Let Me Know How It Is

We're back with our end of year tradition: in this year-end review episode, we discuss our experiences and insights from the year 2025 in pop culture, focusing on various media including TV shows, movies, and books. Along the way, we dive into Alien: Earth and Welcome to Derry, Zack brings us a recommendation from the dark street of NoirFest, and we learn about Frank's newfound respect for John Cena.

This is our Part 1 of our annual Year End/New Year, so be sure to come back next to to find out what (hopefully soon to be favorite...

After 17 years, Marvel’s first family has finally made their MCU debut! Based on the beloved characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the much anticipated The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently playing in theatres, and Let Me Know How It Is has their review. Listen to Frank, Clifton, and Zack as they discuss everything about the film: from the cast, to the film’s look, to new takes on long time comic staples like the Thing and Silver Surfer, we get into it all. And of course we will speculate and theorize about what impact and impl...

Superman is back in theatres with the conveniently named new film Superman written and directed by James Gunn.  The DCU is officially underway and we at Let Me Know How It Is tell you all what we thought of the new film starring Rachel Brosnahan, Nicolas Holt, Edi Gathegi, Skyler Gisondo, and David Corenswet as the Man of Steel.  It’s all here, covering Superman, Krypto, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor in addition to some thoughts about where the future of the DCU is headed.

Be aware, this is a spoiler-filled review.

You can find epis...

In just a few short weeks, the new DC Universe of movies and TV shows, under the helm of James Gunn, will get underway in full. This episode we share reactions, thoughts and predictions for some of the upcoming DC Universe projects we are most excited about.

We talk super dogs, evil geniuses, and catch up with the team of misfits from Peacemaker!

And in case you missed it, you can check out our previous episode to hear our thoughts on upcoming MCU projects.

You can find episode notes, along with...

There are a plethora of super-heroics coming to the big and little screens in the months and year ahead. This episode, we take the time to share our thoughts, speculations, and feelings on a whole slew of teasers, trailers, and other newsy tidbits that pertain to forthcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe shows and movies.

We talk first steps for the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man's new day, and dive into the many, many, many, stars that are teaming up for Avengers Doomsday!

Come back and join us next episode as we discuss the upcoming...

The conclusion to our review of Amazon Prime’s Batman: Caped Crusader.  We're looking at the final two episodes of Season one. When we last saw Harvey Dent, he wore the face of an honest man, but his choice has now left him as the most wanted man in Gotham City.  Face to face with the law and the mob, Harvey is out for revenge and Batman has to work double time to find his friend before Thorne’s men and Gotham’s not so finest do. It all built to this, the final two episodes of Batman: Caped Crusader...

We're back and continuing our review of Season One of Amazon Prime’s Batman: Caped Crusader. In Part 3, the panel discusses episodes 6, 7, and 8, where Batman faces off against ghosts and hitmen and vampires, oh my! Eagle-eyed fans might be able to spot a few orphans of note as well. We get into all of it! So please enjoy Part 3 of our Batman: Caped Crusader season long review.

You can find episode notes, along with all of our past episodes, at letmeknowhowitis.com

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Let Me Know How It Is is so grateful to welcome to the show: Stan Berkowitz! Stan Berkowitz is an Emmy award winning writer whose resume includes work on some of your favorite animated series and films. His writing credits include:  Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Batman Beyond, Justice League, Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Static Shock, Ben 10 Alien Force, and Batman: The  Brave and the Bold.  Stan Berkowitz is also the author of the new book, Beyond the Bat: Secrets of a Superhero Scribe with illustrations from Dan Riba which is now available for purchase on Ama...

Join us for our slightly belated Year-End/New Year special episode. First, we share what we loved in entertainment in 2024 - we talk about some possibly hidden gems you might have missed as well as some acclaimed shows, movies, and games that we believe truly lived up to their hype. Then we look ahead (and up, up and away) to some of the upcoming 2025 releases that we are most excited about. Come along with us as we slowly drag ourselves into 2025, where we definitely have more in store for you all!

You can find episode notes, along...

In August 2024, Amazon Prime released Batman: Caped Crusader, the latest animated series to star everyone’s favorite Dark Knight Detective, and we're reviewing every episode from the inaugural season!  This discussion is Part 2 where we will be detailing episodes 4 and 5 of the series, the showcase of Gotham’s (not so) finest, and the debut of everyone's favorite shrink jester revealing her costumed alter ego. There is a lot to unpack, so jump right in to Part 2 of our discussion of Batman: Caped Crusader!

You can find episode notes, along with all of our past episodes, at letmeknowhowitis.com<...

