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 of physical media, and how streaming reshaped (and maybe even hurt) how we experience TV, film and music.

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 Roland Emmerich returning to the worlds that made them famous, and comic book legends Frank Miller, Chris Claremont, and Jim Starlin revisiting their signature creations and stories. Oh, and we’ve got a confession about this version of Sidebar that fits right in with this theme. Plus, we ask:– What really drives these creative run-backs—fan service, nostalgia, or the quest for relevance?– Do these returns add to a legacy, or water it down?– And is there any "nostalgia porn" we’d actually welcome?

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 humility stayed with us ever since. He was truly one of the greats, and we’ll miss him dearly. Drew passed away on October 13, 2025. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Dylan, and to all of his family and friends.

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 audiences’ long and complicated relationship with horror both on screen and in real life, and what keeps all of us coming back to horror—the genre that just won’t die!

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 film’s villain, Remmick, might actually have a point. They also spotlight Sinners’ terrific supporting cast—Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, and breakout star Miles Caton. Keeping it one hundred, they offer a few critiques as well, including the movie’s uneven pacing and thoughts on "that" scene. Overall, Sinners is a blast, and we think it earns a solid spot in the horror genre and within what we’ll gladly call the Black Horror Canon.

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 launch of Image Comics and Milestone Media?  The conversation runs long and goes in all kinds of directions (as you might expect), but one thing’s for sure—the opinions fly fast and furious!

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 where they went next), reflect on how these movies were received when they premiered, and ask the big question: do they actually live up to the hype? (With just a bit of healthy scrutiny, of course.) To wrap things up, each of us recommends a must-see film we think deserves more love. Tune in for fresh insights, surprising takes, and maybe even a few overlooked classics to add to your watchlist.

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!) We also take some time to compare this iteration of the FF to the two previous feature film versions—both of which earned mixed-to-poor reviews. First Steps isn’t a perfect film, but if you’re a longtime Fantastic Four fan (like we are), it’s a fun and entertaining ride.

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 supporting characters like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Krypto were portrayed. We also break down how this new Man of Steel stacks up to past cinematic versions. Plus: Does Gunn's take on Superman kick off the new DC Extended Universe with a bang… or a shrug?

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 wrestling and comic books with storytelling and continuity being vital to both mediums. As always, thanks for listening. ‘Cause Sidebar said so…..!

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 stakes? And could they have handled White Tiger’s introduction better? We say yes! Finally, the big question: Does Born Again need to surpass Netflix’s Daredevil, or just be better than Marvel’s recent offerings?

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 Affleck’s 2003 film (ugh) to the iconic Netflix series starring Charlie Cox. We also explore Frank Miller’s role in turning Daredevil into a star, highlight the women in DD's life (including Elektra and Karen Page), and have some fun with his delightfully goofy rogues gallery — yes, Leap Frog and Stilt-Man, we see you! Join us as we jump from rooftop to rooftop, celebrating the one and only Devil of Hell’s Kitchen!

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 received from comic artist Ho Che Anderson, and Swain reminisces about a conversation with one of his artistic heroes, Neal Adams, at the end of a long convention weekend. As our first episode of the year and in the twilight of the holidays, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on all the meaningful moments we’ve had. We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season, and we’re excited for what’s to come in the new year! And hey, you can find all 339 episodes from our previous incarnation (SiDEBAR - The Art and Comics Podcast) available at archive.org. They have been graciously curated by our friend Christopher Hatfield. (Our eternal thanks, Chris!) And as always, thanks for listening.

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. We also discuss what elements have to be present to call something a true Christmas story, and we cite examples like Frosty the Snowman and Home Alone. So grab your eggnog and join us as we unpack the holiday hijinks in stories where Christmas isn't the star—but it sure makes things interesting!

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 health, and how these stories shape the public's view of the "tortured genius." We also compare fictional narratives like Sleight with the portrayal of real-life figures in films like I, Tonya. To wrap up, we tackle the concept of legacy in a digital world. Is the constant, ever-changing news cycle undermining the idea of lasting greatness? With every new viral trend and Hawk Tuah Girl, how long do we truly celebrate exceptional achievements before shifting our focus elsewhere?

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 trilogy, where his commanding voice became the stuff of legend.  We also take a few moments to honor popular comic book artist and writer John Cassaday (Planetary, Astonishing X-Men, Captain America #1). Cassaday was a favorite of ours, and he and Jones both died on Monday, September 9, 2024.  Rest in peace, gentlemen. 

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 Hard.Buddy Cop: Duos who occasionally clash such as Lethal Weapon and 48 Hrs.Sci Fi-Fantasy: Intergalactic thrills and futuristic mayhem like Aliens and Robocop.Military Action: Films with boots on the ground; think First Blood and The Delta Force. Wild Card: From action-comedies like Midnight Run to martial arts films that "hit back" such as Bloodsport, anything goes.  Tune in to see which movies make the cut and who drafts the ultimate 1980s action movie team!

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 whether or not the character of Deadpool can truly find his place in the MCU while lampooning it at the same time. **This episode is full of spoilers if you haven't seen Deadpool & Wolverine. 

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 loyalty or forge their own paths? Don't changes have to be made when adapting 50 to 80 year-old IPs? Plus, we dissect the buzz around the Fantastic Four's 1960s revival and eagerly anticipate upcoming adaptations like Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips' Criminal series starring Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy, The Gentlemen). 

    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 impromptu performance of ‘Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)’ by Jack Yellen. Audio recorded on June 15, 2024 with permission.