Watching Comics Podcast

From 1963 and back to 2019 … Well, sort of. Jake + Mitch dive into the last six episodes of UMBRELLA ACADEMY S2. With Vanya's amnesia colliding with her self-discovery, Diego + Lila's toxic love, The Handler's dastardly deeds, and a slew of surprises, this season held nothing back.  So what are the biggest takeaways?:- Could season two be the best of the bunch?- Did Kate Walsh take home the MVP award?- What do we make of Number Five: Perfectly crafted character or too over the top? Tasked with stopping yet another apocalypse, UA seems to have found the secret sauce to character study in between zany music queues. Overall, the rest of the season brought the goods and then some.But one question remains: What secrets will Season Three hold?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

Do you remember the 5th of November?Jake + Mitch (finally) dive into one of the finest comic book flicks of recent memory, 'V for Vendetta'. Fifteen years later and the film still feels fresh and timely. But even thru all deserved critical acclaim and cult status, there are still a few key facets worth unpacking.- Is 'V for Vendetta' the 'Good Will Hunting' of comic book movies?- Could Natalie Portman be the MVP?- Who does this movie belong to?: The Wachowski Sisters or James McTeigueA bold, stunning, and herculean film all-in-all; the guys ultimately share the lukewarm take that 'V' delivers the goods. Also along the way, Mitch recalls tales from high school dating and Jake shares the brief history of his baldness.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*

The Watching Comics Pod is back with another installment of... IMPOSSIBLE QUESTIONS Attempting 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 an overlooked mid-80s flick and where it ultimately stands in the landscape of comic book cinema: Is ‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ a good movie or bad movie? In a few quick minutes, Mitch shares why simply deeming this movie “bad” may not be fair. He argues it may be more a question of “How do we look compare comic book movie eras?”. Because, in the end, Superman deserves better. Be sure to rate, review, and give a listen!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Can a movie be underrated and forgettable at the same time?Jake + Mitch take time to re-visit the second installment of the Marc Webb Spider-Man universe with fresh eyes. Because a movie with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone has to be good right? Well, yes ... and no. There' certainly no shortage of stuff to unpack with this bloated title:- Are Garfield + Stone the best leading duo?- Where does this movie go wrong? - Where do we stand on Foxx's Electro and his reported return?'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' has a complicated legacy, but ultimately, it gets more right than it does wrong. Definitely worth a re-watch.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

What's the best of the Bat?Jake + Mitch close out Batman Month in grand fashion by debating the Top 5 Batflicks of all-time. Because, well, the internet needed another top five list and as far as The Caped Crusader is concerned, there are plenty to choose from. Along the way they posit a few questions:- Does Lego Batman understand the character best?- Which is better 'Batman (89)' or 'Batman Returns'?- What happens if 'The Dark Knight' doesn't take the top spot?With such a daunting task at hand, the guys hit a few other flicks along the way as well. But don't worry, the definitive list(s) emerge in the end.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Summer of 2008 was massive and this flick is a big reason why. Jake + Mitch take the long overdue deep-dive into the arena of The Joker, The Caped Crusader, and Christopher Nolan. After all, what would Batman Month be without THE DARK KNIGHT? Along the way the guys hit a few questions:- Did we really need that much Two Face?- Is TDK a comic book movie or a crime film?- Does the movie deserve a better ending?Also, tales from summer internships and a brief visit to the Hans Zimmer fan club. But thru the lens of Ledger's impeccable Joker, it all makes sense. Simply put, this movie is too good and too monumental not to celebrate. And here we go ...Be sure to give a listen, rate and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Turn on the neon lights because we're headed into the Schumacher extended universe.Batman Month continues as Jake + Mitch dive head-first into the 90s-tastic pool of BATMAN FOREVER. Because sometimes nostalgia is so strong it throws all cinematic standards out the window. True to form, the guys ask the tough questions:- Why does Two-Face's acid need to be boiling?- Should Batman get the James Bond treatment?- Is Jim Carrey the perfect Riddler?No doubt, BATMAN FOREVER is a unique brand of fun. If nothing else, we owe Joel Schumacher our gratitude for everything this movie delivers.Give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Behold the power of 90's animation! 
Batman Month continues as Jake + Mitch re-visit the iconic animated achievement, BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM.  Because in many ways our childhoods were defined by this dark, surprising flick.  
The guys also tackle a few questions:
- Is PHANTASM the best of the origin Bat flicks?- Where does Mark Hamill's Joker performance rank among the rest?- What's the secret to unlocking the best Batman stories?
Love, vengeance, tragedy, and countless perfect shots -- this one has it all. And it delivers all the nostalgic feels too.
Give a listen, rate, and review!
https://www.watchingcomics.com/ 
HOSTS:  @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush 
*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Remember when Tim Burton made comic book movies?To kick-off Batman Month, Jake + Mitch re-visit the early 90s landmark, BATMAN RETURNS. Because there’s really no better way to dive into Gotham City than by relishing the collective talents of Keaton, Pfeiffer, DeVito, and Walken. Along the way, the guys hit a few questions:- Is BATMAN RETURNS a cult classic?- Could this be the greatest multi-villain comic flick of all-time?- What makes Walken so perfect?Equal parts fun, absurd, and emo Moses story one thing is certain among everything else — this one goes hard … and we are here for it.Give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/ HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush *WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

One thing is certain ... we need more fandomes in our lives.Jake + Mitch sing the praises of the worldwide, online event, DC Fandome, as they deep-dive into the newly released trailers for THE BATMAN and WONDER WOMAN 1984.  Because there is so much hype and takes to be had.  - Is the Bat-Pat suit solid or cosplay gone wrong?- With Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman -- will THE BATMAN be overstuffed?- Kristen Wiig as Cheetah = Best comic villain casting of recent memory?Along the way they toss-in a few niche musical theatre jokes AND share an exciting announcement for September.  Don't worry it all makes sense in the end.  But needless to say, the guys are stoked for both titles.https://www.watchingcomics.com/ 
HOSTS: @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoush*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Is it possible to create and launch an indie comic during a pandemic? You bet!Jake + Mitch welcome back friend of the pod Zack Quaintance to dish on his latest project, 'Next Door' a new neo-noir crime comic book. Because apparently when he's not busy running ComicsBookcase.com, Zack finds time to collaborate with talented folks to build a new original story. The guys unpack the the process behind crafting the comic and launching a successful Kickstarter campaign. And, of course, they dive into the real motivation behind this story of paranoia and walking the dog gone wrong in the thick of modern suburbia.The project sounds promising and there's undoubtedly more awesomeness to come.Be sure to give a listen, rate and review:https://www.watchingcomics.com/And don't forget to check out 'Next Door: A Neo-Noir Crime Comic' on Kickstarter.Hosts: @MitchRoush + @ThatjakeowensGuest: @zackquaintance, founder of @ComicsBookcase Artwork: @elliewrightart, colorist *WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

What's not to love about Charlie Brown?Jake + Mitch sit down with Benjamin L. Clark, Curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum, to dish on THE PEANUTS MOVIE and the hidden stories behind Schulz’s work.  More importantly, Benjamin answers the hefty questions:- Is Charlie Brown the patron saint of Millennial adulthood?- Does ‘The Peanuts Movie’ honor the legacy of Schulz work?- And … Why is it called Peanuts? Because with the movie hitting Disney+, now is a perfect time to dive back into the timeless nostalgia of the Peanuts crew and the earnestness of Schulz pen. Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!--HOSTS:  @Thatjakeowens + @MitchRoushhttps://www.watchingcomics.com/GUEST:  Benjamin L. Clark - @BLClarkhttps://schulzmuseum.org/ --*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

The gang is back … but in Dallas … in the 60s.Jake + Mitch dive into the first four episodes of UMBRELLA ACADEMY S2. With the Kennedy backdrop, all the main players fanned out, and the Scandinavian assassins this season is certainly headed for big things.  So what are the biggest takeaways so far?: - Is this edition of Klaus the best?- What do we make of the needle drops: Too many or just enough?- Has season two cracked the code to substance over style?With yet another apocalypse looming, surely the arc will find itself reaching great heights although ... UA may have found rhythm in the moment of subtle intentionality.Here’s hoping the rest of the season delivers.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

The Watching Comics Pod is back with another installment of...IMPOSSIBLE QUESTIONS.Attempting 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 Jake shares his thoughts on everyone’s favorite mercenary potentially being on the move:Is there room for Ryan Reynolds' DEADPOOL in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?In a few quick minutes, Jakes shares why it’s non-negotiable that Reynolds stay on as the Merc with a Mouth, and why EXcluding him from the MCU may actually be the best bet. Because Deadpool is at his best when he’s making fun of stuff, right? Be sure to rate, review, and give a listen!https://www.watchingcomics.com/TWITTER: @WatchComixPod*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Has it been 20 years already?Jake + Mitch re-visit the first X-MEN movie with new eyes as they look back at what this movie helped start. Along the way they unpack a few slightly more than lukewarm takes:- Is this the best comic book movie cast from top-to-bottom?- Why is Cyclops overrated?- Costumes: Awesome or eye-sore?Even through all that one thing remains clear -- two decades later, the film holds-up remarkably well. Now if only all the sequels could have followed suit ... but that's another topic for another day. Here's to X-MEN, because in many ways, it paved the way.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Summer starts when a big summer blockbuster drops.Jake + Mitch dive into Netflix’s latest comic book title, ‘The Old Guard’. Because when you have a chance to watch immortal mercenaries do their thing, you don’t miss it. Along the way they answer a few questions:- Is Charlize Theron Hollywood’s most versatile working actress?- ‘The Old Guard’: Great movie or just meh?- Will the assumed sequel change the way we view the first installment? The guys also reveal where they land in the arena of Harry Potter fandom and dish on launching “Phase II” of the WCP extended universe. True to form, it all makes sense in the end. Either way, “The Old Guard” delivers a lot of goods and some not-so-goods.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

What are the most important comic book movies ever made?Jake + Mitch celebrate 100 episodes by issuing a heart-felt 'thank you’ to loyal listeners (1:50). Then, they attempt to answer that daunting question (8:00).  With four spots up for grabs, the guys debate and make the case for the superhero flicks they believe deserve first-ballot hall of fame status.  And yes, the process is as painful as it sounds.  Along the way they hit a few questions:- Is ‘The Dark Knight’ a perfect film?- What does comic book entertainment look like without ‘Superman: The Movie’?- How do you pick between ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Spider-Verse’?It’s an exciting time to be alive when watching comics is literally a thing; and now, 100 episodes later, we know what the definitive pantheon of comic book films looks like.Give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/This episode is sponsored by “Mr. Guy: Zombie Hunter!” a new anthology comic undead comedy and gore-splattered action! Find "Mr. Guy and the Origins Anthology" o

Since 1978 we've believed a man can fly.Jake + Mitch re-visit the majestic feature that started it all, Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie.  With an all-star cast and incredible spectacle, the guys discuss the lasting impact of the comic book film that started it all.  Along the way they hit a few notable topics:- Is the run from '77 - '85 the original summer blockbuster renaissance? - What's the secret to "fixing" future Superman projects?- Could it be the best comic book cast set to screen?With all that said, it all comes back to the convergence of fantastical IP storytelling and stunning filmmaking.  And no matter where your allegiance lies, DC, Marvel, or otherwise, Superman: The Movie proves some work is just plain good and universally beloved.Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/Twitter: @WatchComixPod*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network* 

Who’s the best to wear the mask and cape?
Jake + Mitch celebrate brilliance in compiling lists of their favorite comic book movie performances of all-time.  The kicker?  Only allowed three picks allowed.  Don't worry, with a massive well of which to draw, there’s still room for a few surprises.  Along the way they dish on a few notable topics:
- Is Brolin’s Thanos the best motion-capture performance?- Why do we keep overlooking Batman Returns?- Did Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger deserve an Oscar nom?

Perhaps the biggest shock is (spoiler alert) the guys leaving J.K. Simmons on the outside looking in.  But no matter what, the comic book arena has a bunch of top-tier performances worth saluting.
Be sure to give a listen, rate, and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*

Remember when Alec Baldwin was a superhero?Jake + Mitch venture back to the 90s vault and relish in the red scarfed glory of THE SHADOW. Along the way they hit a few key questions:- Why isn't comic book hero Alec Baldwin a bigger deal?- What if Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell did a remake?- Is Baldwin's Lamont Cranston just Don Draper minus the booze?As is the case with most pre-21st Century campy comic flicks, this one had a moment ... just not a big one. Either way, THE SHADOW is a fun ride and every bit deserving of a deep-dive.Be sure to give a listen, rate and review!https://www.watchingcomics.com/*WCP is a member of the GeekDad Podcast Network*