In August 2024, Amazon Prime released Batman: Caped Crusader, the latest animated series to star everyone's favorite Dark Knight Detective. The series boasts quite the pedigree of creators; longtime fans of DC Animated projects will recognize the names Bruce Timm and James Tucker.  Filmmakers, J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Lost) and Matt Reeves (The Batman, Cloverfield)!also executive produce along with comic giant Ed Brubaker. This series sets Gotham City during the 1940s and follows a young Batman in the beginning stages of his crime fighting career. The series is skewed towards an older audience, and Let M...

It comes around just once every calendar; the most anticipated time of the year. Girls and boys of all ages thrilled and excited about what they will get. A time of togetherness and building memories that will last a life time. No, we're not talking about Christmas, we talking San Diego Comic Con!!! The big one, the event where animation, TV, Movies, comics and more all come together to celebrate geekdom! It's also the premiere event for all kinds of news regarding our favorite characters and media. We dig through all the announcements and dish on what has us...

Few things are certain in life.  “Death and taxes” as the saying goes.  Well, people often forget the awesome third certainty that “before long, a new Batman cartoon will be made”.  Here we are on the precipice of the release for the latest,  Batman: Caped Crusader.  This time around, set in 1940s Gotham City, where we will see Batman at the very beginning of his crusade against crime.  Coming from the minds of Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves and James Tucker, the trailer for the highly anticipated series just dropped, and we're here to lend our reactions.  Check out what...

Advertising utilizes many different tricks to try and gain as much interest as possible for their products.  Making up funny and memorable characters is one of those tried and true methods, and that is the topic of discussion for today's episode!  The panel takes a look at some of their favorite original characters that originated in TV commercials.  Ranging from the recent fun and funny, to nostalgic, to the just plain odd, listeners might be surprised to learn just how popular some of these commercials creations became.

You Can find Episode Notes along with all of our pas...

We are partying like it's 1997 as we look forward to the highly anticipated revival of an all-time Saturday morning classic cartoon in the form of the upcoming X-Men '97 animated series, which premieres soon on Disney+. We share what were are looking forward to based on the trailers and news we have so far. We make some predictions and also let you all know what we hope to see in the series. Spoiler alert: I hope Cyclops yells, "Jean!" a lot.

You Can find Episode Notes along with all of our past episodes at letmeknowhowitis.com

Embark on a journey through the cosmic realms as our very own Professor of Superheroics, the venerable Frank Melman, unravels the captivating history and evolution of the Multiverse concept! We follow the Multiverse's journey from its early roots in theoretical physics to its metamorphosis into a storytelling staple within the realms of science fiction and superheroes. We share some of our favorite stories from other earths. And we ponder this question: Are there too many multiverses in movies, TV, and media today?

You Can find Episode Notes along with all of our past episodes at le...

Marvel's first family is finally coming to the Cinematic Universe. After the loooooong-awaited cast announcement we explore our thoughts on the newly-confirmed Fantastic Four cast, share what we expect from the movie, and speculate about what it might mean for the MCU.

You Can find Episode Notes along with all of our past episodes at letmeknowhowitis.com

We always love to hear your thoughts and topic suggestions, so send them our way at info@letmeknowhowitis.com

The future arrived 25 years ago.  Hard to believe, but the half-century-from-now set Batman Beyond is a quarter of a century old.  Set in a Gotham City 50 years in the future, a retired Bruce Wayne aids a new, teenage, Batman, named Terry McGuiness in battling evil and keeping the streets safe from a new breed of dangerous rogues.  The panel takes a deep look at the “Tomorrow Knight” and this lush expansion of the Batman mythos brought to life by celebrated creators Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini & Glen Murkami.  Join us as we delve into all the apathy, greed, corruption...

The future arrived 25 years ago.  Hard to believe, but the half-century-from-now set Batman Beyond is a quarter of a century old.  Set in a Gotham City 50 years in the future, a retired Bruce Wayne aids a new, teenage, Batman, named Terry McGuiness in battling evil and keeping the streets safe from a new breed of dangerous rogues.  The panel takes a deep look at the “Tomorrow Knight” and this lush expansion of the Batman mythos brought to life by celebrated creators Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini & Glen Murkami.  Join us as we delve into all the apathy, greed, corrupti...

As the curtain rises on 2024, we're rolling out the red carpet for our special New Year's episode! Join us for a pop culture extravaganza as we take a stroll through some of our favorite things of the year that was and cast our eyes toward the exciting horizon of 2024.

As we bid farewell to one year and welcome another, we're also setting the stage for our podcast New Year's Resolutions. Join us as we share our goals, aspirations, and exciting plans for the podcast in 2024. It's a peek behind the curtain as we aim to make your...

