Get ready to rethink everything you knew about comic book movies. They're not a recent phenomenon! Join us as we explore the rich history of comics in film, starting from the late 1880s up to the groundbreaking release of "Batman" in 1989. Discover how early comic book adaptations shaped pop culture long before today's blockbuster hits and how the infamous "Seduction of the Innocent" almost derailed the entire industry.

Ever heard of Golden Bat, the superhero who predates Superman and Batman? We'll take you on a journey through forgotten classics like the 1950 tokusatsu film and other early comic book adaptations, recounting personal anecdotes and cultural impacts. We also delve into the significant influence of Osamu Tezuka, the father of modern manga, and the uncanny parallels between his work and Disney’s "The Lion King." Enjoy a nostalgic trip through characters like Prince Valiant, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, and Dennis the Menace, as we discuss their evolution from comic strips to the silver screen.

Jumping into the 60s and beyond, we analyze iconic TV shows and movies like the Green Hornet, "Barbarella," and "Modesty Blaise." We also reflect on the enduring legacy of the Incredible Hulk, Little Orphan Annie, Swamp Thing, and Conan the Barbarian. Through all this, we stress the importance of supporting your local comic shops and engaging with the comic book community. From humorous insights to critical reflections, this episode promises a captivating discussion on the enduring influence of comic books in film and pop culture.

In January of 1995, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine produced an epic two-episode arc that would later come to define the series and re-enforce Star Trek's relevance in the Pop Culture landscape.
'Past Tense' is a classic Trek Tale whose predictions of our modern day trials and tribulations will likely shock and ultimately terrify you...like good Science Fiction should.

The events in the story take place between August 30th and September 2nd, 2024. That right there should at least warrant attention. The accuracy of the way it portrays America's decline into dystopia should shake you to your core.

But Star Trek proves that the cynical part is the easy part. What makes Trek unique is its willingness to admit the nature and even inevitability of craven Human foibles, BUT also the courage to believe in its ability to rise above its most basic of instincts in order to do better. To get things right.

'Past Tense' does this exceptionally well, and on top that eerily represents the power of Science Fiction to predict exactly where we are.

Prepare to laugh and learn as we journey through the whimsical world of timing and voice impressions, featuring the extraordinary countdown styles of Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Walken, and William Shatner. Ever wondered how color perception varies or why audio peaks can be so amusing? We’ve got you covered with hilarious anecdotes and insightful discussions, including a deep dive into the curious case of cargo cult tribes and their unique linguistic quirks. Plus, we dissect the cinematic brilliance of Eric Bana’s performances, with a spotlight on his role as Nero in the Star Trek universe, unearthing the complexities of film character development that often go unnoticed.

Enter the futuristic realm of Sam Worthington’s filmography, with a focus on his intriguing role in the Netflix original sci-fi movie "The Titan." Imagine a world where genetic evolution meets space exploration, and you’ll get a taste of what this fascinating yet underrated film offers. We break down key plot points, revealing the mysterious transformation of characters into post-human forms, and sprinkle in our thoughts on why this "whatever" movie might just be worth your time. Tune in for a blend of humor, cinematic analysis, and thought-provoking discussions that promise to keep you entertained from start to finish.

Think Superhero and Comic Book films are over-saturated? Does the Bubble look ready to burst in the Golden Age of Geek Culture? Not so fast.
Today, we dive headfirst into the labyrinth of geek culture film, and just how far back it goes. Spoiler: it's going to blow your mind.
Our conversation then takes a sharp turn as we critique Warner Brothers' baffling decisions like shelving the Batgirl movie and the complex saga of Zack Snyder's Justice League, all while musing over the enigmatic influence of executives like David Zaslov.

Take a trip with us through the golden age of comic book films, tracing their evolution from child-targeted serials to today's blockbuster giants. Despite recent box office challenges, these films remain enduring cultural staples, influenced by myriad factors, including the pandemic. Along the way, we sprinkle in quirky asides about newspapers, peculiar language quirks, and an unexpected jab at Vatican II, all contributing to a rich tapestry of comic book history. Learn about milestones like "The Katzenjammer Kids," "Humorous Phases of Funny Faces," and "Little Nemo," and how they paved the way for modern adaptations.

