Watching Comics Podcast

How do you create and launch your own comic anthology?Jake + Mitch welcome back friend of the pod, Matt Mair Lowery, to dive deep into his latest creative project, 'ThoughtScape' A sci-fi anthology comic book series in the tradition of 2000 AD, Black Mirror, and The Twilight Zone. Because when an idea for more high-quality "sad boy sci-fi" hits, you run with it.The guys unpack the the process behind crafting the comic anthology approach, getting the gang of creatives together, launching thru Kickstarter, and the importance of stretching yourself creatively. And, naturally, dissecting the nostalgia factor and how it influences future creative pursuits.No doubt, THOUGHTSCAPE is a can't miss project. Be sure to give a listen, rate and review:https://www.watchingcomics.com/And don't forget to check out 'ThoughtScape Comics: A Sci-Fi Anthology Series' on Kickstarter.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattmlpdx/thoughtscape-comics-1GUEST: Matt Mair Lowery - @mattmlpdx HOSTS: @Thatjakeownens + @MitchRoush *WCP

How do we move on after Captain America?Jake + Mitch dive into the first three episodes of the latest MCU television installment, 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'. Charged with laying railway for the next Avengers saga, the show carries potential. But, at least at this point, it seems to be going off the rails a bit.The guys tackle a few pressing questions:- Why is Zemo there?- When are they going to give Anthony Mackie room to operate?- Will we end the show with Sam owning the Shield?Head-scratching as the first half may be, the guys recognize that Feige has earned our collective trust. The action sequences have been solid and there's still plenty of room for key development ... right? Either way, we can be hopeful they'll stick the landing.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush *WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

DC said, "Let's try that one again", and we couldn't be more excited.Jake + Mitch break down the newly launched trailer for James Gunn's latest project, 'The Suicide Squad'. Because if nothing else, it's got to be better than the first one, right? Along the way the guys ask:- Are we too adjacent to 'Guardians of the Galaxy'?- Does DC have what it takes to give their bench of characters a good turn?- Is Starro the answer?They also share tackle Prince William and his recent "bald" status. Don't worry, it all makes sense ... mostly.Anyway, from talking sharks, to Idris Elba, to classic comic book quips -- 'The Suicide Squad' looks like it hits the right notes. Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

At long last, Mr. Snyder's vision has arrived.Jake + Mitch emerge from the four-hour behemoth to deep-dive into the pop cultural phenomenon of, 'Zack Snyder's Justice League'. From the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement, to the missteps of Wh*don's edition, to Batman, Superman, and the gang, to finally seeing the full epic come to life -- there's a lot to unpack.Along the way the guys hit a few notable stops:- Did we get the closure for Batfflelck and Supes that we needed? - Why couldn't they do more for Amy Adams?- Is it possible to enjoy the flick and still wish it was a bit shorter?- What will ZSJL's lasting legacy be?The episode may be long, but at least it's not as long as the movie. But at the end of the day, it's worth tipping our caps to Snyder. His fully realized edition of 'Justice League' is bold, brave, and wildly entertaining to say the least.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

The MCU has gone all-in on TV and we have thoughts.Jake + Mitch break down the limited series, 'WandaVision' and dish on the good and the frustrating from the landmark title. As an exploration of grief the show certainly chose to go deep in between moments of expected energy. But did it stick the landing? Also, the guys hit a few key topics along the way:- Wait, Marvel gave us therapeutic television AND character nuance?- How do we handle Wanda's lack of consequences?- Will we credit 'WandaVision' for changing the way we watch TV?For the most part, 'WandaVision' delivered. It controlled the conversation, it garnered our attention, it packed earned moments of emotion, and it gave us Kathryn Hahn's Agatha. All of which are great things.But the lasting legacy is still TBD.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoushPODCAST TWITTER: @WatchComixPod *WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Watching Comics is back with another installment of...IMPOSSIBLE QUESTIONSAttempting to answer daunting questions; or at least re-visiting something we may have underestimated. Quick takes, sharp focus, and endless Twitter-blasting potential.Co-Host Mitch shares his thoughts on a commonly overlooked 90s classic and how it stacks-up against other comic titles:Is ‘Dick Tracy’ the greatest comic book movie of all-time?In a few quick minutes, Mitch shares five reasons why this 1990 gem might be the best from the comic-inspired arena. Is it definitive? Probably not. But there’s certainly a case to be made. At the very least, ‘Dick Tracy’ not only deserves better — it has earned placement in the upper echelon of comic book movies.Be sure to rate, review, and give a listen!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

