…
It’s Spooky Season, and Adrian has never seen Sinners—Ryan Coogler’s fantastic vampire film set in the Jim Crow South—so here we go! Released in April 2025, Sinners became one of the year’s surprise hits, a box office success built around an original screenplay. The film stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twins who return to their Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint—only to find…
Every creative person has that one work their audience considers the ultimate creation—their masterpiece. On today’s pod, we had a blast digging into some of our favorite comic creators’ defining works. We talk about legends like Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and Neal Adams, along with later giants like Frank Miller, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mike Mignola, and many more. Is a masterpiece a single…
As die-hard cinephiles, we all have those legendary films that somehow slipped under our radar. This week, we’re finally tackling some of our biggest blind spots. Join your hosts as we review a trio of iconic, must-see movies we definitely should have seen by now—but somehow hadn’t. Dwight sat down with Goodfellas (1990), Martin Scorsese’s mafia masterpiece. Swain checked out Fight Club (1999),…
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally hit theaters, and you know we had to jump in with our instant reactions! The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Marvel’s First Family, and we had plenty to say about their performances, the story, and all the delicious fan service moments sprinkled throughout. (Spoiler alert: Galactus finally looks awesome!)…
Look! Up in the sky... it’s Sidebar Forever! On this episode, we react to the latest Superman film — written and directed by James Gunn, and starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. We dive into our expectations going in, what worked (and what didn’t), the clear influence of All-Star Superman on the film, and how well…
The Showcase of the Immortals was upon us once again as WWE’s Wrestlemania 41 was unleashed this past Easter weekend. While there was little to rival the extravaganza of last year’s Wrestlemania XL/40, Dwight and Adrian do discuss the sterling highlights as well as the match-ups that could have turned out better — or in some cases not at all! We close discussing the link between professional…
Daredevil: Born Again has arrived, and we have thoughts! Join us as we break down the return of Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, welcome new faces like Nikki M. James and Clark Johnson, and question some of the show’s biggest choices. Why did the series sideline Foggy, Karen, and even Bullseye so quickly? Do the exposition dumps and breakneck pacing undercut the…
With Daredevil: Born Again premiering on Disney+ in March, now’s the perfect time to revisit everyone’s favorite blind superhero. On this episode, we explore Daredevil's comic book origins, spotlighting legendary creators like Gene Colan, Frank Miller, and John Romita, Jr., whose work helped define the character. But we don’t stop there — we also trace Daredevil’s evolution on screen, from Ben…
This week on the pod, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane to revisit the early days of the show. We reflect on some of the greatest gifts we've received as hosts—ranging from original artwork and swag, to unforgettable moments on the mic and memorable experiences with guests and listeners. Dwight remembers meeting and interviewing the late, great Bernie Wrightson, Adrian recalls gifts he…
This week on Sidebar Forever, we're diving into the surprising ways Christmas shows up in films, comics, and television shows that aren't about the holidays. From Die Hard and Trading Places, to comic book one-shots like Wanted: Santa Claus—Dead or Alive, to 30 Rock's infamous Ludachristmas episode, we're exploring how the festive backdrop amps up the drama, comedy, and chaos in unexpected ways.…
On today's episode, we explore characters in film who are consumed by the pursuit of greatness at any cost. We delve into modern hits such as Whiplash, Black Swan, and The Prestige, while also revisiting classics like Sunset Boulevard, Amadeus, and Basquiat. Our discussion centers on Hollywood's fascination with extreme ambition, the toll it takes on these characters' personal lives and mental…
On this special episode, we honor the extraordinary legacy of actor James Earl Jones, a voice that defined generations. From his groundbreaking roles in Dr. Strangelove and The Great White Hope, to his unforgettable performances in The Lion King and Coming to America, Jones left an indelible mark on cinema. But without question, his most iconic role was as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars…
Gear up for a blast from the past as we time travel to the 1980s and draft our favorite action movies. It’s like the NFL Draft, but with iconic action flicks! Your hosts battle it out over five categories to assemble their ultimate teams. Once a film is picked, it’s off the board—no repeats allowed. The categories are: Solo Man on a Mission: One man versus all the bad guys like Commando and Die…
Wade Wilson is back and he’s brought the Ol’ Canucklehead with him! Join us as we review the absolute bonkers ride that is Deadpool & Wolverine. We unpack why this film isn't called Deadpool 3, Hugh Jackman’s epic return as our favorite mutton-chopped Canadian, each and every surprise cameo, and all the box office records it's breaking as Marvel Studios' first R-rated movie. Plus, we debate…