Just like Santa, we are sneaking into you home in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve to bring you a present! A brand new episode!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and we're decking the podcast halls with boughs of holly! In this festive episode, join us as we unwrap the magic of Christmas TV episodes and specials that have become a cherished part of our holiday traditions.

From heartwarming classics to modern yuletide delights, we're diving into the snowdrift of television history to revisit the most iconic and heart-touching Christmas moments. Whether...

Get ready for a ghoulishly good time as we dive deep into the world of television Halloween specials and spine-tingling TV episodes! This week, our studio transforms into a haunted hideaway where we conjure up nostalgia, chills, and laughs in equal measure.

From classic sitcoms that never fail to put the 'ha-ha' in Halloween to eerie dramas that send shivers down your spine, we're breaking down the must-see TV episodes that have become timeless October traditions. Whether you're a fan of tricks, treats, or all things in between, we've got something for everyone.

Join us...

One of the best things about being an animation fan is seeing all the wonderful differences in the way a cartoon can look. Super stylized with a lot of rubber hose squash and stretch and hyper detailed and realistic and everything in between. Join Zack and Clifton as they unveil their wish lists of their favorite cartoon visual styles and artists  from classic shows and match them up with their dream properties they would most likely to see.

You Can find Episode Notes along with all of our past episodes at letmeknowhowitis.com

Fin...

Here we are at the end of another summer. That time of year for fun in the sun. Rest and relaxation. And for us, time to gorge ourselves on movies, shows, and more. All of us got to chip away, just a little bit, at our reading and watch lists over the past few months. So here it is, our reading and watch lists for the last few months. This is how we spent our summer vacation - - content wise! Join us for a grab bag of mini reviews and discussions on movies, shows and comics: including Secret...

This week we have a classic episode from our archive:

"The crew explores the "Kids on Bikes" sub-genre of action-adventure movies and shows that seems to be just as popular now, with shows such as Stranger Things, as it was back in its original E.T. and Goonies filled heyday of the 1980s. They discuss some of their favorite movies and shows, both new and old, to try to figure out why they loved them so much back then, and why these types of stories are still so enduring today."

This episode was originally released...

One of the beautiful things about Comics is that they keep going; when one creative team leaves, another one jumps on. Beloved characters have years, sometimes decades worth of great writers and artists taking their turn developing story and their unique voices and takes on characters that all add to the pot contributing pieces for the next creative team to build off of. Every once in a while though, the right writer finds the right artist and they are paired with the right character; and the result? Pure magic. Join the panel as we fantasize about the perfect pairings...

In July of 2023, Adult Swim premiered My Adventures with Superman, the first animated series to focus on the Man of Steel in 17 years!  The series focuses on a young Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen as they begin their careers as interns at the Daily Planet, when on their first day, the story of the century lands in their lap in the form of an appearance by a superhero who is more powerful than a locomotive and leaps tall buildings in a single bound. Don't miss the panel's review of the first three chapters, and you can check o...

We jump back 35 years to take a look at Who Framed Roger Rabbit. In this episode, we revisit the magical blend of live-action and animation that captivated audiences back in 1988. With an in-depth discussion, we explore the film's groundbreaking visual effects, unforgettable characters, and its enduring impact on the world of film and animation. Get ready to relive the humor, mystery, and heart as we explore Who Framed Roger Rabbit on its milestone anniversary.

We are joined this week by animation connoisseur and long-time friend of the show Devon Sanders.

You Ca...

In May of 2023, Adult Swim aired the premiere of Genndy Tartakovsky's latest animated series, Unicorn: Warriors Eternal, a sci-fi, fantasy series about teenagers who are the reawakened spirit of ancient warriors. The series dropped with much excitement and fanfare, and here the panel is sitting down to review the first three episodes! Check it out and don't miss Unicorn: Warriors Eternal currently airing Thursday Nights on Adult Swim with next day Streaming on HBO Max

You Can find Episode Notes along with all of our past episodes at letmeknowhowitis.com

Find us on Tw...

Superman has been flying high for 85 years, and the celebration continues in Part 2 of our anniversary special! The panel dives into some of our favorite supporting characters who have helped shape the Man of Steel's legacy, from the intrepid Lois Lane to the loyal Jimmy Olsen and beyond. We'll also explore some aspects and different takes on Superman's origin and upbringing over the years, from Smallville to Metropolis and beyond.

But we don't stop there! We'll also be taking a deep dive into some lesser-known Superman stories that have captured our hearts over the years. From forgotten...

Superman is 85! Hard to believe the Man of Steel has been a part of our lives for almost a full century now. The world has changed so much around him and yet, he has changed so little. To celebrate 85 years, for Part 1, the panel looks back at Action Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman. The panel also discusses their favorite Superman bad guys and some other classic stories showcasing the very best of the Man of Steel.

You Can find Episode Notes along with all of our past episodes at letmeknowhowitis.com

Find u...

When you love a TV show, you want it to go for as long as possible.  Some shows do, but not everything can be that lucky.  Hollywood is filled with examples of great shows that get cut short every single year and in this episode, we single out the great shows that ended after just one season.  One-Season Wonders, as we call them.  The panel looks at some of their favorite One-Season Wonders over the years. Great TV shows, all that ended after their inaugural year.

We'll discuss some of the unique factors that contributed to the earl...

Tune in this week as we explore the highly-anticipated new DC TV show, Gotham Knights. Set in a world where Bruce Wayne has been murdered, the show follows the adventures of a group of unlikely heroes, which includes Batman's adopted son and Joker's daughter, as they band together to save Gotham from a new wave of danger.

Our panel will be diving deep into the first three episodes of the series, examining everything from the action-packed fight scenes to the intricate character dynamics. We'll be exploring the unique challenges faced by this group of mismatched heroes, as...

Prepare for the ultimate climax to our ultimate villain showdown! In this thrilling final episode, we cover the intense and suspenseful rounds of the elite 8, the final four, and the ultimate championship showdown. We've seen some of the most iconic and nefarious villains from pop culture go head-to-head in the tournament, and now it's time to determine who truly reigns supreme.

But that's not all - in addition to the tournament, we'll also be highlighting some honorable mention villains who didn't quite make it into the competition but deserve recognition nonetheless. These are the underdogs, the overlooked...

Welcome back to the ultimate villain showdown! In this episode, we dive into the heart of the tournament, covering the round of 32 and the round of 16. Our 64 villains have been narrowed down to 32 as the competition heats up and the stakes get higher.

Join us as we break down each match-up, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each villain and debating which ones deserve to move on to the next round. Will the Joker triumph over Loki? Will Pennywise the Clown out-terrify Cobra Commander? The matchups are intense, and the outcomes are anyone's guess.

Our...

Get ready for a thrilling ride as we kick off our three-part series of the ultimate villain showdown! In this first installment, we've handpicked 64 of the most infamous villains across pop culture, including comic books, movies, TV, and more. These baddies will go head-to-head in a March Madness-style tournament, with only one emerging as the ultimate villain champion.

Join us as we delve into each match-up, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each villain, and discussing their impact on popular culture. Who will advance to the next round, and who will be left in the dust? Tune...

Enjoy this episode from our archives.

"For every one of the numerous animated classics that have been released over the years, there are countless animated ideas that never come into fruition. It's amazing to think of how many would-be-classics might have happened if development had continued on so many projects. In a follow up to last week’s How Did This Get Made?! – Animation Edition, the panel is discussing some fascinating animated projects that never quite came to be."

This episode was originally released, April 21, 2021

In this episode we go from Moon Knight to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as we take a look back at the second half of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and discuss the movies and Disney+ shows that make up The Multiverse Saga so far.

We start by revisiting the themes and overarching storylines of Phase 4, and how they connect with the previous phases of the MCU. Then we analyze each of the shows and movies that have been released so far, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on the overall narrative. We talk about the standout perf...

In this episode we go from WandaVision to Spider-Man: No Way Home as we take a look back at the first half of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and discuss the movies and Disney+ shows that make up The Multiverse Saga so far.

We start by revisiting the themes and overarching storylines of Phase 4, and how they connect with the previous phases of the MCU. We then analyze each of the shows and movies that have been released so far, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on the overall narrative. We talk about the standout performances, t...

DC Studios and Warner Bros. decided to make a change to their cinematic universe as James Gunn (Finally!) announced some of the upcoming slate of movies, shows, and animation that will comprise the first chapter of the new DCU. Join the panel as they discuss and speculate what it all means and what we should be getting out of DC's Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. 

Let Me Know How It Is is back from break with a BRAND NEW EPISODE, and we're kicking off our first show back talking about what we watched, saw, and read while on hiatus.  In addition the panel will discuss what releases are coming in 2023 that have us the most excited this year! Some of our choices surprised even us!

As we prepare our new episodes enjoy this episode from the vault, back around for another listen.

"'Based on the Graphic Novel' are common words to see in the credits of movies these days. Comic books have become an invaluable source of inspiration for many Hollywood movies, but comics extend beyond the commonly associated superheroes. Every once in a while an indie comic makes the jump to the big screen where our hero is one that doesn’t wear a cape. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a perfect example of a memorable film that came from an...

Our Winter break is almost over, so stay tuned for new weekly episodes starting up again very soon. But for now, enjoy another classic episode from our archives.

"This week marks one full year since the launch of Let Me Know How It Is! To mark this occasion, we will be revisiting our very first topic! In our first episode, Frank, Tommy, Clifton, and Zack listed some of their favorite single issues from all of comics, but with so many left to choose from, they've decided to dig through their longboxes to pull out a few more...

Superhero movies can not only introduce audiences and fans to whole new worlds and characters, they can sometimes be an introduction to new music as well. Many superhero movies have utilized popular music as part of their soundtracks. In some cases songs have been produced specifically for the movie itself (‘89 Batman), while other films use more of the mix tape approach (Guardians of the Galaxy). Both methods can provide the secret ingredient for making a scene or moment pop in these films. 

Today we are happy to bring you this BRAND NEW (long-lost) episode where we review and...

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives.

"The holidays.  The time when children rip through mounds of paper and scotch tape hoping that on the other side is that one special toy they’ve been wishing for all year. In the spirit of the season, the panel takes a trip down memory lane and hangs a left at Nostalgia Boulevard to discuss the toys that brought happiness and joy (and maybe sometimes a little pain) to their younger selves."

This episode was originally released on ou...

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives.

"Tis the season to be Jolly! Not to mention this is also the season for Christmas TV Specials and holiday-themed episodes from some of your favorite shows! Come celebrate the spirit of the season with the panel as they discuss some of their favorite Christmas episodes of all time. Fa la-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la!"

This episode was originally released December 23, 2020

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives.

"Can you believe it’s been 101 episodes so far?!  For such a momentous milestone, we just couldn’t settle for one topic. Or even two topics. No, for our 101st episode we are shooting out 101 of the hottest takes there are. That’s right! 101 hot takes in 101 minutes across a plethora of pop cultural topics that we believe deep down to our very cores! Plus we share many other nuggets of information, thoughts, and opinions along the way. So, saddle up for episode number...

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives.

"Every superhero needs a city to defend.  Every sheriff needs a town where law must be upheld.  Every monster needs a place to terrify. And every story needs a setting. In this episode, the panel discusses the pros and cons of setting your story in a real-life setting or a fictional one."

This episode was originally released January 23, 2020

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives.

"If you have ever stepped foot into a comic book shop, chances are you were lucky enough have overheard or partook in some colorful comic shop conversation. Banter that typically centers on dream battles that pit characters of similar power sets against each other, exercises in logic, or even philosophical debate. In some cases these conversations can venture into the downright absurd, but they are always lively and they are always a blast. For today the panel partakes in some popular stereotypical banter...

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives.

"Generally speaking, in animation, if you can dream it and draw it, you can make it. Cartoons have so many examples of unexpected, daring creative ideas that become classics. On occasion, however, an occasional cartoon comes along that can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Maybe they’re based on something that doesn’t have a clear cut story, or a property that might not be the most kid-friendly in hindsight. The panel has assembled a list of cartoons, that might make one wond...

While we are on hiatus for a bit, enjoy this episode from our archives.

During World War II, comic readers saw many characters address the conflict on the world stage head on. Creators on characters like Superman and Batman pivoted creatively to deal with the war effort in addition to other characters of The Golden Age, including a whole slew of new characters. Among these brand new creations, none was more successful than Captain America. Interestingly, for a character anchored so much in the time period of his creation, Captain America's popularity is one of the most...

40 years ago, John Carpenter's The Thing was released in cinemas and the world was treated to a film that straddled the lines between Sci-Fi and horror. Fondly remembered for it's and paranoid, "Don't trust anyone" tension throughout and cutting edge special effects, The Thing stands as one of the classic films of the 80s. To celebrate Halloween, the panel reviews the John Carpenter's classic The Thing.

Our Team Archetype series is back, but this installment will have some Halloween flare. We're looking at various teams' Monster Members. Not to be confused with the muscle or tank characters; there are similarities to be sure, but the Monster teammates play out a little differently. Join the panel as they talk Team Monster Members.

This week saw the release of Werewolf by Night on Disney Plus. Based on the 1970's Monster Comic published by Marvel of the same name, Werewolf by Night is the latest entry into the beloved MCU. Starring Gael García Bernal and Laura Donnelly, the ambitious project directed by Michael Giacchino pays homage to horror tropes from Hollywood's classic era and blends it with Marvel's signature style all while being shot in glorious black and white. Join the panel as they discuss the very first Marvel Studio's Special Presentation, Werewolf by Night.

Everyone loves a good alien invasion story.  Whether it’s an army with superior technology or a quieter, more subtle form of terror, there are plenty of scary aliens we’ve seen in pop culture.  Join the panel as they talk about their picks for the some of the most dangerous aliens in pop culture.

We are 30 years removed from the premiere of one of the most influential animated shows of all time. This month, Batman: The Animated Series turns 30, and to celebrate, the panel will examine just what makes the show so influential after all these years! And we share recommendations of some underrated episodes that are definitely worth checking out. Part 2 of 2.

We're diving into a different aspect of pop culture fandom than we normally cover and talking about the world of collecting. For many people, pop culture and fandom and collecting all go hand in hand. And that is definitely the case for us. Here, our crew shares a love of action figures and to help share our passion for the hobby with you we are going to explore the Marvel Legends line of toys. We cover where our collections started, the figures we just had to have, and what we're really excited to see coming. So join us to...

Every two years, D23 comes around, a big convention not unlike San Diego Comic Con, but solely covering the magical world of Disney. It’s where they unveil everything coming out for the next few years. Star Wars, Disney Plus, Marvel/MCU, Pixar, it’s all here and given the chance to shine with trailers, casting news, concept art, and other cool announcements. Join the panel as they react to all the news coming out of D23 2022!

We are 30 years removed from the premiere of one of the most influential animated shows of all time. This month, Batman: The Animated Series turns 30, and to celebrate, the panel will examine just what makes the show so influential after all these years! Part 1 of 2.

1992 was a stellar year for Marvel's Merry Mutants. It was the year X-Men: the Animated Series premiered. What some fans might not know, is that before that, a little-known pilot was produced for another X-Men animated series in 1989.  The pilot, titled "Pryde of the X-Men" ultimately was never ordered to series, but none-the-less is a superb piece of superhero animation that maybe doesn't get the praise it deserves. Join the panel as they dive into the animation archive and revisit "Pryde of the X-Men"

Team Archetype series returns with every team's Heart & Soul characters. The team's moral compass. The team's north star. The glue that holds the team together. Join the panel as the talk Team Heart & Souls.

Definitive 5 has returned! Frank is back with a new list of some of pop culture's most popular and interesting characters that have all appeared in movies, comics, video games, animation, & TV. We go through and each decides which version is the host of the definitive version of that character. Including: Wolverine, Starfire, Thanos, Bart Simpson, the Huntress and many more! This is Definitive 5 IV.

A follow up to last episode where the panel discussed the details about characters with multiple superhero origins stories.  We're looking at a new batch of characters and detailing what changes were made. Part 2 of 2 featuring: The Joker, Scarlet Witch, The Flash, Captain America, and the Justice League.

Origin stories are of utmost importance when it comes to superheroes, detailing who they are and how they came to be to readers and audiences. The issue though, especially when characters could have been created as long as 80 years ago, is that aspects of the origin story can become dated with time. What happens is that over time, characters can receive many retellings of their origin story updating it for the times. Join us for Part 1 of 2 as we discuss the details about characters with multiple origin stories. Including Spider-Man, Batman, Ms. Marvel and Superman.

It's Comic-Con time again! The big one in San Diego! The time of huge announcements for exciting new projects and collectables. Join us as we react to all the big animation, comic book, TV, and movie news from SDCC 2022!

Backwards episodes, Live shows, Marriages, and Murders: every show has that episode where they tried something crazy. A lot of times, it was a result of trying to get as many eyes on the show as possible for the much talked about "Sweeps Week." Some of these episodes went on to be long-forgotten television experiments; while others became know as monumental moments in pop culture. Join us as we discuss some of the craziest ratings stunt episodes in TV history.

We're back with the latest installment in our Team Archetype series, this time around we look at the Tanks. Every team has one. The big guy, the muscle, the immovable object; but this archetype can actually take many shapes and sizes. Join the panel as the talk Team Tanks.

The crew explores the "Kids on Bikes" sub-genre of action-adventure movies and shows that seems to be just as popular now, with shows such as Stranger Things, as it was back in its original E.T. and Goonies filled heyday of the 1980s. They discuss some of their favorite movies and shows, both new and old, to try to figure out why they loved them so much back then, and why these types of stories are still so enduring today.

This week the panel reviews Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), the 28th Film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The panel discusses performances, story, and the many twists and turns of the film as well as what it could mean for future MCU installments.

The Amazing Spider-Man is celebrating his 60th Anniversary this summer! The crew wraps up their talk about all things Spidey. Bring on the bad guys! Because this time they turn their focus to the many rogues of Spider-Man. They also share thoughts about some of their favorite Spider-Man creators throughout the characters' illustrious comic history. Part 2 of 2.

The Amazing Spider-Man is celebrating his 60th Anniversary this summer! The panel talks all things Spidey, and just what makes this character so enduring and unyieldingly popular. Part 1 of 2.

Growing up, our crew here was raised on a steady diet of G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero, which is currently celebrating several anniversaries. This year marks 40 years since the iconic toy line was launched along side the classic comic book series. In addition, it's been 35 years since the release of the animated G.I.Joe: The Movie! So the join the panel as they take a broad look at G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero!

We're back again for another round of Frank's Many Mini Movie Reviews.  Join in and hear his thoughts on 2022's The Batman and much, much more!

This week the crew dives into director Matt Reeves' The Batman. They give their thoughts on performances by Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Paul Dano, Colin Ferrell, and more. And with host and resident Batmanologist, Zack, they share insights into the world of Batman from the comics and other media and also make some predictions about what could be in store next for this version of the Caped Crusader.

Every team has their class clown. The person who is there to lighten the mood with a quick joke or comment. Continuing with our Team Member Archetype series, join the panel as they discuss some of the best examples of Comic Relief characters.

The comic book world lost two all-time great artists over the past several weeks. The crew is joined again by guest Devon Sanders as they look back at the legendary careers of comic creators Neal Adams & George Pérez.

This week the crew imagines a world where they have been tasked with RE-launching a Shared DC Cinematic Universe. Starting anew from scratch, they spell out what characters/properties they would use and what stories they think should be told as the foundation of this new hypothetical movie universe.

The world of superheroes can be daunting, especially for newcomers. With superhero movies and shows being as popular as they are now, more than ever new fans are interested in checking out their favorite heroes in their original storytelling medium: comic books. But where to start? That's where we come in! We're going over some of the most popular heroes and listing our choices of safe places for new readers to jump on board.

Frank, unfortunately, had to go under the knife recently. But now that he's all healed up and rested we thought it would be fun to go over all the films he checked out during that time. Join us for a bunch of mini-movie reviews, as Frank walks us through what he watched while he was taking some time off to recover.

It's used to be a common thing to hear, "the sequel is never as good as the original". These days that isn't necessarily true. Many films have sequels just as good if not better than the original. Trilogies are another story though. What seems to be the most common is for there to be two great installments with a lacking third entry. But there are examples where all three films have been wonderful. Join the panel as they talk Perfect Trilogies.

Continuing with our Team Member Archetype series, today the panel looks at some of the best examples of Team Leaders. Arguably the characters that come to mind first when you thing about various teams and groups. Join the conversation as the panel discusses Team Leaders.

Unquestionably cinema's highest prize in Hollywood is the Academy Award aka the Oscar. Over the years, though, their existence and relevance has come into question more and more by movie goers. Are the right movies being recognized? We tackle some age old questions here: How is great defined? What does success look like? What is the nature of art? It's all here, using the Oscars as our jumping off point. 

Our third annual March Madness Tournament concludes here! We started with 64 of the best main characters and here we are. This is it! We now find out who the panel’s favorite protagonist in all of pop culture! Also included are some honorable mentions of characters that didn’t make the cut. Part 3 of 3.

Our third annual March Madness Tournament continues! We've got even more crazy main character match-ups and even more arbitrary decisions. We're on a mission to crown the greatest protagonist in all of pop culture. Part Two of our tournament takes us through the Round of 32 and the Sweet Sixteen. (Part 2 of a 3-part series)  

It's our third annual March Madness Tournament! Tommy takes the lead as we go through all of the first round matchups to crown the greatest protagonist in the history of pop-culture! Join us for Part One of this three part series where we pit 64 of our personal favorite main characters against each other one-on-one and choose winners based on completely arbitrary criteria.

In the world of animation, there are few figures more important than Tex Avery. A bombastic creative force who brought his unique brand of comedy, energy, and wit. In addition he introduced us to many of the favorites we know and love: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig, all are household names in part because of Avery's influence. Today the panel honors one of the greats from the Golden Age of animation, Tex Avery.

Continuing with our Team Member Character Archetype series, today the panel looks at some of the best examples of the Team Rogue.  This Archetype includes some of media's most popular characters -- people love the scoundrel rebels type.  Join the conversation as the panel discusses Team Rogues.

The hey-day for Action Movies was the 80s and early 90s, and few are more synonymous with the genre than Bruce Willis.  Everybody knows his most famous role, but he also starred in a lesser known favorite called The Last Boy Scout. As we do from time to time we're jumping in and doing a deep dive on a movie from the past, so join us as we discuss this thrilling actioner from 1991.

We talk a lot about heroes on Let Me Know How It Is. Characters who never say die. Characters who believe in themselves. Characters who find the courage to do the right thing no matter what. These characters are plentiful, but they don’t have to wear a cape to be a hero. Sports movies share many of the themes that we all know and love from superheroes. A genre with its own conventions and tropes and no shortage of memorable entries. Join us as we talk up our favorite sports movies.

Batman has some of the best and most popular rogues gallery in all of comics, and Two-Face is one of the brightest villainous standouts. There is so much to his character: the grotesque visual, the two-toned/patterned suits, and of course the coin flipping. One of Two-Face's many obsessions is also with the number two. In honor of 2/2/22, and as we approach his 80th anniversary, the panel will focus on the Batman Rogue, Two-Face.

Pop culture has more than its fair share of geniuses. Practically any property or franchise you can think of has a resident intellectual;  but which is the best? Who is the smartest of the smart? The panel today is looking at the Brains of the Operations, and we're listing our favorites. Following our Super Team Dynamics episode, where we touched on some of the common types of characters that often comprise teams, this episode is the first in a series we will regularly revisit where we explore each character archetype more in depth.

Team books are a staple of comic books. The Fantastic Four and the Justice League were break out hits in the 60s. Teen Titans and the X-Men were some of the hottest books of the 80s and 90s. And of course, there may be nothing in pop-culture hotter than The Avengers at the moment. Each team has its own feel, it's own vibe, and the panel wanted to explore the dynamics and character interactions of some of our favorite team books. Come along and join the conversation as the panel tackles Team Dynamics.

World building is a term that applies to the vastness of a fictional world. Its a concept that interestingly sees that the fuller a universe becomes, the more scrutinized the world gets, as its devoted fan base tries to understand every facet of that fictional environment. There is a component of this to all art, but the best examples of world building can create an engaging experience for audiences no matter how fantastical that world might be. Buckle in as the panel takes a good long look at world building.

As promised, it's Part 2 of our Year End Annual! This time the panel looks ahead to 2022 and lists all the movies, tv, & comics we have high anticipation and hopes for. Help us usher in 2022 with some hopefully future classics coming out way in the New Year.

It's time again for our Year End Annual!  Here, in Part 1, the panel will look back and discuss all the pop culture goodness that came our way in 2021!  Join the panel as we say goodbye to 2021 and get ready for the new year.

There is no more iconic female superhero in the world than Wonder Woman. For decades, she has been a staple of pop culture and a symbol of feminism, and women's empowerment and this year she's turning 80! A warrior, a princess, an activist, a superhero, and a founding member of the Justice League -- there is so much to unpack so we brought in some help. Featuring guest panelist, and Wonder Woman enthusiast, Devon Sanders. Join us as the panel celebrates 80 years of Wonder Woman!

1961, the year that started it all. Some argue it's the start of the silver age of comics. That part is certainly up for debate but what is not is that 1961 saw the release of one of the most seminal books of all time. 60 years ago, Fantastic Four #1 hit newsstands. Its creative team, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, not only created some of the most enduring characters of all time, but their work in FF led to the creation of almost the entire Marvel Universe as well as one of the most celebrated runs in all of comics. Join the...

Can you believe it’s been 101 episodes so far?!  For such a momentous milestone, we just couldn’t settle for one topic. Or even two topics. No, for our 101st episode we are shooting out 101 of the hottest takes there are. That’s right! 101 hot takes in 101 minutes across a plethora of pop cultural topics that we believe deep down to our very cores! Plus we share many other nuggets of information, thoughts, and opinions along the way. So, saddle up for episode number 101, and counting!

Definitive 5 is back!  Frank has assembled a list of some of the most popular and interesting characters from pop culture. The only thing they all have in common, is they have all appeared in movies, comics, video games, animation, AND Television.  In this third installment, the panel goes through this list to decide each of their preferred versions of beloved characters from pop culture, including Cyclops, Venom, Boba Fett, and many, many, more.

Can you believe it's been 25 years since Superman: The Animated Series debuted on Kids WB?! Produced as a follow up to the incredibly popular Batman: The Animated Series, Superman shared many of the same creators and is just as definitive a take on the Man of Steel as its predecessor was for the Dark Knight. An impressive show and an important one in ushering in the beloved DC animated Universe aka ' the Timm Verse', come along as the panel celebrates 25 years of Superman: The Animated Series.