At long last a Superman reboot is coming.Jake + Mitch dish on the newly announced Supes flick. With Ta-Nehisi Coats tied to write the screenplay and J.J. Abrams slotted to produce, it's hard not to get excited. Even if the project is barely off the ground, the guys do their best to fan cast the hero himself and the film's director. Along the way they ask:- Who's your Superman: Michael B. Jordan or Trevante Rhodes?- Does Miles Teller deserve another shot at being a Superhero?- Pick a director: F. Gary Gray or Lorene Scafaria?No matter which way the creative team goes, one thing is certain -- a new look Man of Tomorrow is on the horizon. And, as far as this podcast is concerned, it ought to be magnificent.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Good, bad, or simply mediocre? X-Men Month continues with Jake + Mitch pitting two titles against each other. Because, at long last, the world deserves to know, which is better?:'Days of Future Past' or 'Apocalypse' Between sloppy dialogue, fantastic moments, and a lot of uncertainty, the guys attempt to break down the age old struggle of expectation against reality. Also, along the way, they ask a few questions:- Is 'Days of Future Past' a "Big Mac" movie?- Why didn't get Kitty Pride a better opportunity?- Is 'X-Men Apocalypse' a fun genre romp or just plain bad?No matter where they land one thing is certain -- the X-Men cinematic universe has a wide range of hits and misses. But there's never any shortage of takes to be had. Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Wolverine got the Western treatment and we felt things ... well, maybe.X-Men Month continues with Jake + Mitch breaking down Wolverine's dramatic final chapter, 'Logan'. Between our favorite mutants going Western, to the inevitable tragic coda -- the film certainly wants to be taken seriously. Almost to a point where it must be asked:Yes, 'Logan' is good ... but is it great?Also, along the way, the guys hit a few other stops:- Does the movie earn its Oscar moment?- Is James Mangold the Tom Petty of Hollywood directors?- Where does 'Logan' rank in the field of X-Men cinema?Widely beloved as this one is, the guys ultimately admit they're take is likely wrong. But at least the conversation was stimulating, right? Either way, 'Logan' goes for grit and it mostly sticks the landing. Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Is it possible to love and movie and still want it to be better?X-Men Month continues with Jake + Mitch diving into the new-but-old line of mutant flicks, 'X-Men: First Class'. Between the bold recasting and the familiar tension of Xavier + Magneto, this film found a way to both entertain and while leaving us wanting just a little bit more.The guys ask the important questions as they unpack the flick:- Is Fassbender a modern-day Brando?- Why can't the X-Men movies do right by their leading ladies?- Where does 'First Class' land in the field of X-Men cinema?Ultimately, this one delivers on its promise and it still holds up even ten years later. So maybe there's room for 'X-Men: First Class' in the upper tier after all. Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Once upon a time, the X-Men movies were the cream of the crop.Jake + Mitch launch X-Men Month by taking a deep-dive into one of their favorite titles, ‘X2: X-Men United’. Because, if for no other reason, a little bit of history needs to be re-written as this flick clearly deserves better.Along the way they tackle key questions:Are the X-Men better off without Cyclops?How much Wolverine is too much?Is ‘X2’ a top 10 comic book movie of all-time?The mutants on both page and screen have stood the test of time. For all of their creative ingenuity and social commentary there’s always richness to be found with the X-Men. But nearly 18 years later, it’s time we accepted the truth: ‘X2’ is top-tier.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

How do you expand something that was already perfect?
Damon Lindelof knows how.Jake + Mitch take a deep dive (finally) into perhaps the best comic inspired TV installment of recent memory, HBO’s ‘Watchmen’. More importantly, they try to figure out an original sequel to a masterpiece graphic novel could wind up being this good.Along the way they tackle a few questions:- Is ‘Watchmen’ an era defining show?- What do we make of the ‘Dr. Manhattan does love’ angle?- Is this what perfect casting looks like?They also dish on their all-time favorite shows and the importance of Alan Moore’s genius wizardry. Because that’s what happens when a show this good grabs your attention.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