Finally, immerse yourself in the legacy of iconic characters like Popeye and Flash Gordon and the tumultuous history of early Batman serials, rife with problematic stereotypes. We also spotlight the fascinating yet controversial Republic Pictures' adaptation of Captain America, which strayed far from its comic origins. Wrapping up, we emphasize the importance of supporting local comic shops and remind you to like, subscribe, share, and download our podcast. Join us for a whirlwind of geek culture, nostalgic reflections, and razor-sharp commentary guaranteed to entertain and inform!

Can Hollywood's obsession with big-name stars be costing us quality entertainment? Join us for a critical look at the latest Garfield movie, where we dissect the controversial decision to cast Chris Pratt as the iconic lasagna-loving cat. We dive deep into the broader implications of this trend, questioning whether the industry's preference for celebrity voices over seasoned voiceover talent is doing more harm than good. Our discussion takes a poignant turn as we pay tribute to the late Angus Cloud, reflecting on his significant contributions to "Euphoria" and grappling with the complex legacy of the show's creator. We venture into the murky waters of separating art from the artist, scrutinizing the troubled histories of Joss Whedon, Woody Allen, and Roman Polanski.

Curious about the legacy of Brenda Starr? Learn the intriguing details of the Brenda Starr film adaptation, including Brooke Shields' passion for the role and the financial backing from the unlikely source of Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Ibrahim. Despite the challenges brought on by inexperienced financiers and unique script demands, the production pressed on with notable contributions from director Robert Ellis Miller and designer Bob Mackey. Dive into the fascinating casting of Timothy Dalton as Basil St. John, just before his career-defining role as James Bond, and the creative input from screenwriter Delia Ephron, who chose to use a pseudonym.

From Timothy Dalton's Zorro-like rescue scenes to bizarre chases involving a Spanish hot dog truck, the film's blend of comic book escapades, spy antics, and absurd humor is something you won't want to miss.

Have you ever wondered what our world would look like if significant historical events had taken a different turn? That's the fascinating premise we explore on this episode of Dispatch Ajax, starting with Nathaniel Hawthorne's whimsical "P's Correspondence" and moving on to Castillo Holford's visionary "Aristopia." Imagine a North America founded on gold or a timeline where historical figures live on to shape the world in unforeseen ways. We also delve into Sir John Squire's anthology "If it had Happened Otherwise," with speculative essays from luminaries like Winston Churchill, inviting you to ruminate on the absurdities and profound possibilities of alternate histories.

Harry Turtledove fans, rejoice! We dedicate a segment to his intricate series, from "American Empire" to "Settling Accounts," where the CSA's trajectory parallels post-WWI Germany. What would have happened if the CSA had bought Cuba or if a socialist uprising had transformed South Carolina? We also highlight other pivotal works, like "The Years of Rice and Salt," where Europe's depopulation by the Black Death leads to an entirely different global power structure. From the CSA's nationalist movements to a reimagined Second Mexican War, Turtledove's alternate timelines provide a rich tapestry of what-ifs.

To round things off, we journey through other imaginative narratives such as "The Two Georges" and "The Plot Against America," examining worlds where the American Revolution never occurred or Lindbergh defeated FDR. We explore provocative scenarios where Homo sapiens never reached the Americas in Turtledove's "A Different Flesh," and the steampunk marvels of "The Difference Engine." Whether it's atomic punk, diesel punk, or the bizarre yet intriguing idea of populating the Mississippi with hippos in "American Hippo," this episode promises a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of alternate histories and their creative potential. Tune in, and let's reimagine history together!

Discover the secrets of the universe's hidden framework and the groundbreaking technologies that could redefine space travel! In this episode, we explore the Cosmic Mycelial Network, a vast web interlacing galaxies through dark matter and magnetic fields. Learn how the visible universe of protons, neutrons, and electrons is just a tiny fraction of the cosmos, with dark matter creating the gravitational lattice that holds it all together. We also delve into the revolutionary spore drive technology, conceptualized by stellar mycologists Paul Stamets and Strahl, which promises near-instantaneous travel across cosmic distances by tapping into a fungal web spanning the multiverse.

Uncover the ethical and strategic dilemmas of keeping the mycelial network under wraps, especially with its potential to connect to the perilous mirror universe. Hear about the consensus among powerful entities to restrict inter-universe travel due to its inherent dangers and the risk of violating the Prime Directive. Starfleet’s decision to conceal this technology underscores the immense responsibility that comes with such groundbreaking discoveries. This episode is a fascinating journey into the delicate balance between scientific advancement and the profound implications it brings. Remember, this fan-made film is an homage to Star Trek and is not affiliated with CBS Studios Inc., Paramount Pictures, or any other official entities.