Join us on today's pod as we dive into the murky waters of fan service or ‘Stan’ service to paraphrase one Marshall Mathers. From comic book adaptations to controversial casting choices like Hugh Jackman as Wolverine to artistic liberties taken such as the racially-diverse Norse gods in the Thor films, we explore where fandom expectations clash with creative vision. Should creators prioritize fan…
On this episode, Adrian recorded audio from a panel featuring writer/artist/raconteur Howard Chaykin at HeroesCon 2024 this past weekend. Moderated by Chris Brennaman of Infinite Realities Comics in Tucker, GA, the panel follows Chaykin discussing his career, the true origin of his series ‘Black Kiss’, Gil Kane, personal transformation and much more. And hey, stay until the end to hear Howard’s…
When it comes to creativity, inspiration is often taken from the works of others. But where do we draw the line between influence and outright copying? Join us on this thought-provoking episode as we ponder the age-old debate: When do imitation and homage become stealing? From comic book artists like Todd McFarlane and Rob Liefeld, to filmmakers such as Brian De Palma and Quentin Tarantino, to…
In the third installment of our ‘5 Comics That Explain’ series, we G-ride to the 1990s. The conversation includes Spawn #1 and the meteoric rise of Image Comics, the death (and inevitable return) of Superman in issue #75 and the ‘Bad Girl’ craze led by scantily-clad characters such as Lady Death and Shi. We also cover the landmark mini-series DC’s ‘Kingdom Come’ with the sterling art of Alex Ross;…
On this episode, Dwight and Adrian review WRESTLEMANIA XL! As longtime wrestling fans, we totally ‘mark’ out on the Grandest Stage of Them All! Titles change! Heroes and villains return! And will Cody Rhodes survive the onslaught of the Universal Champion Roman Reigns, The Rock and the combined might of the Bloodline faction?
Be it aliens, clones, or dystopian futures, we love us some science fiction. On today's podcast, we take inspiration from movieweb.com by compiling a list of nine underrated sci-fi movies. Terrific films like The Brother From Another Planet, Soylent Green, The Hidden, Equilibrium, and The Girl with All the Gifts are a few of the overlooked gems that make up our final list. We also ask questions on…
This week, we travel to a galaxy far, far away and ask the question: With all the films, TV shows, animated shows, comics, novels, and video games out there, is there too much Star Wars? Don't get us wrong, of course, we love the Star Wars Universe to pieces. But depending on which adaptation or spinoff you're talkin' about, mileage can vary. The Mandalorian and Andor were well received, but…
With our second installment in this series, we jump to the 1980s. In the conversation, we discuss massive crossover events such as Crisis and Secret Wars, the rise of X-Men Mania, and the British Invasion in the form of anthologies like Warrior and 2000 AD. We also cover the phenomenon that was and is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as books that led us into the next decade like Alan Moore's…
Frank Castle a.k.a. The Punisher debuted in February 1974 in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man #129. Almost 50 years to the month, we celebrate Castle as a figure, not just within comics, but one who has also been adapted to film, TV, and animation. On the pod, we discuss Don Pendleton's The Executioner who was the original inspiration for The Punisher, actors who have portrayed the character…
In the wake of this year’s Super Bowl, we have our first ever Superhero Movie Draft! We’ve prepared our 1st Round Picks in the categories of Sequels, Teams, Non-Marvel/DC, Solo and the Billion Dollar Club! It promises to be a humdinger with steals, surprises and alley-oops! As always, thanks for listening!
On this episode, we discuss the music, the movies, television, comics and personal memories from the year Kyle Reese came back to save humanity - 1984!
On this week's pod, we build an unofficial hall of fame to one of the greatest to ever do it — Walt Simonson. We include seminal works like his run on The Mighty Thor from the 1980s, his Manhunter backup stories from Detective Comics, and his art for one of the first Marvel-DC crossovers, The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans. Our discussion also gets into his unforgettably unique signature…
In filmmaking, surprise endings and quests for mysterious objects can derail your movie entirely if not handled well. Today, we take on the best (and worst) plot twists and MacGuffins in cinematic history. We're talkin' final reveals in Psycho and The Sixth Sense, Marcellus Wallace's briefcase in Pulp Fiction, the "one ring to rule them all," and many more. We also discuss the careers of such…
We're back with another installment in this award-winning series. Up for crapnalysis, The Substitute from 1996 starring Tom Berenger and The Chronicles of Riddick from 2004 featuring Vin Diesel. In our conversation, we discuss Tom Berenger's less than believable martial arts skills, which role is Vin Diesel's true breakout: Dominic Torreto or Riddick, what these two films got right versus what…