The MCU has returned, but this time on the small screen.Jake + Mitch fire-up Disney+ and dive into the first two episodes of 'WandaVision'. Because homage is a wonderful thing and this show is taking it to a whole new level. Plus, the guys hit a few notable fan theories along the way:- What do we make of Wanda's delusion?- Will Kathryn Hahn be the low-key MVP?- Could this be the gateway for Mutants to the MCU?Delightful in every way and also not at all what it seems on the surface, it seems 'WandaVision' has set the stage beautifully for what's to come. We are stoked to see where it leads.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOST: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Once upon a time, a couple of friends thought it'd be fun to go on a summer trip ... and they nearly ended-up causing an international incident.True Story. To celebrate eclipsing 500 Twitter followers, Jake + Mitch share a special story from their college days.Back in the summer of 2008 the guys travelled to China. As wide-eyed, naive twenty-somethings they thought it'd be the time of their lives. And, well, it was but for all the wrong reasons. Upon arrival, one of them made it through customs with no issue. The other one accidentally ended-up a VIP guest of The People's Republic of China ... in government sanctioned quarantine. Who do you think it was?The story is too absurd and too hilarious to not be real.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Well, we traveled back to the 80s and a lot happened.Jake + Mitch dish on the latest DCEU film, 'Wonder Woman 1984'. Despite the whirlwind of Twitter noise surrounding the flick, the guys seek to answer one looming question:Is 'WW84' a good movie or a problematic one?Because with the first installment setting the tone, expectations this time around were sky high. Along the way they also hit a few key topics:- Have Pedro Pascal + Kristen Wiig elevated comic book camp into an art form?- Just how bad was Diana's character regression?- How will we view this movie three years later?True to form, there's never a shortage of stuff to unpack when the DC canon is involved. This one, amidst all the vibrant colors, had its fair share of issues too. https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Because it's time to re-shuffle the list.Co-Host Mitch dives into the trend of updated rankings for the DC Extended Universe. Now that 'Wonder Woman 1984' is officially in our lives, for better or worse, some things had to change. Mitch makes the case for a three-tiered system and why the top two titles are unassailable. Of course, 'Suicide Squad' sets at the bottom, but where does the rest of the field end up?That's what makes it interesting.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/And don't forget to share your updated DCEU rankings with the guys on Twitter: @WatchComixPod.*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

It's judgement time.Jake + Mitch dive into the realm Judge Dredd and all of his pulp action awesomeness. Because someone's got to hold the great debate, right? With Stallone's JUDGE DREDD and Urban's DREDD serving as a perfect double-feature, the guys hit ask a few notable questions:- Remember the Rob Schneider renaissance?- How did makes Stallone's flick achieve pulp perfection?- Does Karl Urban capture the character best?- What if Zack Snyder directed DREDD?In true Watching Comics fashion, takes are had and random asides abound. But in the end, they land on the same side in selecting the best of the Judge Dredd flicks.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

More and more and more projects are coming!Jake + Mitch try to make sense of all the announcements from Disney Investor Day. More specifically, they dish on the new projects they're looking forward to most. Along the way they issue a few important questions:- Can Jon Watts resurrect the Fantastic Four?- Is the world ready for the Willow Extended Universe?- Christian Bale to 'Thor 4' = Perfect casting?- Could Teyonah Parris be the MVP of 'Captain Marvel II'?In grand IP fashion, there's no shortage of exciting stuff on the horizon. The guys are eager to see how it all shapes-up. But more importantly, they're ready for the Willow Hive to rise-up and seize their moment.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Wonder Woman 1984 is hitting HBO Max and Christmas 2020 has been saved ... or has it?Jake + Mitch dive-into the loaded conversation surrounding the innovative release model for the latest DC movie property. Their excitement for the movie aside, it's impossible to look at the landscape and not ask the daunting question:What will this mean for the future of post-pandemic movie-going?The guys share takes on the importance of cinema as an art form and a worthy industry to support. Along the way they also discuss a few pain points:- Are IP-driven "event movies" to blame for movie theatre struggles?- Remember MoviePass?- Just how successful will WW84 be?
Of course, there's no clean answer to any of this ... but the conversation persists. One thing is certain, however, the movie theatre industry will undoubtedly look different if it's going to survive. Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

A true legend has left us.Jake + Mitch discuss the near mythological career of the late Sir Sean Connery. Whether it be the definitive 007, a late career action star, a nuanced leading man, an Oscar winner, or a pop-culture icon -- the man accomplished what few ever could ... he accomplished it all.Along the way they also re-visit a not-so-bright-spot on Mr. Connery's career as they break down, 'The League of Extra Ordinary Gentlemen'. More specifically they ask:- Why didn't Justice League for English majors work?- Did Connery save it?- Whatever happened to Stephen Norrington?Every icon has a flop or two, but LXG ultimately ends-up as evidence to the power of Connery's star power. The man was simply unmatched.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush