A podcast on popular culture and the arts hosted by Dwight Clark, Swain Hunt & Adrian Johnson. Every episode features the hosts chopping it up over a variety of topics from entertainment, culture and the visual arts.
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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 mythology, debate whether the series represents his peak as a writer-artist, and ask how Byrne's remarkable body of work from the '80s stacks up against that of contemporaries like Alan Moore and Frank Mille
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 the cameos from Tarantula, Tombstone, and Ramrod. We also dig into the film’s surprising lack of a true central villain, the controversial introduction of Jean Grey into the MCU, played by Sadie Sink
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 unpack our biggest takeaways from the book, revisit Miller's unforgettable stories from Daredevil, The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City, and beyond, and delight in his candid recollections of 1970s New York
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. And we try to determine if Watchmen only functions as the ultimate deconstruction of superhero mythology, or if it can be read simply as a superhero mystery story. Closing out the conversation, we ask a
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 Punisher universe first established on Netflix, break down what works—and what doesn't—and spotlight a few of One Last Kill's guest stars, including a memorable appearance by Bernthal's own daughter.
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 from—so much so that Marvel and DC built entire issues around origin stories. We debate the scientific accuracy behind how our favorite characters gained their abilities, while also exploring what tru
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 — including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, and the rest of that legendary bridge crew. Along the way, we revisit our favorite episodes like “Amok Time” and “The Enemy Within,” and expl
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 copy, and shorter streaming seasons with storylines that actually pay off. But not everything gets a pass. The success of a crowd-pleasing, throwback film like Project Hail Mary comes with a demandin
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 characters, the editorial freedom he was given with TDKR, and the immediate fan and critical reaction to the story. We also debate the controversy surrounding inker Klaus Janson's work on the book, as we
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 portraying different groups as animals—Jews as mice, Germans as cats—Spiegelman creates a layered story about trauma, memory, and survival. On this episode, we dig into Spiegelman’s background in und
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 underrated run on Marvel Comics Presents with Peter David—work that helped define his elastic, expressive style. Of course, no conversation about Kieth is complete without diving into his creator-owned
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 Kingpin systematically dismantles Matt Murdock’s life, pushing him to his absolute lowest point before the long climb back. We also talk about how Miller only agreed to return to Daredevil after his iconi
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 pioneering cartoonists like Jay Jackson and Jackie Ormes—the first African American woman cartoonist. We talk about the first Black creators we encountered as readers—and what that meant. Did they ch
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 Jean-Michel Basquiat, alongside surreal giants Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí — artists who proved that being “strange” isn’t a flaw, it’s a feature. We also swap stories about artists who weren't our cup
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 Age talents like Gardner Fox, Curt Swan, and Jim Aparo, whose contributions helped define entire eras, before moving into more modern-day workhorses—Mark Bagley, Norm Breyfogle, Lee Weeks and more—who k
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 format—Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Hangover, as well as action films, including Judgment Night and Collateral. Along the way, we ask why audiences are particularly drawn to stories about "surviving th
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 of guests we never even got the chance to invite on, such as Serpieri, Claire Wendling, and Walt Simonson. Looking back on this era reminded us just how magical that run was—a stretch when incredible
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 brief and baffling transformation into a Black man, these moments forced fans and publishers alike to confront where the line should be drawn. We also discuss a crisis of consciousness with Captain Americ
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 sampling and autotune, and the impact of illustrator Frank Frazetta on generations of young painters. Finally, we look at so-called negative game changers: the Comic Book Speculator Boom, the slow death
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, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Mark Hamill stepping back into their legendary roles—we’re digging into what it means when stars revisit past hits. We also look at directors like Tim Burton, Ridley Scott, and Rol
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 his career, including multiple awards and his induction into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. We were lucky enough to have him as one of Sidebar’s very first big guests, and his kindness and hu
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 Block, Get Out, and Nope. We even touch on Black horror comedies like Tales from the Hood and The Blackening. Along the way, we ponder why some Black characters don’t make it past the first act, Black audi
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 themselves under attack by vampires. Swain and Adrian discuss their relationships with vampire movies, the racial themes at play in Sinners, and the deeper questions the story raises—including whether the
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 issue, an iconic run, a stretch of covers, or even one unforgettable cover? Is it the creation of an iconic character like Thanos or Deadpool? Or could it be something beyond the page, such as the lau
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), David Fincher's gritty, genre-defining thriller. And Adrian took on Magnolia (1999), Paul Thomas Anderson’s sprawling ensemble drama. In the conversation, we dive into each film’s standout cast (and whe
